Question 1

What is Physical Therapy?

Accepted Answer

Physical Therapy helps to treat ailments from injuries, surgeries or accidents. PT will assist to restore movement, reduce pain, and get back to function/activities of daily living. PT rehab can help with balance, neurological disorders (strokes, Parkinson’s, multiple sclerosis), work-related/sports injury, chronic conditions (like arthritis, diabetes), learning how to use assistive device, basic strengthening, ergonomics and a variety of other situations.
Physical Therapists are the health care professionals that will evaluate the person’s ailment and create a program to restore person’s function or movement.
According to APTA:
“Physical therapists teach patients how to prevent or manage their condition so that they will achieve long-term health benefits. PTs examine each individual and develop a plan, using treatment techniques to promote the ability to move, reduce pain, restore function, and prevent disability. In addition, PTs work with individuals to prevent the loss of mobility before it occurs by developing fitness- and wellness-oriented programs for healthier and more active lifestyles.”
Physical therapists typically require a Bachelor’s Degree with specified courses to enter an accredited Doctorate of physical therapy program which is approximately 3 years. They have to pass their licensure exam to fully practice.  
Physical Therapy Assistants have the ability to render care to patients under the direct supervision of the physical therapist. PTAs follow the Plan of Care that is written by the PT. 
According to APTA:
“The PTAs’ duties can include assisting in instructing patients in exercises and activities of daily living, collecting data on the patient's progress, and documenting and reporting on the patient's response.“
Physical Therapist Assistants require an Associate’s degree from an accredited PTA program of 2 years. They are also required to pass a licensure exam to fully practice.

Question 2

Can I go to any clinic for my physical therapy?

Accepted Answer

You have the right to choose what clinic you want to visit for your physical therapy needs. Some of this is dependent on insurance coverage. Please call the clinic at 318-443-9305 and we will guide you with further questions.

Question 3

What do I need to bring to my 1st visit?

Accepted Answer

Please have your id, and insurance cards with you.
Go to https://www.redriverrehab.com/patient-forms-1.(https://www.redriverrehab.com/patient-forms-1)
Follow Steps 1 and 2
Print and fill out:
New Patient Packet
Patient History
Patient Privacy
Form that is associated to your pain
Please bring all forms to clinic. If you do not have a printer available at home, please attend your appointment 15 minutes early to fill out all paperwork.

Question 4

Do I have to perform exercises on my first session?

Accepted Answer

This depends on the Physical therapist evaluation and their decision depends on the type of condition, surgery or injury you have. For example, if you just had a Total Knee Replacement, most typically you would do some mild exercises to help you maintain ROM and prevent stiffness as well as ice after exercising.

Question 5

What do I wear for my session?

Accepted Answer

Generally you want to wear clothing that is easy to move around in and comfortable athletic shoes/tennis shoes.

Question 6

How long does a typical session last?

Accepted Answer

The PT initial evaluation usually lasts from 45 minutes to 1 hour (sometimes it runs longer depending on type of condition/s you have).
The following regular therapy visits will last approximately 45 minutes to an hour. This includes the exercises you do, possible manual therapy, and ice/heat with modalities if needed.

Question 7

What type of techniques or interventions do you use?

Accepted Answer

Interventions we use depend on the type of condition you have. Here is a list of some of the things we can do:
1. Exercise Program for strengthening, stretching, increase ROM, etc.
2. TENS Units
3. Ice or GameReady Use
4. Moist Heat
5. Ultrasound
6. Mechanical Traction for Neck or Over-the-door unit traction
7. Mechanical Traction for Back
8. Soft Tissue Mobilization
9. Kinesotaping
10. Functional Dry Needling
11. Cupping
12. Balance/Posture Training
13. Gait Training
14. Use of Ergonomic Set up
15. Transfers

Question 8

Do I need a referral for physical therapy?

Accepted Answer

Typically, a physician will refer you to physical therapy by sending a referral to the clinic or giving you the referral to hand to us.
However, recently laws have passed to allow for Direct Access where a person can come to physical therapy without a referral. Louisiana has patient access with provisions. If there is not a measurable functional gain or person does not get better after 30 days, they will need to go back to their doctor.

Question 9

What kind of insurances do you accept?

Accepted Answer

We accept Medicare, Blue Cross, Humana, United Health Care (Optum), Workmen’s Compensation, TriCare, VA Community Care, Cigna, AETNA.  If you have insurance coverage that is not listed, please call the clinic at (318) 443-9305 and we will assist you with any questions you have including billing.

Question 10

How many visits will I need?

Accepted Answer

Visits depend on severity of condition/injury/surgery. The doctor and with coordination of the physical therapist will determine how many times a week and for how long. You will be evaluated once a month - every 30 days or every 10th visit; The physical therapist can give you an updated report to give to your doctor when you see him/her again.

Question 11

Will I have to keep up with exercises after physical therapy is over?

Accepted Answer

To be able to consistently have progress or prevent re-injury even when you are not at therapy is the patient's responsibility. The patient will be given resources for home including a Home Exercise Program and possible ways to continue exercising at home. The patient can always contact the clinic for additional concerns or questions they have. They can also directly contact the Physical Therapist at her email: cdessens@redriverrehab.com

Frequently Asked Questions