What is Physical Therapy (PT)?
Physical Therapy is a health and rehabilitation profession that uses a variety of techniques to restore, maintain and promote the best possible physical function. Physical therapists can help prevent/treat the onset and progression of various neuromusculoskeletal related problems.
What is Occupational Therapy (OT)?
Occupational therapy is a health and rehabilitation profession as well. Occupational therapists work with people of all ages who need specialized assistance to lead independent, productive and satisfying lives due to physical, developmental or emotional problems.
Do I need a referral?
A referral from a physician is not required in the state of Iowa to receive physical therapy treatment or evaluation. You should call your insurance company because some insurance companies may require a referral before payment is approved. In addition, Medicare requires a referral after the initial visit to continue with physical therapy services.
What should I expect on my first visit?
You will want to arrive 5-10 minutes early for your first appointment to fill out simple forms. This includes a medical history form and consent form. Bring along a prescription for therapy, if you have one. Plan for an hour appointment. The physical therapist will conduct a complete evaluation of your problem and then decide whether additional therapy is needed.
What insurance do you take?
Eastern Iowa Physical Therapy is contracted with all major insurance networks and we most likely accept your insurance. If you have any questions please call EIPT at 563.732.4317.
What should I wear?
For the first physical therapy visit it is important to wear (or bring) clothing that will allow us to evaluate your injury. For example, if you have a knee injury please bring shorts, if you have a shoulder injury please bring a T-shirt/tank top. If your therapy requires exercise, please wear or bring tennis shoes and appropriate exercise clothing.
Does the therapist keep my physician informed of my progress?
Eastern Iowa Physical Therapy staff is in frequent communication with referring physicians. After your first physical therapy appointment an evaluation will be faxed to your physician. We will send progress notes to your doctor after each visit.
How many treatments will I need?
The number of physical or occupational therapy visits needed depends upon the extent and type of injury that is being treated. At EIPT, we expect the patient to be an integral part of their treatment and a home program will be issued to help achieve our therapy goals. On the average, most patients attend therapy two to three times per week for two to four weeks.
Is Physical Therapy like Chiropractic Care and Massage Therapy?
A physical therapist often administers massage-like techniques called soft tissue mobilization, but massage therapists cannot administer physical therapy. The physical therapist will include education, exercise and the use of other modalities including joint mobilization, therapeutic exercises and flexibility, heat/ice and other physical agents to increase strength and regain mobility.
What is your affiliation with Heinsite Fitness Center?
Eastern Iowa Physical Therapy and Heinsite Fitness are two separate business entities which occupy the same building space and have a mutually beneficial, collaborative relationship. If exercise prescription is necessary for your physical therapy treatment, we will use the equipment provided at Heinsite Fitness Center. If you are a member of Heinsite Fitness Center, and have an area of pain that you would like a therapist to evaluate, we will perform an initial screening free of charge.
