top of page
CLEGG & GUEST
PHYSICAL THERAPY
(586) 978-7900
Committed to Excellence. Committed to You.
Celebrating 30 Years of Quality Service
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a written prescription from my doctor for physical therapy?
The State of Michigan no longer requires a physician’s signed prescription for physical therapy. The State allows therapists to perform an evaluation and provide treatment without a prescription for 21 days or 10 visits, whichever comes first. There are a few other circumstances when you should see a doctor. Some insurance companies still require a prescription for physical therapy. Call our office with your insurance information and we will check for you.
What should I bring with me on my first visit?
Please bring your prescription (see above), your driver’s license (or other valid I.D.), insurance cards, medication list, and appropriate attire (sports/loose clothing, closed toe shoes) - we have private changing areas for you.
What does a physical therapist do on the first visit?
A physical therapist will ask you questions about how you are feeling, what treatments or procedures you have had in the past, and other medical conditions you may have. They will take you through various tests to see your mobility, strength, and watch your movement patterns. They will discuss your goals that you would like to achieve from physical therapy. Depending on the length of the evaluation, they will instruct you on exercises or positioning to begin at home to help with your condition.
How do I prepare for a physical therapy appointment?
Prior to, or at your appointment, you will fill out paperwork that includes your past medical history. It is important to list any surgeries you have had, even if you don’t think they are relevant.
Dress appropriately. Wear loose fitting clothing. If you will be seen for your hip or knee, bring shorts that you can change into. If you are being seen for your shoulder or neck, you may want to consider wearing a tank top if you are not comfortable removing your shirt or changing into a gown. Wear full soled shoes, preferably a type of athletic shoe. Do not wear heels, sandals, or flip flops.
If you do not typically take pain medication on a regular basis, do not take pain medication to "get through” the appointment. If you are taking pain medication on a regular basis to function, take your medication as usual and let the physical therapist know.
What if I was injured on the job or in an auto accident?
CGPT accepts both worker’s compensation claims and auto injury claims. Once you have filed a claim with your employer (for worker’s comp) or your auto insurance company (for auto injury accidents), we will contact the insurer for approval of physical therapy.
What insurances do you accept?
Click here to see our insurance page.
Is it too late to start physical therapy?
No! Physical therapy can often help old injuries especially if you never had physical therapy in the first place. Often physical therapy can improve mobility and strength and decrease pain levels, even if you’ve had the issue for years.
Can physical therapy help hypermobility/Ehlers Danlos Syndrome?
Physical therapy can help with the weakness, aches, and pains that accompany EDS. It is important that the physical therapy is tailored to each person due to the high degree of difference in each EDS patient. It is also key to find a physical therapist that is familiar with EDS and is able to provide the large amount of education needed for the best outcome. Open communication with the physical therapist regarding what you are comfortable with, your energy level, and prior issues is important for your best result.
What kind of physical therapy is used for hypermobility/EDS?
At CGPT, we use a combination of education, exercise, manual therapy, and taping techniques. We have found that EDS patients require a lot of education and support. We can provide information on the many issues that come with EDS, including IBS and low energy levels. EDS patients often struggle with their proprioception, which is understand-ing where their body is positioned in space, so proper body positioning is a key compo-nent of their education. We teach patients to avoid extreme positions that they might not even be aware that they are engaging in. We have found that this is vital for improved quality of life. This philosophy makes exercise possible without a drastic increase in symptoms, or being worn out for the rest of the day.
What do dance physical therapists do?
Dance physical therapists have extensive knowledge in dance technique, dance injuries, areas of weakness in dancers and dance specific exercises. They are able to evaluate a dancer both as a traditional patient and dance technique to better identify and treat dance injuries. They will develop a custom program designed for dancers that addresses the dancer’s specialized needs.
Is physical therapy good for dancers?
Physical therapy is a great resource for dancers. Conditions like snapping or popping hips, Achilles tendinitis, jumper’s knee, heel pain along with other injuries are treatable and improve with physical therapy. Dancers are frequently very weak, which is surprising given everything that they do and for the number of hours they do it. Physical therapy will address weaknesses and mobility deficits to improve the dancer’s ability to fully participate in class and perform without pain.
bottom of page