You'll also be asked for insurance information, if your condition is covered by one or more policies. All of this information will be kept strictly confidential. The only individuals who will have access to your records will be you and your referring health professional.

What Happens On My First Day of Therapy?

After you've signed in for your first appointment, you'll hear the receptionist call your therapists on the loudspeaker to tell them that you've arrived. In a few minutes, your therapist assistant will come and get you. It's a good idea to wear exercise clothes to your therapy session. Cotton shorts and a loose fitting top are ideal.

Where Will My Therapy Take Place?

Depending upon your condition, you'll either follow your therapist to a small private room, or to the large exercise room with state-of-the-art equipment and a number of treatment tables.

The exercise room is used for patients who can remain in their exercise clothes during their therapy session. If you're taken to a private room, it's probably because your injuries require that you put on a gown in order for the therapists to administer your therapy.

What Kinds of Therapies Do Your Therapists Use?

There are a number of different modalities and procedures that may be used to help you regain your strength and agility. These include ultrasound; heat; ice; laser treatment; electrotherapy; exercise; and stretching and mobilization procedures, which release tense muscles and allow healing to take place more quickly. You may receive one or more, or all of these modalities and procedures, depending upon your condition.

• ICE
  
  Ice is most commonly used immediately after injury to help decrease pain, decrease spasm, and decrease swelling. Ice also is used throughout the rehabilitation process to help control any recurrence of these problems. Ice can be administered in a number of different ways. Your therapist will let you know which is the most appropriate for you and your condition.
  
  
• HEAT
  
  Heat is an excellent way to promote the healing process. Proper application of heat increases blood flow, increases the body's ability to stretch, decreases pain, and decreases spasm. However, if used improperly, heat can cause an increased amount of pain and swelling. Your therapist will let you know when heat is appropriate for your condition. There are several modalities that may be used to apply heat. These include heating pads, whirlpool therapy, ultrasound, and even exercise. Your therapist will let you know which modality is the most appropriate for you.
  
  
• STRETCHING
  
  Stretching allows for increased flexibility of muscles and joints. Without proper flexibility, joints are not allowed to move the way they were designed. This can cause significant pain and early degenerative changes within the joint. The stretches your therapist will show you will be very specific for your condition. When you do them correctly and faithfully, you will get maximum therapeutic benefit.
  
  
• EXERCISES
  
  Exercises are used to help regain strength in weakened areas. These exercises are necessary to maintain proper support so your body does not injure itself again. Particular care needs to be taken to perform these exercises with the proper techniques; otherwise, you can cause further irritation to your condition.
  
  

How You Can Help Your Therapist Help You?

During your treatment, you may occasionally notice something slightly different about a particular procedure; for example, the ultrasound may seem to tingle a little more than usual, or one of your exercises may cause some discomfort, and you're not sure whether that's a good thing. Should that happen, don't hesitate to mention it to your therapist, who will discuss the procedure with you in some detail, to set your mind at ease. You'll feel better, and so will your therapist, who wants to do everything possible to help you heal faster, and to be comfortable while doing it.

Setting Some Goals For Your Recovery

You'll probably know when it's time to set some goals for your recovery. These goals should be challenging, but not too demanding. For example, if you have a hand injury and it's starting to feel better, your goal may be to enter your name on the sign-in sheet without too much discomfort. Or, if you have a shoulder injury, your goal may be to sleep through the night without any pain.

In any case, be sure to let your therapist know the goals you've set for yourself, so you'll know that they're attainable and not too strenuous.

How will my Progress be Monitored?

To help your physician assess your progress, shortly before each of your follow-up appointments, your therapist will discuss your progress with you, and then take some flexibility and strength measurements. A detailed report will be sent to your physician describing our findings. Based on our report and your next visit to your physician, your continuing care will be charted for the following month's therapy.

How Long Will My Treatment Last?

The duration of your therapy at the Institute will depend, in large part, upon the extent of your injuries, your commitment to your exercise program, and how your body responds to the treatment.

What Happens If My Symptoms Return?

If your symptoms should return after you've completed your therapy, and you're not too uncomfortable, it's time to get started again with your Daily Home Program. Chances are, this will help. But if it doesn't, don't hesitate to seek professional help. Remember that we all care about you, and we're all committed to helping you feel better.