Physical Therapy is a health profession that combines the "science of healing and the art of caring" to treat movement dysfunctions. A physical therapist performs a comprehensive analysis of movement that includes identifying joint dysfunction, tissue limitations, muscular imbalances and structural pathologies. In order to assist patients, physical therapists use a variety of methods to create changes in tissue and movement patterns to ultimately restore function. Treatment consists of skilled manual therapy (hands on) with therapeutic exercise that simulates daily movements to rehabilitate the body, restoring maximal mobility and optimal mechanical motion, as well as provide preventative care.

Multiple studies support the position that over half of the American population suffers from pain. Many of these individuals are not aware that physical therapists not only treat pain, but also its source.

Physical therapists are experts at treating pain and neuro-musculoskeletal disorder. Pain often accompanies a movement disorder, and the expertise of physical therapists can help correct the disorder and relieve the pain.

Physical therapists are licensed health care professionals who are experts in musculoskeletal dysfunction. Therapists are trained to analyze movement and identify abnormal mechanics. From this assessment, a physical therapist will provide education, training, and manual skills to treat any dysfunction and accelerate the recovery process.

Physical therapists are licensed health care professionals. Prior to practicing, they must obtain a Master and/or Doctorate Degree of Physical Therapy from an accredited university education program and pass their state board licensing examination. They have extensive training in anatomy, physiology, biomechanics, neurological sciences, and disease and injury pathophysiology, in addition to skilled therapeutic treatment application. Physical therapists also attend continuing education courses to stay abreast of the latest medical developments and treatment approaches.

Manual Physical Therapy is a highly specialized form of physical therapy in which therapists use their hands to mobilize muscle tissue joints to decrease pain and restore range of motion. A Certified Orthopaedic Manual Therapist (COMT) is trained to apply specific tissue and joint mobilizations to achieve targeted responses, with the goal of pain management, increased range of motion, reduced soft tissue inflammation, improved mobility or stability, and the restoration of movement function.

Indiana Physical Therapy is proud to staff the largest number of COMT trained therapists in a private practice setting in the United States. While this required a large commitment of time and resources, we know it is worth the effort. COMT credentials enable IPT to honor a much larger commitment – to equip NE Indiana’s physicians and patients with the most advanced, most professional physical therapy care available anywhere.

Although the majority of states have direct access to physical therapists or some form of direct access, in the State of Indiana you need to obtain a prescription from a physician to receive physical therapy evaluation and treatment.

Therapists may use one or a combination of the following interventions to achieve treatment goals:

• Manual therapy techniques (soft tissue and joint mobilization) Therapeutic exercises
• Functional training in self care and home management
• Physical agents, mechanical and/or thermal modalities
• Electrotherapeutic modalities
• Educational and/or application of assistive, adaptive, and protective devices and equipment

The frequency of your sessions depends on your situation, your diagnosis, and the severity of your impairment. Your plan of care is determined after your initial evaluation with the physical therapist. Typical treatment frequency is 2 to 3 times per week.

In the State of Indiana your choice of therapy provider is protected by law; and the therapist must be licensed by the State. These are some items you may consider when seeking a physical therapy clinic: The therapist must be a licensed provider in that state.

• The therapist’s care should include a variety of techniques including hands-on manual techniques, soft tissue work, therapeutic exercise and some modality care like heat/cold treatment, electrical stimulation or ultrasound.
• The therapist should be a good communicator and discuss your treatment plan in detail with you during your initial visit and whenever you may have questions.
• The clinic should be conveniently located. Sitting and driving can often aggravate orthopedic problems and there should be a very good reason for you to drive a long distance for care and treatment. The clinic should have hours of operation that are convenient to you and be able to schedule your initial visit within one working day or sooner.
• Ask your family and friends whom they would recommend.

Physical therapy can be effective treatment for pre natal / post partum pain and dysfunction, post gynecological surgery, incontinence / pelvic floor weakness and pelvic pain. Therapy for these conditions often consists of strengthening exercises and muscle stimulation. Indiana Physical Therapy has certified therapists who specialize in women’s services and specific equipment to provide these treatments. For more information or to schedule an appointment please contact IPT Woman at 260 969 8992.

As a courtesy to you, IPT will contact your insurance carrier to verify individual benefits and, if needed, to obtain preauthorization required by your insurance carrier. IPT is pleased to be a contract provider to most if not all insurance carriers.

Your carrier will advise us if you have any co-pays or co-insurance that may be due at the time of service or may be collected by making payment arrangements with the IPT Billing Department. IPT provides all patients with periodic statements that explain your carrier’s payments and any personal balances due in conjunction with your insurance policy.