Things you need to know about Outpatient Physical Therapy

 What is outpatient therapy?

 Outpatient therapy is where a patient has access to medical care without being admitted to the hospital. A patient can get this therapy from the comfort of his home. Or can visit the hospital for short intervals. Outpatient physical therapy is best for people who have a mild stroke, injury, extended illness, etc. However, they have to do a couple of visits to the hospital for consultation and scheduling.

These medical care sessions of therapy can last up to 30-60 minutes 5 days a week. In addition, outpatient therapy can reduce surgery symptoms and can even cure the ailment from its roots.

The goal of outpatient physical therapy

The aim behind outpatient physical therapy is to help a patient restore mobility through physical rehabilitation. A series of modalities and techniques help the patient recover. In addition, these treatment procedures educate the patients about how they can avoid the reoccurrence of such a condition thus further reducing the need for surgeries and hospitalisation. 

Patients also learn how dependence on medications can be limited to reap long-term health benefits.

How do you prepare for your first Physical Therapy (PT) Visit?

Physical therapy (PT) can even vary for people who have had PT before as an inpatient. Below are some things you can do to prepare:

 

• Inquire for what documents you need to have with you. Keep your insurance forms, photo ID, doctor referral form, medical records, test results, or other information.
• Prepare a list of questions if you have any.
• Jot down the list of symptoms you experience.
• Mention things related to your health condition like medical histories, referring to medications, surgeries, or injuries.
•  Health care providers who need to know your progress should be included with their names and contact numbers.
• Dress in comfortable clothing to maximize your ability to perform. 
• Have or bring along all your assistive devices or mobility aids such as braces, orthotics, crutches, or walkers. 

What will be your First Physical Therapy Visit be like?

The first PT appointment is all about understanding needs and setting goals for ideal recovery. All that you can expect is listed below:

 

• Your physical therapist will ask you the reason for visiting for PT and enquire about your health.
• You may go through an exam that may include tests to measure your strength, balance, flexibility, coordination, and posture. A Physical therapist may feel (palpate) how your joints and muscles are moving; watch how you walk (gait). Observe you perform other functional activities like sitting on or standing from a chair. In the case of children, he will observe gross motor skills, see if they are playing and moving like other children of their age.
• Learn about your goal you wish to accomplish with this PT.
• Educate you on things related to your condition. Example teaching you exercises for pain relief.
• If your condition requires any special equipment, ask your physical therapist. He will either get it for you or tell you where you can get it.

Outpatient therapy clinic or outpatient physical therapy at home both are beneficial for patients. You have the liberty of doing all your other work while receiving physical therapy side-by-side by sparing 30-60 minutes. If you are seeking a reliable outpatient therapy provider, contact Colusa Medical Center.