FAQ

Valeo FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions:

Osteoarthritis

Question:
I have been diagnosed with osteoarthritis.  I have heard that exercise helps, but I am concerned that it will make my symptoms worse.  How does exercise help?

Answer:
Osteoarthritis, or degenerative joint disease, is one of the most common types of arthritis.  It is charcterized by wear and tear of the joint's cartilage.  Cartilage is the part of the joint that cushions the ends of the bones.  When the cartilage breaks down, the bones rub against each other, causing pain and loss of movement.
For many years, it was thought that people with arthiritis should avoid exercise because it would further damage the joints.  Now doctors and therapists know that people with arthritis can improve their health through moderate exercise without hurting their joints.  One slogan frequently used with arthritis is "motion is lotion," meaning that movement helps to lubricate the joint and keep it mobile.  Exercise also keeps the muscles surrounding the joints strong, which helps to protect the joint.  Other benefits of exercise include improving your energy level, helping you sleep better, and enhancing your sense of well-being.  One general rule to follow is that if you have more than two hours of increased soreness or discomfort after exercise, then you have done too much.  Back down on the amount of exercise during the next session.  Along with your prescribed medications, rest, and other parts of your arthritis treatment program, regular exercise can help keep your joints in working order so you can continue your daily activities.  Contact your local physical therapist to start your exercise program
Fibromyalgia

Question:
My sister has been diagnosed by her physician with fibromyalgia.  She complains of pain and aching throughout her muscles.  She also has difficulty sleeping.  What is fibromyalgia?

Answer:
Fibromyalgia is a complex disorder that is characterized by widespread muscular aching and buring throughout the body.  Some patients relate that they feel as if they have the flu all the time.  This syndrome is also associated with other disorders, which include chronic fatigue, sleep disorder, irritable bowel syndrome, chronic headache, temporomandibular joint dysfunction (TMJ), and sensitivity to the environment, such as odors, noise, and bright lights, among other symptoms.  Fibromyalgia typically occurs among women of middle age, but it also occurs in men and in other age groups.  There are many theories as to the cause of fibromyalgia, but no definitive answer as of yet.
However, fibromyalgia is a self-limiting condition, meaning that it is not a terminal illness but a cluster of symptoms that require daily management to allow the individual to function as normally as possible.  Some of the current treatments include physical therapy, improving deep-level sleep that is so crucial for body functions, trial of different medication schemes, stress management techniques, relaxation techniques, therapeutic massage, and a consistent exercise program.  It is possible to manage fibromyalgia symptoms with a comprehensive treatment plan so the patient can return to normal daily activities.

Can I go to any physical therapy clinic?

Answer:

YES! You can choose your physical therapist.
Most often, your physician with hand you a prescription for physical therapy and that prescription will have a physical therapy clinic’s contact information on it. Some will give you a listing of local physical therapy clinics and a generic prescription, and let you choose where to go. Some will ask you if you have a physical therapy clinic/therapist you like and send you there.  What's important to realize is that YOU the PATIENT have the right to choose where you would like to receive physical therapy, and you should feel free to share your preference with your physician.  An important note is that not all physical therapy clinics accept all insurances and although this may impact your decision, personally check with the physical therapy clinic you like and have them verify your benefits. In some cases it may even be more cost effective to get physical therapy even if "out of network".

Important questions to ask when seeking physical therapy are:

-Do you offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee? We are so confident that you will have a positive experience here that we are willing to make this offer.  If you are ever dissatisfied with the care you receive, let your therapist know at the time of service and your payment will be refunded to you.

-Do you offer a Free initial consultation? We believe that it is important for the patient/client and therapist to meet prior to the initiation of treatment to discuss treatment options/plans and treatment philosophies of the clinic.  This also allows for time for completion of any paperwork and insurance verification.

1. Mitchell, J., Scott, E., Physician Ownership of Physical Therapy Services: Effects on Charges, Utilization, Profits, and Service Characteristics.  Journal of the American Medical Association. 1992.

2. "Joint Ventures Among Health Care Providers in Florida," State of Florida Health Care Cost Containment Board, 1991.

3. Domholdt, E., Durchholz, AG. Direct access use by experienced therapists in states with direct access. Phys. Ther. 1992 Aug: 72(8):569-74.

4. Federal Office of the Inspector General May 1, 2006 - This report calls into question billing processes done by non-physical therapist owned practices.

**comments by Paul C. - a few additional thoughts about the above info.  Not all physical therapy clinics operate the same.  When considering a physician-owned clinic there can be additional factors that increase costs, co-payments, co-insurances, and deductibles.  For example, if the physician’s clinic is associated with a hospital, that clinic may bill as a "facility" and not an outpatient clinic.  This minor difference can result in increased costs of your co-pays, deductibles, and the amount the clinic charges your insurance.  Some Valeo PT patients who have price shopped have reported co-pays of $50.00/visit at one facility, while an “unaffiliated” clinic (such as ours) can charge $20.00/visit.  Now, I would never recommend physical therapy treatment simply based on price; however, in the current economy it can't be overlooked.  Also, always ask for a Free consult with your prospective PT to determine if the personalities, clinic layout, ideals, and hours work for you.

Thanks for reading! Paul C.

I have heard a lot about injury to the "ACL" during sports.  What is an ACL injury?

Answer:
In the knee, there are four main ligaments that hold the knee together and keep it stable.  The function of a ligament is to hold bone to bone.  The ACL is the anterior cruciate ligament, one of the ligaments inside the knee joint.  This particular ligament prevents the lower leg bone, the tibia, from sliding too far forward or rotating on the thigh bone, the femur.

The ACL can be injured during sports or activities that require excessive pivoting or twisting of the knee.  The ligament can also be injured during hyperextension or lateral trauma to the knee.  The person may hear or feel a "pop" in the knee followed by swelling and difficulty continuing the sport or activity.  The athlete may feel a sense of instability of the knee during activity.  An evaluation by a physical therapist is indicated.  Further evaluation by an orthopedist, if indicated, will determine if surgical reconstruction of the ligament is needed.  If surgery is performed, the athlete usually spends several months in physical therapy rehabilitation to regain full function of the knee in order to return to sports.

Workstation Ergonomics

I have worked as a receptionist in a busy office for 15 years.  I have headaches and aching in my neck and shoulders almost every day during and after work.  I saw my doctor, who told me to assess the "ergonomics" at my workstation.  What does this entail?

Answer:
Ergonomics is the study of how people interact with their work environment.  If you work in an office, it refers to how you "fit" at your workstation.  An improper fit can cause strain and fatigue on your spine and the muscles that support your spine.  Try addressing the following questions:
1.  Can you adjust your seat height?
2.  Are your feet firmly on the floor?
3.  Are hips at the same level as your knees?
4.  Do you have a good lumbar (back) support?
5.  Are your arms supported by armrests?
6.  Is your keyboard at a height where your wrists are not bent?
7.  Are your shoulders relaxed, not "shrugged" when you use your keyboard?
8.  Is the toolbar on your monitor at eye level?
9.  Is your computer monitor an arm's length away from you?
10.  Do you have a document holder?
11.  Do you have a wrist rest or support?
12.  Are you able to take short breaks to move out of your working, stationary position?

These questions should help you take a good look at how your body is positioned while you perform your desk job.  Contact a physical therapist to get your workstation assessment.  Ergonomic improvements do not have to be expensive and can make the difference in whether you can perform your job without headaches, backaches, and other discomfort.