Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Propel Physical Therapy is a locally owned and operated clinic. Owner and founder, Vince Frisillo, lives in town and cares deeply about the communities he serves.

Being that Propel is privately owned, we pride ourselves on our personal touch; we are not just another cog in the wheel, corporate extension, or satellite to a bigger national group.

Additionally, our way of care combines in person, one on one care with an extensive knowledge of movement disorders to get you back to your prior level of function.

No, you do not need a prescription or physician’s referral to come to physical therapy in Oklahoma. Oklahoma is a direct access state, which means that you can see a physical therapist without a referral from your doctor.

However, there are some exceptions to this rule. For example, if you are seeking physical therapy for a work-related injury, you may need a referral from your employer’s workers’ compensation insurance company. Additionally, some insurance companies may require a referral from your doctor before they will cover the cost of physical therapy.

If you are unsure whether or not you need a referral to see a physical therapist, it is always best to check with your insurance company or your physical therapist’s office.

Here are some of the benefits of direct access to physical therapy:

• It can help you get started with physical therapy sooner. If you have to wait for a referral from your doctor, it can take several weeks or even months to get started with physical therapy. With direct access, you can start physical therapy as soon as you decide that it is right for you.
• It gives you more control over your healthcare. With direct access, you can choose the physical therapist that you want to see, without having to worry about whether or not your doctor will approve the referral.
• It can save you money. Some insurance companies may require a copay or coinsurance for physical therapy, but this is often less than the cost of a doctor’s visit.

Yes! You have the right to choose wherever you want to go for physical therapy. All you have to do is let your physician know where you want to go.

Your first visit to an outpatient physical therapist will typically involve the following:

• Intake: The physical therapist will ask you about your medical history, your current symptoms, and your goals for physical therapy. They will also ask you about your activity level and your lifestyle.
• Evaluation: The physical therapist will assess your range of motion, strength, and flexibility. They will also assess your gait and your ability to perform functional activities.
• Diagnosis: The physical therapist will use the information from the intake and the evaluation to diagnose your condition. They will also determine your prognosis, which is their assessment of how likely you are to recover from your condition.
• Treatment plan: The physical therapist will develop a treatment plan for you. This plan will include specific exercises, stretches, and other interventions that are designed to help you improve your range of motion, strength, flexibility, and functional ability.
• Home exercise program: The physical therapist will also give you a home exercise program. This program will include exercises that you can do at home to help you continue your progress between physical therapy sessions.

Your first visit to outpatient physical therapy may also include some hands-on treatment, such as manual therapy or electrical stimulation. However, the main focus of your first visit will be to gather information and develop a treatment plan.

Here are some things you can do to prepare for your first visit to outpatient physical therapy:

• Bring your medical records. This will help the physical therapist get a better understanding of your medical history.
• Write down your questions. This will help you make the most of your time with the physical therapist.
• Dress in comfortable clothing. You will be doing some exercises during your visit, so you will want to be comfortable.
• Be patient. It takes time to develop a treatment plan, so don’t expect to leave your first visit with a complete plan.

The duration of outpatient physical therapy can vary depending on the individual’s condition and goals. However, most people attend physical therapy for 4-6 weeks. In some cases, physical therapy may last for longer, such as if the individual has a chronic condition or if they are making slow progress.

Here are some factors that can affect the duration of outpatient physical therapy:

• The severity of the injury or condition. More severe injuries or conditions will typically require longer periods of physical therapy.
• The individual’s overall health. People who are healthy and active may be able to progress through physical therapy more quickly than people who are less active or who have other health conditions.
• The individual’s goals. If the individual’s goal is to return to their pre-injury level of function, they may need to attend physical therapy for longer than someone who is simply looking to improve their range of motion or reduce pain.

During physical therapy, the physical therapist will assess the individual’s progress and make recommendations about how long they should continue with treatment. If the individual is making good progress, they may be able to reduce the frequency of their sessions or even discontinue physical therapy altogether. However, if the individual is not making good progress, they may need to continue with physical therapy for a longer period of time.

It is important to remember that physical therapy is a process and that it takes time to see results. If you are patient and persistent, you will likely see improvement in your condition.

Here are some tips to help you get the most out of outpatient physical therapy:

• Be an active participant in your care. The more you participate in your physical therapy, the better your results will be.
• Follow your physical therapist’s instructions. This includes doing your exercises at home and following their advice about activity and rest.
• Communicate with your physical therapist. If you are having any pain or discomfort, be sure to let your physical therapist know.
• Be patient. It takes time to see results from physical therapy. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t see improvement immediately.

Propel Physical Therapy can help people with a variety of conditions, including:

• Neck pain: Neck pain is a common condition that can be caused by a variety of factors, such as poor posture, muscle strain, or injury. Physical therapy can help to improve range of motion, strength, and flexibility in the neck, which can help to relieve pain and improve function.
• Back pain: Back pain is another common condition that can be caused by a variety of factors, such as poor posture, muscle strain, or injury. Physical therapy can help to improve range of motion, strength, and flexibility in the back, which can help to relieve pain and improve function.
• Hip pain: Hip pain can be caused by a variety of factors, such as arthritis, injury, or overuse. Physical therapy can help to improve range of motion, strength, and flexibility in the hip, which can help to relieve pain and improve function.
• Knee pain: Knee pain can be caused by a variety of factors, such as arthritis, injury, or overuse. Physical therapy can help to improve range of motion, strength, and flexibility in the knee, which can help to relieve pain and improve function.
• Frozen shoulders: Frozen shoulder is a condition that causes the shoulder joint to become stiff and painful. Physical therapy can help to improve range of motion and reduce pain in the shoulder.
• General joint stiffness: General joint stiffness can be caused by a variety of factors, such as arthritis, injury, or overuse. Physical therapy can help to improve range of motion and reduce pain in the joints.
• History of falling: If you have a history of falling, physical therapy can help you to improve your balance and coordination, which can help to reduce your risk of future falls.
• Gait deficits: Gait deficits are problems with your walking pattern. Physical therapy can help you to improve your gait, which can make walking easier and safer.
• Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV): BPPV is a condition that causes dizziness and vertigo. Physical therapy can help to relieve the symptoms of BPPV.
• Knee, hip, shoulder replacement: If you have had a knee, hip, or shoulder replacement, physical therapy can help you to recover from surgery and improve your function.
• Bulging discs: Bulging discs are a common condition that can cause pain in the back or neck. Physical therapy can help to reduce pain and improve function in people with bulging discs.
• Spondylosis: Spondylosis is a condition that causes the bones in the spine to become misaligned. Physical therapy can help to reduce pain and improve function in people with spondylosis.
• Spondylolisthesis: Spondylolisthesis is a condition that causes one vertebra to slip forward over another vertebra. Physical therapy can help to reduce pain and improve function in people with spondylolisthesis.
• Core weakness: Core weakness can contribute to a variety of problems, such as back pain, hip pain, and knee pain. Physical therapy can help to improve core strength, which can help to reduce pain and improve function.
• Postural syndromes: Postural syndromes are problems with your posture. Physical therapy can help you to improve your posture, which can help to reduce pain and improve function.
• Sprains and strains: Sprains and strains are injuries to the ligaments and tendons. Physical therapy can help to reduce pain and improve function in people with sprains and strains.

Your care starts with a thorough evaluation.

Our specialists will conduct an intensive examination and assessment of your condition to develop a personalized treatment plan that is tailored to your individual needs. We will then provide you with a clear, easy-to-understand explanation of how we can help you manage your pain.

Our Treatment Plan May Include:

• Manual therapy (hands-on treatment) to improve joint mobility and decrease muscle tightness
• Functional Dry Needling to release trigger points and improve muscle function
• Electrical stimulation (estim) to reduce pain and improve muscle activation
• Hot and cold packs to reduce inflammation and pain
• A customized therapeutic exercise program focused on decreasing back pain, improving overall mobility, and core stabilization
• Thorough patient education so you understand the whys and whats of your condition and can be proactive in your treatment

We Use Current Best Evidence, Our Extensive Clinical Experience, and Your Treatment Goals to Ensure the Best Outcome for Your Spine Rehabilitation Program.

Physical therapy can help treat an arthritic joint in a number of ways, including:

• Improving range of motion. Arthritis can cause the joints to become stiff and painful, making it difficult to move. Physical therapy can help to improve range of motion by stretching and strengthening the muscles around the joint.
• Strengthening the muscles around the joint. Strong muscles help to support the joint and reduce pain. Physical therapy can help to strengthen the muscles around the joint by using a variety of exercises.
• Reducing pain. Physical therapy can help to reduce pain in an arthritic joint by using a variety of techniques, such as heat, ice, massage, and electrical stimulation.
• Educating the patient on how to manage their condition. Physical therapists can teach patients how to manage their arthritis by making lifestyle changes, such as losing weight, exercising regularly, and using assistive devices.

In addition to these specific benefits, physical therapy can also help to improve overall quality of life for people with arthritis. Physical therapy can help people to maintain their independence and participate in activities that they enjoy.

If you are considering physical therapy for arthritis, it is important to talk to your doctor first. Your doctor can help you determine if physical therapy is right for you and can refer you to a qualified physical therapist.

Here are some specific exercises that a physical therapist might recommend for an arthritic joint:

• Range of motion exercises. These exercises are designed to help improve the flexibility of the joint. They are usually done slowly and gently to avoid pain.
• Strengthening exercises. These exercises are designed to help strengthen the muscles around the joint. They are usually done with light weights or resistance bands.
• Functional exercises. These exercises are designed to help you perform activities of daily living, such as walking, getting in and out of a chair, and climbing stairs.

The cost of physical therapy can vary depending on a number of factors, including the location of the clinic, the type of insurance you have, and the severity of your condition.

• The cost of physical therapy with insurance varies depending on your plan. Some plans will cover the entire cost of physical therapy, while others will require you to pay a copay or coinsurance.
• You may also have to meet your deductible before your insurance will start paying for physical therapy.
• There are self-pay options if you don’t have insurance. Please call the office to discuss cost per treatment.

To help you better navigate the maze of health insurance, reimbursement, and patient benefits, please give us a call! The Propel Promise includes helping you with these insurance checks and delivering a clear good faith cost estimate.