• What is a physical therapist?
• Why should I choose physical therapy?
• Who chooses which physical therapist I go to?
• Why choose us?
• Is it OK to ask my doctor about physical therapy?
• Will my insurance cover my physical therapy?
• How do I arrange an appointment?
• What should I bring with me?
• What should I wear?
• What should I expect on my first visit?
• How long will my treatment program last?
• What is my responsibility in physical therapy?
• How is my progress measured?
• What if I have an increase in symptoms?
• What office policies should I be aware of?

What is a physical therapist?

In today's health care system, Physical Therapists are the experts in the examination and treatment of problems related to muscles, nerves, and joints. They specialize in conditions that limit peoples' ability to move and live as they wish. Whether patients are recovering from knee surgery, or are experiencing neck pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, or arthritis, our physical therapists help them to regain function by improving the ability of muscles, nerves, and joints to move efficiently and effectively. In addition, our physical therapy program is directed at preventing injury and loss of movement.

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. The 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.

Who chooses which physical therapist I go to?

Ultimately, the decision as to where you receive your care is up to you. Your physician my give you a recommendation or a listing of physical therapy clinics in your area. Sometimes your insurance company will guide you with regard to who is "in network" for your insurance plan. If you have a specific request, you need to let your physician or insurance company know. If we are not in network for your insurance company, most plans have out-of-network benefits that will allow you your choice of therapists.

Why choose us?

Because of our expertise. NMSMC is widely regarded as a leading expert in physical therapy and sports medicine in northern Michigan. Area physicians regularly send themselves, their own office staff and family members to our facilities. We are dedicated to resolving your problems in a welcoming and relaxed environment. Every patient receives personalized care. If you are still not sure, feel free to give us a call and arrange to stop in to speak to one of our therapists.

Is it OK to ask my doctor about physical therapy?

Absolutely! If you have a problem that you think can be helped with physical therapy, feel free to give us a call. After discussing with you the specific problem you are experiencing, we can give you a better idea if it is something that is manageable with physical therapy. You can also give your doctor a call. If he/she is is not sure, he/she is welcome to contact us as well. In today's health care, if you feel physical therapy can be helpful to you, you will need to stress your feelings to the doctor you are seeing.

Will my insurance cover my physical therapy?

Although most insurance companies do cover physical therapy, what they cover varies greatly. Please review our insurance section on this website. If you have additional questions regarding your coverage give your insurance company a call.

How do I arrange an appointment?

When your physician gives you a referral to physical therapy, simply call our office for an appointment. Our office staff will get all the necessary information from you and will assist you with an appointment time. We have convenient hours before and after work and school to accommodate your schedule. With three locations to serve you, we hope to make your recovery as pleasing as possible.

What should I bring with me?

On your first visit you will need your insurance card and the referral from your physician. In addition, please bring any operative reports, MRI or X-ray results that were requested by your physician.

What should I wear?

Please come to physical therapy wearing comfortable clothing. If you are coming for lower-extremity condition, shorts are recommended. If you are presenting with a condition of your cervical spine, upper back or shoulders, the therapist can provide you with a gown as needed. If aquatic therapy is prescribed, NMSMC has private facilities in which you may shower and change.

What should I expect on my first visit?

On your first visit, your physical therapist will perform an evaluation, which will last one hour. The evaluation involves a thorough history, and assessment of your range of motion, muscular strength, and muscular flexibility for a more specific understanding of your condition. Upon completion, your physical therapist will recommend a treatment plan including stretching and strengthening exercises and possible modalities to decrease pain and swelling, as needed. A treatment program will be developed aimed at resolving the problems identified, as well as to attain the goals you set in conjunction with your physical therapist.

How long will my treatment program last?

Your treatment program will vary according to what the physical therapist finds in the evaluation. At that time, we encourage you to schedule your appointment times for the whole program to ensure your physical therapist is available to accommodate your preferred appointment time. Program visits will last approximately 1 hour.

What is my responsibility in physical therapy?

You are our partner in your recovery. We ask that all patients cooperate by following through with their home exercise programs and instruction. Your physical therapist cannot do it without you! It is extremely important in expediting your recovery and getting you "Back in Action"!

How is my progress measured?

Because your physical therapist will perform a meticulous evaluation, quantifying and qualifying all the deficits and problems you are presenting with, measuring your progress is possible. You will be reexamined based on your diagnosis well as the chronicity of the problem. Additionally, your physical therapist needs to be aware of follow-up visits with your physician as reexamination may be performed so that the physician can be updated at that time.

What if I experience an increase in symptoms?

If you experience increased symptoms, please call our office immediately. Be sure you explain to our office staff what symptoms you are experiencing and we will contact your physical therapist. Your therapist will review the information and will return your call promptly. After we discuss the case with you, we will be able to give you guidelines as to what would be appropriate to reduce your symptoms. If it is appropriate to come in for an appointment, we will schedule it at that time. If you should contact or follow up with your physician, it is important that we fax them a report so that they can be current on your care during your visit.

What office policies should I be aware of?

• If you must cancel an appointment, please contact us 24 hours in advance or a $25 fee may be charged.
• If you need to reschedule an appointment, please call our office as soon as possible.
• If you will be late to an appointment, please call and let us know and we will check with your physical therapist to see if we can accommodate you at that time.
• If you miss an appointment, please call us, or one of our staff members will contact you to reschedule.
• Before returning to your physician, let us know and we will send progress notes to your physician to keep him/her updated.