In the state of South Carolina a referral from a physician is not required in order to receive physical therapy evaluation or treatment. Some exceptions do occur. Medicare always requires a referral to obtain physical therapy services. This referral may come from an M.D., a Physician Assistant, a Clinical Nurse (affiliated with an MD), Specialist, Nurse Practitioner, Podiatrist, or Optometrist. In addition, some insurance companies require a referral to provide insurance coverage. You should call your insurance company to determine whether or not you are required to have a referral for coverage.

Physical therapists are experts trained in the evaluation and treatment of musculoskeletal dysfunction. They are trained specifically to improve movement and function, relieve pain, and expand movement potential. Physical therapy is often the treatment of choice in situations where pain impairs function, in recovering from an injury or surgery, and in recovering from a disease process or illness. Physical therapists also teach adaptive and physical coping skills in dealing with impaired function from a disease, injury or illness.

On your first visit, your therapist will perform a thorough evaluation of the problem. The evaluation involves a history, certain tests and measurements, postural and movement analysis, and palpation to determine muscular and joint involvement. Following the evaluation, these findings will be discussed with you and a physical therapy plan of care will be developed by you and your therapist. Treatment is rendered on the first visit as appropriate.

Treatment is based on the initial evaluation findings along with ongoing reassessment and evaluation. Treatment may consist of a variety of hands-on joint and soft tissue treatment techniques, exercise techniques and pain reducing modalities. Treatments are designed to increase motion and strength, reduce pain, and most importantly, restore function. Patients are typically involved in an active exercise program at home and are educated in ways to speed recovery and prevent recurrence of the problem.

The first session will last approximately 1½ hours. Subsequent sessions are 45 minutes to 1½ hours in length.

Typically, treatment should begin as early as possible. Treating a problem early helps to prevent it from becoming chronic and in the prevention of future problems. This decreases the length of time you may require treatment and reduces healthcare costs.

Definitely. If you have a problem you think may be helped by therapy ask your doctor or give us a call and we will help you to determine if this is a problem that may be helped by physical therapy. But keep in mind, in the state of South Carolina you do not need a referal from your doctor to have physical therapy.

Most insurance companies do cover physical therapy services. The amount and type of coverage varies. It is always best to check with your insurance company regarding specific coverage guidelines. Our office staff will also verify your specific coverage guidelines at your first visit.

Just give us a call at 843-266-9200 and our office staff will assist you in setting up an appointment.

Absolutely! The decision of where you receive treatment is yours. If you have a specific therapist or practice you would like to go to, you should let your doctor or insurance company know this. Not all physical therapists or practices are the same and the choice of your provider is yours. Sometimes your physician will recommend a specific therapist or practice to you, sometimes your insurance company will require you to go to specific therapists or practices. You always have the right to ask for a specific provider. If we are not “in network” with your specific insurance company, many have out of network options that still provide coverage