FAQs
What kind of clothing should I wear for appointments?

Loose-fitting clothes that are comfortable to move in and provide easy access to the area of your symptoms. We also advise you to wear comfortable shoes or sneakers.

How long should each appointment take?

We will begin with a comprehensive evaluation at your first visit that typically lasts around 1 hour to 1 hour and 15 minutes. Your follow-up visits usually go anywhere from 45 to 60 minutes.

Your specific needs will determine the number of visits and the duration of your plan of care. We recommend attending more frequently in the early stages of your therapy to ensure you progress, as you and your therapist have discussed.

You'll generally see your therapist twice or even three times a week at first, with fewer weekly visits and greater space between meetings as you progress through treatment.

How is physical therapy different at The Smith Clinic For Physical Therapy?

We believe in individualized treatment regimens for each and every patient at The Smith Clinic For Physical Therapy. When you come to our clinic, we will put you through a series of tests to determine the source of your injury or functional difficulties.

Your physical therapist may inquire about your medical history and request that you do particular movements or tests so they can observe the quality of your movement patterns and identify any problems firsthand.

Your therapist will then create a treatment plan that is unique to you. Such methods include joint mobilization exercises, manual therapy, and therapeutic exercise to improve your strength.

Can I benefit from PT treatments?

You certainly can!

Physical therapists are highly skilled at assessing the whole person. This means we look to identify all the factors related to your condition. We understand the interconnectedness of the body and how a problem in one area may be the symptom pointing to the source of the problem in an entirely different location.

We are also skilled at identifying whether or not you are dealing with “a” problem or there are multiple issues impacting you and your function.

Everyone can benefit from physical therapy, but that doesn’t necessarily mean physical therapy alone is all you need. We believe in collaborating with other healthcare professionals and working with you while working with another practitioner to help you get the results you deserve.

We can discuss your options and help you decide if physical therapy is right for you. Contact us today to learn more about how PT can help you and make an appointment with one of our dedicated staff members.

Do PT treatments hurt?

Physical therapy is meant to alleviate pain rather than exacerbate it. However, your pain levels may fluctuate. Our therapists will clearly define what “normal” pain is and what is not normal. Some situations require exercises or actions that can elicit a pain response to facilitate improvements in your overall condition.

As a result of using weakened or recuperating muscles, you may suffer some momentary discomfort. Or for some, restoring range of motion after surgery can be painful due to the nature of the condition. Unfortunately, it may be critical to your recovery to experience a temporary increase in your pain. Although it may sound inappropriate, there are times when the increased pain early on can prevent more severe pain in the future.

Rest assured that we will do whatever we can to minimize your pain and avoid increasing it during your time in physical therapy. Communication with our therapist will help to reduce any discomfort you may feel during your physical therapy treatments.

We want you to be pain-free and back to your normal activities as soon as possible and will do what we can to prepare you for any discomfort you may experience.

What should I know about physical therapy?

Physical therapists are highly trained professionals who specialize in musculoskeletal and neurological conditions. Physical therapists are part of a healthcare team that routinely collaborates with physicians, surgeons, and other medical practitioners.

We also work in conjunction with other healthcare professionals like chiropractors, massage therapists, and acupuncturists to ensure your treatment plan is as effective and efficient as possible.

Physical therapists are movement experts with advanced training and education in musculoskeletal disorders and diseases. Physical therapists provide a hands-on approach to pain relief and function restoration.

Physical therapy aims to restore pain-free mobility and function while preventing the injury or pain from recurring. Physical therapists offer a full spectrum of care from prevention to intervention. Our physical therapists assess your movement patterns, determine the source of your pain, and work with you to manage or eliminate it.

While each patient's condition and pain are unique, our physical therapist at The Smith Clinic For Physical Therapy will use a variety of targeted manual therapy techniques, exercises, modalities, and equipment to relieve pain and restore function quickly.

How is my physical therapy treatment progress tracked?

As you go through your rehabilitation activities, you should see a considerable improvement in your discomfort and overall function.

An effective way to measure your improvement and progress is to keep track of your pain and mobility levels as you proceed through your physical therapy program.

Tracking your impairments and functional abilities gives physical therapists objective information to compare with initial measurements. In addition, your reports and personal experiences help to validate your improvements and clue your therapist to regressions and/or lack of progress.

The bottom line is that you should notice improvements in how you feel and function throughout therapy. If you are not following an anticipated path of progress, your therapist will reassess the situation or make recommendations for further testing or treatments.

What should I do to prepare for my first appointment?

There are a few things we ask all patients to bring with them on their first visit to our office.

  • Please complete our online patient forms prior to your initial evaluation. You will receive a link to these forms after scheduling your first appointment. If you are unable to complete the form, please allow extra time to fill these out upon arrival.
  • Please arrive at least 15 minutes early to complete any remaining paperwork so that you can maximize your time in your evaluation.
  • Please wear comfortable clothing that allows easy access to your problem areas and for you to move around.
  • If you intend to use insurance, please bring your insurance information so we can make a copy of your card for our records.
  • Please bring any referrals, prescriptions, and test results from your referring physician, Nurse Practitioner, or physician assistant.
  • In case of an automobile accident or worker's compensation claim, bring any case manager or insurance adjuster's contact names, phone numbers, and claim number.

Please have your prescription and insurance card available when you call our office. This will allow us to verify your insurance benefits and provide you with an estimate of coverage.

How does physical therapy differ for older adults?

At The Smith Clinic For Physical Therapy, we understand that our bodies become more susceptible to certain health risks as we age. Degeneration of our bodies is a normal, natural experience we will all face. There is no way to avoid all the changes associated with age, but staying active and taking care of your health are the most effective ways to minimize or delay the risk of health conditions related to aging.

For example, age-related changes in strength, joint mobility, tissue flexibility, coordination, and ability to react will impact our balance and increase the risk of falls. At our Cordova, TN clinic, we will work with you to investigate your medical history, determine what factors may be contributing to your fall risk, and work with you to restore your function and reduce your risks.

Aging also affects your healing times and your body's ability to tolerate changes to your activity levels. Staying active is the key to maintaining your health and function.

If you are looking for physical therapists who understand how to navigate the effects of aging, our team at The Smith Clinic For Physical Therapy can help!

Call our office today for more information.

Why does physical therapy take longer than I thought?

Although there are typical stages of healing, the reality is that everyone is different, and so is their ability to heal.

At The Smith Clinic For Physical Therapy, you will have a personalized treatment plan created based on your individual needs and goals. Throughout your recovery process, our team will provide constant feedback and allow refinement of your program to ensure it provides optimal results.

The most common reasons for delayed recovery are trying to do too much too soon or not doing enough. Finding the balance is where physical therapists thrive. We use concrete physiological benchmarks and your individual treatment response to refine your program and maximize your results in the shortest time possible.

If you have any questions or concerns about the length of your treatment plan, do not hesitate to ask your physical therapist. We are here to help you by providing clarity throughout this process. We will keep you updated on your progress throughout each session.

Do you treat my condition at your clinic?

Physical therapists are trained to treat all types of musculoskeletal conditions. Most physical therapy clinics are geared towards specific subcategories of physical therapy.

You can be confident that our well-trained therapists will assess and treat your condition. For example, pediatric physical therapists often work exclusively with younger patients. In comparison, orthopedic outpatient physical therapists will work with all age categories and conditions.

If we feel another therapist or healthcare provider would better serve you, we will provide suggestions for people we know and trust.

Our physical therapists have received years of university-level education in anatomy, physiology, kinesiology (the study of joint movement), neurology, and many other medical sciences. Our physical therapists are all state-licensed and have graduated from accredited physical therapy programs.

You can rest assured that you are in capable hands!

When will I start to feel better?

Because each patient's diagnosis is unique, our therapist will work with you and any other medical or healthcare practitioner to ensure you get the best possible results.

Our goal is to identify all the factors contributing to your condition. We will conduct a comprehensive evaluation and thorough history to gather this information and then design a treatment plan that is right for you.

For some people, relief is felt on day one; for others, there is a journey to relief filled with ups and downs. It isn't easy to know which person you will be until we meet with you and examine your specific situation.

Our team is highly trained and skilled at treating all types of musculoskeletal pain and injuries. We will provide guidelines to help you understand your condition and what to expect from therapy. Part of these guidelines will include the likely duration of your situation and expected progress broken down into realistic timetables.

Our team is here to support you and answer your questions throughout the process!

Can I continue seeing a therapist even when I feel better?

Yes, after you have finished your therapy sessions, you can continue to see your physical therapist. There are several different ways to do this, for example:

  • Your therapist will see you to review and progress your at-home therapy program.
  • You can schedule a re-evaluation after a month to ensure you are still doing well and modify your home program as needed.
  • You can arrange to see your therapist at regular intervals (i.e., every six months) for a consultation to assess your progress, ensure you are not regressing, and deal with anything new that may have started.

We can also arrange to meet you at your gym to work with you on determining what equipment and exercises would be beneficial in your continued recovery.

What office policies should I be aware of?

If you cannot make it to your appointment due to illness or another emergency, our clinic requests that you call us at least 24 hours before your scheduled appointment time to let us know.

Any missed appointments that have not been rescheduled at least 24 hours in advance will result in a non-refundable charge of $25 dollars.

We also ask that if you have been exposed to the COVID-19 virus or are experiencing any COVID-19 symptoms, please reschedule your appointment with our front desk so that we can maintain a safe, healthy environment for our patients and employees.

What is occupational therapy?

Occupational therapy is a patient-centered health profession that promotes health and well-being through “occupation,” which refers to the practical aspects of activities that allow people to live independently and have a sense of identity.

Occupational therapy addresses the physical, psychological, and cognitive elements of their well-being through activity. They treat injured, ill, or disabled patients through the therapeutic use of everyday activities.

The primary goal of occupational therapy is to enable people to participate in everyday life activities. They help these patients develop, recover, improve, and maintain the day-to-day skills needed for living and working.

What is your approach to occupational therapy?

We take a whole-body approach to therapy and focus on overall potential and function. Once your occupational therapist at The Smith Clinic For Physical Therapy in Cordova, TN understands what demands are placed on your body and the practical needs you have to perform them, they can develop an exercise program that will make everyday life much easier for you.

An occupational therapist will first evaluate your strength, mobility, flexibility, and range of motion during treatment. From there, they will create a customized treatment plan that is aimed at helping you regain and maintain your strength, restore or increase mobility, and hopefully give you the tools necessary to resume a productive life!

How can occupational therapy help me?

People of all ages can benefit from occupational therapy, ranging from children with disabilities in school to elders needing help improving their physical function and cognitive health.

Our occupational therapists focus on each patient's day-to-day functional needs by providing exercises and activities that enhance physical and mental health. For some, it's relearning how to move; for others, it is about relearning to plan and process actions.

We put in a lot of effort to assist people in recovering from physical, mental, and cognitive processing injuries, illnesses, or disabilities.

Occupational therapy addresses each need to help someone regain functioning skills and other elements of their well-being through activity. The primary goal of occupational therapy is to enable people to participate in everyday activities.

What is the difference between physical therapy and occupational therapy?

Physical and occupational therapies are often part of a rehabilitation team but should not be confused with one another.

Physical therapy helps patients with musculoskeletal pain, injuries, and disorders. Physical therapists routinely help people with:

  • Pain and dysfunction from pain
  • Improving mobility and functional abilities
  • Restoring and enhancing strength, power, and endurance
  • Restoring balance, coordination, and agility

Occupational therapy focuses more on the basics of daily activities, including the following:

  • Helping clients regain or improve activities such as getting dressed, bathing, and household responsibilities. For some, it is helping return to work with modifications and/or adaptations.
  • Helping with physical, psychological, and cognitive processing to help people complete the most important roles in their daily lives, in the community, and in performing their jobs.
What does occupational therapy treat?

Occupational therapy strives to optimize function by taking a “whole-person approach” to mental and physical health. They work to enable individuals to achieve their full potential.

Often occupational therapists focus on activities of daily living (ADLs) because they are the cornerstone of independent living. This is achieved through practical support and empowering individuals to increase independence and overcome barriers preventing them from doing the occupations (i.e., activities that matter to them).

Occupational therapists can treat various conditions and help patients of all ages regain and maintain the mental and physical health needed to perform daily living tasks.

Occupational therapy can help with:

  • Mental health
    • Depression and anxiety
    • Cognitive disorders
  • Orthopedics
    • Arthritis
    • Hip or Knee Replacements
    • Amputations
  • Upper extremity disorders
    • Carpal tunnel syndrome
    • Dupuytren’s contracture
    • Tendinitis
    • Scar Management
  • Neurological conditions
  • Alzheimer’s and other dementias
  • Traumatic brain injuries
  • Huntington’s Disease
  • Motor Neuron Diseases
  • Multiple Sclerosis
  • Spinal Injury
  • Stroke
  • Parkinson’s Disease
  • Other conditions
    • Burns
    • Feeding, eating, swallowing
    • Low vision
    • Helping in School systems
    • Driving
    • Environment
Can I go to any occupational therapists I choose?

According to "The Patient's Bill of Rights" law, you can decide what occupational therapy clinic you choose for your care.

Although a lot of physicians recommend an occupational therapist they may prefer, you are under no obligation to go to that clinic. No medical practitioner, insurance company, or other entity can insist you see a specific occupational therapist or attend a particular therapy clinic. The choice is yours to make!

Your insurer sometimes requires a doctor's referral. You could see anyone in the network, depending on your insurance.

Do I need a doctor’s referral to receive treatment?

The short answer is no!

Direct Access refers to your legal right to be treated by a physical therapist without a prescription or referral, so if you don't have a prescription for physical therapy, there is nothing to worry about!

All fifty states and the District of Columbia have ruled enabling patients "Direct Access" to physical therapy services and programs. You can contact a physical therapist without a physician's prescription or referral.

Can I go to any physical therapy clinic?

According to “The Patient’s Bill of Rights” law, you can decide what physical therapy clinic you choose for your care.

Although a lot of physicians recommend a physical therapy clinic they may prefer, you are under no obligation to go to that clinic. No medical practitioner, insurance company or other entity can insist you attend a physical therapy clinic. The choice is yours to make!

Your basic patient rights include these:

The right to information about quality: You can look up information about medical practitioners' credentials, statistics regarding hospitals and clinics, and what your health plan covers in easy-to-understand language.

The right to choose a healthcare provider: Besides your primary healthcare provider, this also covers specialists, including physical therapists.

The right to emergency services: You can't be denied treatment in an emergency.

The right to make decisions: It's up to you to decide which course of treatment you want to follow.

The right to respect: You must be treated with respect regardless of sex, age, race, national origin, sexual orientation, or disability.

The right to confidentiality: Your health information is private and cannot be released without your consent.

The right to complain: All providers (insurance, physicians, clinics and hospitals, etc.) must have a grievance procedure.

All fifty states and the District of Columbia have made a ruling enabling patients “Direct Access” to physical therapy services and programs. This means you can contact a physical therapist directly without a physician's prescription or referral.

How can I make an appointment?

Scheduling an appointment at The Smith Clinic For Physical Therapy in Cordova, TN is easier than ever! Our scheduling is easy, and we offer a convenient location and appointment times. We have morning and evening appointments available to meet the demands of your busy schedule. 

Call us today at 901-756-1650 or click here to request an appointment.

How is my progress measured?

Physical therapists primarily measure your impairments and your functional limitations.

Impairments include:

  • Pain
  • Weakness
  • Loss of motion
  • Paresthesias (numbness, tingling, pins, needles, etc.)

Functional limitations include:

  • Lying
    • Sleep
    • Rolling over
    • Getting up out of bed
  • Sitting
    • Moving from standing to sitting
    • Moving from sitting to standing
  • Standing
  • Walking
    • Level ground
    • Stairs
    • Uneven ground
  • Running
  • etc

Tracking your impairments and functional abilities gives physical therapists objective information to compare with initial measurements. In addition, your reports and personal experiences help to validate your improvements and clue your therapist to regressions and/or lack of progress.

The bottom line is that you should notice improvements in how you feel and function throughout therapy. If you are not following an anticipated path of progress, your therapist will reassess the situation or make recommendations for further testing or treatments.

How long is each appointment going to be?

Although every patient is different, the initial session usually lasts 1 hour to an hour and 15 minutes. After that, each session will vary depending on your condition and progress; most often, it will last 45-60 minutes.

Your unique needs will determine the length of time, which our therapist will discuss with you. In addition, the frequency of your weekly appointments will be determined by you and your physical therapist.

It is common for your therapist to want to see you more often in the early stages of your care to assess your progress and confirm your treatment plan. You'll probably see your therapist twice a week initially and then make your appointments more spaced out as you proceed through treatment.

Will my insurance cover the cost of treatment?

We understand that dealing with insurance can be complicated; therefore, The Smith Clinic For Physical Therapy would gladly assist you and answer your questions. It is important to contact your insurance carrier to determine your coverage depending on your specific policy.

Visit our insurance plans page for additional information, and please do not hesitate to contact our Cordova, TN physical therapy office.

For your convenience, we provide a variety of payment alternatives.

What if I do not have insurance?

Our clinic will never turn a patient away for this reason!

If you do not have insurance, that’s okay. For patients who do not have insurance, we offer cash-based options due at the time of service.

Please contact our Cordova, TN clinic and speak to our front desk about costs and setting up payment plans.

What should I do to prepare for my first appointment?

There are a few things we ask all patients to bring with them on their first visit to our office.

  • Please complete our online patient questionnaire, which will be submitted to clinic staff prior to your initial evaluation. If you cannot do this, please allow extra time to fill it out upon arrival.
  • Please arrive at least 15 minutes early to complete any remaining paperwork so that you can maximize your time in your evaluation.
  • Please wear comfortable clothing that allows easy access to your problem areas.
  • If you intend to use insurance, please bring your insurance information (we will make a copy of your card).
  • Please bring any referrals, prescriptions, and test results from your referring physician, Nurse Practitioner, or physician assistant.
  • In case of an automobile accident or worker's compensation claim, bring any case manager or insurance adjuster's contact names, phone numbers, and claim number.

Please have your prescription and insurance card available when you call our office. This will allow us to verify your insurance benefits and provide you with an estimate of coverage.

What office policies should I be aware of?

If you cannot attend your appointment due to illness or another emergency, please notify our clinic at least 24 hours before your scheduled appointment time.

A non-refundable charge of $25 dollars will be applied to any missed appointments that have not been rescheduled at least 24 hours in advance.

Please reschedule your appointment with our front desk if you have been exposed to the COVID-19 virus so that we can maintain a safe, healthy environment for our patients and personnel.

What do physical therapists do?

Physical therapists are movement experts who can improve your quality of life through hands-on care, patient education, and prescribed movement-based exercises.

Physical therapists are dedicated to helping you improve and restore your movement and function, manage pain and reduce the symptoms of many chronic conditions and diseases. Their expertise lies in examining the whole person and designing therapeutic interventions to help you recover from and prevent injury.

Our physical therapists assess and treat many sorts of pain and injuries. Our team consists of movement professionals with the knowledge and experience to identify and treat any musculoskeletal ailment.

We play a crucial role in preventing, reversing, and controlling old and new injuries. We determine the severity of your injuries using objective measurements and tailor your treatment accordingly. Every program is tailored to your specific requirements.

Where can I find a physical therapist?

Our Cordova, TN physical therapy clinic takes pride in providing a positive, encouraging environment with well-trained, friendly staff. We are confident in our ability to assist you in achieving your goals.

You have the right to seek physical therapy at any facility of your choosing. You will receive the highest quality care while achieving the desired results at The Smith Clinic For Physical Therapy.

Can my physical therapist diagnose me?

Your physical therapist will do a thorough evaluation that consists of a detailed history and comprehensive physical examination when you come for your initial session at The Smith Clinic For Physical Therapy. The initial evaluation establishes the severity of your injury or illness and helps establish the source of your symptoms and the factors contributing to your condition.

Physical therapists routinely collaborate with physicians to provide confirmation or potential contradictions to a diagnosis to ensure that your diagnosis is correct and that your treatment plan is appropriate.

Can I choose any physical therapy clinic for treatment?

According to “The Patient’s Bill of Rights” law, you can decide what physical therapy clinic you choose for your care.

Although a lot of physicians recommend a physical therapy clinic they may prefer, you are under no obligation to go to that clinic. No medical practitioner, insurance company, or other entity can insist you attend a physical therapy clinic. The choice is yours to make!

Also, thanks to Direct Access laws, you do not need to wait for a physician to send you to the clinic of your choice.

Direct access means, by law, you have access to physical therapy services, including evaluations and treatments. Every state, the District of Columbia, and the US Virgin Islands allow for evaluation and some form of treatment without a physician referral.

To put it another way, you can choose which clinic you want!

Do I need my doctor to refer me to receive physical therapy treatment?

The short answer is no!

Individuals can go immediately to a physical therapy clinic of their choosing and receive the treatment they need, thanks to Direct Access regulations.

Direct Access allows you to see a physical therapist without needing a prescription or referral from a doctor. Patients in all fifty states and the District of Columbia now have "direct access" to physical therapy treatments and programs.

Will my insurance cover the cost of treatment?

We understand that dealing with insurance can be complicated; therefore, The Smith Clinic For Physical Therapy would gladly assist you and answer your questions. It is important to contact your insurance carrier to determine your coverage depending on your specific policy.

For more information, please see our insurance page, and do not hesitate to contact our Cordova, TN physical therapy clinic with your questions. We provide a range of payment options for your convenience.

I do not have insurance. Can I still receive physical therapy?

We offer cash-based options for patients who do not have insurance, which must be paid at the time of service. Please get in touch with our Cordova, TN clinic and inquire about rates and payment options with our front desk.

Our clinic will never turn a patient away!

How can I pay for each session?

We recommend you contact your insurance carrier to determine your coverage, copayments/coinsurance, and overall plan to be sure you understand your requirements.

Our staff will assess your insurance benefits and notify you of your payments at each visit.

We accept the following methods of payment:

  • Cash
  • Check
  • Debit card
  • Credit card 

We also offer payment options depending on the individual’s circumstance and can provide more information upon request.

Our policy is to collect money at the time of service.

How can I schedule an appointment?

Scheduling an appointment at The Smith Clinic For Physical Therapy in Cordova, TN has never been easier or more convenient.

We have morning and afternoon appointments available to meet the demands of your busy schedule.

Our scheduling is easy, and we offer a convenient location and appointment times. Call us today at 901-756-1650 or click here to request an appointment.