Patient Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to the questions we hear most from new and returning patients.
Click a question to learn more.
01 / 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.
02 / Do I need a referral from my doctor before attending physical therapy?
In the State of New York, you are allowed to be treated by a physical therapist for up to 10 visits or 30 days (whichever comes first) without a referral. The physical therapist must have 3 years of experience to treat you.
03 / What do I need to wear or bring with me?
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 bring any paperwork related to your medical history, including x-rays, ultrasounds, and doctor's notes.
04 / Is there anything I can do before my appointment to prepare?
Yes. Make sure you arrive for your session 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.
05 / How long will my physical therapy sessions last?
Sessions typically last 30-60 minutes depending on your condition and the types of techniques used. Your physical therapist will give you an estimate when you first arrive for your appointment.
06 / 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.
07 / 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 clinic directly for further assistance.
08 / 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.
09 / 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.
10 / How long will it take for me to see results?
Every person's situation is unique, so 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.
11 / 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.
12 / 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.
13 / 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.
14 / Where is the best physical therapy near me in Upper West Side?
Miccass Physical Therapy is located at 246 Columbus Avenue in the heart of the Upper West Side, just steps from Central Park. We're easily accessible by the 1, 2, 3 trains at 72nd Street station and multiple bus lines including M10, M11, and M79. Our clinic serves patients throughout Manhattan, including Upper West Side, Upper East Side, Midtown, and downtown neighborhoods.
15 / Can physical therapy help my lower back pain?
Absolutely. Back pain is one of our specialties, and studies show 80-90% of patients with acute lower back pain improve significantly with physical therapy within 6 weeks. We treat herniated discs, sciatica, muscle strains, spinal stenosis, and chronic back pain using manual therapy, targeted exercises, and pain management techniques.
16 / Can physical therapy help with headaches and neck pain?
Yes, many headaches are caused by neck tension, poor posture (common with desk jobs in Manhattan), and muscle imbalances. We treat cervical spine dysfunction, tension headaches, and neck pain with manual therapy and postural correction.
17 / How soon after surgery should I start physical therapy?
This depends on your specific surgery, but typically within 1-2 weeks for most orthopedic procedures. Early mobilization generally leads to better outcomes and faster recovery.
18 / Do you treat patients after knee replacement, hip replacement, and other major surgeries?
Yes, post-surgical rehabilitation is one of our specialties. We work with patients recovering from joint replacements, ACL reconstruction, rotator cuff repair, and other orthopedic surgeries.
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