Question 1

What is physical therapy?

Accepted Answer

Physical therapy (or PT) is a healthcare service used to relieve pain, prevent injuries, and improve quality of life. Physical therapy need is often determined through medical history and physical examination. Treatment plans include manual therapy (such as massage), functional strength training, and exercise programs that help cardiovascular and pulmonary health.

Physical therapists (or PT), are the healthcare professionals responsible for administering this kind of care. They have specialized orthopedic, musculoskeletal, and neurological training. Physical therapists must earn a Doctor of Physical Therapy (or DPT) degree from an accredited university.

Physical therapist assistants (or PTAs) provide physical therapy services under the direction of a physical therapist. PTAs must graduate from a Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE)-accredited educational program and pass a national exam to receive licensure.

The American Physical Therapy Association (or APTA) is the professional organization that supports physical therapists, physical therapist assistants, and physical therapy students. Sesame’s network of top-reviewed physical therapists makes finding a quality, fully licensed clinician at an affordable price easier than ever.

Question 2

What is the goal of physical therapy?

Accepted Answer

Physical therapy can be whatever you make it. __Most people start physical therapy services to help relieve pain or increase range of motion caused by:__
- Sports-related injuries (such as torn a torn rotator cuff or sprains)
- Car accidents
- Neurological conditions (such as stroke, Parkinson's disease, Multiple Sclerosis, ALS)
- Shoulder pain
- Knee pain
- Neck pain/ back pain
- Osteoarthritis

Of course, injuries aren't the only reason patients begin physical therapy. __Physical therapy is common for aging patients, as it can help with such things as: __
- Fall prevention
- Injury prevention
- Range of motion
- Mobility
- Pain management for aging joints

Chronic pain can be, well, a pain. Physical therapy can play a key role in health and wellness, by relieving pain and correcting imbalances in the body. Don't wait to start feeling better. Save up to 60% when you book a physical therapy session on Sesame.

Question 3

How do I pick a physical therapist?

Accepted Answer

Physical therapy can play a crucial role in pain management and holistic wellness. Physical therapists can help treat sports injuries, range of motion issues, back pain, and more. A PT is responsible for your treatment plan and will coach you through stretches and exercises to help improve your quality of life. It's important that you feel safe and comfortable with your physical therapist. Here are some tips to help you find one that's right for you.

1) __Make sure they're certified.__ Whether you choose to see a doctor of physical therapy (DPT), or a professional physical therapist (PT), make sure that the therapist you see has been accredited by the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA). Worried about finding a licensed PT? All physical therapists on Sesame are fully licensed. When you book a physical therapy session on Sesame, you are guaranteed to meet with a fully certified provider.

2) __Research specialties.__ Some PTs specialize in sports medicine and sports injuries, while others focus on training for dry needling therapy, occupational therapy (pain management for daily activities), massage therapy, or acupuncture. Most physical therapists can help treat a wide range of conditions, but consider checking if the PT has a specific focus, as you might get a more individualized treatment plan with a specialist.

3) __Book a consultation first.__ Physical therapy can require several sessions. Some people elect for routine physical therapy to help prevent injuries. To connect with a physical therapist who's right for you, get a referral from your primary care provider or book a consultation with a clinic. Save 60% on your next physical therapy consult when you book with Sesame.

Question 4

When should I see a physical therapist?

Accepted Answer

You should see a physical therapist if you are experiencing pain related to your daily tasks. Whether you're feeling the effects of carpal tunnel or back tightness, a physical or occupational therapist can help create a treatment plan that reduces your discomfort and restores your mobility.  Occupational therapists can provide exercises and stretches that specially address movements you do every day.

Back pain and joint pain is one of the leading causes of disability for Americans. Chronic pain can affect your quality of life and your ability to move freely. Don't wait to start fixing aches and soreness. Save up to 60% when you book a physical therapy visit through Sesame and get in touch with a real, quality physical therapist in Barlow, AL today - no insurance needed.

Question 5

How can I find a physical therapist near me?

Accepted Answer

Sesame's got you covered!

Connect on Sesame with a real, quality physical therapist licensed to treat patients in Barlow, AL. Physical therapists on Sesame can assess your symptoms, diagnose your conditions, and craft a treatment plan that works for you - all for one affordable, upfront cost. No copays or surprise billing.

Not sure if physical therapy is the right treatment plan for you? Sesame offers affordable new-patient physical therapy consultations, so you can meet with a physical therapist to discuss options, and ask any questions you may have.

Don't let aches and pains keep you down. Save up to 60% when you book physical therapy services through Sesame today and get your wellness journey started!

Question 6

What is the difference between a physical therapist and a chiropractor?

Accepted Answer

Physical therapy helps with pain management and range of motion injuries. A physical therapist will guide you through stretches and exercises to correct imbalances in the musculoskeletal system and can perform manual therapy to help loosen joints and muscles. If you are experiencing difficulty with mobility after a car accident or dealing neurological problem (such as a stroke), physical therapy can help restore movement in the body while teaching you techniques to prevent injury and pain.

Chiropractors specialize in treating problems related to the back, neck, and upper body joints. If you have persistent migraines or chronic pain in your back, you might want to see a chiropractor for an adjustment. Chiropractors will deal specifically with the spine and upper body to relieve pain and restore range of motion.

Question 7

What is the difference between physical therapy and personal training?

Accepted Answer

Physical therapists are health care professionals who specialize in treating orthopedic, musculoskeletal, and neurological conditions. Personal trainers are not health care professionals; they work with clients to design and implement fitness plans tailored to their goals. Physical therapists use a variety of techniques to help their patients regain mobility and confidence. __These include:__
- Injury prevention exercises
- Manual therapy/ massage therapy
- Dry needling therapy (a therapy similar to acupuncture)
- Pediatric physical therapy
- Sports medicine/ treatment for sports-related injuries
- Vestibular/ balance therapy

Physical therapists and personal trainers may work together on an advanced physical therapy treatment plan that helps treat pain or injury while building strength and balance. If you are experiencing chronic pain, or side effects of an injury, physical therapy is the way to go. Not only can licensed PTs offer manual therapy to help ease joint/ muscle tightness, but they can also help correct balance, posture, orthopedic issues, and more.

Question 8

What is a typical physical therapy session like?

Accepted Answer

If you've never had a physical therapy appointment before, your first session will usually begin with a physical evaluation. Your therapist will ask you questions about any chronic pain you experience. They may ask about your medical history and previous mobility. You may also be asked to perform a few light exercises or stretches so the therapist can measure your ability to move and balance.

After your evaluation, your physical therapist will work with you to create a treatment plan. A physiotherapy treatment plan is similar to a fitness routine you might get from a personal trainer. It will outline the exercises and strategies that you will perform with your therapist, as well as at-home tips to help your rehab. Your physical therapist should discuss goals of treatment for you to help you get a sense of how they want to track progress.

In some cases, a physical therapy session may include things such as manual therapy to help relieve pain and loosen joints. Manual therapy is an outpatient procedure performed with the therapist's hands, instead of any device. Like a massage, your physical therapist will knead and press certain joints and muscles to loosen them and improve range of motion. You may experience some mild soreness or pain after a manual therapy session, but this is a normal side effect and usually goes away after a day or two.

Physical therapy is a process. You will work alongside your PT to help address problem areas while keeping track of progress with carefully outlined therapeutic goals. Not sure if physical therapy is right for you? Physical therapists on Sesame offer new-patient consultations so you can receive a physical evaluation and ask any questions you may have. Don't let aches and pains control your life- save up to 60% when you book a physical therapy visit on Sesame.

Question 9

What is the average cost of a physical therapy session?

Accepted Answer

It depends! Physical therapy can cost anywhere from $30 - $350, depending on the therapist you see and the modality (type) of therapy you need. Sesame offers physical therapy visits with real, quality therapists in {{ Location Name}} at affordable cash-pay prices starting at around $25. New-patient physical therapy consultations start at around $130 for a 60-minute visit.

If you have a neurological condition that affects your ability to move (stroke, Parkinson's disease, MS), you may require at-home care. At-home physical therapy services can be more expensive than a visit to a physical therapy clinic but are beneficial for patients dealing with the issues listed above.

If you're looking to start physical therapy services and don't know where to start, book a visit with a real, quality physical therapist on Sesame and save up to 60% on your first appointment - no insurance needed. Yep, you read that right:  you don't need an insurance provider to get great care through Sesame. From injury prevention to back pain relief, therapists on Sesame offer individualized treatment plans to help you live life pain-free. Not sure if physical therapy is right for you? Book a new patient consultation for a physical evaluation and ask any questions you may have.

Get started on your wellness journey today with convenient and affordable physical therapy sessions on Sesame.

Question 10

How does physical therapy help aging?

Accepted Answer

Geriatric physical therapy helps a wide range of concerns and conditions relating to the aging adult, including complications from arthritis and osteoporosis. A geriatric physical therapist may help with physical fitness, mobility, and strength. Some types of geriatric physical therapy treatment plans include:

- Aquatic aerobics

- Yoga

- Bodyweight strength training

- Gait correction

- Electrical stimulation

- Deep and/or soft tissue massage

If you’re experiencing pain related to aging joints or muscles, get in touch with a real, high-quality physical therapist on Sesame today. Sesame offers both in-person and video visits with top-rated doctors {{inLocation}} at affordable cash-pay prices. Our no-worries booking policy means you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance, and still get a refund. No questions asked. Don’t worry about bills, worry about feeling better. Book a visit today.

Urgent care visit

Conditions treated

Get a prescription today

Mental Health prescriptions

Medications

Online weight loss

Medications

Mental Health prescriptions

Conditions treated

Common medications

Menopause treatment

PCOS treatment

Pay-per-visit care

Erectile Dysfunction

Medications

Skin care prescription

Conditions treated

Pediatric visit

Conditions treated

Read Sesame’s blog for the latest in healthcare

More from Sesame

Physical therapist will be available soon in Barlow, AL

Other services