FAQ

Do I need a bathing suit or can I wear workout clothes?

You can wear either a bathing suit or shorts/t-shirt.  Keep in mind though that when shorts/t-shirts become wet, they actually get a bit heavier making it more difficult to move. There is a changing area available at the pool. 

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How is Aquatic Therapy different than land based Physical Therapy?

The buoyant environment offered in aquatic therapy can provide support, assistance with movement (range of motion) and resistance to movement (strengthening).  Additionally, because of the physical properties of water, it can help reduce swelling and the warm water environment combined with movement can improve circulation.  Many land based physical therapy techniques including therapeutic exercise and balance training can be performed in the pool but our trained staff is also able to offer specialized aquatic techniques. 

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Is the pool warm?

Motion's pool is maintained in a therapeutic temperature range of 88°-90°.  This will allow participants in both the aquatic therapy sessions and community pool classes to enjoy the benefits of aquatic exercise without getting too cold. 

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Do I need to shower before entering the pool?

We’d appreciate it if you did.  Perfumes and colognes leave a lingering smell and taste on the top of the water.  Removing excess dirt, oil, and lotions from your body before entering the pool reduces the work load on the filter system.  This allows the filter to operate more efficiently and keep your water cleaner.  We have a rinse off shower available for your use. 

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Will I be the only one in the pool during my PT?

Motion prides itself on individualized patient care.  This extends into the pool as well.  While participating in Aquatic Therapy, you will be working 1:1 with the therapist during your treatment session. 

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How high is the incidence of back pain?

Back pain is very common. More than 60 per cent of people will suffer from debilitating back pain at some stage in their lives. Back pain can affect anyone, regardless of age, sex or occupation. Back pain is the most prevalent cause of disability in people under age 45.  

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What Causes Back Pain?

The back is a complicated structure of bones, joints, ligaments and muscles. You can sprain ligaments, strain muscles, rupture disks, and irritate joints, all of which can lead to back pain. While sports injuries or accidents can cause back pain, sometimes the simplest of movements—for example, picking up a pencil from the floor— can have painful results. In addition, arthritis, poor posture, obesity, and psychological stress can cause or complicate back pain. Back pain can also directly result from disease of the internal organs, such as kidney stones, kidney infections, blood clots, or bone loss. 

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What is a physical therapy consultation?

A physical or occupational therapy consultation is a one-on-one meeting with a highly trained physical or occupational therapist who will address any aches or pains in your neck or back, problems with your knees or shoulders, or any other musculoskeletal concerns you may have. The therapist will assess your physical concerns and recommend a course of action to address, and perhaps, eliminate your pain and/or limitations. 

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Who would benefit from a consultation?

• Anyone suffering from pain, weakness, stiffness, or restricted range of motion
• Anyone experiencing balance issues while walking or running
• Anyone unable to enjoy or participate in activities due to physical limitations
• Anyone ready to take a proactive step to improve their overall health and lifestyle  

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How long will the Consulation take?

Typcially 15-30 minutes

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How is the FCE done?

A Motion therapist does the testing in one day.  It takes about 6 hours.  An interview and brief exam take place before the testing starts.  You will be asked to do many activities such as walking, lifting, carrying, kneeling, stair/ladder climbing, and hand/finger movements.  At the end, they will talk over the results with you.  A written report is sent to your doctor. 

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How are the results used?

The results of the FCE can be compared to the needs of your job.  This will help provide your doctor with the information listed.

• Is it safe to return to work.
• What you will be able to do without problems.
• Explain any job restrictions.
•  Disability determinations.

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What do I need to do for the FCE?

Wear comfortable clothing and sturdy shoes.  We need to watch how your muscles work, so a tank top and shorts are best.  Arrive on time for your test.  If you can, contact your employer and get a written description of job duties.  Be sure to bring a list of any medicines you are now taking.  Also bring the names and addresses of those who will need a copy of the report. 

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Who Is qualified to perform an FCE?

A Motion Occupational or Physical Therapist has the unique combination of skills and abilities necessary to assess the physiological, psychophysical, and biomechanical function of the individual engaged in occupation. Occupational or Physical Therapist s also have the observational skills, training, and experience to perform complex task analysis and assessment of environmental factors affecting work performance.

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What is de Quevain’s disease?

De Quervain’s disease is a painful inflammation of the tendons in the thumb that extend to the wrist. The swollen tendons and their coverings rub against the narrow tunnel through which they pass.   Often, the cause of de Quervain’s disease is unknown, but overuse, a direct blow to the thumb, repetitive grasping, and certain inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis can all trigger the disease. Gardening, racquet sports, and various workplace tasks may also aggravate the condition. 

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What is Dupuytren’s disease?

Dupuytren’s disease changes the appearance of the hand and may make it difficult or impossible to use one or more fingers. It is an abnormal thickening of the tissue just beneath the skin in the palm and can extend into the fingers.  Dupuytren’s disease occurs most often in people ages 50 and older. It often affects both hands and can sometimes affect the soles of the feet.

      The cause of Dupuytren’s disease is unknown, but it may be associated with certain biochemical factors within the involved connective tissue.  

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What is trigger finger or trigger thumb?

Trigger finger or trigger thumb occurs when the flexor tendon and the tissue that covers it become inflamed and swollen. Both are painful conditions that cause the fingers or thumb to catch or lock in a bent position. 

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How many Certified Hand Therapists in the USA?

5,294

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What experience does a CHT require?

A minimum of 5 years clinical experience, including 4,000 hours or more in direct practice of hand therapy.  In addition, a Certified Hand Therapist has successfully passed a comprehensive test of advanced clinical skills and theory in upper extremity rehabilitation.

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How do CHT's breakdown by profession?

Occupational Therapists          86%

Physical Therapists                   14%

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Does your facility submit claims to my insurance company?

As a service to our patients, we will gladly file claims with your insurance company on your behalf.  In order to appropriately submit these claims, we will need to obtain a copy of your insurance identification card to ensure that we have the necessary information. 

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Does your facility accept my insurance?

We participate in the majority of major health insurance plans including Medicare and Worker's Compensation.  Please contact us prior to your first visit to see if we participate with your specific health plan. 

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How much will my copay be for each visit?

This will depend on the type of insurance you carry.  We provide insurance preauthorization before your 1st appointment and advise you what your copay will be for each visit. 

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Can I choose where I want to have therapy?

Yes. The choice of where you receive therapy is always yours.  While the majority of our patients come to us by physician referral/recommendation, many clients request to see us due to our strong clinical reputation in the community. 

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Do I need a physician referral to receive therapy?

Yes. A physician referral is required by your health insurance plan for you to be seen by a licensed therapist.  We also offer treatments, services and/or products that do NOT require a referral and are available on a self-pay basis. 

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What kind of education does a physical therapist have?

Physical Therapists are licensed health care professionals. Prior to practicing they must obtain a Master and/or Doctorate of Physical Therapy from an accredited education program and pass their state board exams to be licensed. They have extensive training in anatomy, physiology, biomechanics, neurological sciences, disease and injury pathophysiology in addition to skilled therapeutic treatment application. In addition, physical therapists attend continuing education courses to stay abreast of the latest medical developments and treatment approaches. 

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Splint vs. Cast?

A cast immobilizes the injured hand by completely surrounding it with hard, inflexible materials (plaster or fiberglass). In some cases the inflexibility of a cast can cause serious problems if the injured tissues swell or if the cast is placed too tightly. Potential problems include skin loss due to pressure on the skin from the tight cast or possibly development of a compartment syndrome if the tightness compromises blood circulation to the extremity. A splint is essentially a half cast used for immobilization. The extremity is not completely bound by inflexible materials. Therefore, a splint is safer than a cast because it usually can accommodate tissue swelling without becoming too tight. 

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What do I bring on my first visit?

-  Referral slip from your medical doctor
- Your medical Insurance Card
-  Your ID
-  A copy of your medication list including dosages, if you have it
-  If you are getting therapy as a result of a worker's compensation claim or an automobile accident, you will also need to bring your claim information, including claim number. 

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What do I wear?

You should wear loose fitting clothing so you can expose the area that we will be evaluating and treating. 

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How Long is Each Visit?

Each visit will be approximately 60 minutes on average. Times vary due to the treatment and exercises being performed. 

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How Often do I go to Treatment?

In order for you to achieve the result that you deserve, you will be given a treatment plan after your initial evaluation.  It is important for your recovery that you attend every appointment outlined by your therapist and prescribed by your physician.  You may start to feel better after only a few visits, but can relapse if you do not complete your entire course of therapy. 

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How often do I have to come for Work Condtioning?

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How long does a Work Conditiong session last?

Work Conditioning Program sessions vary in length but generally begin at  2 hours and continue up to a maximum of 4 hours.  The worker is progressed through the program, increasing duration, intensity, frequency, and type of activity each time the worker attends a session  

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What should I wear to a Work Conditioning session?

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Why am I dizzy?

Dizziness and imbalance can have both vestibular and non-vestibular causes.  The inner ear vestibular organs signal to your brain whether you are moving and how your head is oriented relative to gravity. Your brain then integrates these signals with those received from your eyes, muscles, and joints. When any part of the vestibular system malfunctions, this process of integration breaks down, and dizziness and other symptoms may result. Medical evaluation from a physician is essential for determining whether your dizziness is caused by a vestibular problem, some other cause, or a combination of factors.

 

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Who can benefit from vestibular treatment?

One third of the population of seniors over the age of 65 begin to lose their balance and quality of life. Any person who suffers from dizziness (vertigo) or recurrent dizzy spells or who has already fallen within the past year can benefit as well. A large percentage of these patients suffer from vestibular disorders; in most cases, with proper treatment, they will experience positive results.  

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Who performs the vestibular/balance therapy?

A Motion Physical Therapist or Physical Therapy Assistant trained in Vestibular therapy should perform the vestibular therapy. 

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