Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an X-ray or MRI before beginning physical therapy?

It is not necessary to have X-rays or an MRI before beginning therapy. Your therapist will perform a thorough evaluation which will assess the area of your body in question. If you have had prior X-rays or diagnostic tests, please let your therapist know at the time of your appointment.

How long do therapy sessions last?

Most therapy sessions last approximately 1 hour.

How many therapy sessions will I likely need?

Each case is different and the severity of the problems will determine the number of therapy visits. Some cases will respond in 2-3 visits while others will take longer. After your evaluation, your therapist will be able to let you know how many sessions you will likely need.

Why do we provide hands-on manual therapy methods?

Excel Rehab & Sports therapists have advanced certification in manual hands-on therapy methods and techniques.

According to the American Physical Therapy Association, manual therapy methods are skilled hand and passive movements of joints and soft tissue. They improve tissue extensibility, increase range of motion; induce relaxation; mobilize or manipulate soft tissue and joints; modulate pain; and reduce soft tissue swelling, inflammation, or restriction. Techniques may include manual lymphatic drainage, manual traction, massage, mobilization/manipulation, and passive range of motion.

Research has shown, and we have seen dramatic improvements in patient outcomes when standard therapy methods are combined with manual therapy procedures. Hands-on manual therapy allows our therapists to release tight muscles and joints, softening the area to allow for more in-depth and more direct treatment to the intended area. Using this method, along with a personalized treatment plan, enables us to understand more fully how your body and condition is progressing and responding to the treatment and is proven to get our patients better faster.

Is Manual Therapy like getting a massage?

Manual therapy techniques move muscles, bones, and joints, and at times deep tissue massage is an integral part of the therapeutic process.

When a therapist uses hands-on manual therapy as part of a patient treatment plan, it adjusts your body’s musculoskeletal system. Over time patients will experience healing, pain relief, reduced inflammation and more, and begin to build strength and increased mobility and function long term.

What is Therapeutic Dry Needling (TDN)?

Therapeutic dry needling (TDN) is a technique that physical therapists use for the treatment of pain and movement limitations. Dry Needling involves the use of thin filament needles to release tight muscles, stimulate healing and cause a reduction in pain.
TDN differs from acupuncture in that TDN uses needling at and surrounding the site of the problem tissues, versus acupuncture may treat the entire body to achieve the desired effect.

TDN works at the muscular and sensory nerve levels. Muscularly, the thin filament needles cause a reflexive relaxation of a tight or spasmed muscle. At a sensory nerve level, the needles target specific sensory nerves to desensitize these nerves allowing the surrounding muscles to relax as well.

TDN does create a small amount of discomfort like other hands-on treatment modalities like massage and trigger point release. A thin, filament needle is much smaller than a hypodermic needle used to give a shot or draw blood (you could fit 10 thin filament needles in the end of a hypodermic needle.)

Excel Rehab & Sports therapists are trained and certified to utilize Therapeutic Dry Needling as part of your personalized treatment plan.

Will my insurance cover my treatment if I do not have a doctor's referral?

South Carolina and Tennessee are Direct Access states. Having Direct Access means that you have a choice in where and when you receive your Physical, Occupational or Hand Therapy. If your doctor does not prescribe therapy as part of your recovery, and you are experiencing pain, you can choose to contact us directly and schedule an evaluation. Most insurance plans allow for up to 15 therapy visits or 30 days of Physical, Occupational and or Hand Therapy treatment, whichever comes first. We will assess your condition and discuss a treatment plan that would be best suited for your condition and recovery.