• In practical terms, physical therapy has been defined as a form of healthcare that looks at the body as a whole and identifies how a disease, injury, or impairment affects that body from operating at its normal full potential, and then assists the patient to prevent, correct, or alleviate the source of their problem.
• People frequently seek physical therapy to address movement dysfunctions of musculoskeletal or neuromuscular origins involving the spine, joints and their surrounding muscles and soft tissue.
• A detailed physical therapy examination will assist the patient in identifying the underlying cause of their movement dysfunction, and will aid the licensed physical therapist in development of a specific treatment plan aimed at assisting the patient to correct or adapt to their movement dysfunction.
• Physical therapy also strives promote optimum human health and function through both prevention and rehabilitation.

• Physical therapy is facilitated by a prescription from a physician and is continued with frequent communication and interaction between the physical therapist and the physician.
• Mr. Schafer, the owner and therapist at Schafer Physical Therapy, PC is specially licensed as a "direct access practitioner in physical therapy" in the state of Pennsylvania, whereas individuals may ‘self-refer’ themselves for a physical therapy examination, evaluation and up to 30 days of care. 

When I come in for my first appointment, what should I expect?

• After a thorough and detailed physical therapy examination (as described above), Mr. Schafer will assist the patient in goal-setting customized to their specific diagnosis and problems.
• Treatment will be based primarily on exercise and functional training, but the therapist may also choose to utilize ultrasound, heat, cold, electrical stimulation, and massage in order to attain the patient's treatment and functional goals.  Patient and, if appropriate, family education will be used to ensure proper and safe performance of assigned home exercise programs and therapeutic activities outside of the patient's clinical treatments.
• Mr. Schafer also frequently utilizes mobilization techniques for the patient’s joints, spine or soft tissue, while also emphasizing treatment within the patient’s “pain-free” tolerance.
• Patients should plan to wear loose fitting clothing to allow for proper examination of the injured area.  Gowns are provided for examination and treatment of the spine.

Does Physical Therapy hurt or cause more pain?

• Most individuals when they present for therapy are usually having some type of pain.  Mr. Schafer emphasizes as "pain-free" treatment as possible with his gentle manual and exercise treatments.
• With a personalized treatment plan, direct communication with the therapist, and treatments provided ONLY by a licensed physical therapist, the patient's care can be modified to maintain as "pain-free" treatment as possible.
• It also should be noted that, as with the initiation of any new exercise or activity, some post-activity soreness is expected.

Does my health insurance cover physical therapy?

• Most health insurances include physical therapy coverage.
• Please refer to your health insurance policies manual or call our facility to see if we are a Network Provider for your specific plan as we are regularly being credentialed with additional health insurance plans.
• We frequently also see patients on an out-of-network basis, however those individuals usually have a slightly higher financial responsibility as mandated by their health insurance provider.