FAQs

We ask all patients to bring a few things with them on their first visit to our office.

• Please go online and fill out our forms, print out the patient forms, complete them, and bring them with you for your initial evaluation. If you cannot do this or do not have access to a printer/computer, please allow extra time to fill these out upon arrival.
• Please arrive at least 15 minutes early to complete any remaining paperwork so that you can maximize your time in your evaluation.
• Please wear comfortable clothing that allows easy access to your problem areas.
• If you intend to use insurance, please bring your insurance information (we will make a copy of your card).
• Please bring any referrals, prescriptions, and test results from your referring physician, Nurse Practitioner, or physician assistant.
• Bring any case manager or insurance adjuster’s contact names, phone numbers, and claim numbers in case of an automobile accident or worker’s compensation claim.

Please have your prescription and insurance card available when you call our office at (754) 220-6493. This will allow us to verify your insurance benefits and provide you with an estimate of coverage.

Physical therapists are movement experts who can improve your quality of life through hands-on care, prescribed movement-based exercises, and patient education.

Physical therapists are dedicated to helping you improve and restore your movement and function, manage pain, and reduce the symptoms of many chronic conditions and diseases. Their expertise lies in examining the whole person and designing therapeutic interventions to help you recover from and prevent injury.

Our physical therapists assess and treat all sorts of pain and injuries. We are movement professionals with the knowledge and experience to identify and treat musculoskeletal ailments.

The therapists at Hernandez Therapy Clinic play a crucial role in resolving aches and pains, preventing future problems, and helping to improve your overall health and well-being. We determine the severity of your injuries using objective measurements and design the most effective treatment accordingly. Every program is tailored to your specific requirements.

Call (754) 220-6493 today to schedule a consultation and get started on your road to recovery and better health!

Our Fort Lauderdale, FL physical therapy clinic takes pride in providing a positive, encouraging environment with well-trained, friendly staff. We are confident in our ability to assist you in achieving your goals.

Finding the right physical therapist that aligns with your needs is crucial in your recovery or rehabilitation process. Here are some steps you can take to find the right physical therapist:

• Get Recommendations: Start by asking someone you trust for a recommendation. Your primary care doctor or specialist will often know therapists with experience treating your specific condition. You should also ask friends, family, or coworkers if they have had a positive experience with a physical therapist.
• Look for Therapists with Specialization: Look for a physical therapist who has any additional certifications or specializations that relate to your specific condition (e.g., orthopedics, neurology, sports medicine, geriatrics, etc.).
• Research their Reputation: Look at online reviews and ratings on platforms like Healthgrades or Google Reviews. Find out how long they have practiced and what conditions they frequently handle.
• Check the Logistics: Make sure the therapist’s location and hours work with your schedule. If you have specific needs like wheelchair accessibility or other accommodations, confirm these details.
• Trust Your Instincts: After all your research and possibly an initial consultation, consider how comfortable you feel with the potential therapist. You should feel at ease and trust their ability to help you reach your health goals.

Remember, finding the right physical therapist can take some time and research, but your efforts will pay off when you find a professional you can trust to help guide your recovery or maintain your health!

We understand that dealing with insurance can be complicated; therefore, Hernandez Therapy Clinic would gladly assist you and answer your questions. It is important to contact your insurance carrier to determine your coverage depending on your specific policy.

For more information, please see our insurance page, and do not hesitate to contact our Fort Lauderdale, FL physical therapy clinic with your questions. We provide a range of payment options for your convenience.

Yes and no!

This may be a bit confusing, but in most cases, the word “diagnosis” is exclusively for a physician. Although not everyone in healthcare knows this, for legal reasons, an official diagnosis comes from a physician.

That being said, physical therapists are often used to confirm or deny a diagnosis. As the physical therapy profession has grown, so has the respect and responsibility within the healthcare systems. So, technically speaking, a physical therapist will conduct an “assessment” of your situation to clarify your specific situation, and physical therapists are particularly skilled at getting to the root “cause” of your condition.

When you come for your initial session at Hernandez Therapy Clinic, your physical therapist will do a thorough evaluation that consists of a detailed history and a comprehensive physical examination. This first assessment establishes the severity of your injury or illness. It also helps establish the source of your symptoms and the factors contributing to your condition.

Physical therapists routinely collaborate with physicians to provide confirmation or potential contradictions to a diagnosis to ensure that your diagnosis is correct and your treatment plan is appropriate.

Our clinic will never turn a patient away!

We offer cash-based options for patients who do not have insurance, which must be paid at the time of service. Please contact our Fort Lauderdale, FL clinic and inquire about rates and payment options with our front desk.

Our clinic will never turn a patient away!

We recommend you contact your insurance carrier to determine your coverage, copayments/coinsurance, and overall plan to be sure you understand your requirements.

Our staff will assess your insurance benefits and notify you of your payments at each visit.

We accept the following methods of payment:

• Cash
• Check
• Debit card
• Credit card

We also offer payment options depending on the individual’s circumstance and can provide more information upon request.

Our policy is to collect money at the time of service.

Scheduling an appointment at Hernandez Therapy Clinic in Fort Lauderdale, FL has never been easier or more convenient.

We have morning and evening appointments available to meet the demands of your busy schedule.

Our scheduling is easy, and we offer convenient locations and appointment times. Call us today at (754) 220-6493 or click here to request an appointment.

Loose-fitting clothes that are comfortable to move in and provide easy access to the area of your symptoms. We also advise you to wear comfortable shoes or sneakers.

We will begin with a comprehensive evaluation at your first visit that typically lasts around 1 hour to 1 hour and 15 minutes. Your follow-up visits usually go anywhere from 45 to 60 minutes.

Your specific needs will determine the number of visits and the duration of your plan of care. As you and your therapist have discussed, we recommend attending more frequently in the early stages of your therapy to ensure you progress.

You’ll generally see your therapist twice or even three times a week at first, with fewer weekly visits and greater space between meetings as you progress through treatment.

We believe in individualized treatment regimens for every patient at Hernandez Therapy Clinic. When you come to our clinic, we will put you through a series of tests to determine the source of your injury or functional difficulties.

Your physical therapist may inquire about your medical history and request that you do particular movements or tests so they can observe the quality of your movement patterns and identify any problems firsthand.

Your therapist will then create a treatment plan that is unique to you. Such methods include manual therapy and therapeutic exercises to improve strength and mobility.

You certainly can!

Physical therapists are highly skilled at assessing the whole person. This means we look to identify all the factors related to your condition. We understand the interconnectedness of the body and how a problem in one area may be the symptom pointing to the source of the problem in an entirely different location.

We are also skilled at identifying whether or not you are dealing with “a” problem or multiple issues impacting you and your function.

Everyone can benefit from physical therapy, but that doesn’t necessarily mean physical therapy alone is all you need. We believe in collaborating with other healthcare professionals and working with you while working with another practitioner to help you get the results you deserve.

We can discuss your options and help you decide if physical therapy is right for you. Contact us today to learn how PT can help you and make an appointment with one of our dedicated staff members.

Physical therapy is meant to alleviate pain rather than exacerbate it. However, your pain levels may fluctuate. Our therapists will clearly define what “normal” pain is and what is not normal. Some situations require exercises or other therapeutic actions that may elicit a pain response to facilitate improvements in your overall condition.

As a result of using weakened or recuperating muscles, you may suffer some momentary discomfort. Or for some, restoring the range of motion after surgery can be painful due to the nature of the condition. Unfortunately, it may be critical to your recovery to experience a temporary increase in your pain.

Although it may sound inappropriate, there are times when the increased pain early on can prevent more severe pain in the future.

Rest assured that we will do whatever we can to minimize your pain and avoid increasing it during your time in physical therapy. Communication with our therapist will help to reduce any discomfort you may feel during your physical therapy treatments.

We want you to be pain-free and return to normal activities as soon as possible. We will do what we can to prepare you for any discomfort you may experience.

Physical therapists are highly trained professionals who specialize in treating musculoskeletal conditions. Physical therapists are part of a healthcare team that routinely collaborates with physicians, surgeons, and other medical practitioners.

We also often collaborate with other healthcare professionals like chiropractors, massage therapists, and acupuncturists to ensure your treatment plan is as effective and efficient as possible.

Physical therapists are movement experts with advanced training and education in musculoskeletal disorders and diseases. In addition, physical therapists often take a hands-on approach to pain relief and function restoration.

One of the primary goals of physical therapy is to restore pain-free mobility and function while preventing pain and injury from recurring. Our physical therapists assess your movement patterns, determine the source of your pain, and work with you to manage or eliminate it.

While each patient’s condition and pain are unique, our physical therapist at Hernandez Therapy Clinic will use various targeted manual therapy techniques, exercises, modalities, and other strategies to relieve pain and restore function quickly.

You should see a noticeable improvement in your discomfort and overall function as you go through your rehabilitation activities.

An effective way to measure your improvement and progress is to keep track of your pain, mobility, and functional abilities. Tracking your impairments and functional abilities gives physical therapists objective information to compare with initial measurements. In addition, your personal reports and experiences help to validate your improvements and clue your therapist to regressions and/or lack of progress.

The bottom line is that you should notice improvements in how you feel and function throughout therapy. If you are not following an anticipated path of progress, your therapist will reassess the situation. Based on the results of this reassessment, your therapists will recommend further testing or a change in approach to your treatments.

We ask all patients to bring a few things with them on their first visit to our office.

• Please go online and fill out our forms, print out the patient forms, complete them, and bring them with you for your initial evaluation. If you cannot do this or do not have access to a printer/computer, please allow extra time to fill these out upon arrival.
• Please arrive at least 15 minutes early to complete any remaining paperwork so that you can maximize your time in your evaluation.
• Please wear comfortable clothing that allows easy access to your problem areas and for you to move around.
• If you intend to use insurance, please bring your insurance information so we can make a copy of your card for our records.
• Please bring any referrals, prescriptions, and test results from your referring physician, Nurse Practitioner, or physician assistant.
• Bring any case manager or insurance adjuster’s contact names, phone numbers, and claim numbers in case of an automobile accident or worker’s compensation claim.

Please have your prescription and insurance card available when you call our office at (754) 220-6493. This will allow us to verify your insurance benefits and provide you with an estimate of coverage.

Although there are typical stages of healing, the reality is that everyone is different, and so is their ability to heal.

At Hernandez Therapy Clinic, you will have a personalized treatment plan created based on your individual needs and goals. Throughout your recovery process, our team will provide constant feedback and allow refinement of your program to ensure it provides optimal results.

The most common reasons for delayed recovery are trying to do too much too soon or not doing enough. Finding the balance is where physical therapists thrive. We use concrete physiological benchmarks and your individual treatment response to refine your program and maximize your results in the shortest time possible.

If you have any questions or concerns about the length of your treatment plan, feel free to ask your physical therapist. We are here to help you by providing clarity throughout this process. We will keep you updated on your progress throughout each session.

Physical therapists are trained to treat all types of musculoskeletal conditions. Most physical therapy clinics are geared towards specific subcategories of physical therapy. 

You can be confident that our well-trained therapists will assess and treat your condition. For example, pediatric physical therapists often work exclusively with younger patients. Orthopedic outpatient physical therapists will work with all age categories and conditions.  

If we feel another therapist or healthcare provider would better serve you, we’ll suggest people we know and trust. 

Our physical therapists have received extensive education in anatomy, physiology, kinesiology (the study of joint movement), neurology, and many other medical sciences. Our physical therapists are all state-licensed and have graduated from accredited physical therapy programs.

You can rest assured that you are in capable hands!

Because each patient’s diagnosis is unique, our therapist will work with you and any other medical or healthcare practitioner to ensure you get the best possible results.

Our goal is to identify all the factors contributing to your condition. We will conduct a comprehensive evaluation and thorough history to gather this information and then design a treatment plan for you.

For some people, relief is felt on day one; for others, there is a journey to relief filled with ups and downs. It is easier to know who you will be once we meet with you and examine your situation.

Our team is highly trained and skilled at treating musculoskeletal pain and injuries. We will provide guidelines to help you understand your condition and what to expect from therapy. These guidelines will include the likely duration of your situation and expected progress broken down into realistic timetables.

Our team is here to support you and answer your questions throughout the process!

Absolutely!

Once you have finished your therapy sessions, you can continue to see your physical therapist. There are several different ways to do this, for example:

• Your therapist will see you review and progress your at-home therapy program.
• You can schedule a re-evaluation after a month to ensure you are still doing well and modify your home program as needed.
• You can arrange to see your therapist regularly (i.e., every six months) for a consultation to assess your progress, ensure you are not regressing, and deal with anything new that may have started.

We can also arrange to meet you at your gym to work with you on determining what equipment and exercises would benefit your continued recovery.

Like any other health treatment, chiropractic care comes with potential risks and benefits. Chiropractic adjustments are generally considered safe for many people, specifically when used to treat common musculoskeletal conditions like low back pain, neck pain, and headache. They are often seen as a less invasive and drug-free alternative or complement to conventional treatments.

Chiropractic adjustments are performed by trained professionals who have studied for many years to understand the human body and how to make these adjustments safely. Chiropractors also typically have a detailed consultation with patients to understand their health history and specific conditions before treatment.

However, there can be risks. Serious complications are relatively rare, but individuals with specific health conditions such as osteoporosis, inflammatory arthritis, spinal cord compression, or those who take blood-thinning medications may be advised against certain chiropractic treatments.

It’s important to discuss any potential treatment with your healthcare provider. They can help you understand the potential benefits and risks, taking into account your specific health conditions and needs. Always ensure that any chiropractor you visit is licensed and has a good reputation for patient safety.

Chiropractic care is a healthcare profession that focuses on disorders of the musculoskeletal and nervous system and the effects of these disorders on general health. The primary approach to treatment involves manual therapy, especially manipulation of the spine, other joints, and soft tissues. However, chiropractors may also offer exercise and health and lifestyle counseling.

The term “chiropractic” comes from the Greek words “cheir” (hand) and “praktos” (done), together meaning “done by hand.” This profession is often associated with the treatment of back and neck pain, but chiropractors treat a wide range of neuromusculoskeletal complaints.

The profession was established by Daniel David Palmer, a Canadian magnetic healer who performed the first chiropractic adjustment in 1895. Chiropractic grew rapidly as a profession but was also mired in controversy and skepticism, particularly from the mainstream medical community. Despite this, chiropractic care has grown widely accepted and is now considered a part of complementary and integrative health approaches.

A course of chiropractic care can vary significantly depending on the individual’s condition and health goals. Some people may find relief or improvement in their condition after a few sessions. In contrast, others may need a longer-term treatment plan to manage chronic pain or ongoing health conditions.

An initial visit to a chiropractor often includes a health history and physical examination, which can help determine a diagnosis and inform the proposed treatment plan. This can consist of a variety of manual therapies (including specific chiropractic adjustments), lifestyle and exercise advice, and potentially other non-invasive therapies.

A few sessions over several weeks might suffice if the problem is acute, such as a sports injury or an accident. Chronic issues, like ongoing back pain or headaches, may require regular adjustments over a longer period, potentially months or longer.

Maintenance or preventive care is also a common practice in chiropractic, where individuals continue treatment even after the resolution of symptoms to prevent recurrence or maintain a desired health and wellness level. This might involve regular visits, though the frequency would likely be less than when treating an acute problem.

Communicating openly with your chiropractor about your symptoms, pain levels, and personal health goals is essential which can help shape the course of care. Chiropractic care should be part of a comprehensive treatment plan. If symptoms persist, it may be necessary to reassess the treatment strategy or seek a second opinion.

The popping sound often heard during a chiropractic adjustment (manipulation) is due to a phenomenon called cavitation.

In each of your joints, there’s a capsule that contains synovial fluid. This fluid acts as a lubricant and contains dissolved gases – mainly carbon dioxide. When chiropractors adjust, they manipulate the joint to induce a rapid, small separation of the joint surfaces.

This rapid separation causes a drop in pressure within the joint space. As the pressure in the joint drops, the dissolved gasses in the synovial fluid form tiny bubbles, creating a vacuum. When this vacuum or bubble collapses or pops, it makes the characteristic ‘popping’ or ‘cracking’ sound. This is similar to the sound you hear when you crack your knuckles.

It’s important to note that the sound is not an indicator of the quality or efficacy of the adjustment. An adjustment can still be effective without a noticeable sound. Conversely, the sound alone doesn’t necessarily mean that the adjustment was needed or improved a condition. The critical factor in chiropractic care is the improvement of function and reduction of pain rather than the production of a sound.

Chiropractors frequently treat various musculoskeletal conditions related to the spine and other joints of the body. Some of the most common conditions that chiropractors treat include:

• Low Back Pain: This is one of the most common reasons people seek chiropractic care. It can be caused by a variety of factors, including poor posture, heavy lifting, a sedentary lifestyle, and accidents or injuries.
• Neck Pain: This can also be caused by various factors, including poor posture (especially with the prolonged computer or smartphone use), stress, or injuries such as whiplash.
• Headaches: Both tension headaches and migraines may respond positively to chiropractic treatment. The headache might be related to neck tension or other spinal issues.
• Sciatica: This condition, characterized by pain from the low back down one or both legs, can often be effectively treated with chiropractic care.
• Joint Pain and Arthritis: Chiropractic care can be beneficial for managing pain and improving the range of motion in patients with arthritis or other joint disorders. This includes conditions affecting the knees, hips, shoulders, and elbows.
• Whiplash and Car Accident Injuries: The forces involved in a car accident can cause significant strain and injury to the neck and spine, resulting in conditions like whiplash.
• Sports Injuries: Athletes often seek chiropractic care for the treatment and prevention of various sports-related injuries, including strains, sprains, and joint issues.

It’s important to note that while chiropractic care can effectively manage these conditions, it is not a panacea for all health issues. A comprehensive treatment plan often involves a multidisciplinary approach, involving other healthcare professionals as needed. Always consult with your healthcare provider for advice tailored to your specific circumstances.

Massage therapists hold a state license to practice massage in the United States and are typically known as LMTs. In contrast, the Canadian counterparts are registered massage therapists or RMTs.

A licensed massage therapist (LMT) is a professional who has completed a specific amount of training in massage therapy and has obtained a license to practice. The licensing requirements vary by location but often involve a set number of hours of training at an accredited school, a written examination, and sometimes a practical examination.

Massage therapists use various techniques to manipulate the body’s soft tissues, including muscles, connective tissue, tendons, ligaments, and skin. They may specialize in certain modalities, such as Swedish massage, deep tissue massage, sports massage, or prenatal massage.

Massage therapists work with people of all ages and all types of conditions. Some emphasize preventative massage to avoid injury and pain, while others focus on the relaxation benefits of massage.

The practice of massage therapy is regulated because it involves physical manipulation that can be harmful if done incorrectly. Therefore, licensure is used to ensure that massage therapists have the necessary skills and knowledge to practice safely and effectively.

Licensed massage therapists should abide by a professional code of ethics and maintain their skills and knowledge through continuing education. They must also follow local and national laws and regulations related to massage therapy and maintain a high standard of cleanliness and safety.

Massage therapists have a variety of techniques at their disposal, but some of the most common types of massage they might use include:

• Swedish massage: This is a gentle type of full-body massage that’s ideal for people who are new to massage, have a lot of tension, and are sensitive to touch. It can help release muscle knots and is also a good choice for when you want to relax during a massage fully.
• Deep tissue massage: This is a good option for chronic muscle problems, such as soreness, imbalance, or injury. It uses more pressure than a Swedish massage. It is intended to relieve muscle tension by applying slow, forceful strokes to target the deeper muscle and connective tissue layers.
• Sports massage: This is designed to prevent and treat injuries and improve athletic performance. It can be beneficial for all types of athletes, from professionals to casual joggers. The techniques used in sports massage are similar to those in Swedish and deep tissue massage, but the therapist may include stretches, and the session may be targeted to a specific part of the body.
• Trigger point massage: This type of massage focuses on areas of tight muscle fibers or “knots” that can form in muscles after injuries or overuse. The massage therapist uses concentrated pressure on these areas to release the knots.
• Prenatal massage: This is a safe way for women to receive a massage during pregnancy. It can reduce pregnancy body aches and stress and ease muscle tension.

Our massage therapists will decide what type of massage you need based on various factors, including your physical condition, any pain or discomfort you’re experiencing, your stress levels, and your overall goals for the session.

At your first massage therapy session, your massage therapist will have you complete an intake form that includes information about your health history, current physical condition, lifestyle, stress level, areas of pain, and whether you have any specific physical conditions or needs.

Before the massage begins, you’ll discuss your reasons for being there, your current physical condition, and any specific areas in which you are experiencing pain or would like to address during your massage.

Before your massage, our massage therapist will leave the room while you undress. You undress to your level of comfort. Some people choose to undress completely, while others prefer to keep underwear on. You will lie on the massage table, under a sheet or blanket.

A typical full-body massage covers the areas of the neck, back, shoulders, legs, feet, arms, and hands. The therapist will use a lubricant, such as oil or lotion, to allow for smooth strokes. The pressure will be adjusted based on your comfort level. A massage can last anywhere from 15 minutes to 2 hours, but a typical full-body massage session lasts about 60-90 minutes.

Once the massage is complete, the therapist will leave the room for you to get dressed. Taking your time getting up is a good idea, as you might feel light-headed. After the massage, you should drink plenty of water to help flush out the toxins released from your muscles.

Most follow-up appointments will be similar to your first session. The therapist will ask about any changes in your condition and any feedback about the previous session to tailor the massage to your needs for that day.

Remember, every massage and every therapist is different. Communication is key to getting the best therapeutic benefit from your massage session.

During a massage session, most clients experience a profound sense of relaxation, often induced by the tranquil environment featuring dim lighting and soft, soothing music, as well as the skilled touch of the therapist. The purposeful manipulation of muscles and other soft tissues can lead to the release of tension and the easing of stress, often facilitating deep and restful breathing.

While the therapist works on areas of tightness or injury, there may be moments of discomfort or slight pain. However, an effective therapist will maintain open communication, adjusting the pressure and technique to ensure comfort.

The massage can stimulate the circulatory system, increasing blood flow and promoting the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to the muscles. This process can sometimes cause an initial feeling of light-headedness immediately after the massage. It’s crucial to stand up slowly and take a moment to readjust.

After your massage, you may feel relaxed, rejuvenated, and energized. It is also common to experience improved mobility and decreased discomfort. Most people report a sense of physical and emotional well-being and relaxation.

Other reported benefits are improved sleep, enhanced focus, reduced anxiety, and a general sense of well-being. In the hours and days following a massage, it’s common to experience a heightened awareness of bodily sensations and posture, which can help maintain the benefits of the massage. Massage therapists also typically recommend drinking plenty of water after a session to help flush out any released toxins and rehydrate the body.

Remember that everyone’s response to massage is unique so individual experiences can vary. Consistent communication with your therapist, even after the session, will help you optimize the benefits of massage therapy for your specific needs.

Pediatric physical therapy is a specialized form of physical therapy designed specifically for infants, children, and adolescents. It aims to help young patients improve their physical function and capabilities, addressing issues related to strength, flexibility, coordination, balance, endurance, motor skills, and more.

Pediatric physical therapists are trained to understand and manage unique physiological changes and developmental milestones throughout childhood. They provide services to children with various needs, including those who have:

• Musculoskeletal disorders, such as juvenile rheumatoid arthritis, hypotonia (lax muscle tone), and hypertonia (excessive muscle tone)
• Neurological injuries, including nerve damage and brain injuries
• Behavioral disorders and conditions like Autism
• Developmental delays
• Genetic disorders like Down syndrome
• Neuromuscular disorders, such as cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, or spina bifida
• Orthopedic disabilities or injuries, like fractures, strains, sprains,or sports injuries
• Cardiopulmonary conditions, like cystic fibrosis
• Conditions that affect balance and coordination

These therapists use a variety of strategies, techniques, and interventions to help their patients. This can include activities and exercises that feel like play, making therapy sessions fun and engaging for kids. The ultimate goal of pediatric physical therapy is to enable children to participate as fully as possible in their daily routines and activities, promoting healthy, independent living.

Lastly, pediatric physical therapists also play a crucial role in educating and supporting families, school staff, and other caregivers on how best to help and support the child’s physical development and well-being.

Pediatric physical therapy is generally not designed to cause pain. Rather, it is intended to help improve children’s motor skills, strength, balance, and coordination, particularly for those with injuries or medical conditions affecting their physical function. The exercises and techniques are usually tailored to each child’s abilities and tolerance to ensure they are comfortable and can achieve their therapy goals.

However, just like with adults, some discomfort may occasionally be experienced during or after the therapy sessions, particularly when working on improving flexibility, strength, or movement in areas that may be tight, weak, or injured. Our physical therapists will always monitor the child’s response to the therapy and adjust the intensity of the therapy to minimize any discomfort or pain.

If a child ever reports pain during therapy, it’s crucial to communicate this to their Hernandez Therapy Clinic physical therapist. They can adjust the exercises or techniques to ensure the therapy is as comfortable as possible. Physical therapy should always aim to help the child improve in a safe and comfortable environment.

Physical therapy for children, or pediatric physical therapy, is designed to assist kids in improving their motor skills, strength, balance, coordination, and endurance. This can be especially important for children with developmental delays, physical injuries, or health conditions that affect their mobility.

First Appointment:

• Intake and Evaluation: The first session will typically involve a thorough evaluation. The therapist will review your child’s medical history and any relevant paperwork, such as medical reports or assessments from other professionals.
• Discussion with Parents/Caregivers: The therapist will want to understand your concerns and goals for your child’s physical development. This is an opportunity to discuss any difficulties your child has been experiencing in relation to their movement or physical activities.
• Physical Assessment: The therapist will observe and assess your child’s mobility and motor skills. This could involve looking at their walking, running, climbing stairs, balance, coordination, and other physical activities.
• Creating a Plan: Based on this assessment, the physical therapist will formulate a treatment plan that addresses your child’s needs and aligns with the goals you and the therapist have discussed. This plan may be adjusted and updated as therapy progresses and your child’s needs and abilities change.

Pediatric physical therapy sessions will vary depending on the child’s age, developmental level, and specific needs. Therapists use a variety of exercises and activities to improve your child’s motor skills, flexibility, balance, and strength. This could include age-appropriate games, activities, or toys. The aim is to make therapy fun and engaging for your child.

Part of the therapist’s role is to educate you and your child about the therapy process and how to safely and effectively perform certain exercises or tasks at home. They may also suggest modifications to your child’s environment to support their physical development better.

The therapist will regularly assess your child’s progress toward the therapy goals. Depending on how your child responds to therapy, they will adjust the treatment plan as necessary. Remember, every child is unique, and their treatment plan will be individualized to fit their specific needs best. Be sure to communicate regularly with the therapist about any questions or concerns you have.

Physical therapy is a specialized field, and for a child’s first appointment, you should bring additional items that pertain to their physical needs. Here’s what you typically should consider bringing:

• Identification and Insurance: Just as with any medical appointment, bring your photo ID, your child’s ID if applicable (like a birth certificate for infants), your insurance card, and any necessary paperwork about your child’s health insurance coverage.
• Medical Records: This includes relevant medical records like records from the pediatrician, relevant test results, and any diagnosis or referral paperwork. Also, bring any records from orthopedic surgeons, neurologists, or other specialists if your child has seen them.
• Equipment: If your child uses any assistive device, like braces, crutches, or a wheelchair, bring those along. The therapist may want to assess how your child uses the equipment and make adjustments or recommendations as necessary.
• Comfortable Clothing: Your child should wear loose, comfortable clothing to their physical therapy appointment. Depending on the reason for therapy, they might be moving around a lot, so clothing should not restrict movement.
• Questions: Write down any questions or concerns about your child’s physical therapy. This is a new experience for both of you, and it’s important to understand what the treatment will involve, the goals, and how progress will be assessed.
• Comfort Items: Especially for young children, bring along a favorite toy or blanket to make them feel more at ease.
• List of Current Medications: Just like with any medical appointment, you should provide a list of your child’s current medications. Even though physical therapy is often exercise-based, medications can affect your child’s energy levels, mood, and other factors that could influence therapy.

Before the appointment, call our physical therapist at (754) 220-6493 to ask if there is anything specific you should bring. They may have additional requirements or suggestions based on your child’s needs.

If your child is feeling sick before their pediatric physical therapy appointment, call our office at (754) 220-6493 to discuss the situation. We’ll provide guidance based on your child’s symptoms.

If your child has a fever, cough, or other symptoms of the flu or COVID-19, it’s best to reschedule the appointment.

If your child has chronic symptoms related to their condition, your physical therapist can offer strategies to manage these symptoms. We can adapt the therapy session to accommodate your child’s needs. In all cases, communication is key.

Also, remember to consider the cancellation policy of the clinic. Try to call as soon as you know your child is unwell to avoid any late cancellation fees if they apply.

The short answer is no!

Direct Access refers to your legal right to be treated by a physical therapist without a prescription or referral, so there is nothing to worry about if you don’t have a prescription for physical therapy!

All fifty states and the District of Columbia have ruled enabling patients “Direct Access” to physical therapy services and programs. You can contact a physical therapist without a physician’s prescription or referral.

According to “The Patient’s Bill of Rights” law, you can decide what physical therapy clinic you choose for your care.

Although many physicians recommend a physical therapy clinic they may prefer, you are under no obligation to go to that clinic. No medical practitioner, insurance company, or other entity can insist you attend a physical therapy clinic. The choice is yours to make!

Your basic patient rights include these:

• The right to information about quality: You can look up information about medical practitioners’ credentials, statistics regarding hospitals and clinics, and what your health plan covers in easy-to-understand language.
• The right to choose a healthcare provider: Besides your primary healthcare provider, this also covers specialists, including physical therapists.
• The right to emergency services: You can’t be denied treatment in an emergency.
• The right to make decisions: It’s up to you to decide which course of treatment you want to follow.
• The right to respect: You must be treated with respect regardless of sex, age, race, national origin, sexual orientation, or disability.
• The right to confidentiality: Your health information is private and cannot be released without your consent.
• The right to complain: All providers (insurance, physicians, clinics, hospitals, etc.) must have a grievance procedure.
• All fifty states and the District of Columbia have made a ruling enabling patients “Direct Access” to physical therapy services and programs. You can contact a physical therapist without a physician’s prescription or referral.

Call Hernandez Therapy Clinic at (754) 220-6493 today if you have any questions!

Scheduling an appointment at Hernandez Therapy Clinic in Fort Lauderdale, FL is easier than ever! Our scheduling is easy; we offer a convenient location and appointment times. We have morning and evening appointments available to meet the demands of your busy schedule.

Call us today at (754) 220-6493 or click here to request an appointment.

We understand that dealing with insurance can be complicated; therefore, Hernandez Therapy Clinic would gladly assist you and answer your questions. It is essential to contact your insurance carrier to determine your coverage depending on your specific policy.

Visit our insurance plans page for additional information, and please do not hesitate to contact our Fort Lauderdale, FL physical therapy office.

For your convenience, we provide a variety of payment alternatives.

Although every patient is different, the initial session usually lasts 1 hour to an hour and 15 minutes. After that, each session will vary depending on your condition and progress; most often, it will last 45-60 minutes.

Your unique needs will determine the length of time, which our therapist will discuss with you. In addition, you and your physical therapist will determine the frequency of your weekly appointments.

It is common for your therapist to want to see you more often in the early stages of your care to assess your progress and confirm your treatment plan. In most cases, you will likely see your therapist twice a week initially and then make your appointments more spaced out as you proceed through treatment.

Physical therapists primarily measure your impairments and your functional limitations.

Impairments include:

• Pain
• Weakness
• Loss of motion
• Paresthesias (numbness, tingling, pins, needles, etc.)

Functional limitations include:

• Lying
• Sleep
• Rolling over
• Getting up out of bed
• Sitting
• Moving from standing to sitting
• Moving from sitting to standing
• Standing
• Walking
• Level ground
• Stairs
• Uneven ground
• Running
• etc

Tracking your impairments and functional abilities gives physical therapists objective information to compare with initial measurements. In addition, your reports and personal experiences help to validate your improvements and clue your therapist to regressions and/or lack of progress.

The bottom line is that you should notice improvements in how you feel and function throughout therapy. If you are not following an anticipated path of progress, your therapist will reassess you. We’ll use the information to change your program or recommend further testing.

Our clinic won’t turn a patient away for this reason!

If you do not have insurance, that’s okay. For patients who do not have insurance, we offer cash-based options due at the time of service.

Please get in touch with our Fort Lauderdale, FL clinic and speak to our front desk about costs and setting up payment plans.