Frequently Asked Questions

» What makes Community Physical Therapy different from other PT offices?
At Community Physical Therapy we love what we do. We are in the business of taking care of people, not just rehabilitating injury. Not only do we practice the science of healing by continually seeking new knowledge, but we have highly developed the art of caring. We understand that the ramifications of being injured reach much further than just having pain. It can often lead to emotional and occasionally financial stress. We do our best to address all aspects of a person’s condition to truly provide care and not just treatment. Hopefully by the conclusion of your experience with us you will feel like a part of our family because we will care for you like our own.
» What is physical therapy?
Physical therapy is the art and science of treating people in an effort to develop, maintain and restore maximum movement and functional ability throughout one’s lifetime. This includes providing services in circumstances where movement and function are threatened by aging, injury or disease. By using a range of manual and physical interventions physical therapists facilitate the body’s own recuperative powers. The goal of all physical therapy treatment is to restore full and pain-free normal function.
» Can physical therapy help me?
Physical therapy can improve or resolve the large majority of pain and injury people face. In the cases of chronic conditions for which there are no cures, physical therapy is effective at diminishing pain, improving strength and mobility, and increasing one’s overall quality of life. Of all the choices you have to address your pain, physical therapy is the least invasive and most natural of your options.
» Will it hurt?
No! We do not practice the “no pain no gain” philosophy for rehabilitation. The notion that physical therapy must be a painful process is a myth. In the great majority of cases effective treatment can be provided with little or no discomfort to the patient. Through our many years of experience and extensive continuing education we at Community Physical Therapy have found numerous gentle and effective techniques to facilitate your recovery.
» Do I need to see a doctor first?
No. New York State allows any person to seek physical therapy for 10 visits or 30 days (whichever comes first) without a referral from a physician. However certain insurers require a referral before they will authorize treatment. Worker’s Compensation and No-Fault do not allow treatment without a doctor’s prescription. If you have any questions regarding your ability to receive physical therapy please call our office for information.
» What can I expect on my first visit?
Upon your arrival you will be asked to fill out a few forms. Please arrive 5-10 minutes early to complete this process. These forms are available for download to complete prior to your arrival. After the paperwork is completed, you will meet with one of our therapists for a comprehensive evaluation. If time permits you will then receive treatment for your condition and be provided with a home exercise program. Please allow 1 to 1 ½ hours for the first visit. Subsequent visits are generally 45 minutes to 1 ½ hours (depending on your condition). To download New Patient forms please click here.
» What should I bring with me on my first day?
At your first visit you will be asked to provide a copy of your insurance information, your doctor’s prescription (if required) and reports from any diagnostic tests you may have received (X-ray, MRI, EMG, CT scan, etc.)
» What should I wear?
Proper attire is essential in order to receive optimum treatment. The clothing you wear or bring should be suitable for exercise and allow access to the body area being treated. Skirts, dresses or tight fitting pants are not advised and will hamper our ability to evaluate and treat you thoroughly.
» What will a treatment be like?
Because no two people and no two conditions are the same, we cannot say exactly what your treatment will consist of until you are evaluated. Generally, visits comprise of a combination of manual or hands-on treatment, therapeutic exercise and modality such as moist heat, ice or electrical stimulation.
» How long will each visit take?
Initial visits tend to run between 1 and 1 ½ hours. Follow-up visits tend to be between 45 minutes and 1 ½ hours. However, these are general time frames and your visits may run a little longer or shorter depending on your treatment plan.
» How many treatments will I need?
This is a difficult question to answer. It varies greatly with diagnosis, the severity of your condition, medical history, general health, and adherence to your home exercise program.
» What will my insurance cover and how much do I have to pay?
There are a multitude of different insurance plans and policies on the market today. What is or is not covered varies greatly depending upon the plan you have. There is no standard for co-pays, deductibles, or number of visits allowed. It is advisable to call your insurance company with any questions you may have regarding your physical therapy coverage. If you require further assistance please call our office and our staff will happily assist you to verify your coverage and navigate the insurance system. We certainly understand how difficult and confusing dealing with insurance companies can be, and it is our goal to make this process as easy on you as possible.
See a list of our commonly accepted insurances.

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