Helping Hands Therapy Inc. offers answers to frequently asked questions about physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy and to specific questions about the services we offer at our clinic in Lafayette, LA. Links throughout the answers will guide you to further information on our website. Should you have any additional questions, please consult our Contact Us page.
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What is physical therapy?
Physical therapy is a health profession that assesses movement potential and uses treatment to maintain and restore maximum mobility so that the patient may return to their pre-injury lifestyle. Our physical therapists use patient history and a physical evaluation to devise a rehabilitation plan with both the patient and their families. Patients spend 1 hour, 2-3 times per week working with their physical therapist on a series of stretching techniques and exercises specifically tailored for their individual rehabilitation plan.
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What is occupational therapy?
Occupational Therapy provides patients with skills for the job of living–those movements and activities that are necessary to function in the community and in the patient’s chosen environment. While not the only emphasis, occupational therapy often deals with hand function and fine motor skills. Rehabilitation techniques often focus on reaching, grabbing, minor lifting, and multitasking. Patients typically spend one hour, two-three times weekly working with their therapists to complete individualized treatment plans.
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What is speech therapy?
Speech therapy is a general term that actually covers several components such as oral-motor deficits, stuttering, articulation, language, reading, writing comprehension as well as auditory comprehension. Each injury and deficit will require its own method of treatment and, after an initial evaluation, our speech therapist will design a regimen with you and your family to be conducted 1 hour approximately 2 times per week.
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How do I make an appointment?
Call our office any time Monday-Friday 7:30A-5:00P (337) 233-0322. Patients are scheduled the same week of their physician’s referral.
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Do you accept my insurance?
Most insurances are accepted. Here are a few for example: Blue Cross Blue Shield, Medicare, Tricare, Cigna, Aetna, United Health Care, American Life Care, UMR, Summit (worker’s compensation), Benefit Management, Gilsbar, and VRTY. Upon your initial call, we will verify your insurance information and resolve any questions before your first appointment.
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What do I need to bring to my first appointment?
In order to devise the best treatment plan possible for you, please bring your prescription for therapy and any reports, x-rays, or other test results from your referring physician with you to your first appointment. If you are currently using any physical aids such as braces, walkers, or walking canes, please bring those as well.
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What do I wear?
Wear loose fitting clothing that has some elasticity to it to allow for stretching and bending. It is best to wear clothes that expose or allow easy access to the specific area to be treated.
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What about my regular doctor?
Physical therapists do not replace your current doctor. We work with your doctor by providing he or she with periodic updates about your progress and always request his or her permission before advancing with your therapy.
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How long will I have to attend therapy?
This answer will always be contingent on each individual’s personal lifestyle before their injury and the amount of work they are willing to contribute to their recovery. I can, however, assure you that our therapists are well known for taking on some of the most difficult cases, some that were even thought to be hopeless, and have had remarkable success in helping patients regain much of their mobility and independence. So if you are ready to be pain free or regain your mobile freedom, please call our office today to schedule a free evaluation.