Can I Choose My Physical Therapy Facility? Things to Discuss With Your Doctor
Let’s imagine that you’ve just been discharged from the hospital following a hip replacement. Your surgery was only the first step in the recovery process. You’re going to have to temporarily go to a skilled nursing community for rehabilitation in order to learn to walk with your new hip.
But do you have a choice in where you go?
Yes! You do. It’s important to understand all your options and make these known to your health care providers.
We’ll outline a few things to discuss with your doctor about a good skilled nursing facility in Greenville, NC.
Discussing a Skilled Nursing Rehab Facility With Your Doctor
Plan Ahead
Ideally, your conversation with your doctor should begin before your surgery or procedure. Outline the qualities you want in your skilled nursing facility and make these known. Do your research beforehand.
Check With Your Insurance
It’s important that you realize which facilities are covered under your insurance. This will also help you plan ahead for your care after discharge.
Discuss the Location
If you have relatives in the area, you may wish to select a facility that is closer to them, particularly if they plan to visit often.
What Is Physical Therapy?
Physical therapy is the branch of medicine that deals with helping your body regain movement, usually after an accident, injury, surgery or disease. The goal is to help your body return to regular functioning as soon as possible.
Physical therapy can help those who have experienced:
- Sports injuries
- Hip or knee replacement surgery
- Problems with balance
- A stroke
- An amputation
Physical therapists also help patients in rehabilitation learn how to use a walker or cane.
Why is PT (Physical Therapy) Important?
Physical therapy (PT) is important because it helps you get back to your regular routine and to restore function.
Physical therapy is vital to help those who have had joint replacements or strokes learn to walk again and help people eliminate pain. Sometimes, a good physical therapy regimen may keep you from having to have surgery.
What Are the Four Benefits of Physical Therapy?
There are many benefits to physical therapy, but typically they fall into four main categories:
1. Physical Therapy Helps Improve Balance
By assisting patients and helping them regain their balance, they can prevent falls or other accidents. This also helps patients regain mobility.
2. Physical Therapy Assists With Surgical Recovery
Hip and knee replacements are some of the most common and successful surgeries in the United States, with millions being completed each year. After surgery, physical therapy is needed to help patients adjust to their new joint.
Of course, physical therapists don’t just help people with knee and hip replacements. These therapists help patients after any surgery that requires rehabilitation.
3. Physical Therapy Can Help Reduce Pain
Many orthopedic conditions can be helped through physical therapy, where certain exercises can help improve range of motion and reduce the need for pain medications. In many cases, physical therapy can actually serve as an alternative to surgery.
4. Physical Therapy Helps Restore Function
If you’ve had an accident or sports injury, you understand that recovery doesn’t happen overnight. Through exercises and other methods, physical therapists help you regain functioning so you can do activities of everyday living again.
These therapists not only help those who have been injured, but they also assist those who have had a stroke, joint replacement or amputation.
Does Physical Therapy (PT) Really Help?
Yes it does!
Physical therapy is not easy. It’s easy to become exhausted and frustrated. At East Carolina Rehabilitation and Wellness, we understand that. This is why we work closely with you to create a plan tailored especially for you. We’re also with you every step of the way, providing encouragement as well as quality care.
East Carolina Rehabilitation and Wellness: The Leading Rehabilitation Facility in the Greenville, NC Area
Our physical therapy and rehabilitation patients are important members of our community—and that is why our goal is for them to regain their function so they can return home to the ones they love.
Talk to your doctor about selecting East Carolina Rehabilitation and Wellness as your rehabilitation community of choice.
Have questions? Contact us for a virtual tour. We’d love to have a chance to meet you and discuss how we can help you.