The 5 Most Frequently Answered Questions About Physical Therapy

If you’ve never been through physical therapy, it’s understandable to feel hesitant, nervous, or even a bit scared about what the experience will entail. But rest assured, there is nothing frightening about physical therapy. In fact, it’s something you can look forward to, because it just might be the ticket to getting you back to 100% again.

Here are some of the most commonly asked questions about physical therapy:

What Should I Wear to Physical Therapy?
The main rule to follow here is to dress comfortably. You will be moving around, so I’d recommend you wear loose-fitting clothing, such as a t-shirt, a sweatshirt, shorts, or a pair of sweatpants. Comfortable footwear, like sneakers, are also a must. If you’re coming right from work and your clothes are constricting, simply pack a bag of comfy exercise clothes and change upon arrival.

Does Physical Therapy Hurt?
While all injuries vary in severity, and pain thresholds are different, physical therapy generally will not hurt. You may feel some discomfort, since the painful area or injury site is the focus of the therapy, but our amazing staff will work closely with you to ensure you’re feeling as little discomfort as possible while still receiving helpful therapy.  It’s important to communicate thoroughly with your physical therapist, so he or she is aware of how you’re feeling at all times. The patient-therapist relationship is critical to your healing journey, so don’t hesitate to let your therapist know if you’re uncomfortable.

Do You Accept My Medical Insurance?
The Smith Clinic does accept most medical insurance plans, but you can find out for sure by calling us at (901) 756-1650. Just make sure to have your insurance card handy, and we’ll get started on learning more about your coverages!

How Long Is Each Treatment?
Each treatment session varies in length depending on your injury and what is being treated. In general, however, most sessions last between 30 minutes and one hour.  We know you have a busy schedule, so if you need a quick session, just let us know and we’ll do our best to accommodate your needs.

Do I Need a Referral?
You do not need referral or prescription from your doctor when going for physical therapy thanks to Direct Access, which allows The Smith Clinic to implement a treatment plan for 30 days in the state of Tennessee. No more prescriptions, referrals, or unnecessary doctor’s appointments standing in the way of you getting physical therapy!

If you need physical therapy, we are here for you! The Smith Clinic will ease your mind and remove any trepidation you might have about PT, and we will work with you closely to ensure you’re getting the most comfortable treatment that puts you on the road to recovery. Give us a call at (901) 756-1650 or fill out a form online to set up your first appointment.