Manual Therapy Gainesville and Newberry, FL

Manual Therapy

Get a Hands-On Approach to Your Pain with PT

Are you in pain as a result of an injury, illness, or surgical procedure? If so, it is likely that you would benefit from manual physical therapy. Our Gainesville & Newberry, FL physical therapists have several tools in their arsenal that are meant to relieve your pain, while simultaneously improving your body’s function.

Understanding manual therapy

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We receive many first-time physical therapy patients who come in thinking their treatments will be painful, uncomfortable, or even agonizing due to the condition they are in. However, that is not the case at all! If you are apprehensive, let us ease your mind a bit:

Manual therapy is just one of the tools used at ReQuest Physical Therapy that allows our physical therapists to mobilize stiff joints and soft tissue. We have received extensive training in specialized manual therapy techniques. This specialized form of treatment helps in reducing swelling, decreasing restriction, mobilizing joints, and increasing your range of motion.

I’m nervous about manual therapy – is it safe?

In a word – yes! One of the greatest aspects of manual therapy is that it is non-invasive. It also doesn’t require any harmful medications. Instead, our Gainesville & Newberry, FL physical therapists use a variety of techniques that help move your tendons, ligaments, and joints in ways that relieve pain and promote healing. They also help in reducing scar tissue and minimizing swelling.

Our physical therapists are highly trained medical professionals who understand the limitations of your body, as well as its capabilities. In fact, many patients notice improvement after just one session of manual therapy!

What are the different techniques of manual therapy?

Manual therapy techniques may include, but are not limited to:

Soft Tissue Massage:

Physical therapy massage treatments are a little different than those you might see at a spa. These are more therapeutic in nature, and with a medical intention. Our Gainesville & Newberry, FL physical therapists and massage therapists use massage treatments as a way to manipulate the soft tissues, working to break up scar tissue and adhesions caused by inflammation or injury. This is done through deep pressure and rhythmic stretching, allowing them to find and mobilize areas of your body that are heavily restricted. These techniques also help to improve blood flow and circulation of the affected muscles and soft tissues.

Mobilization:

When you experience severe pain after sustaining an injury, it is usually the result of a restricted joint. Our physical therapists are specially trained in mobilizations to restricted joints by applying pressure at a low velocity. Mobilization techniques are safe, effective, and painless, allowing for an increase in your range of motion, and the improvement of the restricted joint’s mobility.

Manual Traction:

When our physical therapists perform manual traction, they will apply gentle force to a certain area of the body, to gently stretch the soft tissues and restore normal, natural movement. While the neck is the most common area for manual traction, it can also be performed on other parts of the body, including the arms, legs, and back.

Schedule your appointment today!

Our Gainesville & Newberry, FL physical therapists are highly trained in diagnosing and treating movement disorders. These disorders often occur following surgery, especially if a patient has undergone total joint replacement. However, many physicians will also prescribe physical therapy treatments for injuries, accidents, or illnesses – essentially, anything that makes you feel weak and unable to function at your normal physical levels.

Your treatment plan will likely include several different therapies, all aimed at helping a specific function of your body. Some exercises may focus on improving your balance and strength, while others may focus on increasing your range of motion. Manual therapy is a crucial part of a treatment plan, as it helps to reduce pain and swelling, minimize inflammation, and increase range of motion.

If you are interested in gaining the many benefits of manual therapy, request an appointment or Contact ReQuest Physical Therapy today! Our dedicated physical therapists will be happy to meet with you and get you moving once again.

How soon after shoulder surgery should I start physical therapy?

It depends on what type of surgery is done. Some shoulder procedures benefit from physical therapy that starts as soon as the day after surgery while others are delayed 1-6 weeks. Your surgeon will tell you the best time frame for beginning physical therapy following your surgical procedure. 

Do I need a referral for physical therapy?

A referral is not needed for physical therapy.  See previous information on Direct Access

A small number of insurance companies still require a referral. If you need a referral, our staff can contact your physician to see if they can obtain it without any delay or other provider visits needed.

How much does physical therapy cost?

The total cost of physical therapy can vary depending on the condition and your health insurance coverage.

At ReQuest Physical Therapy, the cost of physical therapy treatment usually ranges from around $80 to $120 per session if you pay out of pocket.

Insurance coverage varies greatly. We do our best to keep costs down but please note, your copay or coinsurance is dictated by your insurance provider, not our clinic.  Some plans have copays or coinsurance from $15 to $30 while other plans have copays ranging from $60 to $80.  The billing department at ReQuest Physical Therapy is happy to discuss affordable payment options for people without insurance coverage or with high deductible plans.

We can (and will) estimate your cost of treatment prior to your first visit.  This is not a guarantee of coverage but is based on the most current information provided to us by your insurer.  If you are scheduled for an evaluation, we will call you 24-72 hours prior to your appointment with this information. Please note, we cannot leave this information in a voice message so you will have to call back to get the information if you miss the call.  If you would like an estimate before scheduling, you can contact our office with insurance information and the type of problem. The cost of physical therapy at ReQuest Physical Therapy is usually much less expensive per session compared to large medical systems or corporate providers that have higher approved insurance payments ranging from $250 to $400 per session.

What are the benefits of physical therapy?

Benefits of physical therapy: Physical therapy has been shown to reduce pain, decrease need for surgery, reduce usage of potentially addictive pain medication, improve long-term strength and movement, and reduce medical costs by decreasing unnecessary tests and procedures. The best benefits of physical therapy occur when treatment starts early and the therapist and patient design an individual program that empowers the patient to return to their normal activities of daily living as quickly and safely as possible.  You may be able to start your road to recovery even before seeing your physician through “Direct Access.” 

For more information on “Direct Access” click here.

What is Physical Therapy?

Physical therapy is individualized care that strives to ease pain and improve function to help you move and live better.  You may need physical therapy to help you relieve pain, improve movement or ability, or prevent or recover from a sports injury. Physical therapy involves the patient, therapist, and physician working together to promote healing and eliminate underlying problems including pain, weakness, poor movement control or coordination and balance. It can address one or more areas of the body simultaneously.

Physical therapy includes:

  • Careful evaluation of the underlying injury or problem
  • Individualized techniques or treatments performed by the physical therapist to reduce pain and improve movement
  • Exercises to improve strength, joint motion, flexibility, balance and movement control

Physical therapy is based on scientific principles with applied knowledge of human anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, biomechanics, kinesiology (study of movement), psychology and neurology. It combines the diagnosis of specific conditions or injuries and analysis of movement with a personalized approach that considers a person’s physical, psychological, social and family support situation for the best patient outcome.

Can I continue sessions even after I feel better?

Yes, once you have completed your therapy sessions, your therapist will review your continuing home program.

We can make arrangements to meet you at Gainesville Health & Fitness  to work with you on determining what equipment may be beneficial, and what exercises would be helpful in your continued recovery. If you are not a Gainesville Health & Fitness member after your final visit, you will receive a complementary one month membership to help you maintain your recovery. If you are a Gainesville Health & Fitness member already, you will receive a personal training session with one of their Certified Personal Trainers.

How should I prepare for my initial appointment?

Please have your prescription and insurance card available when you call. This will allow us to verify your insurance benefits and provide you with an estimate of coverage.

To bring on your first visit:

  • A prescription (if needed) for physical therapy from your referring physician, ARNP, or PA.
  • Insurance information (we will make a copy of your card).
  • Print out the patient forms, fill them out, and bring them with you.
  • In case of an automobile accident or worker’s compensation claim, also bring any case manager or insurance adjuster contact names, phone numbers, and claim number.
  • Please arrive 15 minutes early to complete any remaining paperwork, so you can maximize your time in your evaluation.
  • Please wear comfortable clothing that allows easy access to your problem areas.
How should I pay?

We accept cash, check, debit card, and credit card. We are happy to discuss payment plan options as well. It is our policy that payment is made at the time of service.

Your insurance benefits will be determined before your second visit, and you will be informed of what, if any, payment is necessary on that date.

I don’t have insurance – what do I do?

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

Will my sessions be covered by insurance?

Yes, in most cases it does. ReQuest Physical Therapy will be happy to assist in contacting your insurance company and determining your coverage based on your individual policy.

For more information, visit our insurance plan page and please do not hesitate to contact our Gainesville & Newberry, FL physical therapy office. We do offer different payment options for your convenience.

How many times will I need to come in before I feel better?

Each patient’s diagnosis is different, so together with your referring physician, your therapist will develop a plan of care that is right for you.

Your plan of care and number of visits will be determined during your first visit and explained to you by our physical therapist.

How long does physical therapy last?

At ReQuest Physical Therapy, sessions typically last 45-60 minutes. We believe that gives us optimal time to address your problems.

At ReQuest Physical Therapy we work in provider teams which are set-up to allow us to pair you with the therapist we think will bring out your best.  You will see a combination of your physical therapist (who does your evaluation) and the physical therapy assistants that work on his/her team.  Your physical therapist and physical therapy assistants work closely together to coordinate your care to ensure continuity and optimal outcomes. 

Most patients attend 10-12 sessions, but the following factors can increase or decrease your number of sessions:

  • The type of problem or surgery you have had
  • The severity of the condition
  • How long you’ve had the condition 
  • Your ability to progress with your home exercises

Some problems require only a few sessions while others may require more than 20. Please call our office to discuss your problem with one of our staff to get a better idea of the number of sessions needed for your problem.

What should I wear to physical therapy sessions?

If possible, we recommend wearing loose-fitting or elastic clothing for the evaluation. Shorts (or pants that can be pulled up to expose your knee) are helpful for knee and ankle problems and tank tops are helpful for examination of the shoulder.

Athletic or casual shoe wear is helpful during treatment.

Unable to change before coming to your physical therapy session? No problem! The experienced physical therapist will work around any clothing limitations and make recommendations for future visits. If you’re coming straight from something and need to change when you get here, we have restrooms on site that you can use to change into your physical therapy clothes.

I want to schedule an appointment – how do I do that?

Our scheduling is easy and we offer a convenient location and appointment times for you. We have morning and evening appointments available to meet the demands of your busy schedule. Call us today or request an appointment.

Are your physical therapists trained to treat my condition?

Physical therapists have years of university level training in anatomy, physiology, kinesiology (study of joint movement), neurology, and many of the other medical sciences.

Our physical therapists have graduated from accredited physical therapy programs and are state licensed. Depending on the university, the physical therapy program is either a masters or doctorate level degree.

Rest assured, your therapist is well trained to evaluate and treat your condition.

Will physical therapy hurt me?

Physical therapy is not meant to hurt, but to relieve pain. However, as you restore your mobility, pain levels, at times can fluctuate. You might experience some temporary soreness from using muscles that are weakened or recovering.

This is a normal response to therapy treatment. Good communication with your therapist will help minimize any discomfort. We want you on your way to quick pain relief and back to normal activities.

Will physical therapy benefit me?

Working with you and your doctor, we can discuss your options and help determine if physical therapy will be the right choice for you. Call us today to discuss your current condition or request an appointment now.

How do I find a physical therapist?

As a patient you have the right to receive physical therapy at any place you choose. At ReQuest Physical Therapy, you will receive the highest quality care while achieving the results you need.

We pride ourselves on providing a positive, encouraging environment with well-trained, friendly staff.  We are confident in our ability to help you reach your goals and live a pain-free life.

I’ve heard of physical therapy, but I don’t know what it is. What is it?

Physical therapy is a medical, hands-on approach to relieving pain and restoring function. Physical therapists are medical experts in musculoskeletal and neurological conditions and work closely with physicians.

Our physical therapists evaluate your movement patterns, identify the cause of your pain, and work to eliminate it.

While every patient’s condition and pain is unique, our physical therapist will use a variety of gentle hands-on techniques, exercises, and equipment to relieve pain quickly and restore your function to optimum levels.

The overall goal is to restore pain-free mobility and function and to prevent the injury or pain from recurring.

Your Next Steps…

  1. Request An Appointment

  2. Receive A Custom Treatment Plan

  3. Work Hard and Progress In Your Recovery

  4. Recover & Enjoy Life Pain-Free!

Restore Your Maximum Level Of Function With ReQuest Physical Therapy!