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Northport WellnessPhysical Therapy & Rehabilitation

Frequently asked Good questions, clear answers.

Sometimes, our patients prefer to educate themselves on physical therapy services prior to their appointment. Our most common questions are here. Please feel free to contact us at any time with specific questions.

Therapist talking with a patient on a treatment table

20 answers

Physical therapy

  • Physical Therapy is a profession whose practitioners utilize movement, various hands on techniques, exercise of all types, and modalities in order to improve your potential to live the life you desire. Our goal is to assist you in achieving the highest, most safe level of activity possible over the shortest time period. We strive to find ways for you to learn to control any problems you may have.

    Learn more about the professionals at Northport Wellness Physical Therapy & Rehabilitation →
  • 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.

  • No. New York State and Pennsylvania both have Direct Access, which allows you to come to physical therapy for 10 visits or 30 days without a prescription from your physician. We can still work closely with your physician for your care, however this allows for greater access to our services. If you need further treatment after that time frame, we can speak to your doctor to obtain a prescription.

  • Our physical therapists use a variety of modalities to help treat our patients. There are a variety of treatment modalities that can help strengthen, relax, and heal muscles. Please contact us to see how we can assist you in meeting your goals in recovery and maintenance.

  • Most of our patients wear comfortable clothing to their physical therapy appointment. If you are coming straight from work or another commitment, you may bring whatever you like to wear with you and change here.

  • For your first visit you will need your insurance card, and completed forms. You may print our patient information forms off of this website and fill them out in advance. If you have any operative reports, MRI or X-ray results, you may bring those as well, but they are not necessary. Additionally, if you are utilizing any type of brace, splint, or crutches, please bring them with you.

    Patient forms →
  • Sessions are generally an average of 45 minutes long. Please allow for some additional time before or after so that you may experience the maximum benefits from your physical therapist.

  • We have found that patients receive optimal benefits while coming three times per week for most diagnoses. There may, however, be times where more or less frequent visits will be most effective. During your initial evaluation, your therapist will be able to tell you the optimal frequency to come, in accordance with your diagnosis and physician’s plan of care.

  • Once you are seen for an evaluation your therapist will give you a list of exercises for you to follow up with at home. These exercises will be periodically updated and will facilitate your rehabilitation.

  • Yes, all of your information is private and only discussed with you and your therapist.

  • During each of your visits, the prescribed therapeutic exercises and other therapeutic techniques will be documented in detail, as well as your response to the treatment. Your therapist will also perform a re-evaluation about every 4 weeks or before you see your physician to keep them updated on your progress.

  • A referral depends on what insurance you have. We suggest you call your insurance company beforehand to see if you require a referral and we will be happy to help you when you call our office.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • There are a few options that you have. If you are having 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. New York State and Pennsylvania also have Direct Access which allows you to come to Physical Therapy for 10 visits or 30 days without a prescription from your physician. Please contact us for more details.

  • Appointments are available within 24 hours! Call the office at (631) 757-1601 and one of our customer service specialists will be glad to help you.

Billing FAQ’s

  • All of our billing is handled by our staff. Please contact us at (631) 757-1601.

  • We accept a wide range of insurance plans. If your plan is not listed, it is possible that we are in your Network so please contact our clinic to find out. We do offer services if you choose to pay without insurance as well. Please contact our office for rates.

    Accepted insurance plans →
  • Most insurance companies do cover physical therapy services. 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.

Mon–Sat appointments

To learn more about Northport Wellness Physical Therapy & Rehabilitation or to schedule an appointment, please contact Tom Page, director, at (631) 757-1601. Appointments are available within 24 hours.