Simply call our office at 908-251-5888 and speak to the receptionist. We will need to know a few things. What we are seeing you for? Is it a painful body part? Is it post surgical? Is it for several things? Is it for balance problems? Is it for home exercise instruction? Then, we will need to know the name of the referring physician (if any. See below). Then, we need to know the insurance coverage so that we may check on your benefits for you. Then, we will schedule your appointment(s).

You'll need the following:

A valid prescription for physical therapy from a doctor. There are exceptions to this(see below).

Insurance card(s).

You also need to wear loose fitting clothing so that we may access the involved body part(s).

Legally, you are permitted to have physical therapy for 30 calendar days without a Doctors' prescription. However, a majority of insurance plans require a Doctor's order. With Medicare, you are allowed to have an initial visit without an MD order. However, an MD must authorize continued Physical therapy.

All Medicare plans
Horizon BC/BS
United Health Care
Cigna
Workers compensation
Most Auto plans

The amount of coverage is variable for each plan. Patients are responsible for deductibles, coinsurances and copays. We call your carrier to confirm coverage and we recommend that patients also call to double-check benefits. If your insurance company is not listed, WHPT can be your out-of-network provider. Just check your out-of-network benefits with your insurance company or call us and we will check for you. If you do not have physical therapy coverage, we will work with you on different payment options. Just call and ask about options.

Your first P.T. session lasts about one hour. First, the therapist will conduct an interview to learn about you, your condition and your goals. Then, a physical exam will be conducted where we obtain objective information about your muscles and joints and soft tissue. After that, treatment will be initiated. This can include manual/hands on techniques, stretching, strengthening, modalities for pain relief, education and/or balance activities in standing depending upon what is needed. Home exercises are issued on paper along with photos.

This depends on many factors. Post surgical cases often require three times per week. Some doctors order and prefer three times per week. Most of our patients attend twice per week. Some are only seen once per week. The therapist will discuss the plan with you.

No. We feel that physical therapy is most effective when a person works with the same therapist for each session. Therefore, with rare exceptions (vacations or illness), you will see the same therapist every time.

A large majority of the time, physical therapy is NOT painful. There may be soreness from exertion or unpleasant sensations such as pulling/stretching. However, P.T. treatments are designed to improve flexibility and strength in the least aggressive way possible. There are occasional problems that require more aggressive techniques that are uncomfortable but nothing is ever forced or pushed beyond tolerance.

It is widely accepted that exercise helps arthritic joints. By stretching and strengthening everything around the joint, it helps prevent further deterioration and can improve the joint mobility. The key is to select appropriate exercises/techniques that are not overly aggressive. It is the job of the Physical Therapist to accomplish that goal.

We are open Monday-Friday. Our first patient is scheduled for 8:30am. We have evening hours on Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. We are willing to open early and/or extend our schedule to accommodate those who have difficulty finding the time for Physical Therapy.

Yes. There has been a great deal of focus on balance over the past few years and it has been shown that specific exercise programs can improve a person's ability to walk. These exercise programs are usually a combination of stretching and strengthening. Some of the exercises are considered easy and basic while others are more challenging. But, the goal is the same: Improve a person's ability to walk on all surfaces with more confidence and less fear.

More than half of all Americans suffer from pain on a regular basis. There are a variety of ways to treat pain including medication, injections and surgery. These interventions are often risky. There are adverse side effects and possible infections and the results are often short lived. Physical therapy can be a better option for several reasons. First, it is safe. When done properly, it will not cause injury. Second, treatments are focused on the source of the pain. If normal motion is restored to the injured region, the body will heal and the pain will dissipate. Normal motion is regained through manual therapy/massage, stretching and pain free exercise. Physical therapists can accomplish all of this and then teach the individual to prevent the return of the pain. It is a much more effective long term option.