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Have you experienced a fall that resulted in an injury? Even falls that seem minor can have severe repercussions and result in long-term issues. The most important thing to do if you have experienced a fall is to seek medical treatment.
Your medical team will treat your injuries and make appropriate recommendations to put you on the path to recovery. This recovery involves physical therapy rehab specifically for falls. While it can be tempting to skip what can sometimes be a tedious process, you should never skip physical therapy treatment after a fall.
Physical therapy is beneficial for fall injuries in several ways, including:
If you skip physical therapy after being injured in a fall, you run the risk of dealing with your injuries for the rest of your life. Failure to get proper treatment can lead to more pain, joint, and muscle stiffness, and joint and muscle fatigue. The endorphins that result from physical therapy treatment go a long way toward reducing pain and getting you back to your normal functioning level.
Physical therapy after a fall will involve more than merely exercising your pain away. There are several methods that physical therapists use to manage pain. The physical therapist’s goal is to treat the whole person, not just the injury.
Every muscle, joint, and nerve in your body is connected to something else, so focusing solely on one area is not as effective as creating treatments that teach the body to work as one to treat the injury. Your therapist at Physical Therapy Now will work with you to create an individual treatment plan to heal your injury and manage your pain.
With the current COVID-19 crisis, many people hesitate to set up or continue their recommended physical therapy treatments. We cannot stress enough how important it is that you do not skip your treatment and continue to work toward healing your body. The good news is, if you are uncomfortable coming to appointments at one of our Physical Therapy Now locations, we offer teletherapy options that you can utilize from the comfort and safety of your home. Using a reliable internet connection and a laptop, tablet, or smartphone, you can participate in physical therapy treatments and communicate with your treatment provider.
If you need rehab for a fall or have questions about our teletherapy options, contact our Physical Therapy Now office at 800-481-4582. Our knowledgeable staff is available to talk with you and schedule your first appointment. We will guide you through the process and review your current injuries and medical history to create a focused treatment plan that will put you on the path toward recovery.
Physical Therapy Now- will officially host our 1st Annual Holiday Toy Drive on Thursday December 10, 2020 @wharfmiami It was a difficult decision to make, however kids need a Christmas. They have no clue what’s happening in the world. I was 9 years old when I was diagnosed with Hodgkins Lymphoma, and on a December like this one, while kids were having Christmas at home I was in a bed at the Miami Childrens Hospital. After a hard dose of chemotherapy I was drained, barely being able to move and a total stranger walked in a gave me a bunch of toys. A particular one I remember was a Bart Simpson. I remember how this lifted my spirits and I still feel the emotion I felt that day. My decision to go through with this event was not easy, and yes, we will follow all precautions. If I could change one kids life I will. Merry Christmas Everyone! Everyone is invited. Gather your friends and family and join us on this special day.
Join us at Physical Theraphy Now 1st Annual Holiday Toy Drive 2020 to benefit The Boys & Girls Clubs Of Miami-Dade @bgcmiamidade on Thursday December 10th @ 6PM @wharfmiami 114 SW North River Dr Miami, FL 33130. For more information call 305.796.1744 Happy Holidays!🎄🧸❤️…#1stAnnualHolidayToyDrive2020 #Toys #BoysAndGirlsClubs #BGCMia #BGCA #MiamiDade #PositivePrograms #Community #Miami #SouthFlorida #Donate #GiveBack #Youth #Philanthrophy #WeLoveTheKids #WharfMiami #SupportLocalBusiness #DonationsAccepted #OurKids #OurCity #OurCountry #HappyHolidays #Winter #Blessings #2020
Are you a physical therapist interested in striking out on your own and offering your expertise to a broader range of patients? It can be challenging to know exactly where to begin when considering starting a physical therapy business. Many new business owners choose to start from the ground up.
While this is an admirable decision, it could be risky and difficult to serve enough patients to make the necessary profit. We recommend considering a franchise opportunity with Physical Therapy Now. There are several advantages to franchise ownership over an independently owned business, especially when providing physical therapy services.
If you choose franchising over starting from scratch with your physical therapy business, you will have a business plan already completed and ready to go. Physical Therapy Now has already completed the hard work of market research and trial and error with employees and patients so that you can begin your business knowing which strategies work and which do not.
You will start with the answers to questions that many new business owners have, and you will have the support of partners and experienced professionals behind you. The ready-made business plan will simplify the process and have you starting several steps ahead of the competition.
When you start a new business, it can take time for people to learn who you are. You will have to work at marketing and advertising to establish your brand and trust with your potential clients. When you choose franchise ownership, that work has been done for you. You will have the advantage of a name and brand that has already been established and has earned trust with clients.
Your clients will already know what type of service and treatment to expect when they walk through the door. Physical Therapy Now has an established brand, and we have earned our trust with patients and employees alike in numerous locations across the country. When you start your business through our franchise, you will begin with that same trust and provide that same service level to your patients.
It is never a good idea to break the bank to start a business. The uncertainty of the market and the need to finance unexpected expenses are always looming. The risk of new business ownership is not one that many lenders are willing to take. Becoming part of a well-known franchise can increase your chances of getting financing for start-up costs. With the franchise name at your back, lenders could be much more willing to take the opportunity to support your endeavors.
Many new business owners do not have access to the amount of money it takes to build from scratch and remain in business. A well-established franchise can offer cost-efficient solutions to startup costs and even eliminate some of the upfront costs associated with getting started. Owning a franchise can still be expensive, but access to lenders and proper investments can save money in both the short-term and long-term.
The majority of Physical Therapy Now franchise owners make no less than $100,000 per year. Our industry continues to expand with the increased interest in physical and occupational therapies.
We believe that every patient deserves high-quality care, and we give our franchise owners the tools they need to make this happen. If you are interested in becoming a franchise owner with Physical Therapy Now, call us today at 800-481-4582 to have your questions answered by our franchise team.
Rotator cuff injuries are common after a car accident or a slip or fall. They can also happen from repetitive movement over time, often times for people who do sports. The rotator cuff is in the shoulder and is made up of four different muscles. It is responsible for keeping the joint in place.
The rotator cuff sustains normal wear and tear over time, and with age, it can be more prone to injury. Rotator cuff injury is not uncommon in younger people who play sports, work in manual labor, or have sustained serious physical trauma to the shoulder. The number one indicator of an injury to the rotator cuff is pain in the shoulder. One solution to manage that pain: physical therapy. It can help to improve rotator cuff pain tremendously!
If you have been injured in a car accident, slip or fall, or are simply experiencing significant pain in your shoulder, you might have a rotator cuff tear. These tears are categorized by their severity and are referred to by either “full-thickness” or “partial-thickness.” Full thickness means that the tear is complete, beginning at the top of the muscle and reaching the bottom. Partial thickness affects only a part of the muscle or tendon.
The type of tear depends on how the injury occurred. An “acute tear” happens following a trauma. It is often torn suddenly after impact from a fall, heavy lifting, or serious car accident. A “chronic tear” tends to happen more slowly over time. If you are accustomed to repetitive motion during sports or work, you can develop a rotator cuff tear. You will likely notice this type of injury because of the pain from the strain on your shoulder.
To receive treatment for a rotator cuff tear, you first must be diagnosed. Examinations from your doctor and physical therapist can help to identify the issue and provide you with a detailed treatment plan. In some cases, it is important to see an orthopedic physician before beginning physical therapy, for imaging tests such as an MRI or CT scan and to learn the extent of the injury. Your physical will then work in tandem with your physical therapist, to provide accurate information about your circumstances.
Physical therapy has several benefits for a rotator cuff tear. It can:
A skilled physical therapist will create a treatment plan based on your specific injury and individual needs. Your therapist will work with your medical team to review your records and develop a plan that works with your abilities and adapts as you improve.
If you have a rotator cuff tear and need physical therapy treatment, call Physical Therapy Now at 800-481-4582 to schedule your first appointment in Kendall. You will meet with one of our experienced staff members who will gather the necessary information and create a comprehensive, personalized treatment plan. If you prefer remote treatment, ask about our teletherapy options.
At Physical Therapy Now, we believe in doing more than treating your injuries or conditions and sending you on your way after each appointment. We believe in focusing on the whole person and not just the presenting problem.
It is our staff’s goal to move you toward a better overall quality of life. We not only value pain management and improved mobility through physical therapy services, but we also offer occupational therapy treatments to improve your day to day functioning and safety.
The skilled and experienced occupational therapists at Physical Therapy Now will work with you to help you and your caregivers identify areas for improvement and move you towards a more independent lifestyle.
Occupational therapy is a treatment for people who struggle to perform average daily tasks. Occupational therapists can work alongside physical therapists to build on their progress. Situations that might require occupational therapy include:
An occupational therapist will work with you to optimize your home and create strategies for you to perform daily tasks such as cleaning, hygiene, caring for pets, making phone calls, getting dressed, and cooking.
Physical therapy is meant to focus on a physical issue. Your physical therapist will work with you toward improving your physical health and helping your body heal. Occupational therapy focuses on the things you need to do with the mobility and strength you obtain through physical therapy.
These two therapies can work independently or together to improve your life. If you are recovering from an injury or suffer from a condition that prevents you from performing average daily tasks, you might want to consider occupational therapy.
Many patients and their caregivers choose occupational therapy for its numerous positive benefits, including:
Your occupational therapist will assess your needs and adjust your customized treatment plan accordingly. They will tailor your treatment to fit you and your environment to have the best chances for improvement and success.
If you struggle with daily functioning due to an injury or chronic condition, contact our Physical Therapy Now office at 800-481-4582 to schedule your first appointment with an occupational therapist.
We are available to answer any questions you may have and even offer teletherapy for those with transportation issues or concerns about safety during Covid-19.
If you’re looking for Physical Therapy during this nationwide pandemic, look no further and stop in at one of our many open locations throughout the state of Florida. We understand that with over 4 million cases of COVID-19 reported in the United States, you may be a little hesitant to go to any businesses right now. Still, your safety and health are our top priority.
We have always held our staff accountable for cleaning and safety procedures. Due to the coronavirus pandemic, The CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) has issued national guidelines for all businesses to follow to prevent the spread and keep everyone safe. Several states, including Florida, have also issued guidelines. At Physical Therapy Now, we follow all guidelines and work nonstop to keep you safe and in good health during this time. Our goal is to effectively reduce the spread in a field where equipment is being shared.
At each one of our locations, we have always heavily focused on sanitization and cleanliness. We have now implemented even more safety measures that our staff is committed to following. Some of our new policies include:
As a courtesy to our patients, we also have masks and gloves available. We are also practicing social distancing, and patients must stand six feet apart from each other at all times, including in our waiting room. We realize that some of these new procedures can be stressful or difficult for some people, but to effectively stop the virus’s spread, we all must follow the rules and regulations to stay safe. We are in this together!
We are always here for our patients and continually learning how to improve our locations and services. With the implementation of these guidelines, we will effectively know how to further our staff and patients’ safety even after the virus is long gone.
We know that right now is very stressful, be we will all get through this together. We encourage you to still take care of yourself during these trying times, and that includes going to Physical Therapy. Our staff is on-site and ready to get you back in shape so you can be prepared to go after this is over. Stop by any of our locations today and see for yourself how Physical Therapy Now is committed to your safety. We are also currently offering teletherapy appointments. As an additional commitment to our patients, you can be safe and still have your appointments right from the comfort of your own home.
When people think of car accidents and the resulting injuries, they often think of high-speed collisions and a dramatic scenario. While these accidents certainly cause serious injuries, low-speed accidents can also cause significant injuries. Low impact car accident injuries are common and can sometimes require long-term rehabilitation. If you have been injured in a low impact accident, you must seek medical treatment immediately, even if you do not feel that you are hurt. A proper medical examination can assess your condition and prevent you from exacerbating your injuries… even if, at the time, they seem small and/or insignifigant.
Low impact accidents generally happen at a low speed of under ten miles per hour. It is common for the vehicles involved in these accidents to have very minimal damage, but the human body cannot absorb impact like a car or a truck can. The body inside the vehicle moves at the speed of impact, meaning that at even ten miles per hour, your body can sustain severe damage.
These accidents can happen to pedestrians at a crosswalk, vehicles colliding in a drive-through, failure to set a brake properly, and more. These accidents are commonly due to driver error and inattentiveness.
Low impact car accident injuries can be serious, especially if they are not adequately treated. Common injuries include:
Whiplash happens when the head abruptly snaps forward and backward. It causes a pull to the muscles and tendons in the neck and is a soft tissue injury that can lead to even more severe injuries if not treated correctly over time.
Concussions are considered a traumatic brain injury that can also lead to more serious problems if not treated. Other soft tissue injuries include sprains, strains, and tears on various parts of the body. While the seatbelt is essential and can hold you in place during an accident, it can also cause bruises and strains upon impact. All these injuries are possible in a low impact car accident and can have serious repercussions if they are not treated by a trained professional.
Physical therapy is often recommended for people who have been injured in car accidents. It can speed up recovery and assist with pain management. It is also beneficial for improving your mobility and range of motion. Your physical therapist will review your medical records and examine you to create an appropriate treatment plan for your needs. That treatment plan can be adjusted as you go to match your progression.
If you have been injured in a car accident, contact our experienced staff at Physical Therapy Now at 800-481-4582 to schedule your first appointment. We will conduct a free consultation and make recommendations based on your needs. We want you to get back to normal as soon as possible. If you are interested in scheduling remote appointments, ask us about our teletherapy options.
We are here for you!
Did you know that, on average, there are more than 16,000 car accidents per day in the US? That adds up to approximately 6 million per year. Those accidents cause more than 3 million injuries each year. Some of those injuries might be scrapes and bruises, but many are serious enough to require medical attention and physical therapy.
This is one of the easiest decisions you’ll ever make–get medical attention. Even if you don’t feel like you sustained a serious injury during the car accident, you won’t know for sure until a paramedic thoroughly checks you out at the accident scene by an ER doctor, or by your own physician.
What if you’re injured? It is of the utmost importance you seek medical attention as soon as possible, so your injuries are documented. That way, your insurance company is fully informed of your injuries and the treatment you required.
That all depends on the severity of your injuries as well as the recommendations of your doctor. If a car accident results in long-term injury, surgery, or chronic pain, odds are you will need physical therapy at some point. And when you do, Physical Therapy Now is the ideal facility for all your physical therapy needs. Not only do we offer plenty of convenient, state-of-the-art locations across Florida as well as the Dallas and Houston, Texas areas, but we provide the following services:
We treat all types of injuries sustained in car accidents, including neck injuries, herniated discs, joint injuries, whiplash, fractures, as well as pre- and post-surgical rehab.
The first benefit is the most essential and obvious–your health. At Physical Therapy Now, we’re dedicated to your recovery from car accident injuries. Our experienced staff is ready to get you feeling your best with a full menu of services and the latest technology and equipment. Of secondary importance (but still very important) is to make sure you attend all of your PT appointments, so your insurance coverage is not impacted. Also, be sure to communicate clearly and candidly with your physical therapist to ensure your pain and healing process is appropriately documented.
If you’ve been in a car accident, let Physical Therapy Now help you get back on your feet. Give us a call today at (800) 481-4582 to set up your first appointment.
There were already plenty of reasons to visit Physical Therapy Now: lots of convenient locations, a top-notch staff of experts dedicated to getting you pain-free and on the path to healing, and beautiful facilities with state-of-the-art equipment and programs. Here’s one more–Physical Therapy Now was just selected as one of Entrepreneur Magazine’s top 500 franchises in 2020! Much of that success can be attributed to the CEO and Founder of Physical Therapy Now Franchise, Inc., Andy Zapata.
As recognition for Physical Therapy Now’s top-500-franchise honor, Andy recently appeared on the “Success Is Easy” podcast, hosted by fellow entrepreneur Debbie Allen. During their interview, Andy shared some valuable insights and advice as well as the story of how he started his business and grew it to be the enormous success it is today. Here are some highlights from the podcast:
Not many success stories start with a seemingly innocuous piece of mail that most people would tear up and throw in the recycling bin. But Andy’s did. Andy went to college to be an occupational therapist; however, he knew that while he enjoyed occupational therapy and the difference it can make in people’s lives, at heart, he wanted to own a business.
While living with his mother, Andy noticed a piece of mail from Capital One…you know, one of those “You’re Pre-Approved for $10,000” types of letters. Most people don’t even give it a second thought. But Andy saw a way in – a way to get a business off the ground – through credit card loans. He finally convinced his mother to sign off on the application for a credit card, because she figured she’d never be approved. To both of their surprises, a brand new Capital One credit card arrived in the mail shortly after that–and with it, a $10,000 credit limit.
One of his close friends also applied for a new credit card, so now the two were armed with $20,000 and some big plans. He knew people who were flipping houses–buying cheap homes, putting time and money into them, and then reselling them at a much higher price. But it wasn’t homes Andy was interested in flipping–it was physical therapy facilities. Andy and his friend researched, pooled their money, and spent wisely, purchasing retail space with cheap rent and filling it with used equipment and furniture. His business was born. But it didn’t come easily.
Andy is the first to admit that, as an aspiring business owner, he made his share of mistakes along the way. “I made every single mistake you can make–mistakes that cost me time and money. But you have to be okay with making mistakes,” Andy said. “Understanding that you’re going to fail, and there will be some pain. But you just get up the next morning with the same energy.”
Not everyone has the mental stamina or will to keep moving forward when faced with failure. Andy is obviously not one of those people. “Being brave is more important than knowing all the answers.” His persistence and acceptance of failure and all the learning that goes along with it paid off.
From 2006 to 2010, Andy was in a groove. He had learned all there was to know about flipping physical therapy facilities. He’d rent a location, fix it up, make it a fully functioning facility, and then flip it. All the while, he was profiting nicely on each sale. By 2015, Andy felt as if he had accomplished all he could as far as reselling PT facilities. He asked himself, “what’s next?”
Why not teach all of this? After all, he made a great living doing what he was doing; he was an expert in the field. “I need to teach this,” Andy decided. So, he got into franchising. But he didn’t start selling immediately; Andy wanted to get his system down pat so it would be simple to teach and implement for any prospective franchisee.
Andy is a firm believer that systems are critical–each department has a plan, and those systems are continually being honed and polished. “It’s very easy to teach a system,” Andy said. “The accountability for ensuring the system is being run properly is the hard part.”
Often, selling to your first franchisee is the most challenging sale to make, but Andy had a much different experience. “The first franchise I sold was the easiest because I was able to give all my attention to the franchisee.” To this day, that franchise is currently Andy’s #1 location.
So, what makes Andy tick after all these years in the physical therapy and franchising business? As far as the business aspect goes, he cites three keys to success: a clear vision of what you want for your business, determination, and perseverance to stick through the tough times, and the desire to ask plenty of questions.
Andy also possesses a driving force, or a burning passion, for business that he compares to a “runner’s high…” the euphoric feeling runners experience as they get into a zone during a long-distance run. He calls it a “business high,” his term for the addiction to success and to keep wanting more of it.
Tied into Andy’s business high is his love of working with others, teaching, and mentoring. He told the story of a husband and wife who came to him wanting to run a franchise. So he taught them his system and showed them how to work on their business rather than work in the business. Today, that location is a top-five franchise, and the husband and wife team is looking to open new locations. With Andy’s system in place, they have the right people in charge of the day-to-day operations, so they can finally take some much-needed vacation time for themselves. “And that’s what it’s all about,” Andy said.
His passion for healthcare and physical therapy also keeps him going. “Physical therapy is a very rewarding business. People come to you, and you see them in some of their worst and most vulnerable moments,” Andy commented. “We help people get back to independence, back to life. We do it hundreds of times a week, thousands of times a year, doing it all with a smile.
While COVID-19 shut things down for a little while, Physical Therapy Now was never really out of commission. The locations had to limit their hours as well as the number of people inside each facility for safety precautions, but as Andy says, “Accidents never stop happening. We were deemed an essential business, so essential businesses had to be open to serve their clients. Our facilities are open and pretty much back to normal.”
Success isn’t always easy, but Andy certainly has made it look as such. He continues to keep learning because he wants to keep growing. He says that franchise shows and expos are valuable sources of information because they allow for plenty of face time with other franchisors. And when you want to keep building your business, that’s a great place to start.
There are currently 36 Physical Therapy Now locations throughout Florida and Texas… but that number will soon hit 40. Andy’s next goal? “I want to get to 100. And once I get there, I want to get to 300.” Lofty goals, for sure. But who’d be willing to bet against Andy?
If you need physical therapy, occupational therapy, massage therapy, aqua therapy, or other services to treat injuries from sports, car accidents, work, surgeries, and more, come visit one of the many Physical Therapy Now locations or give us a call at 800.481.4582.
Watch the entire “Success Is Easy” podcast interview with Andy here.
Getting physical therapy has always been an essential stage of the recovery process if you’ve been injured or have suffered from chronic pain. And the traditional way to go about receiving physical therapy was to go to your doctor and get a prescription for PT so insurance would cover the cost. Not exactly ideal, right? Well, for Florida residents, there’s no need to go to the doctor for a physical therapy prescription. Why? Florida Direct Access.
Florida Direct Access is a game-changer for physical therapy providers and patients. Simply put, it allows you to bypass the doctor and receive PT without the need for a prescription. With Florida Direct Access, a physical therapist in Florida can implement a treatment plan for 30 days regardless of your injury.
This is advantageous for many parties. For doctors, they no longer need to add someone else to their already-packed schedules as long as the 30-day treatment plan is sufficient time for a patient’s rehab. For insurance companies, they no longer need to wait for a prescription to approve a PT plan. And, most of all, for the patient, you’re no longer required to take yet another trip to the doctor for the sole purpose of getting a prescription. You can head right to your local physical therapist, like those at Physical Therapy Now, and start getting physical therapy treatment.
There are a few restrictions, but none that outweigh the benefits and advantages of being able to access physical therapy without a physician’s referral.
If you’re ready for physical therapy, with or without a doctor’s prescription, head to one of our many Physical Therapy Now locations throughout Florida. We take the coronavirus pandemic very seriously and are taking the required and necessary 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. If you’re in need of physical therapy, 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!
Florida Direct Access Physical Therapy | Physical Therapy Now
Meta Description: Learn how you can eliminate an unnecessary step when it comes to your medical appointments & physical therapy care. Florida Direct Access is the answer.
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