Physical Therapy

Physical therapy (PT) helps a person regain strength and movement, especially of the arms and legs, after an illness or injury. The therapy is done by a physical therapist, a person trained in a college program, to help people return to as normal a level of functioning as possible. Physical therapists teach people how to use devices such as crutches, walkers, and grab bars, or how to do special exercises. Physical therapists work closely with physicians, other therapists (occupational and/or speech), and nurses to coordinate care.

When may physical therapy be needed?

A doctor orders PT when you do not have the strength or endurance in your arms or legs to do the things that you were able to do before becoming sick or injured. The goal of therapy is to restore the best possible function of your arms and legs as well as to prevent progressive weakness which could lead to further complications. Conditions in which the doctor would likely order PT include:

• stroke or other types of paralysis
  
• broken bones, especially legs or hips
  
• burns
  
• surgery on bones or joints, such as hip or knee replacement
  
• back problems
  
• general weakness
  
• head injury
  
• injury from car accidents or falls
  
• amputation.
  
  

What does a physical therapist do to help me?

Much of the therapy might be special exercises or massage for certain muscles. The therapist will teach you how to do the exercises or to use equipment for the exercises. In any therapy you will start slowly and build up to what your body can handle.

The therapist may use medical devices, such as a whirlpool or muscle stimulator, to help you get better. Therapy can also be done in a warm water therapy pool. Physical therapists are also teachers. Some of the things they teach include how to walk on crutches, exercises to do before joint surgery, and how to prevent back injuries.

Where do I get physical therapy?

We have a complete physical therapy facility in our office.

What is the Medicare coverage for physical therapy?

If you need physical therapy when you are a patient in the hospital, the therapy is part of the total bill and is therefore covered by Medicare. Medicare pays the hospital a specific rate based on your medical problem. You are responsible for the deductible. Medicare Part B pays for outpatient services, including physical therapy provided at a hospital outpatient clinic or independent clinic. Medicare Part A pays for physical therapy given as part of home health care when it is medically indicated. A doctor must order physical therapy for it to be paid for by Medicare. If you do not have Part A, Medicare Part B will pay for home health care, including physical therapy at home. The doctor and the therapist will determine the therapy schedule and how long to continue it based on your problem and progress. When you are no longer making improvement, Medicare will not continue to pay for therapy.

Written by Carolyn Norrgard, RNC, BA, MEd, and Carol Matheis-Kraft, PhD, RNC, for iMcKesson Clinical Reference Products.
Published by iMcKesson Clinical Reference Products.
Copyright © 1995-2000 iMcKesson LLC. All rights reserved.

Adapted from content provided by iMcKesson, LLC
Review Date: 7/23/2001