Physical Therapy to Improve Range of Motion and Functionality
Physical therapy is a medical treatment that helps you improve your function, range of motion, and overall quality of life. Physical therapy can help accelerate healing from an injury, reduce pain, and prevent injury. It also may help you decrease medication doses or stop taking pain medicines altogether. For some, physical therapy can significantly delay the need for surgery or help avoid it altogether.
Make an Appointment
Call 801-587-7005 to make an appointment. We don't require a referral, but your health insurance might. Contact your insurance before making an appointment.
Referrals
Your health care provider can submit a referral online or call 1-866-850-8863.
Why Choose University of Utah Health
How Much Does Physical Therapy Cost?
The cost of physical therapy varies depending on your insurance coverage. We recommend checking with your insurance plan before you start physical therapy so you know what to expect in terms of cost.
Is Physical Therapy Covered by Insurance?
Insurance usually covers physical therapy. Coverage can vary depending on what facility you go to and how many visits you have.
Does Medicare Cover Physical Therapy?
Medicare covers physical therapy. However, Medicare stops coverage at a certain number of sessions, so it’s important to know ahead of time how many sessions you have. Our physical therapists have experience working with Medicare patients and can contact billing to ask about coverage on your behalf.
Benefits of Physical Therapy
The most significant benefit of physical therapy is that it can help you maintain your quality of life for as long as possible. Physical therapy is important for several reasons:
- Helps you avoid surgery
- Lowers your pain medication dose or allows you to stop taking it altogether
- Maintains your independence for as long as possible
- Helps you participate in the activities you enjoy
- Prevents injuries
- Helps retain your mobility and strength
Does Physical Therapy Hurt?
You might feel uncomfortable during physical therapy or sore afterward, like you’ve had a tough workout. But it doesn’t hurt. In fact, physical therapy can help decrease pain.
What to Expect During Your Physical Therapy Session
Your First Visit
Your physical therapist will evaluate your needs and goals. We use evidence-based treatments to personalize your physical therapy session to your unique needs. We will consider the latest research and your overall goals to create the most effective treatment plan for you.
What to Wear to Physical Therapy
Dress comfortably for your appointment. We recommend athletic attire and comfortable, well-fitting athletic shoes.
How Long is a Physical Therapy Session?
Physical therapy sessions generally range from 30 to 60 minutes. It depends on your type of therapy. Outpatient orthopedic physical therapy visits are all 45 minutes. It's important to be on time for your appointment. Arriving late may shorten the length of your visit.
Outpatient physical therapy sessions may include a variety of activities:
- Exercises that you complete with the therapist in the office
- Home exercises to practice in between appointments
- Joint mobilization to decrease stiffness or pain
- Massage therapy to increase blood flow and loosen stiff muscles
- Ultrasound to increase blood flow to your tissues and boost healing
When to Stop Physical Therapy
You and your therapist will decide together when it’s time to stop physical therapy. Usually, you’re ready to finish physical therapy when you’ve met all your treatment goals.
After you stop physical therapy, our goal is that you will continue to maintain your results at home on your own. Your physical therapist will advise you on the type of exercises to maintain your function long-term.
Types of Physical Therapy & Programs
Sport-Specific Therapy
A therapist may specialize in helping you increase your functionality during the repetitive movements of specific sports. At U of U Health, we have several sport clinics that our physical therapists specialize in:
- Climbing
- Cycling
- Dancing
- Golfing
- Pilates
- Running
- SportsMetrics™ is a training program designed to prevent anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries in women.
- Skiing conditioning
- Throwing for people who play baseball or other sports that involve throwing
Therapy for First Responders
We run a physical therapy program specifically designed to prevent injury in people with high-risk jobs, such as law enforcement or firefighting.
Physical Therapy at U of U Health
What Does a Physical Therapist Do?
A physical therapist is a health care provider who helps you enhance your strength, mobility, and function. You may see a physical therapist to help treat chronic pain, rehabilitate an injury, or prevent future injuries.
Physical therapists are not the same as personal trainers. Physical therapists have doctorate degrees and typically work in health care settings. Personal trainers usually have to pass a personal training exam, but graduate-level training is not required. They do not work in health care.
A physical therapist creates personalized treatment plans, typically involving a set of prescribed exercises. They also may use techniques such as electrical stimulation, joint manipulation (gentle, hands-on joint adjustments), or massage to reduce pain and promote healing.
Inpatient vs. Outpatient Physical Therapy
Our physical therapists work with patients in the hospital (inpatient) or during office visits (outpatient).
The overall goals of outpatient and inpatient physical therapy are the same—to increase your function and mobility. If you are recovering in the hospital from an injury or illness, we will help you return home as quickly and safely as possible. During outpatient physical therapy, your provider will create a detailed treatment plan that you complete over several weeks or months.
What Is the Difference Between Occupational Therapy & Physical Therapy?
Both occupational and physical therapists are health care professionals who help you increase or restore function.
Physical therapists tend to focus on helping you improve your overall physical mobility and strength. Occupational therapists help restore your ability to complete specific tasks of daily living, like brushing your teeth or putting your shoes on.
Physical and occupational therapy often go together. You may work with both specialists as part of your treatment plan. These specialists also work together during home visits to assess your safety and functional needs in your living space.
