Evolve
Physical Therapy & Sports Center
About Us
Welcome to Evolve Physical Therapy & Sports Center. We offer 18 years of experience in our state-of-the-art facility. Evolve Physical Therapy and Sports Center, P.C. is dedicated to providing a compassionate and personalized approach to each and every patient.
Our mission is to provide exceptional rehabilitation and sports training services in a progressive, compassionate, and fun environment. Empowerment of our clients by performing comprehensive evaluations, incorporating the latest medical knowledge, designing unique programs tailored to your needs, effectively communicating our findings and treatment goals, and giving individual attention during your program are the building blocks of our mission.
"Your most experienced team for Cedar Park, Round Rock, Leander, and Georgetown!"
Visit our Pediatric Clinic at: evolvepediatrictherapy.com
Michael Gayle PT, MA, OCS
Owner & Director of Physical Therapy
Mike is one of three Board Certified Orthopedic Clinical Specialists in Cedar Park, Round Rock and the surrounding area. Less than 3% of the physical therapists in the nation are Board Certified in Orthopedics. What this means to you as a patient is results- Orthopedic Clinical Specialists on average obtain better results, with ~20% fewer physical therapy visits compared to the average staff physical therapist.
Mike grew up as a native Texan, in Houston and Austin. He performed his undergraduate work at UT-Austin and earned his Physical Therapy degree from Texas Tech University. Upon graduation, Mike completed a two-year orthopedic residency program that specializes in medical exercise techniques and manual therapy. He went on to obtain a Master's Degree in Exercise Physiology from the University of Texas, where he did extensive research on the prevention of muscle atrophy. While at UT, he also enjoyed being a teaching assistant for Anatomy classes. Mike has extensive physical therapy experience, in treating patients and managing physical therapy clinics in the Austin area.
In his free time, Mike enjoys everything about Austin. He enjoys running at Town Lake, live music venues, Austin original restuarants, and cheering on the Longhorns. Some of his other hobbies include snowboarding, scuba diving, hiking, running, and reading.
To contact Mike via email: mgayle_evolvept.com
Kerry Hoffpauir PT, MTC, CSCS
Kerry obtained her Physical Therapy degree from Louisiana State University Medical Center and has been practicing physical therapy for 12 years. Her clinical focus has been Outpatient Orthopedics and Manual Therapy. Kerry has completed her manual therapy certification studying under Dr. Stanley Paris through the University of St. Augustine. Manual physical therapy is a hands-on approach to assessment and treatment of physical conditions that affect muscles, fascia, nerves and joints. Manual physical therapy includes specific techniques such as stretching, joint mobilization and myofascial manipulation with the goal of reducing pain and restoring movement and health of injured structures.
Kerry is also certified by the NSCA as a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist. She uses her background in strength training in conjunction with her manual skills to provide a comprehensive approach to patient care.
Kerry also enjoys teaching and travels nationally to teach continuing education to other therapists. She enjoys working with a variety of patients from geriatrics to the elite athlete. Her special interests within physical therapy include integration of core stability into functional movement patterns, spinal injuries in athletes and the throwing and hitting athlete.
Kerry was born and lived most of her life in the Cajun Country of Louisiana. Her hobbies include tennis, cycling, snowboarding, and cooking.
To contact Kerry via email: khoffpauir_evolvept.com
Larry Sulit PT, DPT, CSCS
Larry was born in Houston and grew up in Sugar Land, TX. After completing high school, he moved to Austin to attend the University of Texas and graduated with his Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology. Shortly after, he relocated to Florida to attend Physical Therapy school at The University of Miami, which was ranked #3 in the nation by U.S. News & World Report during his enrollment. He received his DPT (Doctor of Physical Therapy) in May 2005 and moved to New York City. He worked in a private sports clinic and maintained a clientele population of professional/college/high-school athletes as well the typical weekend warrior.
Since returning back to Texas, Larry has continued working in the outpatient/private practice setting and has focused his training in orthopedics and manual therapy. He is currently going through a post-professional fellowship program to specialize in Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapy. Larry believes in treating all his patients with an integrative and comprehensive approach to reach maximum function.
He is also licensed as a:
Larry's hobbies include running Townlake, working out, eating at different restaurants, and supporting Longhorn Athletics!
To contact Larry email:lsulit_evolvept.com
Lauren Krasinski PT
Lauren earned her Bachelor's of Exercise Sports Science as well as her Master's of Science in Physical Therapy at Texas State University. She has completed internships at some of the leading pediatric hospitals in Texas; Children's Medical Center Dallas, Texas Scottish Rite Hospital, and Texas Children's in Houston.
As a pediatric physical therapist Lauren has experience in treating a variety of pediatric conditions, including Developmental Delay, Tortocollis, Down Syndrome, Cerebral Palsy, Spina Bifida, Idiopathic Toe Walking, Autism, Club Foot, and children with orthopedic conditions. During her clinical rotations Lauren worked with Transplant patients, Cancer patients, Amputees, Spinal Cord Injury patients, and babies in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. Lauren has worked with children of all ages in both the clinical and home health settings. Lauren believes that the key to a child's success is engaging the child in activities they enjoy while insuring that the exercises are beneficial.
Lauren was born and raised in Dallas, Texas where she competed in ice skating and track and field events. During her time at Texas State University Lauren competed as a heptathlete on the University track and field team.
Lauren's hobbies include running, water sports, traveling, and gardening.
To contact Lauren via email: lkrasinski_evolvept.com
Debbie M. Fisher MS, OTR, CHT
Debbie received her Master's degree in Occupational Therapy in 1999 from Washington University in St. Louis and has specialized in hand therapy for nearly a decade. In addition to being a Certified Hand Therapist (CHT), she also holds a secondary teaching certificate in biology and psychology from the University of Texas in Austin. She has earned advanced training in ergonomic analysis, Hand Writing Without Tears, Yoga Fitness and adult and pediatric splinting.
Her primary focus as a CHT is on the evaluation and treatment of patients with upper extremity dysfunction. This includes but is not limited to: traumatic injuries (like tendon lacerations), as well as cumulative trauma dysfunction including carpal tunnel, ulna neuropathy, tendonitis, chronic arthritis and other debilitating conditions that may require custom fabrication of adaptive assistive equipment and splinting. In addition to working with upper extremity dysfunctions, Debbie has launched and developed several hand therapy departments. Throughout her career she has worked closely and shadowed many top hand surgeons in Silicon Valley as well as here in the Central Texas Region.
As a recognized expert in the field of hand therapy, she has been a featured cover story for Advance Magazine's special hand therapy issue. As a lecturer, she continues to instruct other CHT's in continuing education classes across the U.S. She is in the process of completing her first book and has recently been invited to be the guest speaker at the 2010 International Federation of Society for Hand Therapy (IFSHT) convention on innovative treatment techniques.
Debbie was born in Austin and raised in Texas, New York, Florida, and the Marshall Islands. In addition to being active mom of two boys, her hobbies include yoga, ballroom & rhythm dancing (salsa, swing, waltz, etc.), running, swimming, and helping her husband as a magician's assistant.
To contact Debbie via email: dfisher_evolvept.com
Daniel Hernandez MA, CCC/SLP
Daniel was born and raised in San Antonio, Texas. He is a state licensed and ASHA certified Speech-Language Pathologist. He holds a Bachelor's Degree in Communications, with a Business Minor, from the University of Texas at San Antonio anda Master's Degree in Communication Disorders from the University of Houston. Daniel has worked in a variety of settings including private practices, public schools, inpatient rehab facilities, and hospitals; treating clients with many different speech, language, swallowing, voice, and cognitive disorders. Additionally, Daniel has worked with many populations, from preschool-age kids to geriatrics. This diversified background has shaped his therapeutic approach. His focus on functional therapy improves carryover to real-life environments and facilitates client progress. Daniel is passionate about his work and aims to provide a stimulating learning environment for all of his clients.
Hobbies/Interests: Martial arts, exercising, reading, bowling, painting, traveling, cooking, watching live music, walking dog "Franklin", and spending time with friends and family.
To contact Daniel via email: dhernandez_evolvept.com
Terika Vu MOT, OTR
Terika was born in Post, TX and grew up in Lubbock, TX. She earned her Masters Degree in Occupational Therapy in 2002 from Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center. While in Lubbock, she worked in a variety of settings which include State school, Hippotherapy, Early Childhood Intervention, Hospital (acute/rehab), Public schools, and skilled nursing facilities. During her experience at the State school, she obtained knowledge in developing sensory programs for a variety of diagnoses which include Autism, Angelmans Syndrome, Downs Syndrome, Developmental Delay, and Fetal Alcohol Syndrome. Additionally, received intense training on development of seating and positioning for custom made wheelchairs.
Terika has worked with children of all ages in a variety of settings . She has attended courses on Autism and Handwriting (Handwriting without tears). Her ultimate goal when working with a child is to determine appropriate activities to better acclimate to the environment for success.
Terikas hobbies include spending time with her husband and 2 kids, traveling, and exploring new restaurants and foods.
Contact Terika via email: tvu_evolvept.com
Services
Evolve Physical Therapy is your premier full-service physical therapy private practice. Our staff is trained to efficiently rehabilitate a variety of conditions. Here is a brief listing of some of the conditions we treat:
Physical Therapy
Cervical
Thoracic
Lumbar
SI Joint
Shoulder
Elbow and Hand
Hip
Knee
Ankle and Foot
Speech Therapy
Speech
Language
Cognitive-Communication
Dysphagia/Swallowing
Occupational/Hand Therapy
Cumulative Trauma Injuries including but not limited to:
We also treat:
Treatment Modalities
Specialized Programs
New Patient Information
If you are a new patient, please download the following form packet, and bring the completed forms with you to your appointment, along with your insurance card and driver's license.
New Patient Forms
Returning Patient Forms
Pediatric Forms
Insurance Plans/Payment Options
Evolve Physical Therapy and Sports Center is an approved provider for the majority of insurance plans and employers in the Cedar Park, Round Rock, and Austin areas. We accept out-of-network patients and can often facilitate coverage for physical therapy services for patients on a case specific basis.
We pre-authorize all physical therapy patients prior to their initial visit to ensure proper coverage and minimize your time involved with dealing with your insurance company directly.
Call us for details regarding your specific insurance plan coverage.
Credit Cards/Debit Cards/Check CardsWe accept Visa, MasterCard, Debit cards and Check cards.
Financial Arrangements
We understand that your co-pays, deductibles, and other health care costs can be a burden. Recovering from you injury while balancing work and family obligations is a difficult process. We offer convenient payment plans that allow you to receive the medical care you need.
Patient Testimonials
Our fan club continues to grow. We appreciate the feedback and comments from all of our patients and physicians.
Please note the comments from patients that have been to our competitors in our area. We understand that it is our responsibility to listen, to care, and to earn your trust with our time with you. We strive to be the best in all of these areas, as well provide great physical therapy services to our community.
"The reason I send my patients to Evolve is you consistently get great results even with my complex patients. I don't have to worry about my patients getting the quality care that they need when I send them to Evolve."
Austin Orthopedic Surgeon
"It's uncommon these days to have patients say how much they love going to physical therapy. Patients comment on how great an experience they had at Evolve. Evolve demonstrates the difference between a great team of people at a great clinic and the average clinic with average physical therapists. You have a great team!"
Cedar Park Family Practice Physician
"The staff was great! I enjoyed the interaction and conversation that helped the time pass while I received help for my recovery."
Melvin Age: 39
"My therapist was very nice and caring and she made me feel very comfortable. She was also very attentive and noticed everything from the days when I was struggling to the times I was making progress. I truly appreciate everything she did for me."
Chanel Age: 37
"I want to convey my thanks appreciation to you and your team who worked with me to help me return to my normal lifestyle... You and your team have given me back the activities I so missed... I truly appreciate all of the time and effort you put into my therapy!"
Delores Age: 75
"The entire staff is courteous, professional, and helpful. I will recommend Evolve to anyone and everyone I know that are in need of therapy."
Cheryl Age: 69
"This has been the best experience my son has had with physical therapy. We have traveled around the country and have been to three other PT's, and this has by far been the best."
JillAge: (Mother of patient age 14)
"My least desirable experience at Evolve was when I had to graduate."
Alice Age: 75
"My therapist was great! She was very friendly and helpful. She pursued me to do my best!"
Cortney Age: 18
"The best part of therapy at Evolve was losing my painful limp through the help I received with my problem. My home exercises were so carefully explained so that I can help myself. Thank you!"
Connie Age: 76
"Evolve has qualified and helpful therapists; a pleasant atmosphere; smiles and concern. I was always being watched and accounted for. A big thanks to all of you!"
Jim Age: 67
"The entire staff at Evolve is very professional and friendly. The facility is great! If we ever need PT, we will only attend Evolve."
Christina Age: 17
"I have used two other physical therapists in the past and Evolve was by far the best and most professional."
Charles Age: 74
"Everyone was so helpful and made me feel important. My therapist gave me the guidance I needed to improve my strength and self-confidence. Thanks so much!"
Sandra Age: 59
"Evolve had caring and conscientious therapists who took the time to explain my problems and treatment."
Edith Age: 60
"The staff was very helpful, patient, kind, and professional."
Rosemary Age: 45
"My care and treatment were excellent and my recovery was good. I feel confident I am stronger now than before therapy."
Ann Age: 67
"The best part of my experience at Evolve was the friendliness of the entire staff!"
Dodie Age: 75
"I made great progress through the excellent people I worked with. You have a great staff!"
Charlie Age: 71
"My therapist was very knowledgeable and told me exactly what was wrong and what needed to be done to repair the injury. Everyone was very personable and likeable."
Mike Age: 45
"My therapist took the time to encourage and support me throughout therapy, and I saw this with other patients also. Her knowledge and skills are wonderful, and I felt so blessed she was my PT. Both of my doctors said her feedback to them was awesome."
Donna Age: 49
"I love the work-out atmosphere and the friendly, courteous staff. I saw results, so it made it easier to go to therapy each time. They were also very willing to adjust my schedule times to meet my work schedule."
David Age: 51
"The staff was knowledgeable, friendly, and very easy to work with."
Mark Age: 46
"The people at Evolve are a highly skilled group who operate as a team."
Dan Age: 55
"Evolve provided a professional, yet easy-going atmosphere."
Bob Age: 55
"I had an excellent therapist at Evolve; she was always pleasant and was the best therapist I've ever had!"
Molly Age: 54
"You all did a great job! Everything you instructed me to do really worked!"
Randy Age: 63
"My therapist spent a lot of one-on-one time with me and did not work with several other people at the same time."
Barbara Age: 71
"The best part of my experience at Evolve was the caring staff and physical results I noticed with therapy. Thank you all!"
Marj Age: 81
"Everyone was so friendly and nice!"
George Age: 79
"My therapist was very knowledgeable and caring. His concern was outstanding! I would use him again without hesitation. He was very good at his job."
Weldon Age: 61
"My favorite experience at Evolve was the courteous staff."
Laverne Age: 48
"Everyone at Evolve was very friendly and helpful."
Kathy Age: 47
"My therapist's knowledge and appreciation for PT were very helpful. The staff and assistants were great and friendly."
Sunny Age: 68
"I loved the friendly atmosphere, and the professional level of the therapy treatments were way beyond my expectations! I loved every minute of my rehab time and hated to see it end."
Jean Age: 64
"The entire experience was great with every aspect meeting my satisfaction. You all helped me get back to being healthy as soon as possible."
Matt Age: 23
"The best part of my experience at Evolve was the effectiveness of the treatment! I was extremely satisfied with the people who were very nice and helpful."
Richard Age: 63
"I appreciated the very friendly staff and my therapist was very knowledgeable. She thoroughly explained what was happening in my shoulder. I have been to several PT facilities, and Evolve's therapy has been the most successful by far!!"
Kay Age: 61
"Evolve has a friendly, comfortable atmosphere."
Wilma Age: 78
"The best part about my experience with therapy was learning how to warm-up and exercise to prevent future injuries."
Joe Age: 40
"Evolve has a relaxed atmosphere and convenient scheduling."
Candi Age: 37
"I got the treatment I needed at Evolve by my therapist who did a very good job."
Alice Age: 72
"Thanks for your help, encouragement, support, and patience. You guys rock!"
Ryan Age: 28
"The staff at Evolve was very courteous, knowledgeable, and friendly. This made going to appointments enjoyable."
Charlene Age: 31
"I improved throughout the course of therapy thanks to the courteous, pleasant, and happy staff. I also received great care!"
Dana (Mother of Amanda)Age: Amanda is 13
"I had a great experience meeting and working with the people at Evolve."
Christine Age: 16
"What a great team! My therapist provided great therapy and got me back on track as quick as my body allowed. I love what you all do for people. Keep up the great work!"
Ray Age: 37
"The individual and team approach was very supportive. I had a great experience, thank you!"
Robert Age: 38
"I enjoyed the one-on-one attention. This is the most professional, hands-on place."
Julie Age: 39
"I appreciate the professional and compassionate care I received. You all gave me back my independence through great exercises and never-ending kindness. I didn't want to stop coming to therapy!"
Barbara Age: 68
"You all are organized, efficient, friendly, and simply the best!" Anonymous "The staff makes you feel comfortable and at-ease while going through the exercise program."
Karen Age: 45
"I felt so cared for and pampered at Evolve. They were always quick to encourage me when I got frustrated and to cheer me on when I accomplished anything no matter how small."
Tyra Age: 57
"I felt very comfortable working with my therapist."
Kelly Age: 40
"My therapist worked with me to help me improve and was genuinely interested in my progress."
Bill Age: 59
"Evolve Physical Therapy has a great staff and personnel."
Sanjeanette Age: 52
"My therapist was a great listener and advisor. Thank you!"
Kathy Age: 52
"Evolve has such a friendly staff who were helpful both with therapy and my insurance questions."
Deborah Age: 51
"The therapist quickly found my problem and solved it. I was treated with such kindness and respect. My entire experience was wonderful!"
"I truly enjoyed meeting and working with the people at Evolve."
"My experience at Evolve was very pleasant. Everyone was very nice and respectful."
Anonymous
Helpful Links
Here are some helpful links:
FAQ
What happens during my first visit?
During your first visit you can expect the following:
Arrive at your appointment with your paperwork completed (you can download it from our website - see new patient link).
1.Your medical history.
2.Your current problems/complaints.
3.Pain intensity, what aggravates and eases
the problem.
4.How this is impacting your daily activities or
your functional limitations.
5.Your goals with physical therapy.
6.Medications, tests, and procedures related
to your health.
1.Palpation - touching around the area of the
pain/problem. This is done to check for the
presence of tenderness, swelling, soft
tissue integrity, tissue temperature,
inflammation, etc.
2.Range of Motion (ROM) - the therapist will
move the joint(s) to check for the quality of
movement and any restrictions.
3.Muscle Testing - the therapist may check
for strength and the quality of the muscle
contraction. Pain and weakness may be
noted. Often the muscle strength is graded.
This is also part of a neurological screening.
4.Neurological Screening - the therapist may
check to see how the nerves are
communicating with the muscles, sensing
touch, pain, vibration, or temperature.
Reflexes may be assessed as well.
5.Special Tests - the therapist may perform
special tests to confirm/rule out the
presence of additional problems.
6.Posture Assessment - the positions of
joints relative to ideal and each other may
be assessed.
The therapist will then formulate a list of problems you are having, and how to treat those problems. A plan is subsequently developed with the patient's input. This includes how many times you should see the therapist per week, how many weeks you will need therapy, home programs, patient education, short-term/long-term goals, and what is expected after discharge from therapy. This plan is created with input from you, your therapist, and your doctor.
What do I need to bring with me?
Make sure you bring your physical therapy referral (provided to you by your doctor) and your payment information. If your insurance is covering the cost of physical therapy, bring your insurance card. If you are covered by Workers' Compensation, bring your claim number and your case manager's contact information. If you are covered by auto insurance or an attorney lien, make sure you bring this information.
How should I dress?
You should wear loose fitting clothing so you can expose the area that we will be evaluating and treating. For example, if you have a knee problem, it is best to wear shorts. For a shoulder problem, a tank top is a good choice, and for low back problems, wear a loose fitting shirt and pants, again so we can perform a thorough examination.
How long with each treatment last?
Treatment sessions typically last 30 to 60 minutes per visit.
How many visits will I need?
This is highly variable. You may need one visit or you may need months of care. It depends on your diagnosis, the severity of your impairments, your past medical history, etc. You will be re-evaluated on a monthly basis and when you see your doctor, we will provide you with a progress report with our recommendations.
Why is physical therapy a good choice?
More than half of all Americans are suffering from pain. Whether it is a recent episode or chronic, an ABC News/Stanford study revealed that pain in America is a serious problem. However, many do not even know that physical therapists are well equipped to not only treat pain but also its source.
Physical therapists are experts at treating movement and neuro-musculoskeletal disorders. Pain often accompanies a movement disorder, and physical therapists can help correct the disorder and relieve the pain.
What do physical therapists do?
You have probably heard of the profession of physical therapy. Maybe you have had a conversation with a friend about how physical therapy helped get rid of his or her back pain, or you might know someone who needed physical therapy after an injury. You might even have been treated by a physical therapist yourself. But have you ever wondered about physical therapists--who they are and what they do? Many people are familiar with physical therapists' work helping patients with orthopedic problems, such as low back pain or knee surgeries, to reduce pain and regain function. Others may be aware of the treatment that physical therapists provide to assist patients recovering from a stroke (e.g., assisting them with recovering use of their limbs and walking again).
The ability to maintain an upright posture and to move your arms and legs to perform all sorts of tasks and activities is an important component of your health. Most of us can learn to live with the various medical conditions that we may develop, but only if we are able to continue at our jobs, take care of our families, and enjoy important occasions with family and friends. All of these activities require the ability to move without difficulty or pain.
Because physical therapists are experts in movement and function, they do not confine their talents to treating people who are ill. A large part of a physical therapist's program is directed at preventing injury, loss of movement, and even surgery. Physical therapists work as consultants in industrial settings to improve the design of the workplace and reduce the risk of workers overusing certain muscles or developing low back pain. They also provide services to athletes at all levels to screen for potential problems and institute preventive exercise programs. With the boom in the golf and fitness industries, a number of physical therapists are engaged in consulting with recreational golfers and fitness clubs to develop workouts that are safe and effective, especially for people who already know that they have a problem with their joints or their backs.
The cornerstones of physical therapy treatment are therapeutic exercise and functional training. In addition to "hands-on" care, physical therapists also educate patients to take care of themselves and to perform certain exercises on their own. Depending on the particular needs of a patient, physical therapists may also "mobilize" a joint (that is, perform certain types of movements at the end of your range of motion) or massage a muscle to promote proper movement and function. Physical therapists also use methods such as ultrasound (which uses high frequency waves to produce heat), hot packs, and ice. Although other kinds of practitioners will offer some of these treatments as "physical therapy," it's important for you to know that physical therapy can only be provided by qualified physical therapists or by physical therapist assistants, who must complete a 2-year education program and who work only under the direction and supervision of physical therapists.
Most forms of physical therapy treatment are covered by your insurance, but the coverage will vary with each plan. Most states do not legally require patients to see their physicians before seeing a physical therapist. Most of the time all you have to do is ask your doctor if physical therapy is right for you.
Reference: APTA
Why are people referred to physical therapy?
You and others may be referred to physical therapy because of a movement dysfunction associated with pain. Your difficulty with moving part(s) of your body (like bending at the low back or difficulty sleeping on your shoulder, etc.) very likely results in limitations with your daily activities (e.g., difficulty getting out of a chair, an inability to play sports, or trouble with walking, etc.). Physical therapists treat these movement dysfunctions and their associated pains and restore your body's ability to move in a normal manner.
Who pays for the treatment?
In most cases, health insurance will cover your treatment. Click on our insurance link above for a summary of insurances we accept and make sure you talk to our receptionist so we can help you clarify your insurance coverage.
Who will see me?
You will be evaluated by one of our licensed and highly trained physical therapists and he/she will also treat you during subsequent visits. Unlike some clinics, where you see someone different each visit, we feel it is very important to develop a one-on-one relationship with you to maintain continuity of care. Since only one physical therapist knows your problems best, he/she is the one that will be working closely with you to speed your recovery.
Why should I choose a private practice physical therapist?
Who is better to see, a PT that works for a physician or a PT that owns a private practice? We leave it up to you to draw your own conclusions but here are some facts. The studies indicate there were more treatments (visits per patient were 39% to 45% higher in physician owned clinics) and the cost was greater for those patients that attended a physician owned physical therapy practice (both gross and net revenue per patient were 30% to 40% higher) (1).
Another study indicated that licensed and non-licensed therapy providers spent less time with each patient in physician owned clinics and physical therapy assistants were substituted for physical therapists. (2)
Another older study concluded that "Therapists who had treated patients through direct access were significantly more likely to believe that direct access had benefited them professionally and benefited their patients than were therapists who had not practiced through direct access."(3)
We believe that we can provide you with the highest quality of care available and do it in a cost-effective manner.(4)
You will work closely with your physical therapist and in most instances, your case will be managed by the same physical therapist from the beginning to the end of your experience with us.
1. Mitchell, J., Scott, E., Physician Ownership of Physical Therapy Services: Effects on Charges, Utilization, Profits, and Service Characteristics, Journal of the American Medical Association, 1992.
2. "Joint Ventures Among Health Care Providers in Florida," State of Florida Health Care Cost Containment Board, 1991.
3. Domholdt E, Durchholz AG. Direct access use by experienced therapists in states with direct access. Phys Ther. 1992 Aug;72(8):569-74.
4. Federal Office of the Inspector General May 1, 2006 - This report calls into question billing processes done by non-physical therapist owned practices.
Is physical therapy painful?
For many patients, one of the primary objectives is pain relief. This is frequently accomplished with hands-on techniques, modalities such as ultrasound, electrical stimulation, and/or heat or cold therapy. Movement often provides pain relief as well. Your physical 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, physical 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 physical 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 used for three reasons typically - to facilitate venous return from a swollen area, to relax a tight muscle, or to relieve pain. Contrary to common thought, massage does not increase circulation.
Are there physical therapists specialists?
Orthopedic Physical Therapy - Probably the most common physical therapy specialist is the orthopedic specialist. These specialists care for post-surgical patients, arthritis, tendinitis/tendinosus, fracture rehabilitation, muscle sprains and strains, neck and back pain, hip and knee problems, shoulder, elbow, and wrist conditions. Some are board certified as Orthopedic Certified Specialists (OCS).
Manual Therapy - Manual therapy is a broad term that describes a variety of hands-on treatment techniques that are applied to movement dysfunctions. Grade five mobilizations, Mulligan mobilizations with movement, Maitland and Kaltenborn techniques, functional technique, neural mobilization, joint mobilization, craniosacral therapy, strain/counter strain, myofascial release, etc. These are some of the more popular manual therapy techniques. Many manual therapists will take continuing education courses, obtain certifications in manual therapy, and will sit for board certification from the American Physical Therapy Association and other organizations. Most physical therapists incorporate manual therapy techniques as a part of a complete treatment plan.
Hand Therapy - Most physical therapists are well trained to treat hand and wrist conditions. Some therapists have taken additional courses and training and have passed a hand therapy certification examination. These therapists are called Certified Hand Therapists (CHTs).
Pediatric Physical Therapy - Pediatric therapists specialize in the rehabilitation of children. They may assist with kids who suffer from cerebral palsy, developmental disorders, neurological disorders, and/or orthopedic problems. A Pediatric Certified Specialist (PCS) is a board certification that some may obtain from the American Physical Therapy Association.
What types of treatment will I receive?
There are dozens of different types of treatment interventions. Here is a list of treatment interventions:
Active Range of Motion (AROM) - the patient lifts or moves a body part through range of motion against gravity. AROM is usually one of the first modalities prescribed for arthritis.
Active Assistive Range of Motion (AAROM) - therapist-assisted active range of motion. This is usually prescribed for gentle stretching or strengthening for a very weak body part.
Stationary Bicycle - with or without resistance. This is usually prescribed for improving the strength and/or range of motion of the back or lower extremities as well as cardiovascular endurance.
Gait or Walking Training - the analysis of walking problems by visually examining the interaction of the low back and the joints of the thighs, legs, and feet during the various stages of walking, including initial contact, loading response, mid stance, terminal stance, pre swing, mid swing, and terminal swing. Many back, thigh, leg, ankle, and foot problems may be caused by or manifest themselves in subtle gait abnormalities.
Isometrics - muscle contraction without joint movement. This is usually prescribed for strengthening without stressing or damaging the joint (e.g., arthritis, or exercises to be performed in a cast, or right after surgery if recommended by the therapist/doctor).
Isotonics- muscle(s) contracting through the ROM with resistance. This is usually prescribed for strengthening.
Soft Tissue Mobilization - therapeutic massage of body tissue performed with the hands. Soft tissue mobilization may be used for muscle relaxation, to decrease swelling, to decrease scar tissue adhesions, and for pain relief.
Mobilization - hands-on therapeutic procedures intended to increase soft tissue or joint mobility. Mobilization is usually prescribed to increase mobility, delaying progressive stiffness, and to relieve pain. There are many types of mobilization techniques including Maitland, Kaltenborn, Isometric Mobilizations, etc.
Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF) - a system of manually resisted exercises performed in diagonal patterns that mimic functional movements. PNF was initially used in developmentally and neurologically impaired patients but now is used in almost every aspect of neuromuscular retraining from athletes in sports facilities to the very weak in hospitals and nursing homes.
