Frequently Asked Questions
Q&A on Physical Therapy, Physio & RehabPHYSICAL THERAPY |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
HOW LONG DO APPOINTMENTS TAKE?
Physical Therapy appointments usually last between 45 minutes. Additional Physical Therapy treatments may take less time, as there will be less time required for assessment and examination.
WHAT SHOULD I WEAR?
For Physical Therapy treatments wear loose fitting clothing. For an injury with the lower back, hips or legs a pair of shorts is recommended to assist with assessment and Physical Therapy treatments. We have spare shorts in the clinic should you forget to bring a pair. For problems with the back/ribs, shoulders or neck you may be asked to remove your tops (except underwear) to allow access to the problem area. Wearing a string vest helps our female clients feel more comfortable. Towels will be used to preserve modesty but if you have any concerns please let us know.
HOW MANY PHYSICAL THERAPY TREATMENTS WILL I NEED?
The number of Physical Therapy treatments required depends on the many factors such as the condition itself, the length of time the problem has existed and your individual reaction to the treatment. Following your first appointment your physical therapist will discuss the anticipated number of Physical Therapy treatments with you.
As a rough example we may see you 5 to 6 times over a 10-12 week period for an issue such a knee problem, and after the first or second appointment we space out the appointments to every 2-3 weeks to allow you work on the rehabilitation exercises and make improvements in strength/control/flexibility before we progress you on to more advanced exercises. However this is decided in agreement with you based on your own wishes and any other concerns you may have.
DO I NEED REFERRAL FROM A DOCTOR?
No, Physical Therapy appointments can be made without referral from your doctor. If, on assessment we deem your condition requires medical attention we will refer you on.
IS PHYSICAL THERAPY COVERED BY PRIVATE MEDICAL INSURANCE?
Physical Therapy is recognised by all the major insurance companies but the amount that can be claimed depends your Healthcare Plan. Your health insurance company will be able to advise you on this.
Some of the Health Insurance companies recognising Maple Clinic Physical therapy services & treatments:
WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT TO FEEL AFTER THE TREATMENT?
Sometimes there may be some discomfort after Physical Therapy treatment. This is short term and quickly subsides. Your Physical therapist will be able to discuss this or any aspect of your treatment with you. If you have any concerns please contact the clinic on 01-5441225.
SPORTS MASSAGE |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
HOW OFTEN SHOULD I GET A SPORTS / DEEP TISSUE MASSAGE?
From our experience we find that there is no one correct answer to this question, it depends on how often you feel you need or benefit from it. Some people come when they feel they need it, others book regular appointments on a regular basis to keep themselves ticking over. Some sporting clients avail of sport massage as training volume increases such as the last few months of training for an ironman, during race season, or once they hit the 18-20 mile mark training for marathons.
If you are coming in for the first time with a complaint such as a stiff neck you may find that 2 appointments are enough to return you to “normal”. When you feel it stiffen up again then you could book another Deep Tissue Massage appointment.
WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO BOOK A SPORTS MASSAGE?
If you are not used to Sports Massage, the best time for a Sports Massage is when you have a rest day or a day of low load activity the following day. Everyone reacts differently from a Massage, some are tired the next day, and others feel looser and full of energy.
This may not always tie in with your schedule but if you regularly have Sports Massages it shouldn’t matter too much. If you have never had a Sports Massage or get them very irregularly then the day before a race or big training session is not the best day to get a Massage. You may feel tired from it even if the pressure is kept to a ‘flush out’ level and we don’t want to be responsible for a poor racing or match performance!
HOW WILL I FEEL AFTER A MASSAGE?
Everyone reacts differently from a Sports or Deep Tissue Massage, some are tired the next day, and others feel looser and full of energy. If you had a problem that you wanted worked out, the problem area that felt tender as they were worked on may be a little tender the next day.
This would be particularly true of the calf and gluteal area, as well as the top of the shoulders.
If you have a sporting event coming up and you have not had a Sports Massage before then schedule the massage at least 4 days before the event to allow recovery should you need it.
WHAT SHOULD I WEAR?
For your comfort and ours underwear must be worn for all Sports and Deep Tissue Massage appointments.
For a lower body Sports Massage please wear shorts. We have plenty of spare sets of shorts in the clinic we can loan you if you forget or don’t have a pair. For an upper body Sports Massage you will be asked to remove shirts/tops. If you are uncomfortable removing your tops you are welcome to wear a vest with narrow straps which exposes the top of the shoulder and mid back.
Towels are used to cover areas of the body not being worked on at the time.
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