Physical Therapy Capitol Heights, MD

So, you want to go to physical therapy in Capitol Heights, MD but you’re not sure of what to expect. All you know is that physical therapy is a great way to feel better, but you don’t have much more information. To help you feel more prepared for your first appointment, our therapists at AmeriWell Clinics have created a guide on what to expect when you walk through our doors. Before your first appointment for physical therapy in Capitol Heights, MD, read more below!

What Is Physical Therapy?

If you suffer from an injury that prevents you from completing daily tasks, physical therapy is right for you. As a whole, physical therapy is a method of treatment meant to help ease pain, perform bodily functions, and ultimately live better.

Physical therapy can help those who are:

• Looking to heal after surgery or an injury
• Need to regain movement after surgery or an injury
• Going through rehab after a stroke
• Working on balance
• Recovering after giving birth
• Adapting to living with an artificial limb
• Recovering from a mobility impairment

Patients of all ages can benefit from visiting physical therapists at AmeriWell Clinics simply because of how it can help work to mend a variety of different health conditions. When you are looking for physical therapy Maryland residents rely on, you know AmeriWell Clinics is the right choice for you too.

Before Your Visit

There are a few things you need to prepare for before your visit to our office.

• Write down any questions you may have for your therapist. No question is too small or silly to ask. After all, we want to make sure you feel comfortable in your treatment.
• Keep track of all of your symptoms and how long you have had them.
• Once you have all your symptoms written down, it can be helpful to rank them in order of the one that bothers you the most to the ones that aren’t that noticeable.
• Things to consider: do you feel different symptoms at different times during the day? What relieves the pain, and can you do anything that makes it feel better? How does it feel when you sit down, exercise, or stand?
• Bring a copy of all prescriptions you are taking and make a mental note if you have had any massive surgeries and when you had them.
• Bring your insurance card and your primary care physician’s referral.
• Wear comfortable clothes. Remember, you will be active during your appointment so you will want to bring clothes that you can easily move around in.

Your First Appointment for Physical Therapy in Capitol Heights, Maryland

It’s a good idea to arrive a few minutes early for your first appointment as you’ll need to fill out new patient paperwork. Once you get taken back for therapy, one of our physical therapists will give you a consultation where they will assess your injury and evaluate your strength, balance, flexibility, coordination, posture, and heart rate.

In addition, they may look at how you walk, perform functional tasks such as sitting down and getting up, and how you use your body when conducting certain tasks such as lifting weight. Each consultation is different, and once it is completed, your therapist will give you a detailed patient treatment plan including what to expect from your therapy appointments and how often you should come in.

When you are looking for non-invasive pain relief, physical therapy in Capitol Heights, MD may be able to help you. At our clinic, we have known of people who initially refused physical therapy, and rather, insisted on surgery. This was often because of the belief that surgery would be a faster way to treat the issue. However, after deciding to try the first option, the vast majority of patients noticed an improvement in their mobility, flexibility, pain, and overall condition.

The benefits of physical therapy are vast. If you have been injured in an accident, diagnosed with certain medical illnesses, are recovering from a surgery, or suffer from acute or chronic pain, our Capitol Heights, MD physical therapy clinic may be able to help you. Call us today to schedule an appointment.

The Benefits of Physical Therapy

Your Pain Can Be Managed or Reduced

Chronic pain can be very frustrating, especially when you don’t know the cause of the pain. A licensed physical therapist can guide you through exercise and special techniques that can stimulate the muscles and joints, restore mobility, and reduce or alleviate your pain. If you continue to go to your sessions, you will likely only continue to notice improvements.

Surgery Can Often Be Avoided

In some cases, surgery cannot be avoided. However, with certain conditions, an operation can worsen the problem. Physical therapy in Capitol Heights, Maryland is non-invasive and may be able to prevent the need for surgery. Many patients find that physical therapy sessions can heal injured tissues, improve mobility, and completely eliminate the need for a surgery.

If you have already had a surgery, you may be recommended physical therapy sessions to speed up the healing process, and at the same time, get into shape.

Your Balance Can Be Improved

After an operation or injury, you might find it difficult to move around, or get back on your feet. Simple tasks like walking, balancing, or even eating might be particularly challenging. Physical therapy in Capitol Heights, MD often helps patients to restore mobility. Walking may be easier, as may be getting around. In addition to this you might find that balancing and your overall coordination is a lot easier. This benefit can be advantageous for patients who have a risk of falling.

General Health Problems Can Be Reduced

Although it’s a less known benefit, it is equally important. According to research, regular physical therapy sessions can assist in managing age related problems such as osteoporosis or arthritis. Because of all the benefits of physical therapy, a person’s mood may be elevated, and they may even feel more confident in their ability to do things they were previously unable to do.

An Addiction to Painkillers May Be Prevented

Painkiller addictions are unfortunately all too common, and many of them begin with an injury. In general physical therapists do not prescribe painkillers. If you are concerned about developing an addiction to painkillers, do not want to take them, or are looking for a medication-free treatment, physical therapy in Capitol Heights, MD may be right for you.

Your Questions Answered

When you have been told to go to physical therapy you might have a number of questions. The following are some of the most common questions asked by our patients. If you would like to know anything more, or are ready to schedule an appointment for Physical Therapy in Capitol Heights, MD, call AmeriWell Clinics today.

3 Physical Therapy Treatments To Consider

If you need a physical therapist, you have probably considered different physical therapy treatments. You may have questions about what treatments are best and which ones will benefit your particular ailments to most. Here are three common treatments to think about when considering physical therapy in Capitol Heights, MD.

Exercise

While it may seem straightforward, exercise is one of the best ways to help with pain and get your body back in its best shape. An Ameriwell physical therapist can help you with particular programs and exercises. Exercise can help with strength, range of motion, and flexibility. If you have issues with any of these, physical therapy may be the answer. Excercise can be passive or active, and your doctor can suggest which one is best for your condition. Passive exercise requires you to relax and let the therapist apply stress. Stretching your hamstrings, for example, is one way you can passively exercise. You can also exercise at home, which can help you keep up with treatments. Ask your doctor what exercises you can do to ensure your treatment progresses.

Ultrasounds

When thinking about physical therapy in Capitol Heights, MD, the term ultrasound may come up. It is a deep healing treatment administered by a therapist. The device they use can help treat sprains, strains, tendonitis, and other minor issues. An Ameriwell physical therapist can help with these problems and offer ideas about treatment. If you have considered ultrasound therapy, a doctor can explain the treatment to you and help you determine if it is suitable for your needs.

Joint Mobilization

An Ameriwell physical therapist will move your joints from side to side to test your mobility. This test can help you regain flexibility, which is valuable when thinking about physical therapy in Capitol Heights, MD. If you have issues with your mobility, ask your therapist if this treatment is correct for you. Your doctor can give your mobilization exercises to do at home so that you can continue treatment. Home care is necessary when completing physical therapy, so talk with your doctor to see what is right for you.

If you are having joint, pain, or mobility issues, these treatments can help. Consult with someone who practices physical therapy in Capitol Heights, MD, to ensure you receive the best treatment possible. Physical therapy consists of many treatment options, so an Ameriwell physical therapist can assist with any questions you may have.

What is the Cost of Physical Therapy in Capitol Heights, Maryland?

The cost of physical therapy is unique to the patient. It largely will depend on the nature of your injuries, the results of our clinical evaluation, and your goals. We will be happy to provide you with an estimated cost, as well as length of treatment when you come in for an evaluation.

Does Insurance Cover Physical Therapy?

Most likely your insurance will cover some or all of your physical therapy sessions. We would recommend reviewing your policy / plan or calling our clinic to find out whether or not you are covered.

How Long Will It Take To Feel Better?

Your recovery time will be determined by many factors. For example, the extent of injuries, the length of time you’ve had the injury, your lifestyle and dietary preferences, your emotional well being, your immune system, your genetic predispositions, and more. We will go over these factors with you during your evaluation. If we believe you can benefit from other treatment, in addition to physical therapy Capitol Heights, MD has to offer, we can refer you to another practitioner.

How Many Sessions Do I Need?

After your evaluation at AmeriWell Clinics, you and your therapist will discuss the likely number of sessions you will need. The extent of your injury will be the primary consideration for determining this. In general, we see patients one to two times per week, for 1 to 2 months.

Do I Really Need Physical Therapy?

Physical therapy helps your body to recover to its fullest abilities. This is done through very specific treatment that is designed for your needs and injuries. If you are being recommended to physical therapy, it is most likely because you have injured your muscles, nerves, ligaments, tissues, cartilage, tendons, and/or blood vessels. Restoring everything back to normal takes time and effort. Even if you don’t have pain, the damaged area may be weak or prone to adhesions and scar tissue. Physical therapy can help to strengthen these areas and reduce the risk of any further injury.

You should consider physical therapy for any injury in the same way you would consider seeing a dentist for a sore tooth or an orthopedist for a broken bone. Yes, your bone might be able to heal on its own, without a doctor. However, the healed bone could heal wrong or lose function. Physical therapy can ensure you recover in a timely manner and more completely. It is not something you should ignore or think twice about.

How Long Do I Need to Do the Exercises?

The length of any specific exercise will depend on your injury, the stage of your recovery, and the health of your connective tissues. You should see a decrease in pain within one to two weeks of the exercise program. However, connective tissue repair can take up one year to fully heal. Many patients will eventually reduce their physical therapy sessions and begin to utilize exercises at home. It is important to remember that being out of pain is just the first step on the right path towards recovery.

Can I Do My Own Exercises at Home?

Your physical therapist will review your injuries and ability to exercise. Most likely, he or she will recommend (or prescribe) a program that is suited to your injuries and abilities until you’ve recovered. If we believe there are exercises you can continue, we will discuss this with you during an appointment.

Physical Therapy for Whiplash: Passive and Active Treatments

Whiplash is a soft tissue injury in the neck frequently occurring after a rear-end collision. During this type of crash, the neck is thrust backward and forward. This sudden movement can damage joints and overstretch muscles and ligaments. Because the neck is a very flexible and mobile structure, it is prone to damage. Here are examples of PT treatments available for whiplash you may receive from physical therapy in Capitol Heights, MD.

Passive Physical Therapy Treatments

An Ameriwell physical therapist performs a passive treatment on patients without requiring them to participate or move independently. Examples of passive treatment approaches are:

Hot and Cold Therapy

Alternating hot and cold temperatures on the injured area help to heal. The PT applies heat to increase blood flow, bringing oxygen and nutrients to injury. The increased blood circulation also helps to rid the area of wastes from muscle spasms.

Cold therapy slows blood circulation, which reduces inflammation, muscle spasms and pain. Seek physical therapy in Capitol Heights, MD to receive this healing treatment.

Deep Tissue Massage

Applying pressure and friction directly to injured soft tissues releases tension. The PT uses deep tissue massage to relieve tension in ligaments, muscles and tendons to aid healing.

Ultrasound

The heat waves from an ultrasound increase blood circulation, which reduces pain, swelling, stiffness, cramping and muscle spasms.

Active Physical Therapy Treatments

For active treatments, Ameriwell creates a tailored regimen of exercises for patients to follow. The movements increase strength and range of motion. In addition to joint and muscle work, PTs teach patients how to adjust posture to prevent future neck injuries and pain.

Chin Tuck

This exercise is for the longus coli, a stabilizing muscle in the neck. Patients lie on their backs and place rolled towels under their necks, and pillows under their heads. While keeping the head parallel with the ceiling, the patient nods their head, bringing the chin forwards towards the voice box.

Range of Motion Exercises for the Head

Patients start slowly, turning the head to one side as far as possible without pain. Then they repeat the movement by turning their heads to the other side, stopping before pain occurs. In addition to side-to-side motions, patients can also turn their heads up and down.

Light Activity

Physical therapy in Capitol Heights, MD recommends for patients to engage in light activity such as gentle walking to increase circulation and aid healing. Walking encourages swinging of the arms and rotation of the spine, which helps to increase the range of motion.

5 Common Myths About Physical Therapy

1. You Need a Referral or a Prescription To See a Physical Therapist

You don’t need a prescription or referral to go to physical therapy in Capitol Heights, MD, at Ameriwell Clinics. However, some insurance policies will not cover the expenses of going to physical therapy unless you first receive a referral to therapy or a prescription from a physician. You should check with your insurer to find out what is covered and under which circumstances.

2. Physical Therapy Is Expensive

Speaking of costs, there is a perception that physical therapy is expensive. The truth is that, depending on your condition, physical therapy may actually save you money. For example, seeing a physical therapist for low back pain can save you 60% on medical bills overall. Physical therapy is also much less expensive than surgery.

3. You Can Receive Physical Therapy From Any Health Care Provider

Like most specialty health care services, physical therapy requires specific training and education that doctors and nurses trained in other fields do not have. It’s not a matter of being more or less qualified; it is a matter of going through completely different educational programs. Just as you wouldn’t go to a medical doctor to get a filling in your teeth, you wouldn’t go to him or her to receive physical therapy in Capitol Heights, MD.

4. Physical Therapy Hurts

The goal of physical therapy is to improve performance by learning more efficient movement patterns to use in place of those that cause pain. Physical therapists at Ameriwell Clinics make safe, incremental gains by working within your pain threshold. They work with you to make sure that the treatments you receive and the exercises you do are not painful and teach you to modify any techniques that do cause pain or discomfort.

5. Physical Therapy Is Only for People Who Have Suffered an Injury

One of the reasons to receive physical therapy is for rehabilitation after an injury or surgery, but that is not all that physical therapists do. Some people go to physical therapy to improve athletic performance and learn how to prevent injuries when playing sports. Others go to receive relief from chronic pain or headaches with no discernible cause. Some go to improve balance and other functions associated with movement, while others go to improve incontinence and pelvic pain. Physical therapists perform all these services and more. However, some may specialize in particular treatments, so be sure a therapist performs the service you need before making an appointment.

Physical Therapy for Knee Pain

Whether it’s due to a car accident or recent surgery, knee pain can be quite debilitating. It can be extremely painful and make it difficult to accomplish the simplest tasks. Your doctor may have suggested going to physical therapy Capitol Heights, MD clinic, AmeriWell, has to offer. The idea of moving your knees around when they already hurt seems impossible, but it can actually help you get better quicker. Here’s some further information regarding physical therapy in Capitol Heights, MD for knee injuries.

What to Expect During the First Session

It’s normal to feel a little nervous before your first Capitol Heights, MD physical therapy session. You’ve never been to this kind of therapy in the past and aren’t sure of what to expect. During your first session, your physical therapist will ask you questions about how you acquired your knee pain and your medical history in general. Then, he or she will take a look at your leg and check to see how your knee bends and straightens.

Your physical therapist will also see if you have pain in your knee and whether or not you have trouble with balance. He or she may ask you to balance or hop on one leg or walk on a treadmill to figure out exactly what’s wrong.

What to Expect from Future Physical Therapy Capitol Heights, MD Sessions

Once your physical therapist figures out the extent of your knee problem, he or she will create a custom treatment plan. The goal of the treatment will be to significantly decrease your pain and rebuild strength and flexibility in your knee. He or she will show you how to perform several different strength training exercises for your knees, such as step-ups, wall squats, straight leg lifts, and single leg dips. Your physical therapist Capitol Heights, MD  provides will want you to perform these exercises on your own at home several days a week.

Once your knees become stronger, your physical therapist may recommend adding weights to your exercises. However, if something hurts, you should stop doing it immediately and inform your physical therapist.

It’s normal to feel a little sore after a session for physical therapy Capitol Heights, MD residents know and prefer. Just take it easy and refrain from strenuous activities for a few days. You may be able to take over-the-counter pain relievers to get some relief from the soreness.

How Long it Takes to Recover from Knee Pain

Everyone is different. How long you take to recover from your knee pain will depend on different factors, such as how bad the pain is and how you acquired it. Your physical therapist will take all the factors into account and decide how long you should go to therapy. You may just need a few or sessions or have to go for six weeks or longer. As long as you stick with your treatment plan and listen to your physical therapist’s instructions, you should be able to feel better soon.

Schedule a consultation with AmeriWell to learn more about physical therapy Capitol Heights, MD community members can rely on for pain relief.

Capitol Heights, MD Physical Therapist to Help With Your Injury Legal Claim

When you are injured in some way because of someone else’s negligence, one of the first thoughts causing you stress is likely: who will be paying these bills? Whether it’s a car accident, a burn injury, a slip and fall, or even a dog bite, you want to know that you will not get stuck paying the expenses for an accident that wasn’t your fault.

What can you do, though? Is there any way that your Capitol Heights, MD physical therapist can help you with the legal aspect of your personal injury accident? The physical therapists at AmeriWell Clinics have many clients who have suffered from some type of personal injury accident, and they support their clients’ rights to sue the person who acted negligently. So, how can we help?

Documentation

Depending on the type of accident you were in and the injuries you suffered from, you may have injured your spine, neck, or back. When this is the case, seeing a Capitol Heights, MD physical therapist may be the best way you can heal your injuries without costly surgeries or heavy doses of medicine. When you work with our physical therapists, you know you are working with a team who understands personal injuries and who can help you with your legal claim.

When you file a lawsuit, you need to provide substantial evidence that proves the accident was not your fault and that you suffered from injuries as a direct result of the accident. It is imperative that you speak openly with your physical therapist to let them know why you are there and how you became injured. The medical records your Capitol Heights, MD physical therapist can provide you with are essential to your case and can prove that treatment is necessary for your injuries.

How do I receive compensation?

When you and your attorney discuss compensation for your injuries, you want to outline the ways you were injured by the defendant and why you believe they are worth a certain monetary value. So, when you visit a physical therapist in Capitol Heights, MD, you need to show the jury that the medical expenses associated with your treatment are legitimate. The medical records your physical therapist can provide you will show what your condition was when you came into their office, what their treatment plan is, and what the cost of the treatment is. Many people do not always see physical therapy as an essential form of medical treatment, so having all of the necessary documentation will help bolster your argument.

To see how the physical therapist Capitol Heights, MD accident victims recommend from AmeriWell Clinics can help with your treatment as well as your legal case, please call our office now.

Come to Physical Therapy in Capitol Heights, MD That Residents Trust

Physical therapy has the ability to change your life for the better. Don’t hesitate to call us today for a consultation and we can help you on the road to recovery. For more information on how physical therapy in Capitol Heights, MD can help you, contact AmeriWell Clinics today!