October is National Physical Therapy Month -- is physical therapy for you? There are currently millions of adults that undergo some form of physical therapy every year for treatment of diseases and injuries. If you’re undecided about physical therapy, let us answer some frequently asked questions.
Physical therapy is a treatment everyone can benefit from when suffering from a disease or injury or functional loss.
Is a Referral Needed from My Medical Provider to Receive Physical Therapy?
Many patients assume that they need to get a referral to undergo physical therapy; however, this is not always the case. The State of Illinois has Direct Access to physical therapy, which means you can call and make an appointment yourself without a referral. Some insurances may still require a referral, but it can vary depending on what type of insurance you have. Our staff will ensure that you understand what your insurance requires before scheduling an appointment.
Patients who participate will receive a series of interventions designed to help manage disease or improve function after an injury. Those suffering from impaired balance issues, chronic pain, diabetes, lung disease, post heart attack recovery, and women’s health issues like pelvic pain and urinary incontinence may benefit from PT.
While every treatment plan is different, most include specific exercises, treatments, and education to improve the lifestyle and overall physical function of a patient.
The PT team at both Touchette Regional Hospital and Archview Medical Center are committed to helping you return to an active life as quickly as possible through individualized treatment plans. Visit https://touchette.org/services/physical-therapy to learn more about our services or call us at one of our multiple locations to schedule your appointment.