Frequently Asked Questions

During your first visit you can expect the following:

• Arrive at your appointment with your paperwork completed (you can download these from our website – see the Patient Forms page).
• You will provide us with your prescription for therapy.
• We will copy your insurance card.
• You will be seen for the initial evaluation by the therapist.
  • Your medical history.
  • Your current problems/complaints.
  • Pain intensity, what aggravates and eases the problem.
  • How this is impacting your daily activities or your functional limitations.
  • Your goals with occupational therapy.
  • Medications, tests, and procedures related to your health.

The therapist will discuss the following:
The therapist will then perform an objective evaluation and develop a customized treatment plan.

Make sure you bring your therapy referral or prescription (provided to you by your doctor) and your payment information. If your insurance is covering the cost of occupational therapy, bring your insurance card. If you are covered by Workers’ Compensation, bring your claim number. If you are covered by auto insurance or an attorney lien, make sure you bring this information.

In some cases, occupational therapy techniques can cause discomfort. For example, some therapy methods used to recover hand or shoulder range of motion after a significant injury or surgery can be painful. Your occupational therapist will utilize a variety of techniques to help maximize your treatment goals. It is important that you communicate the intensity, frequency, and duration of pain to your therapist. Without this information, it is difficult for the therapist to adjust your treatment plan.

For many patients, one of the primary objectives is pain relief. This is frequently accomplished with hands-on techniques, modalities such as ultrasound, electrical stimulation, and/or heat or cold therapy. Movement often provides pain relief as well. Your therapist will provide you with the appropriate treatment not only for pain relief but to recover range of motion, strength, and endurance.

Treatment sessions typically last 30 to 60 minutes per visit

Some patients will need to continue with therapeutic exercises at home. Others will complete their rehabilitation and return to normal daily activities. It is important that you communicate your goals to your therapist, so he/she can develop a custom program for you.

Occupational therapists are licensed rehabilitation care professionals who work to restore or improve physical abilities, promote behavioral changes, adapt surroundings, and teach new skills; the goal is to have the individual achieve her or his best physical and/or mental functioning in daily life tasks. Occupational therapists provide these services on the referral or prescription of a physician, physician assistant, or nurse practitioner.

Even though Occupational therapists are important members of your medical team they cannot make a medical diagnosis in most states, including New York. This is something that your medical doctor will provide for you.