Q:  What is Physical Therapy?

A: Physical therapy is the treatment of movement disorders. We treat joints and muscle, nerves and balance, heart and lungs and everything in between. The staff at For Life Therapy are highly qualified Doctors of Physical Therapy. We are educated to treat disorders of the spine and all the joints, any and all neurological disorders including strokes, spinal cord injuries, cerebral palsy, just to name a few.

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Q: Why Physical Therapy?

A: There have been multiple long term studies which have identified Physical Therapy as the first line of treatment for musculoskeletal disorders and pain as well as treatment of neurological disorders. Recently, Physical Therapy proves to be equally as effective in treating herniated discs in the spine as surgery. Physical Therapy is also as effective as arthroscopic knee surgery for a torn meniscus. Physical Therapy is a safer and cost effective treatment compared to surgical intervention, medication, injections, MRI, X-ray etc.

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Q:  How much will this cost?

A: This is a very common question. The difficulty is that cost is dependent on treatment. Different types of treatment such as exercise, manual therapy, electrical stimulation etc., are different costs. In most cases, insurance will cover some or all of Physical Therapy treatments. Call us; We can help you determine your insurance benefits and provide an estimate of your out-of-pocket costs.

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Q:  Will my insurance cover this?

A: Our Doctors of Physical Therapy are In-Network providers for all the major insurance companies in South Dakota, and many others regionally or nationally. Coverage for Physical Therapy is dependent on your insurance plan. Physical Therapy is a covered service with all insurance companies, but there may be some out of pocket expenses such as co-pays, deductibles or co-insurance. For Life Therapy’s amazing office staff will contact your insurance company to get specifics for you.

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Q:  Do I need a Doctor's Order or Referral before starting Physical Therapy?

A: The state of South Dakota was one of the first states to approve direct access to Physical Therapy in 1985. This means you DO NOT need to have an order from your Doctor to come to Physical Therapy. In some cases your insurance may still require a referral from your doctor. At this time more than 90% of insurance companies and plans realize the cost savings by allowing you to go to Physical Therapy without seeing your doctor first and do not require a referral. The For Life Therapy Office Staff will be able to find this out. This does not mean we stay out of contact with your medical doctor; In fact we pride ourselves on remaining in close contact with your medical doctor throughout treatment

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Q: What is the difference between Physical Therapy and Chiropractic Adjustments?

A: Per Oxford definition:

     Chiropractic is a system of integrative medicine based on the diagnosis and

     manipulative treatment of misalignments of the joints, especially those of the

     spinal column, which are held to cause other disorders by affecting the nerves,

     muscles, and organs.

     

     Physical Therapy is the treatment of disease, injury, or deformity by physical

     methods such as exercise, heat treatment, and massage rather than by drugs or

     surgery.

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Physical Therapy and Chiropractic care share many similarities. Many treatments overlap. In many cases, an individual may benefit from one or the other, or both. As Doctors of Physical Therapy, it is our job is to identify what is causing your individual symptoms and treat you accordingly.

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A Physical Therapist is a medically recognized health-care professional who treats patients to reduce pain or restore mobility. Physical Therapists examine each individual and develop a plan, using a variety of treatment techniques to promote the ability to move, reduce pain, restore function, and prevent disability. In addition, Physical Therapists 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.

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**If you have any other questions please click on the contact us link and we will respond within 24 hours.  Call us at 605-878-3334 to inquire if Physical Therapy can help you.**

 

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