We’ve prepared a list of the most frequently asked questions from our patients. Learn about what physical therapy is, how it can help you, how to get in touch with us, and more. If you don’t see your question, call us and we’ll be happy to answer it for you.
What is Physical Therapy?
Physical therapy (or physiotherapy), often abbreviated PT, is a health care profession primarily concerned with the remediation of impairments and disabilities and the promotion of mobility, functional ability, quality of life and movement potential through examination, evaluation, diagnosis and physical intervention carried out by Physical Therapists and Physical Therapist Assistants. – Wikipedia.
Why should I seek treatment?
“More than one-third of people aged 65 and older fall each year, and those who fall once are two to three times more likely to fall again.” CDC; A CDC Compendium of Effective Community-based Interventions from Around the World; Preventing Falls: What Works
“Twenty to thirty percent of people who fall suffer moderate to severe injuries such as lacerations, hip fractures, or head traumas. These injuries can make it hard to get around or live independently, and increase the risk of early death.6,7” http://www.cdc.gov/HomeandRecreationalSafety/Falls/adultfalls.html
“Older adults value their independence, and a fall can significantly limit their ability to remain self-sufficient… Fall injuries are responsible for significant disability, reduced physical function, and loss of independence.” CDC; A CDC Compendium of Effective Community-based Interventions from Around the World; Preventing Falls: What Works
“Falls are the leading cause of injury death among older adults.” Stevens, Judy Ph.D. Falls among older adults – risk factors and prevention strategies, NCOA Falls Free: Promoting a National Falls Prevention Action Plan, 2005, pg.3.
How can physical therapy help to reduce the risk for falls?
Studies have shown that for people who have fallen at least once, exercise-based interventions combined with home modifications interventions are most effective at reducing the risk for future falls.
“Exercise, in the form of strength training and balance, gait and coordination training should be included as part of a multi-factorial or multi-component intervention to prevent falls in older persons and may be considered as a single intervention.” JAGS January 2011–Vol. 59, No. 1 AGS/BGS Clinical Practice Guideline for Prevention of Falls. Pg. 151.
“Although evidence supporting the use of home environment assessment and intervention alone as a strategy to reduce falls in community-dwelling older adults is mixed (not supportive,24,70 supportive71), evidence for home environment assessment and intervention as part of a multifactorial fall prevention program is strong.19–21,23–27,31,32,35–37,72,73.” JAGS January 2011–Vol. 59, No. 1 JAGS Panel on Prevention of Falls in Older Persons. Pg. 152.
The strongest evidence for the prevention of falls in older adults include, ‘exercise, in the form of strength training and balance, gait and coordination … and the use of home environment assessment and intervention.’ JAGS January 2011–Vol. 59, No. 1 AGS/BGS Clinical Practice Guideline for Prevention of Falls 151-152.
Why do you lose your balance?
Your balance system is an exciting and complex interaction between your inner ear, visual and somatosensory systems. When one or more of these systems weaken, malfunction or stop working, it can affect your balance. The therapists at In Your Home Physical Therapy are experts in detecting which system(s) is at fault and correcting it through physical therapy intervention.
Studies have shown that for people who have fallen at least once, exercise-based interventions combined with home modification interventions are the most effective at reducing the risk for future falls.
What are the potential benefits of the Balance Improvement and Fall Prevention Program?
- Reduced risk for falling
- Reduced fear-of-falling
- Reduce serious fall-related injuries
- Reduce emergency department visits
- Reduce hospitalizations
- Reduce nursing home placements
- Improved balance
- Higher physical activity levels
- Improved confidence in balance
- Improved health-related quality of life
What to expect when a physical therapist comes to your home?
During the first visit
You can expect to feel comfortable and relaxed because you are in the privacy of your own home. To determine what might be the cause(s) of your problem with balance, dizziness, and/or walking, a licensed physical therapist with experience and skill in fall prevention will conduct a comprehensive balance assessment that includes testing of your inner ear function, vision, somatosensory system, strength, flexibility and sensation in your feet. All testing is painless. The testing will take approximately one hour. Depending on how long the testing takes and the severity of your symptoms, treatment might begin immediately.
What happens next?
Within 24 hrs., a written report will be sent to your referring physician that will include the results of your testing (compared to normal values when applicable), recommendations for treatment/training, and the potential you have to improve your balance, dizziness, walking and to reduce your risk for future falls. With your permission and as a complimentary service, we will also send a copy of the test results to any/all physicians you have seen for your problem with balance, dizziness, and/or walking.
How long will the physical therapy last?
Each ‘one-on-one’ treatment session will last approximately one hour. Depending on how motivated you are and the severity of your condition, most treatment plans are at least 2 times per week for 6 to 8 weeks. But you enjoy the benefits for many years to come.
What should I expect from each treatment session?
Physical Therapy is a non-invasive and conservative treatment option that has been effective for many. The In Your Home physical therapist will implement an evidenced based treatment approach that has been proven in research, to give you the best chances for maximizing your potential.
What insurances do you accept?
We accept Medicare, Supplemental, and most major insurances. Call us to get an update on the insurances we accept.
How do I get started?
Ask your doctor to fax a prescription for physical therapy to In Your Home Physical Therapy at 610-377-0735. Then call or have your doctor’s office call us to schedule an appointment at (800) 219-3145 or (484) 629-8770. Have your insurance information with you when you call.