FAQ

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What should I expect during physical therapy sessions?

Physical therapy sessions typically involve an assessment of your condition, manual techniques to improve mobility and flexibility, individualized exercises and activities to help you reach your goals, education on how to prevent further injury or pain, and instruction on proper posture, body mechanics and other lifestyle changes.

Do I need a referral from my doctor before attending Physical Therapy?

Delaware does allow direct access to physical therapy services, meaning patients can receive treatment from a physical therapist without a physician’s referral.

What do I need to wear?
You should dress in comfortable, loose clothing that allows you to move easily and doesn’t restrict circulation. Depending on your condition, your physical therapist may also recommend special shoes or a brace. You should also have on hand any paperwork related to your medical history, including x-rays, ultrasounds, and doctor’s notes.
Is there anything I can do before my appointment to prepare?
Yes! Make sure you are well-rested so that you can give it your full attention and energy. It is also helpful if you keep track of how much pain medication (if any) you take prior to the appointment so that the physical therapist can adjust the intensity of treatment accordingly.
How long will my physical therapy sessions last?
Sessions typically last 55-60 minutes depending on your condition and the types of techniques used.
Are there any exercises I can do at home between appointments to help improve my condition?

Yes! Your physical therapist may provide specific exercise recommendations for you to try in between visits, which will help speed up your recovery and progress faster toward reaching your goals. It’s important to follow these carefully and always check with your PT before starting a new exercise program if you have any questions or concerns.

What if I have questions after my physical therapy session?
Your physical therapist should be available to answer any questions or concerns you may have about your treatment plan before and after each visit. You can also contact the office directly for further assistance. We want you to get the most out of every session!
Will insurance cover my physical therapy?

It depends on your insurance plan. Most plans cover some or all of the costs associated with physical therapy, but you should check with your provider to determine coverage and any associated fees.

How often will I need to attend physical therapy sessions?

The frequency of visits will depend on your individual goals and condition, but typically it is recommended that patients attend 2-3 times per week for a minimum of 4-6 weeks in order to maximize results. Your therapist will provide more details during your initial appointment.

How long will it take for me to see results?

Every person’s situation is unique; therefore the amount of time needed to reach goals varies. With commitment and dedication from both you and your physical therapist, you can expect to start seeing results within a few weeks. The more positive lifestyle changes you make, the faster your progress will be!

Will my physical therapist be able to answer any questions I have about my condition?

Yes! Your physical therapist should be available to discuss any concerns or questions you have regarding your condition or treatment plan. Don’t hesitate to bring up any issues that may arise during the course of therapy.

What if I feel too much pain during a session?

If at any time during your physical therapy session you experience increased pain, it’s important to let your therapist know so they can adjust the intensity or technique as necessary. Your therapist will work with you to make sure that treatment is comfortable and effective for you.

How will I know when I no longer need physical therapy?

Your physical therapist should be able to provide guidance on when it is appropriate to stop attending physical therapy sessions based on your progress, goals, and overall health status. It’s important to listen to your therapist and continue with treatment until they feel you are ready to move on.

How would you describe Aging in Place Specialist as a healthcare practice?
We empower our older adult community to live a long, healthy, independent life. We treat people, not just conditions. AIPS is a family type culture and work place. Every member of the team is in it for the right reasons. We genuinely care about our community.
What makes your practice’s approach to physical therapy unique compared to others in your area?

We work 1:1 with every patient in the privacy and relevancy of their own home. We also specialize in the care of older adults.

What emotions or feelings do you want patients to experience when they first visit your website?
We want patients to feel like they have found the best fit for the care they need. People love that we come to their home and are impressed with the level of experience and dedication our team has. We want people to feel prioritized and cared for from the moment they contact us through the entirety of their therapy care.
What are the key things your patients often say about your practice that you’d want new patients to know?
You are never too advanced in age to make vast improvements in your strength and mobility. Before any improvement is made, however, you must first have hope that things can change- we are essentially hope-givers. We then evaluate you and come up with a plan to help you reach your goals. We give you our undivided attention and care greatly about your well-being and progress. You will also have the tools you need to continue on your own post-discharge or choose to join our wellness program for extra support. I think our patients would say that we are there for them every step of the way!
What do you believe patients should understand about their recovery journey with you before they even book an appointment?

We take our time at the first visit to fully evaluate what is going on and what is important to the patient to get back to doing/ feeling. We develop a plan of care around these goals and make sure they know what to do at each step. They can expect to work with the same therapist the entire time and that they will have that 1:1 attention with their PT. The PT’s on our team are highly experienced and pride themselves on treating holistically.

How does your practice personalize care to each patient’s needs, and why is this important for their recovery?

Our patients never have to share their recovery time with any other patient during their session. They will have their own designated therapist who they work with and no one else. The continuity of care improves outcomes and patient satisfaction. The therapist gets to know the patient and their home environment so that each visit is optimized, personalized, comprehensive, and effective.

Why should a new patient trust your practice for their therapy needs? What makes you stand out from others?
We think our reviews speak volumes about why we stand out as a PT/OT practice. Also, we specialize in older adult care, we work 1:1 with our patients, we provide consistency by keeping our patients with the same PT each visit, we offer treatment in your home or out in the community where your needs are, and we keep clear and timely communication with your primary physician or healthcare provider team. Ultimately, we are the number 1 choice for specialized older adult PT/OT in Sussex County, Delaware.
What success stories or patient testimonials best represent how your practice helps people get better and live pain-free?
There are several stories and testimonials we receive from our patients. One story we can share is about a woman who had not been able to get up and down off the floor for 7 years due to back pain and muscle weakness. After a couple of months of therapy, she was able to achieve this goal and play with her young grandkids again. Stories like this inspire us all to work hard together to improve the quality of life of our patients. There is nothing more fulfilling than that!