Frequently Asked Questions

Physical therapy is a profession dedicated to helping a person maintain, improve, or restore function after disease, injury, impairment, or surgery. For example, physical therapy at Chappell Physical Therapy may help you regain motion and strength after a knee replacement. Physical therapy may also help you work on your balance or may treat a painful back and neck injury after an auto accident.

The ability to maintain an upright posture and to move your arms and legs to perform all sorts of tasks and activities is an important component of your health. Most of us can learn to live with the various medical conditions that we may develop, but only if we are able to continue to perform our jobs, take care of our families and enjoy important occasions with family and friends. All of these activities require the ability to move without difficulty or pain.

Physical therapists are experts in movement and function, but do not confine their talents to only treating people who are unwell. A large part of physical therapy is directed at preventing injury, loss of movement, and even surgery. Physical therapist’s work as consultants in industrial settings to improve the design of the workplace and reduce the risk of workers overusing certain muscles or developing low back pain. They also provide services to athletes at all level to screen for potential problems and institute preventative exercise programs.

In order to help you return to the things you love, a physical therapist may see from one to three times per week in the clinic. Together, you will set goals that are most important to you. Your physical therapist will design a home exercise program that you should perform at home as a supplement to the work that you will do in the clinic. During your therapy sessions, you will get to work one-on-one with your physical therapist team on things like pain reduction, edema reduction, the range of motion, and strength. Everyone’s condition is unique and everyone’s goals are different – you and your physical therapist will decide together how to best meet your needs using a therapy plan that is tailored to you.

At your Initial Evaluation, you and your therapist will discuss your condition in detail. You will have the opportunity to ask questions and play an active part in planning your therapy goals.

More than half of all Americans are suffering from pain. Physical therapists are well equipped to not only treat pain, but it’s source. You may be referred to physical therapy because of a movement dysfunction associated with pain. You may experience difficulty moving part(s) of your body (like bending at the low back or difficulty sleeping on your shoulder, etc), which very likely results in limitations with your daily activities (e.g., difficulty getting out of a chair, an inability to participate in sports, or trouble walking). Physical therapists treat these movement dysfunctions and their associated pains and restore your body’s ability to move in a normal manner.

As a patient, you have the right to receive physical therapy at any place you choose. Our practice is a provider for many different insurance plans. The best thing to do is give us a call and we will attempt to answer all of your questions.

Simply give us a call at (570) 726-0331 or click here to request an appointment.

• Photo ID
• Prescription from MD
• Health Insurance Card
• Worker’s Compensation Claim Information (if applicable)
• Motor Vehicle Accident Claim Information (if applicable)
• Completed the Patient Registration Forms
• You may also bring copies of any x-ray, MRI, or CT reports if you have them

While there can be some element of discomfort and soreness associated with physical therapy, our culture is centered around respecting your pain and listening to your body. There are many techniques that are used to regain motion and strength. Good communication with your therapist will help minimize any discomfort. We want you on your way to quick pain relief and back to normal activities.

Yes, in most cases, physical therapy is covered by your insurance, but the coverage will vary with each plan. Our office will be happy to assist in contacting your insurance company and determining your coverage based on your individual policy.

For patients who do not have insurance, we offer a self-pay plan, with payment due at the time of service.

We accept cash, check, debit card, and credit card. We are happy to discuss payment plan options as well. It is our policy that payment is made at the time of service. Your insurance benefits will typically be determined before your first visit and you will be informed of what, if any, payment is necessary at that time.

The best clothing options for therapy are clothes that you feel comfortable moving in. Please choose clothes that will allow easy access for the therapist to examine your problem area. For example, if you are being seen for your knee, it is best to wear shorts. For a shoulder problem, a tank top is a good choice; and for low back problems, wear a loose-fitting shirt and pants. Athletic shoes are recommended for physical therapy.

Typically, the first session can last up to an hour and 15 minutes. Each session after that may be 45-60+ minutes. The amount of time will be based on your specific needs and your therapist will discuss this with you. You will be re-evaluated on a monthly basis to reassess your progress.

This is highly variable. You may need one visit or you may need months of care. It depends on your diagnosis, the severity of your impairments, your past medical history, etc. Your plan of care and number of visits will be determined during your first visit and explained to you by your therapist.

Physical therapists have years of university-level training in anatomy, physiology, kinesiology (study of joint movement), neurology, and many of the other medical sciences. Our therapists have graduated from accredited therapy programs and are state licensed. Physical therapists and physical therapist assistants are also required additional continuing education every two years. Rest assured, your therapist is well trained to evaluate and treat your condition.

Yes, once you have completed your therapy sessions, your therapist will review your home exercise program. You are also encouraged to joint a local fitness center as physical activity is an important component to staying healthy!