Questions?
There are themes to the types of questions we receive. Here are the answers to some of the ones we receive most frequently. If you do not see your question addressed below, please feel free to reach out.
New to Physical Therapy? Welcome!
We are happy you are considering us. Here are some of our most common initial questions.
What is Physical Therapy?
Physical Therapy is the assessment & evaluation of pain and dysfunction and how the body, anatomy, physiology, and biomechanics relate to that dysfunction. Physical Therapists develop plans that include different modalities and targeted exercises to reduce pain and correct dysfunction. The result is stronger, pain free movement which helps you get back to better than you were before Physical Therapy.
Who benefits from Physical Therapy?
Everyone! Sincerely. An appointment with a Physical Therapist is an opportunity to assess the body and come up with a plan, guided by a doctor of Physical Therapy, for how you can better function within your body.
Is your clinic just for athletes?
Nope! We treat everyone and offer many different services with one goal: individualized treatment for all of our patients. We certainly do treat athletes, but also nearly every other acute or chronic condition that affects the body including but not limited to vestibular and pelvic floor Physical Therapy. Please feel free to visit our Team page and take a look at who specializes in what.
What should I expect during my visit?
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Parking: Good news, we are located in a building that has ample parking just outside the door! It is indeed pay parking, so you can either pay by using the Park Mobile app or at one of the kiosks.
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Initial Evaluation: You will meet with your Physical Therapist and get to know one another via the Initial Evaluation process. During this meeting the PT will ask question about you, the condition(s) you are looking to address, and take some notes. Your PT will also take measurements, depending on your specific concern. These measurements often include physical movements and manual manipulation of your areas of concern. This visit usually takes between 60-75 minutes. If this is of interest to you, please call to schedule an Initial Evaluation. We will ask you a few questions and get you on the schedule.
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Follow-up visits: After the initial evaluation visit, you and your PT will discuss the treatment plan based on the results of your initial evaluation. You can then schedule your follow-up visits in person or call to schedule.
How long do I need to be in Physical Therapy? What will my treatment look like?
Great question! There is not a cut and dry answer for this question, as the treatment duration is entirely individualized. As a general guide:
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You will see progress and have relief in 1-2 weeks.
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Acute conditions - will see measurable progress within one month.
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Chronic conditions - will see measurable progress within 10-12 weeks.
The reality is that it depends, and it is different for everyone. In the office you will receive hands-on, corrective modalities and go through guided exercises with your PT. You will also receive an at home exercise plan. Change takes time and continuous work. You will work with your PT to set ideal and realistic timelines.
What should I bring to my first visit?
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A form of ID
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Your insurance card
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Any orders from your referring physician
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Any reports or images you may have, if available
What should I wear to my Physical Therapy visit?
Great question! Please wear comfortable clothing that provides access to the area you are having treated, both visually and physically. It is very likely that you will be doing movements or exercises during your visit, please wear something that will allow for that type of activity.
How do I get started?
Feel free to give us a call! Don't worry, we are very friendly here. You will be asked a few initial questions and given options for appointment times.
Services & Modalities
Here is some more information about our services, as well as the modalities we use in-office.
What does 'modality' mean?
In physical therapy, a modality is a specific therapeutic tool, technique, or physical agent—such as heat, cold, sound, or electricity—used to stimulate the body's healing process. Physical therapists use these treatments to reduce pain, decrease inflammation, relax muscles, and improve overall function.
Which modalities are used at PEAK?
We often use:
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manual manipulation
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cupping
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soft tissue tools, Graston Technique
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dry needling
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electrical stimulation
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paraffin
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KT (kinesiology) tape
We have a lot of tools at our fingertips and we use what is appropriate for each patient. Additionally, we offer a whole suite of wellness & recovery options for those looking for an even more holistic approach.
What exactly is vestibular physical therapy? Do you offer it?
Vestibular physical therapy—or vestibular rehabilitation— is a specialized, exercise-based treatment designed to resolve or manage migraines, dizziness, vertigo, and balance disorders. It retrains the brain to adapt to and compensate for inner ear deficits, reducing your risk of falls and restoring normal daily function.
We are so fortunate to have a number of PTs at PEAK who are specially trained in vestibular physical therapy. Please feel free to visit our Team page and look for Dr. Jennifer Furst and Dr. Jenna McLane.
What is pelvic floor physical therapy? Do you offer it?
Pelvic floor is a type of physical therapy that helps prevent, treat, and manage the symptoms of pelvic floor disorders, such as pelvic pain and incontinence.
PTs specializing in the pelvic floor can help manage and resolve a wide variety of symptoms including, but not limited to:
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Urinary/Bowel: Leaking, incontinence, sudden urgency, chronic constipation, or straining.
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Pain: Endometriosis-related pain, tailbone pain, low back/hip pain, discomfort during/after intercourse.
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Pre/Postpartum: Core weakness, abdominal separation (diastasis recti), and pelvic girdle pain.
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Post-Surgery: Rehabilitation following hysterectomies, or other pelvic surgeries.
A pelvic floor physical therapist visit may include an internal and/or external examination to assess a patient and create a treatment plan. A treatment plan may include lifestyle changes, pelvic floor exercises and other nonsurgical techniques.
We do offer pelvic floor physical therapy at PEAK! Dr. Jennifer Furst is a certified pregnancy and postpartum corrective exercise specialist. Jen is trained in providing internal examinations and treatment for pelvic floor dysfunction, specializing in urinary incontinence, pelvic pain, and pelvic floor weakness.
How do I get started?
Feel free to give us a call! Don't worry, we are very friendly here. You will be asked a few initial questions and given options for appointment times.
210 Union Square Dr.
New Hope, PA
18938
(F) 215-862-1625
(P) 215-862-1648