If you’ve had an accident or incident that left you injured, you need quick treatment for your injuries. Wait times to be seen at some primary care offices are growing by the day as they continue to implement COVID measures, effectively reducing their operating capacity. The remaining capacity is often filled with patients experiencing COVID-like symptoms, which means that’s a waiting room that you don’t want to be anywhere near. So, what should accident victims do to get the help that they desperately need in a reasonable amount of time? The answer might be physical therapy.

What is physical therapy?

Physical therapy is often the best course of treatment for people suffering with injuries after an accident. Physical therapists are licensed doctors that receive extensive training to evaluate injuries and develop treatment plans that restore the patient’s functioning to pre-accident levels. To do this, physical therapists use a variety of techniques, including:

• Targeted exercises
• Stretching
• Massage
• Electric stimulation
• Hot and/or cold therapy
• Traction
• Dry needling

What symptoms does physical therapy treat?

Physical therapy can be beneficial for a multitude of conditions and symptoms. Common reasons to receive physical therapy include:

• Pain with movement
• Limited range of motion
• Reduced functioning due to injury or pain
• Balance and gait problems
• Amputation
• Traumatic birth
• Stroke
• Many chronic physical conditions, such as MS

No matter why you need physical therapy, the professionals at Florida Wellness Medical Center in Carrollwood have the experience, tools, and resources required to get you back to optimal functioning after an accident of any type.

Is physical therapy painful?

Physical therapy should never be painful, but because it requires you to use muscles and tissue that has been injured or underutilized, it can be uncomfortable at times. For example, you may experience soreness in the affected body part after stretching, exercise, or massage. Pain perception is highly dependent on the individual and their tolerance to discomfort.

Do I need a referral for physical therapy in Florida?

If you live in Florida and experience an injury that requires physical therapy, you’re in luck. As a “direct access to care” state, Florida residents can receive up to 30 days of physical therapy after an accident or qualified event without a physician’s referral. Physical therapy treatment that lasts longer than 30 days or is initiated after the 30-day cutoff does require a physician’s exam and referral.

Does insurance pay for physical therapy in Florida?

In most cases, insurance can cover the cost of your physical therapy treatment. If your injuries resulted from an auto accident, your Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage may cover part of your qualified medical expenses (note: you must start care within 14 days of the auto accident to qualify for PIP coverage). If you were injured at work, Workers Compensation coverage may pay for your care. We also accept most health insurance plans with physical therapy coverage. Please contact us at (844) 935-5669 for detailed information on the insurance plans we accept.