WHAT HAPPENS DURING MY FIRST VISIT?

The physiotherapist will  formulate a list of problems you are having, and how to treat those problems. A plan is subsequently developed with the patient's input. This includes how many times you should see the therapist per week, how many weeks you will need therapy, home programs, patient education, short-term/long-term goals, and what is expected after discharge from therapy. This plan is created with input from you, your therapist, and your doctor.

 

WHAT DO I NEED TO BRING WITH ME?

Make sure you bring your physical therapy referral (provided to you by your doctor) and your payment information. If your insurance is covering the cost of physical therapy, bring your insurance card.

 

HOW SHOULD I DRESS?

You should wear loose fitting clothing so you can expose the area that we will be evaluating and treating. For example, if you have a knee problem, 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, again so we can perform a thorough examination.

 

HOW LONG WILL EACH TREATMENT LAST?

Our evaluations are from 45-60 minutes and then subsequent visits are usually 30-45 minutes.

 

HOW MANY VISITS WILL I NEED?

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. You will be re-evaluated on a monthly basis and when you see your doctor, we will provide you with a progress report with our recommendations.

 

WHY IS PHYSICAL THERAPY A GOOD CHOICE?

Physical therapists are experts at treating movement and neuro-musculoskeletal disorders. Pain often accompanies a movement disorder, and physical therapists can help correct the disorder and relieve the pain.

 

WHAT DO PHYSICAL THERAPISTS DO?

The cornerstones of physical therapy treatment are therapeutic exercise and functional training. In addition to "hands-on" care, physical therapists also educate patients to take care of themselves and to perform certain exercises on their own. Depending on the particular needs of a patient, physical therapists may also "mobilize" a joint (that is, perform certain types of movements at the end of your range of motion) or massage a muscle to promote proper movement and function. Physical therapists also use methods such as ultrasound (which uses high frequency waves to produce heat), hot packs, and ice. Although other kinds of practitioners will offer some of these treatments as "physical therapy," it's important for you to know that physical therapy can only be provided by qualified physical therapists 

 

WHY ARE PEOPLE REFERRED TO PHYSICAL THERAPY?

You and others may be referred to physical therapy because of a movement dysfunction associated with pain. Your difficulty with moving part(s) of your body (like bending at the low back or difficulty sleeping on your shoulder, etc.) very likely results in limitations with your daily activities (e.g., difficulty getting out of a chair, an inability to play sports, or trouble with walking, etc.). Physical therapists treat these movement dysfunctions and their associated pains and restore your body's ability to move in a normal manner.

 

WHAT TYPES OF TREATMENTS WILL I RECEIVE?

Depending on the problem the physiotherapist may choose to treat a patient with electrical modalities like ultrasound, Laser, Electrical stimulation, manual therapy , exercise therapy, postural re-education , body ergonomics, amonst others

 

WILL I GET A MASSAGE AT PHYSICAL THERAPY?

Massage may be part of your treatment. Rehabilitation specialists are trained in a variety of techniques that may help with your recovery. Deep tissue techniques may be part of the rehabilitative process. Massage is used for three reasons typically - to facilitate venous return from a swollen area, to relax a tight muscle, or to relieve pain. Contrary to common thought, massage does not increase circulation.

 

WHAT HAPPENS IF MY PROBLEM OR PAIN RETURNS?

Flare ups are not uncommon. If you have a flare up (exacerbation), give us a call. We may suggest you come back to see us, return to your doctor, or simply modify your daily activities or exercise routine.

 

IS MY THERAPIST LICENSED?

Yes, physical therapists are licensed in the Sultanate of Oman. 

 

 

WHAT WILL I HAVE TO DO AFTER PHYSICAL THERAPY?

Some patients will need to continue with home exercises. Some may choose to continue with a gym exercise program. Others will complete their rehabilitation and return to normal daily activities. It is important that you communicate your goals to your therapist, so he/she can develop a custom program for you.