Frequently Asked Questions about Physical Therapy – Impact Rehab and Wellness in Okmulgee, Oklahoma

Can I go to any physical therapy clinic?

In most cases, you have the right to choose any physical therapy clinic. Our practice is a provider for many different insurance plans. The best thing to do is give us a call and we will attempt to answer all of your questions.

Can I go directly to my physical therapist?

All fifty states have some form of direct access. In most cases, if you are not making significant improvement within 30 days, the therapist will refer you to/back to your physician.

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Do I need a physician’s prescription to attend physical therapy?

No, you do not need a physician’s prescription to be seen by our physical therapists! Oklahoma  residents benefit from a policy known as “direct access” in which an individual can enter a physical therapy clinic and be seen for an evaluation without a doctor’s prescription. Some insurances, like Medicare and Medicaid, do require a referral, however. If you want to know if your insurance requires a doctor’s referral, give us a call.

Who will see me?

You will be evaluated by one of our licensed and highly trained physical therapists/occupational therapist and he/she will also treat you during subsequent visits. Unlike some clinics, where you see someone different each visit, we feel it is very important to develop a one-on-one relationship with you to maintain continuity of care. Since only one physical therapist knows your problems best, he/she is the one that will be working closely with you to speed your recovery.

What happens during my first visit?

During your first visit you can expect the following:

  • Arrive at your appointment with your paperwork completed (you can download it from our website — click here to see our forms).
  • You will provide us with your referral for physical therapy if you have one. If you don’t have a referral, let us know when you schedule your first visit with us (note – a referral is not always needed).
  • We will copy your insurance card.
  • You will be seen for the initial evaluation by the therapist.

The therapist will discuss the following:

  • Your medical history.
  • Your current problems/complaints.
  • Pain intensity, what aggravates and eases the problem.
  • How this is impacting your daily activities or your functional limitations.
  • Your goals with physical therapy.
  • Medications, tests, and procedures related to your health.

The therapist will then perform the objective evaluation which may include some of the following:

  • Palpation – touching around the area of the pain/problem. This is done to check for the presence of tenderness, swelling, soft tissue integrity, tissue temperature, inflammation, etc.
  • Range of Motion (ROM) – the therapist will move the joint(s) to check for the quality of movement and any restrictions.
  • Muscle Testing – the therapist may check for strength and the quality of the muscle contraction. Pain and weakness may be noted. Often the muscle strength is graded. This is also part of a neurological screening.
  • Neurological Screening – the therapist may check to see how the nerves are communicating with the muscles, sensing touch, pain, vibration, or temperature. Reflexes may be assessed as well.
  • Special Tests – the therapist may perform special tests to confirm/rule out the presence of additional problems.
  • Posture Assessment – the positions of joints relative to ideal and each other may be assessed.

The therapist will then formulate a list of problems you are having, and how to treat those problems. A plan is subsequently developed with the patient’s input. This includes how many times you should see the therapist per week, how many weeks you will need therapy, home programs, patient education, short-term/long-term goals, and what is expected after discharge from therapy. This plan is created with input from you, your therapist, and your doctor.

What is my responsibility in physical therapy?  

Physical therapy and rehabilitation is a team effort! For you to achieve your greatest potential in a reasonable time frame, you will have to become an active participant in your therapy. In most cases, you will be asked to perform a home exercise program several days a week. This program will be comprised of activities that you have already learned under our expert supervision during your sessions

Will my insurance cover physical therapy?

We accept most major insurances including Medicare. Feel free to give us a call at (918) 756-3330 and ask if we take your insurance.

What if I don’t have insurance?

For patients who do not have insurance, we offer a discounted fee, due at the time of service.

Do you offer programs for me once I’m better?

Yes, once you have completed your therapy sessions, your therapist will review your continuing home program. We also have an aftercare program that allows you to perform some of your exercises in our facility with general supervision from our staff.  

What is the difference between PT and OT?

The primary distinction between the two disciplines is that physical therapy’s main focus is gross motor function, while occupational therapy focuses on fine motor control.  

PTs are trained intensively in body mechanics and how different body systems are impacted by motion, positioning, and exercise. They typically gear interventions toward improving strength, balance, and range of motion in order to optimize body movement. 

In contrast, an OT’s primary goal is to help patients engage in activities in areas such as self-care, homemaking, leisure, play, and socialization. OTs receive general training across a broad scope of areas. Interventions may include physical exercise, but may also focus on areas such as problem solving, memory, organization, keeping a routine, social skills, and using community resources.

What do I need to bring to the first visit?

Bring your insurance card(s) and the referral from your doctor, if you have one. If you have copies of MRI results or any other medical history information, be sure to bring it too. Our therapists like to have as much information about your condition as possible! You will be required to fill out paperwork, so be sure to bring your reading glasses if you need them!

What should I wear?

We recommend that you dress comfortably and in clothing that allows easy access to the affected area (i.e. if you had knee surgery you should wear shorts or sweatpants). 

How long does a visit last?
Visits typically last anywhere from 45 minutes to an hour.

How do I schedule my first appointment?

Simply give us a call and we can schedule your first appointment and answer any additional questions you may have.

Why should I choose physical therapy?

In physical therapy, the goals should be to resolve your problem, not just temporarily relieve it. Although medication and other forms of treatment can be helpful in relieving symptoms, physical therapy produces a long-term result. Your physician may opt to utilize medication in conjunction with physical therapy depending on your diagnosis. Additionally, physical therapy, unlike some other forms of treatment, is not designed to go on as a maintenance program. We look to resolution, so maintenance is not generally necessary.

What if my problem or pain returns?

Flare ups are not uncommon. If you have a flare up (exacerbation), give us a call. We may suggest you come back to see us, return to your doctor, or simply modify your daily activities or exercise routine.

How many visits will I need?

This is highly variable. You may need one visit or you may need months of care. It depends on your diagnosis, the severity of your impairments, your past medical history, etc. You will be re-evaluated on a monthly basis. When you see your doctor, we will provide you with a progress report with our recommendations.