PHYSICAL THERAPY SERVICES

Those who have never tried Maryland Physical Therapy before may ask about our services at AmeriWell Clinics. Patients are often curious about whether physical therapy could truly help their symptoms, injury, or illness. We understand that your health is a top priority, and you can trust that it is ours as well. When it comes to physical therapy, trained professionals from our clinic can evaluate, identify, and treat abnormal physical function so that you can live the most optimal life possible.

Washinton, DC and Maryland physical therapy includes services that develop, maintain and restore people’s maximum movement and functional ability. They can help people at any stage of life, when movement and function are threatened by aging, injury, diseases, disorders, conditions or environmental factors.

What should I anticipate a physical therapy session being like?

A physical therapist from AmeriWell Clinics can help patients in various phases of their healing process, anywhere from the initial diagnosis to prevention after recovery. Maryland Physical Therapy may be used as a sole method of care, or it may be used in combination with chiropractic treatments. During a session with a physical therapist, patients can reasonably expect to:

• Have the physical therapist perform an examination of the areas of concern, in addition to the spinal column.
• Be asked about their health history and what they have tried thus far to alleviate their symptoms (this can help the physical therapist create a proper treatment plan for you). 
• Receive a Maryland Physical Therapy treatment.
• Learn about exercises and stretches that can help you. 
• Receive recommendations for self-management at home. 

What conditions can be treated with physical therapy? 

Physical therapists often have extensive knowledge in many medical conditions. Each patient is different, and while several patients may have the same condition, it doesn’t necessarily mean they will receive the same care plan. Every person is treated as a unique individual with their own needs. Examples of conditions that your physical therapist at AmeriWell Clinics may be able to help with include:

• Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
• Cardiopulmonary Conditions (e.g. Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, Post-Myocardial Infarction, or Cystic Fibrosis)
• Musculoskeletal Issues, such as rotator cuff tears, back pain, or Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMJ)
• Cerebral Palsy
• Muscular Dystrophy
• Concussions or other head injuries
• Tennis Elbow
• Urinary Incontinence
• Lymphedema
• Burns
• Wound Care
• Diabetic Ulcers

Even if your condition isn’t on this list, we encourage you to speak with a physical therapist from AmeriWell about whether we can be of help to you. After receiving Maryland Physical Therapy from AmeriWell Clinics, it isn’t uncommon for patients to benefit in the following ways:

• Avoiding undergoing surgery
• Pain management with a reduced need for opioids or other addictive medications
• Enhanced mobility, flexibility, and movement
• Recovery from paralysis or a stroke
• Strengthened balance
• Being able to manage age-related medical issues better
• Recovery from trauma or injury

MANUAL THERAPY is the application of hands-on techniques designed to relieve pain, reduce muscle tightness/spasm, and improve range of motion.

WHAT ARE THE TECHNIQUES?

Joint mobilizations: gentle stretching of the ligamentous structures of the joints. Soft tissue mobilizations: utilized for the purpose of decreasing muscle tightness and spasm (to include: massage, myofascial release, and trigger point release). Passive stretching: gentle stretching of muscles to increase flexibility and range of motion.

THERAPEUTIC EXERCISE

Therapeutic exercise is the systematic performance or execution of planned physical movements or activities intended to enable the patient or client to remediate or prevent impairments of body functions and structures, enhance activities and participation, reduce risk, optimize overall health, and enhance fitness and well-being.

NEUROMUSCULAR RE-EDUCATION

The use of therapeutic techniques for the purpose of improving impaired movement, balance, coordination, decreased kinesthetic sense, and impaired proprioception.

PHYSICAL THERAPY MODALITIES

Moist Heat and Hot Packs Decreases pain, tightness and muscle spasm by increasing blood flow, relaxing muscle fibers and turning on pain inhibiting mechanisms. Cold

Packs and Ice Packs Reduces pain, swelling and inflammation by causing vasoconstriction and affecting nerve conduction velocities.

Ultrasound Production of ultrasonic sound waves that penetrate the skin to reduce pain and inflammation, produce a deep heating effect and assist the healing process.

Electrical Muscle Stimulation Application of a gentle electrical current designed to stimulate muscles and nerves. Can assist with muscle strengthening or re-education in addition to decreasing pain, swelling and muscle spasm.

Mechanical Traction Application of a “pulling force” to the spine that results in decompression of the vertebrae that make up the spine. Designed to decrease pain and improve mobility.

If you are ready to take control of your health, then please contact us to speak with a friendly front desk representative about your care options. Trust us when we say we are just as happy as you to see your health improve after each and every treatment session. Contact AmeriWell Clinics to reserve your consultation with a team member about Maryland Physical Therapy! 

Physical Therapy FAQs

If you have been told that you could benefit from physical therapy services but you’re not sure what to expect, that’s understandable. Physical therapy services are often mentioned in American popular culture but are rarely discussed or explained in great detail. As a result, many people are under the impression that physical therapy is simply “something to do with exercise” and that people often take advantage of these services after undergoing surgery.

At Ameriwell Clinics, we tailor each patient’s experience to meet their individual needs. As a result, we don’t employ a “one size fits all” approach to the physical therapy process. Therefore, you can absolutely feel free to browse answers to some of our clients’ most frequently asked questions below to get a feel for what physical therapy is, what its benefits are, and whether scheduling an initial session may be a good option for you. Just know that we’ll be able to provide more personalized answers to these questions when you visit our facilities.

What Is Physical Therapy?

Both physical therapy and occupational therapy involve utilizing various techniques to assist patients with movement-based challenges and goals. Whereas occupational therapy generally involves assisting patients who need help with living more independently (often due to advancing age, post-surgery challenges, and traumatic brain injury impacts), physical therapy can benefit virtually anyone.  

Who Benefits from Physical Therapy?

From toddlers to older adults, those who live sedentary lives to elite athletes, individuals struggling with health challenges to those in peak physical condition, physical therapy can benefit practically everybody.

Those who are well often utilize physical therapy services – often referred to simply as “PT” – in order to maximize their physical performance and to safeguard against injury. Also, individuals experiencing physical challenges due to chronic conditions, acute injury, advancing age, pregnancy, and a host of other influences often use physical therapy sessions to minimize pain, improve range of motion, prevent further damage to the body, etc.

Is Anyone Not a Good Candidate for Physical Therapy?

There are a few instances under which physical therapy isn’t a great option at a specific moment in time. For example, if you’ve been placed on complete bedrest for the remainder of your pregnancy, you may need to speak with your care team about alternative ways to minimize pain and discomfort. Physical therapy services can help you once you’ve been cleared by your medical team to move around again but if you’ve been told to avoid moving for a period of time, it’s important to heed that advice.

Is Physical Therapy Covered by Insurance?

Physical therapy services are often covered by insurance. Some insurance providers require patients to obtain a referral before they will cover physical therapy services. Others will only cover these services to an extent or under certain circumstances. Don’t hesitate to connect with your insurance provider to inquire about your coverage before committing to a physical therapy treatment plan. You can additionally connect with the administrative staff at Ameriwell Clinics for more information about the kinds of insurance coverage that our team accepts.

Will I Need to Attend Multiple Sessions?

Each of our patients is treated according to their unique physical therapy treatment plan. Most patients benefit from multiple sessions but some only need guidance on a single occasion to reach their goals.