FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Why Physical Therapy?
Physical therapy is a cost-effective method for both treating and preventing injury, and it can resolve your concerns without requiring surgery or other invasive procedures. Early physical therapy intervention can result in a faster recovery and reduces time away from the activities you love.
How to Choose a Physical Therapist?
Ask the clinic…
If your therapist is experienced with the area of your injury or concern. Level of experience and specialization can make a significant difference in your rehab outcome. At A Step Ahead Physical Therapy, we have therapists with variety of specializations and extensive experience.
Ask the clinic…
If you will be treated by the same therapist for each visit. Continuity of care can be very important to assess your progress and advance you toward your goals. At A Step Ahead Physical Therapy, you will be assigned to one therapist who will follow your treatment plan to its completion.
Ask the clinic…
How much time you will spend with your therapist one-on-one. Many clinics are set up so that each therapist may have two to four patients in the clinic at the same time. This can take away from the personalized, one-on-one care that you deserve. At A Step Ahead Physical Therapy, you get one-on-one attention in which your therapist is dedicated to your treatment for the entire visit.
Ask the clinic…
If your physical therapist is licensed in the state of Georgia. If you are receiving physical therapy from a physical therapist assistant (PTA), be sure that he or she is supervised by a licensed physical therapist and that you were given a full evaluation by the physical therapist prior to being treated by the PTA. At A Step Ahead Physical Therapy, all therapists are licensed in the state of Georgia.
Why Choose A Step Ahead Physical Therapy?
A Step Ahead Physical Therapy is a step ahead of other physical therapy clinics. At A Step Ahead Physical Therapy, we spend quality time with our patients. During each one-hour session, you will meet with the same therapist who will provide one-on-one, personalized attention to address your individual needs. Whether you choose to come to our office conveniently located in Roswell or take advantage of our concierge mobile service, you can rest assured you’re receiving the best therapy.
What do Physical Therapists do?
Physical therapists provide services to develop, maintain and restore maximum movement and functional ability throughout the lifespan. This includes providing services in circumstances where movement and function are threatened by aging, injury, pain, diseases, disorders, conditions or environmental factors. Functional movement is central to what it means to be healthy.
What should I expect at my first appointment?
At your first visit, your physical therapist will perform an examination to identify problem areas. Your physical therapist will design a treatment plan based on the results of your examination and your specific goals. You should expect to have your concerns heard and your personal goals incorporated into your overall treatment plan. You will likely be provided with instructions to perform exercises at home to facilitate your recovery. You should feel comfortable asking your physical therapist any questions regarding your course of care.
What should I wear?
It’s important that you dress in comfortable, modest clothing that does not restrict movement. Additionally, you should be able to provide exposure to the injured and related areas when appropriate.
What should I bring with me?
Please ensure you bring the following to the first visit:
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Completed New Patient Forms
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A list of all medications you are currently taking
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Insurance card(s)
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Picture ID
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Referral or prescription (this is not always required; please call if you have questions)
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A list of all your physicians or healthcare practitioners and their contact information
What is Direct Access?
Direct Access legally allows patients to be evaluated and treated by a physical therapist without the referral of a doctor or other healthcare practitioner*. If you feel you have a problem that may benefit from the skilled services of a physical therapist, you can consult a physical therapist for treatment without first receiving a referral from your medical doctor. However, if you wish to file with insurance, be sure to check your health insurance plan to see if physical therapy services are covered without a physician’s referral.
*Please note that patients with Medicare must have a prescription or referral from a medical doctor to receive physical therapy treatment.
In the state of Georgia, a prescription or referral from a medical doctor is required for dry needling.