Q: What kinds of treatments can I expect?
A: The treatment plan will often include joint and soft tissue (muscle, fascia, nerve) mobilization & manual movement re-education techniques, prescribing of therapeutic exercise & utilizing adjunctive modalities such as heat/ice, ultrasound, or electrical stimulation. During the treatment process, we are able to decrease restrictions, weakness, swelling and abnormal movement patterns which lead to, and accompany, pain. We then educate the patient & answer any questions as to the cause of symptoms and suggest self-care ideas and the goals of breaking the cycle of dysfunction to prevent future symptom recurrence.
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Q: Do you work closely with my referring doctor?
A: We are also a great intermediary between you and your doctor. As the individuals who spend the most time with you therapeutically, we provide information to your doctor that is sometimes hard for you to explain yourself. We create written reports & interact with your doctor by phone when necessary, communicating detailed information that helps your medical team make the best unified decisions for your health and recovery.
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Q: Do I need a prescription from my doctor for Physical Therapy treatment?
A: Although Physical Therapists do not need a prescription from a doctor to properly evaluate and treat you, Medicare and most other medical insurance companies do require a doctor’s prescription for physical therapy in order for reimbursement. The prescription should include the diagnosis, the treatment requested, and the frequency and duration of the treatment.
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Q: How long is each appointment? How often will I need to attend physical therapy?
A: The average treatment session is approximately one hour. This may vary based on your individual needs. Most patients are treated two to three times per week. The total duration of treatments will depend on the severity of your injury/dysfunction.
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Q: How long will my rehabilitation program take to achieve my functional goals?
A: The number of treatment sessions will vary based on your individual case. After your initial evaluation, your primary therapist will be able to tell you the frequency & duration of treatment that is optimal for your full recovery.
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Q: Can I go back to work after my appointment?
A: Yes. Our goal is to provide an effective treatment that will allow you to resume all aspects of your normal routine, including returning back to work after any given treatment.
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Q: Will I see a licensed Physical Therapist on each of my treatment visits?
A: Yes. We believe that you deserve and should expect to see and be treated each visit by the same licensed Physical Therapist that initially evaluated you.
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Q: Which Physical Therapist will treat me?
A: Our therapists have different areas of expertise and specialization. Depending on your specific needs, we will ensure that the appropriate therapist treats you.
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Q: How many therapists are in the clinic?
A: Our office currently has three therapists: Michelle McCarthy, PT, DPT, OCS; Susie Goodridge, PT, CSCS; and John Garofano, PT. Click here to view their full bios >> Therapists.
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Q: What should I wear to my appointments?
A: Athletic wear, or loose, comfortable clothes are helpful. Gym or walking shoes are also requested. Female patients are discouraged from wearing one-piece leotard-type clothes that restrict access to injured areas. The injured body part will need to be exposed. You may bring clothes and change here at the clinic if you need to.
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Q: How do I get started?
A: When you schedule your first appointment, we will find out what insurance benefits are available to you through your insurance company or payer. After your initial evaluation, your therapist will be able to estimate the frequency and duration of treatment required. You can find more detailed information about how to get started with us by clicking here >> Getting Started.
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Q: What are your hours? Are you open on weekends?
A: We are open from 7:00 am to 7:00 pm Monday through Friday. For your convenience, we are also available during your lunch hour. Although our office is officially closed on the weekends, we can work with you to arrange special appointments.
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Q: Do you provide transportation?
A: We do not provide transportation, but our website has information about using public transportation to get to our office. Click here to see your options >> Getting to Our Office.
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Q: Is there parking?
A: There is a parking lot and a parking structure behind our building. The entrance to the lot and structure can be accessed from Federal Avenue and the structure can also be accessed from Barry Avenue. As the lot is privately owned, we are unable to validate parking. There is also free street parking along Federal and Barry Avenues and metered parking on San Vicente. Please read the posted signs carefully, as there are time restrictions and street sweeping restrictions.
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Q: Do you take credit cards?
A: We accept Visa & MasterCard, along with cash and personal checks (with a valid ID).
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Q: What type of insurance do you accept?
A: Westwood Physical Therapy is a member of PTPN, a physical therapy contracting network that enables us to partner with a large number of health insurance companies, including Blue Cross and Blue Shield. We also accept Medicare assignments. Check here to see the full list of our contracts with insurance companies >> Insurance Companies.
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Q: How much will each treatment cost me?
A: Cost of treatments depends on each individual case.
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Q: What is my co-payment?
A: Your co-payment will depend on your treatment, and your insurance company. Contact us directly and we will work with you to determine your co-payment.
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If you don’t find exactly what you’re looking for, feel free to call us or email our offices and we’ll be happy to answer any questions you may have.
You can also sign up to receive our newsletter, WellNews. It is full of the latest information about health and wellness, delivered to your mailbox! Click here to >> go to our newsletter.
Cost of treatments depends on each individual case. There is parking in the lot behind our building. The entrance is on Federal Avenue. As the lot is privately owned, we are unable to validate parking. There is also free street parking along Federal and Barry Avenues. Please read the posted signs carefully, as there are time restrictions and street sweeping restrictions. We do not provide transportation, but our website has information about using public transportation to get to our office. Click here to see your options >> Getting to Our Office.
Our office currently has three therapists: our founder Joan Schmidt, PT, Susie Goodridge, PT, CSCS, Michelle McCarthy, PT, DPT, OCS., and John Garofano, PT. Click here to view their full bios >> Therapists.