Information About Therapy

Information About Therapy

Why Is Physical Therapy A Good Choice?

Physical and occupational therapists are experts at treating movement and neuro-musculoskeletal disorders. Pain is often accompanied with a movement disorder, and therapists can help correct the disorder and relieve the pain.

Physical therapy is often a key part of recovery following surgery. It can help your body heal much more quickly than it could on its own without rehab. For example, therapy can help minimize scar tissue after arthroscopy on your knee or shoulder, or retrain your muscles after a major surgery, like ACL reconstruction. Starting physical therapy as soon as possible after a total joint replacement can lead to a shortened hospital stay and quicker recovery times.

What Conditions Do You Treat?

At Source One, our physical and occupational therapists treat musculoskeletal and neurological conditions from head to toe:

• Neck and Back (Spine)
• Upper Extremity (Shoulder / Elbow / Hand / Wrist)
• Hip
• Knee
• Foot & Ankle
• Sports Injuries
• Overuse Syndromes
• Work Injuries
• Motor Vehicle Accident Injuries
• Sprains and Strains
• Tendonitis and Bursitis
• Arthritis
• Fractures
• Chronic Pain
• Balance / Vestibular Problems
• Gait Problems
• General Weakness and Deconditioning
• TMJ Disorder
• Brain Injury

How Will Physical Therapy Help My Injury?

Physical therapy can help anyone who is suffering from musculoskeletal injuries and recovering from surgery. Other difficulties physical therapy can help include: balance problems, neurological conditions such as a stroke and acquired brain injuries. Even people recovering from non-orthopedic surgeries, such as cancer, can benefit from PT by decreasing pain and regaining strength and endurance.

Who Will See Me?

Depending on your injury or condition, you will be evaluated by one of our licensed and highly trained physical or occupational therapists, who will also treat you during subsequent visits.

Patients in our return-to-work program or brain injury program, or patients with chronic pain may also see a psychologist or neuropsychologist.

Is My Therapist Licensed?

Yes, every Source One physical therapists (PTs) and occupational therapists (OTs) are licensed in the state of Texas.

Can I Go Directly To A Physical Therapist?

Our physical and occupational therapists can evaluate you without a referral. However, you will need a prescription from your doctor for insurance to cover the cost of therapy. If you do not have a prescription for therapy, contact any of our DFW offices and a representative will be happy to help obtain a prescription from your doctor or refer you to a qualified physician who can see you within 24 hours.

What Diagnostic Exams Does Source One Perform?

Source One offers a number of diagnostic examinations including: functional capacity exam (FCE), physical performance evaluation (PPE), range of motion (ROM), strength testing, neuropsychological evaluations, psychological evaluation and testing, pre-surgical evaluation, and return-to-play testing.

Is Physical Therapy Painful?

For many patients, one of the primary objective of physical therapy is pain relief. This is frequently accomplished with hands-on techniques and modalities such as ultrasound, electrical stimulation, and/or heat or cold therapy. Movement often provides pain relief as well. Your therapist will provide you with the appropriate exercises not only for pain relief but to recover range of motion, strength, and endurance.

In some cases, therapy techniques can be painful. For example, recovering knee range of motion after total knee replacement or shoulder range of motion after shoulder surgery may be painful. Your therapist will utilize a variety of techniques to help maximize your treatment goals. It is important that you communicate the intensity, frequency, and duration of pain to your therapist. Without this information, it is difficult for the therapist to adjust your treatment plan.

Will I Get A Massage At Physical Therapy?

Massage may be part of your treatment. Rehabilitation specialists are trained in a variety of techniques that may help with your recovery. Deep tissue techniques may be part of the rehabilitative process.

Massage is typically used for three reasons:

1. To facilitate blood flow around swollen areas
2. To relax a tight muscle
3. To relieve pain. Contrary to common thought, massage does not increase circulation.

What Happens If My Problem Or Pain Returns?

Flare ups are not uncommon. If your pain returns, give us a call. We may suggest you come back to see us, return to your doctor, or simply modify your daily activities or exercise routine.

What Is A Functional Capacity Evaluation?

A functional capacity evaluation (FCE) is set of objective tests, practices, and observations that are combined to determine the ability of the person being evaluated to function in a variety of circumstances. It is most often used to evaluate the functional job skills of employees who have been hurt at work.

An FCE can be used to determine fitness to work following an extended period of medical leave. If an employee is unable to return to work, the FCE provides information on the employee’s prognosis and occupational rehabilitation measures that may be possible.

An FCE can also be used to help identify changes to employee workload or modifications to working conditions, such as ergonomic measures, that the employer may be able to undertake to help accommodate an employee with a disability or medical condition.

How Does An Anti-Gravity Treadmill Work?

The AlterG anti-gravity treadmill uses a unique air pressure bauble that comfortably lifts the user and allows them to exercise at a fraction of their body weight. For more information, visit the AlterG website.

What Will I Have To Do After Physical Therapy?

Some patients will need to continue with home exercises. Some may choose to continue with a gym exercise program. Others will complete their rehabilitation and return to normal daily activities. It is important that you communicate your goals to your therapist, so he or she can develop a custom program for you.

How Will I Know When I Am Ready For Discharge?

This is determined by the progress you make during treatment. After your initial evaluation your therapist will create your treatment plan and goals. Once those goals are met you will typically be ready for discharge.