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If you’ve been injured in an auto accident and you’re not familiar with PIP, those three letters can make a huge difference. PIP, or Personal Injury Protection insurance covers you and anyone else on your auto insurance policy if you’ve been involved in an accident, whether or not you were driving. How do you know if you have PIP insurance? Well, if you have a driver’s license in Florida, own a car, and are following the state’s auto insurance laws, you have at least the minimum required PIP coverage ($10,000) on your insurance policy.
PIP covers medical bills–including physical therapy–and lost wages in the event of an accident. And because Florida is a “no-fault” state, you, and anyone else on your policy is covered by YOUR insurance (not any other party’s) regardless of whose fault the accident was. Even if you’re a passenger in someone else’s car that’s involved in an accident, your own auto insurance policy will cover your costs.
PIP is essential because it could mean you pay absolutely nothing out of pocket for physical therapy if you submit a PIP claim, especially if you combine it with your other health insurance benefits. However, it would help if you prioritized choosing a reputable, experienced physical therapy facility, like Physical Therapy Now. Our team works with the insurance companies to ensure your coverages are fully utilized.
PIP is designed to cover most financial expenses related to your injuries, including doctor’s visits, PT, medication, medical transportation (ambulance), surgery, diagnostic services (X-rays and other imaging and tests), lost wages, and more.
Will PIP Pay for All My Physical Therapy?
It might, but it depends on your situation. For “emergency” cases, PIP insurance covers up to $10,000; for “non-emergency” situations, coverage only goes to $2,500. If you’re worried that the state’s minimum requirement of $10,000 isn’t enough to cover all possible expenses in the event of an accident, you can call your auto insurance company and ask how much extra per month it will cost to elevate your PIP coverage to a higher coverage amount. In most cases, it’ll cost you less than $10/month to get to the next tier of coverage, which is well worth it. Consider what your out of pocket expense could be once that $10,000 is exhausted!
An important thing to note when filing a PIP claim: submit it as soon as you can, because auto insurance companies follow strict timelines as far as allowing PIP claims to be submitted–if you miss the deadline, you could miss out on your PIP coverage entirely, and that will cost you thousands of dollars in expenses.
Fortunately, Physical Therapy Now can help you communicate with your insurance company and help you get your claim submitted on time–because you should only have to focus on your recovery, not on dealing with insurance companies!
What Other Types of PIP Are There?
There’s Household PIP, which covers you under someone else’s policy in your household if you don’t have your own PIP (or don’t own a car); however, you’re only covered if the person in your household has disclosed to their insurance company that you are a member of the household and included on their policy. If they do not do this, you do NOT have access to their PIP coverage.
Passenger PIP covers you in the event you’re injured as a passenger in someone else’s car–the driver’s PIP insurance should then cover the cost of your injuries. This is if you do not own a car and have your own PIP coverage; if you do own a car, your own PIP insurance will cover you.
Defendant PIP covers you if you’re a pedestrian struck by a vehicle, and Household PIP or your own PIP does not cover you. If this is the case, the driver who hit you would be covering your expenses through their PIP coverage–only if you don’t have Household or your own PIP. If you DO have either Household or your own PIP, THAT PIP insurance will cover you because Florida is a “no-fault” state.
PIP Therapy
If you’re injured and need physical therapy covered by PIP, Physical Therapy Now is the place to go. The insurance team at Physical Therapy Now has plenty of experience handling PIP insurance, so you don’t have to worry. We won’t start any treatment or billing until you’re fully aware of any possible out-of-pocket expenses.
All of our clinics are open, but for the safety and health of our staff and patients, most of our locations are now open Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 9 am to 6 pm. It’s a good idea to call your location before you visit, since hours are subject to change.
We take the coronavirus pandemic very seriously and are taking several precautions to ensure the safety and well-being of both our clients and our staff while still providing you with the essential physical therapy you need right now. Among the measures we’re taking at this time are:
Physical Therapy Now is always here to help you. Give us a call at (800) 481-4582 to discuss appointment options. And if you can’t make it into one of our facilities, ask about teletherapy!
Safety is a common concern with anyone in need of physical therapy treatment during the coronavirus pandemic. While it is important to follow social distancing guidelines and minimize exposure risk, it is also essential to continue regular physical therapy treatment so you can continue improving your physical health.
The short answer is, yes, it is safe to get physical therapy treatment and continue regular appointments; however, you should speak with your medical doctor to get a definitive answer, especially if you’re immunocompromised. But know this: When you work with our staff at Physical Therapy Now, we follow all guidelines necessary to keep you, other patients, and our staff safe and healthy.
The CDC (Center for Disease Control) has compiled guidelines and restrictions for outpatient clinics. At Physical Therapy Now, we are dedicated to patient health and safety and work tirelessly to follow these guidelines. The goal is to keep the public safe and minimize the risk of coronavirus transmission while in the clinic and using shared equipment.
While we have always followed strict cleaning and sanitary practices at our outpatient clinics, we have added new regulations that our staff follow carefully to ensure your safety. Our new policies include:
By implementing these additional policies and encouraging social distancing in our waiting rooms, we have created a safe clinic for our patients and staff. While some might find these policies inconvenient, we prioritize making our patients feel safe and comfortable. We ask that our patients assist us with maintaining these guidelines to ensure everyone’s health and well-being.
If you are uncomfortable with in-person physical therapy sessions, we offer a teletherapy alternative. With teletherapy, you can meet with your therapist via your phone, tablet, or laptop without leaving the comfort of your home. This allows you to remain safe, and while you complete your treatment. Ask our office about this option, and we will work to accommodate your needs.
If you are concerned about COVID-19 safety precautions, contact our office at Physical Therapy Now with your questions and concerns. Our staff is available to answer your questions, schedule your appointments, and create the necessary accommodations for you to receive the best possible treatment. Contact us today at 800-481-4582.
A traumatic brain injury (TBI) is an injury experienced during a fall or a blow or jolt to the head that interrupts the normal function of the brain. TBIs typically result from a sports injury, a fall, an act of violence or from a car accident. While some TBIs are grave, life-threatening injuries that may or may not penetrate the skull, the great majority of TBIs are concussions or other forms of mild TBI.
In many TBI cases, physical therapy is required to increase the chances of a full recovery.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), TBI-related hospital stays are highest among adults 75 years of age and older. TBI-related emergency room visits are highest for those 75 years of age and older, followed by high rates among infants and children from birth to 4 years of age.
Falls are a leading cause of TBI, accounting for nearly half of all TBI-related emergency room visits. Over 80% of all TBI-related ER visits occurring in older adults (age 65 years and older) are due to falls, and nearly half of all TBI-related ER visits among children (birth to age 17) result from falls. For ages 5 to 14, being struck by or against an object is the leading cause of TBI-related ER visits.
Falls are also the leading cause of all TBI-related hospitalizations (52%), and 20% of all TBI-related hospitalizations are due to impact from motor vehicle accidents. The CDC reports that in 2014, approximately 2.87 million emergency room visits, hospital stays, and deaths were related to traumatic brain injuries.
TBI symptoms generally fall into four categories:
TBI symptoms in thinking and memory, including difficulty concentrating and thinking clearly, and trouble remembering new information, often leading to a general feeling of being slowed down.
Emotional and mood symptoms of TBI include sadness, nervousness, anxiety, irritability, and feeling more emotional than usual.
Physical symptoms of TBI include headache or blurred vision, nausea, or vomiting (soon after the injury), sensitivity to light or noise, difficulties with balance, and feeling tired. There may be difficulty with sleep – sleeping more or less than usual, which can contribute to or worsen the above-mentioned emotional and mood symptoms.
Some of these symptoms may be noticeable right away, while others may not appear for days or months after the brain injury. Some individuals may not understand the difficulties they are experiencing and how their symptoms are impacting their everyday activities.
In rare instances, a dangerous blood clot can form after a TBI, crowding the brain against the skull. You or a loved one should go right away to the nearest emergency department with any of these symptoms:
Take an infant or child to the nearest emergency room right away if they have received a bump or blow to the head or body and have any of the above signs, if they cannot stop crying and are inconsolable, and/or if they will not nurse or eat.
If you’re not sure how severe a bump or blow to the head or body is, don’t wait to get to the hospital. Play it safe and get checked by a physician just in case. It is always best to err on the side of caution.
Physical therapists (PTs) are educated and trained to assist patients in recovering from TBIs. Patients may have difficulty lying down in bed or turning over, as well as difficulty maintaining balance while sitting, standing, or walking. Physical therapists help TBI patients regain their physical function by relearning daily tasks, and restoring fitness and wellness.
Your PT can assist you or your loved one in improving balance, coordination, and stability, helping to increase muscle strength and flexibility for overall improvements in movement patterns and mobility. If there are limitations that prevent the return to pre-injury activities, physical therapists provide help in mastering the use of equipment for improving mobility, such as an ankle brace, cane, walker, or a wheelchair. Various PT rehabilitation approaches include:
If you or a loved one has experienced a brain injury, know that your physical therapist at PT NOW is ready to assist in your wellbeing. Call us today at 1.800.481.4582.
One of the body’s most complex areas is the shoulder, and each shoulder is made up of three bones: the upper arm bone (the humerus), the shoulder blade (scapula), and the collarbone (clavicle). These bones fit into the joint areas of the shoulder and are supported by tendons and muscles, enabling us to do things like comb our hair, reach for a coffee cup, catch a ball, swing a golf club or tennis racket, and many other ‘reaching’ activities.
In spite of the shoulder’s complex design, the daily wear and tear of frequent use in reaching and other movements makes the shoulder area vulnerable to injury or a direct injury – like what may occur in a car accident – can be extremely uncomfortable. The onset of shoulder pain can be gradual or sudden, and shoulder pain ranges from mild to excruciating. An injury to the shoulder can interrupt a person’s sleep, and the ability to perform activities of daily living can also be impacted.
Although shoulder problems are common, the cause of shoulder pain cannot always be determined. Mild shoulder pain can sometimes improve on its own by adjusting your activities, performing mild stretches, and taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs to see if the pain resolves on its own, although most instances of shoulder pain are resolved with physical therapy.
Some health problems originating elsewhere in the body can lead to pain that radiates to the shoulder, such as in arthritis, disc herniations, and specific neck problems. Shoulder pain often occurs as we age due to a variety of common conditions, such as arthritis, and particularly due to a lifetime of daily wear and tear on the shoulders.
Less common causes of shoulder pain are infection, nerve-related problems, and tumors. Case reports have been published in 2020 in regard to shoulder pain and dysfunction following administration of inactivated influenza vaccine. If you are experiencing a great deal of pain or know that you are injured, see a doctor right away to have your health problem diagnosed.
The following causes of shoulder pain are most common:
The rotator cuff is comprised of muscles and tendons that connect the shoulder to the socket, which allows the person to move the shoulder in a circular motion. Rotator cuff problems fall into two categories: inflammation or tears. Studies show that nearly two million people see a doctor in a given year for rotator cuff-related problems. When a person experiences pain or stiffness in the shoulder while lifting the arm above their head, a rotator cuff problem is often suspected.
Rotator cuff impingement occurs when there is inflammation, compression, or irritation of the tendons or bursa in the shoulder. General wear and tear as we age can lead to impingement of the rotator cuff, as well as injury to the area at any age.
Rotator cuff tears are often accompanied by weakness in the area. When shoulder pain exists without any weakness in the area, the problem is more likely due to impingement of the rotator cuff rather than a tear. A tear in the rotator cuff is more likely to be caused by an injury.
Common accidents that often result in rotator cuff tears include slipping and falling, tripping, getting pulled by a dog on a leash, or a work accident – all of which can result in landing on one’s shoulder. Rotator cuff tears may also occur during the impact of a motor vehicle accident.
Fractures to the shoulder bones among older patients often result from a fall from standing height, whereas in younger patients, shoulder fractures are more likely to result from a high energy injury such as a motor vehicle collision or an injury sustained in contact sports. When any of the shoulder bones have been fractured (broken), patients will likely experience:
In most cases of shoulder pain, physical therapy is enough to remedy the health problem. Physical therapy approaches may include:
Our highly educated and trained staff at Physical Therapy Now is waiting to assist you toward optimal health. Call us today at (800) 481-4582 to schedule an appointment at your convenience.
Many people find themselves referred to physical therapy treatment after being injured in an accident. Frequently, these accidents are car accidents. If you have never participated in injury rehab before, you might be wondering where you need to start. The good news is that Physical Therapy Now is here to guide you through the process. We have a staff of experienced professionals who will create a treatment plan that caters to your specific needs.
There are several benefits to physical therapy treatment. It is more than improving mobility, although that is a large part of what we do. Physical therapy treatments focus on the whole person and the way each moving part connects and affects the other parts of the body. For example, if your knee was injured, the primary focus of your treatment will be on restoring your knee to full health.
However, we will also pay attention to how your knee connects to and affects the functioning in other parts of your body. It is our goal to use movement and other available treatments to accelerate your healing, manage your pain, improve your mobility, and strengthen your muscles and joints.
When you schedule your first appointment with our staff, we will review your medical records and doctor recommendations and create a treatment plan that is right for you. Your treatment plan will include an appointment schedule and the therapies that we recommend for your recovery. Additionally, we will also check your insurance coverage and will thoroughly communicate any financial obligations you may have. In many cases, there are no financial obligations, so you must reach out to our team so we can accurately review your insurance.
Recovering from car accident injuries can take time, so you must be patient with yourself and allow your body to heal at its own pace. Your therapist will adjust your treatment plan accordingly as you progress.
Depending on your injury, your therapist might recommend one or more of the following therapies:
In the midst of the coronavirus pandemic, many people are uncertain about the types of treatments they can continue to receive. The good news is that physical therapy is an essential service, and Physical Therapy Now continues to provide treatment to our patients.
Because we are dedicated to the health and safety of our patients and staff, we are taking all of the appropriate precautions to prevent the spread of this illness. We sanitize all workstations, equipment, and other surfaces. We limit the number of patients and staff in the building at one time. We are also offering telehealth services, so many of our patients can receive professional guidance without having to leave their homes.
If you have been injured in a car accident or other unfortunate incident and have been referred for injury rehab, contact Physical Therapy Now at 800-481-4582 to schedule your first appointment. We are happy to work with you toward a full recovery and will make your health and safety our top priority.
Back pain is no joke. Regardless of what type of back injury or pain you may have, it hinders your ability to live a healthy life. If that sounds like an exaggeration, consider the fact that practically everything you do every single day impacts your back. Sitting, standing, walking, bending, even coughing and sneezing. Even laughing! If you have back pain, you want to get back to a normal way of life–without the pain. Physical therapy is a great option.
There are a few different types of back injuries and pain. Some may result from severe trauma (like a car accident), a genetic condition may be the cause, and many are the result of a strain.
Absolutely, though it does depend on the severity of the injury. If the back pain is caused by a serious or traumatic injury, it may require surgery or other forms of treatment before moving on to PT.
However, most types of chronic back pain can be managed with physical therapy. PT can improve mobility and help you regain strength by targeting certain areas in the back to strengthen. A solid course of PT can also help you manage pain over time and quite possibly, eliminate your back pain altogether!
Physical therapy may be just what you need. We’ll explore various treatment options for back pain to find what works best for you. Physical Therapy Now is ready to help. Call us today at (800) 481-4582 to get back on your feet… pain free!
If you have sustained an injury such as a broken bone, pulled muscle, soft tissue injury, or even head or back injury, physical therapy will likely increase your chances of making a full recovery so you can get back to your normal level of functioning. After being injured, it takes time, patience, rest, and active efforts to heal properly.
After you have spent time resting and healing, your doctor will likely recommend that you undergo physical therapy to regain muscle strength, reduce pain, and improve mobility. The injury and accident clinic at Physical Therapy Now is here.
There are many ways that you could be injured in an accident. Car accidents, work accidents, sports injuries, and slips and falls are just a few reasons you might require treatment. Some common injuries after an accident are:
If you are suffering from pain or limited mobility or have received a referral from you doctor following an accident, physical therapy services can speed up your recovery process signifigantly.
While it is possible to forego physical therapy while healing from an injury, it is, in most situation, not recommended. Choosing not to receive physical therapy treatment can mean that you will have a slower recovery or that you have permanent limited mobility and/or pain. Choosing to get physical therapy can:
Physical therapy is so much more than just a recovery process. It is treatment for your pain and a way to prevent further injury in the future. Exercise is shown to increase endorphins and decrease pain. The consistent movement can improve your strength and allow you to actively heal under the supervision of a trained professional.
Our expert staff at Physical Therapy Now will work with you to create a personalized treatment plan to treat your injury. You will learn exercises that will strengthen your muscles and lessen your pain. Our staff will communicate with your insurance company regarding your approved services and work with you toward a full recovery. Contact our office at 800-481-4582 to schedule your first appointment.
This is a pretty common question we get. The answer is that yes, in some places, the physical therapist may be able to write prescriptions, but the primary goal of the PT team is to increase the overall health, well-being, strength and physical healing through a prescribed physical therapy treatment program. But for most PT patients, no, a physical therapist is not authorized to write you a prescription.
To get more specific, “For two decades, Army physical therapists have been granted limited privileges to prescribe certain medications when serving as nonphysician health care providers for the primary evaluation and treatment of patients with neuromusculoskeletal dysfunctions.”
In short, for civilians, helping a patient get stronger through a customized rehab program is our priority. Your physical therapist should review your prescribed medications from your medical doctor, and they will communicate with your physician about your progress and needs as your healing journey develops.
According to the CDC, “While there are certain conditions – including cancer treatment, palliative care, and end-of-life care – where an opioid prescription for chronic pain may be appropriate, the CDC cited numerous cases where opioid use could be significantly reduced or avoided altogether.”
Because of the highly addictive nature of opioids, many people don’t want to use them for pain management. Physical therapy can eliminate those concerns because pain management can occur naturally as the body heals and gets stronger with each PT session.
With the utilization of teletherapy (also known as cybertherapy, among other names) at Physical Therapy Now, is on the rise because of COVID, the ability to focus on physical therapy takes on even more importance.
Not only can a patient receive a full PT session from one of our skilled professional physical therapists remotely (all you need is an internet connection and a device with a camera), but we communicate with your physician about and medication needs you may have.
Many studies have shown that proper physical therapy care can drastically reduce and even eliminate the need for medication. However, there are times when patients must have pain medication to continue the healing process AND participate in physical therapy. We’ll communicate with your doctor to support any needs you may have.
Should you need physical therapy for pain management, call us now at (888) 481-4582.
COVID-19 has undoubtedly changed the way we live our everyday lives, hasn’t it? One thing that hasn’t changed, however, is Physical Therapy Now and our dedication to helping clients feel their best.
We have had to make a few adjustments, but we are thrilled to tell you that our clinics are all open and ready to help whether you need to begin or continue physical therapy. You may have a few questions, however, so keep reading to see how Physical Therapy Now is adapting to this “new normal.”
We take the coronavirus pandemic very seriously and are taking several precautions to ensure the safety and well-being of both our clients and our staff while still providing you with the essential physical therapy you need right now. Among the measures we are taking at this time are:
Teletherapy–also known as virtual therapy/rehab, telemedicine, cyber rehab, cybertherapy, telehealth, telerehab, and tele-physical therapy (among others)–is a way for clients to keep their physical therapy appointments and maintain the progress they’ve made, but from the comfort of their homes. We are also scheduling new clients for cybertherapy sessions. All it takes is an internet connection and a phone, computer, or tablet with a camera.
During your teletherapy appointment, you will receive the same level of attention and dedication from one of our professional physical therapists as you would in our clinics. The teletherapy service is free of charge, and we are working very closely with insurance companies to ensure your insurance covers your teletherapy sessions. If there are any issues with your insurance coverage and in-home physical therapy, we will make sure you know BEFORE your session begins.
Physical Therapy Now is always here to help you. If you need physical therapy, give us a call at (800) 481-4582 to discuss appointment options. And if you cannot make it into one of our facilities, ask about teletherapy!
scrapes and bruises to life-altering spinal cord injuries. For just about everything in between
(and even including spinal injuries), physical therapy can help you recover and regain what you
may have lost after a car accident. The skilled, experienced physical therapists at Physical
Therapy Now are ready to help you get back on your feet.
Common Injuries from Car Accidents
Injuries sustained in car accidents can vary in severity, but the types of injuries are usually
pretty similar due to the nature of car accident impact. The types of accident-related injuries we
typically see include:
● Whiplash–This is one of the more common car accident injuries, which results from the
fast, sudden impact of the car striking another vehicle or object. Most whiplash injuries
involve very sore muscles, tendons, ligaments, and soft tissue.
● Fractures–Whether it’s from the actual impact (which could cause fractures in legs,
arms, ribs, or even the spine) or from bracing for impact (usually shoulder/clavicle
fractures), fractures/broken bones are a common–and unfortunate–result of car
accidents.
● Knee injuries–Many people might not immediately think of knees when it comes to
common car accident injuries. But knees quite often suffer damage in these situations
due to impact with the dashboard. Kneecaps and ligaments bear the brunt of the impact,
causing these painful injuries.
● Head trauma–Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) can sometimes be a devastating result of a
car accident. Based on the severity of the injury, TBIs can have life-threatening and life-
changing consequences.
● Spinal cord injuries–Similar to TBIs, spinal cord injuries can literally change everything if
the injury is severe enough. Paralysis and loss of/lack of mobility are just a couple of the
catastrophic results of a spinal cord injury.
● Herniated discs–Though not nearly as serious or traumatic as a spinal cord injury,
herniated discs in the back can nonetheless cause a tremendous amount of pain and
affect almost everything you do during any given day. Severe back pain, as well as
shooting pain and numbness down the legs are common occurrences with herniated
discs.● Cuts and scrapes–Though most heal over time, accident victims can sometimes suffer
appearance-altering or even lifestyle-changing cuts that might require staples and/or
stitches to repair. Add in the ever-present possibility of infection and scars, and it’s easy
to see why cuts are an unfortunate result of many accidents.
How Physical Therapy Can Help
Fortunately, physical therapy can help with many of these kinds of injuries, and in many different
ways. PT can expedite the recovery process, improve mobility and flexibility, treat concussions
and other head injuries, reduce your pain through exercise, treat whiplash and other soft tissue
injuries, help you avoid surgery, and help prevent you from reinjuring yourself.
What Types of PT Can Help?
At Physical Therapy Now, we offer a wide range of PT services to help you recover. Some of
these include:
● Massage therapy
● Stretch therapy
● Exercise therapy
● Manual therapy
● Laser therapy
● Muscle strain/sprain therapy
● Aqua therapy
● Occupational therapy
● Home exercise programs
● And many more!
Physical Therapy for Several Injuries
Physical Therapy Now is ready to help you if you’ve sustained any injuries in a car accident. We
have locations in several areas, including Miami-Dade, Broward, Palm Beach, Leon County,
Pinellas County, and Tallahassee, as well as Dallas and Houston, Texas. Give us a call at (800)
481-4852 to set up your appointment and get back on the road to recovery!