Frequently asked questions about physical therapy
What are the steps involved with physical therapy for pain?
Before meeting with a patient, the physical therapist will review the patient’s chart and diagnosis made by their urologist.
Patient Consultation – Before therapy begins, the physical therapist will meet with the patient and discuss their diagnosis and goals for treatment.
Physical Evaluation – The physical therapist will conduct a physical examination related to their diagnosis.
Patient Education – Physical therapy is a holistic approach that can include:
- Dietary changes
- Exercise
- Behavioral changes
- Muscle techniques
- Posture and gait modification
Treatment – Physical therapists utilize several approaches to treatment. These approaches include:
- Biofeedback
- Electrical stimulation
- Therapeutic exercise
- Manual therapy
- Therapeutic activity
- Neuromuscular re-education
- Taping/strapping
- Activity modification
- Patient education
What can I expect during my patient consultation
During the initial appointment, the Physical Therapist will discuss the patient’s diagnosis, symptoms and any discomfort they are experiencing. They will also review the patient’s medical history, recent test results, surgical procedures, and recommendations provided by their urologist. After the initial consultation, the therapist will formulate a treatment plan that will include practicing specific exercises at home, and keeping a journal of symptoms.
What can I expect during my physical evaluation?
A physical examination may be performed by your therapist and some additional tests may be performed, depending on your condition. Biofeedback and Urodynamics can be an important part of diagnosing your symptoms and devising a treatment plan.
What can I expect in terms of Patient Education and how can that help me?
Sometimes coaching on exercises and relaxation techniques can go a long way in reducing the symptoms and discomfort associated with incontinence, overactive bladder and constipation. Our therapist will talk with you about how to incorporate certain exercises and techniques into your daily routine that can be of tremendous help in some cases.
What do physical therapy treatments involve?
Physical therapy treatments can involve simple to complex exercises that can be done in our offices and at home. The goal is to build muscles that support all of the parts of the urinary tract system within the pelvic girdle. The physical therapist will educate you on the various therapeutic exercises and guide you through them in the office and give you instructions about how/when to do the same and/or additional exercises at home in between your physical therapy visits.
How many visits should I anticipate?
This depends on your diagnosis and whether or not the prescribed therapeutic exercises need to be performed in our office or if they can be performed on your own. Each patient is given an individual treatment plan based on their condition and prognosis.
How long does each visit last?
Your initial Patient Consultation will last about an hour. Subsequent visits usually last 30 minutes to one hour.