what are the advantages of home-based physical therapy?

Being treated in your home not only saves you time on a commute, but allows your therapist to assess how you function in your space and tailors your care to be centered around you and your specific needs and goals.

Am i missing anything being in a clinic, such as equipment or modalities?

Modalities such as ultrasound and electrical stimulation machines can support treatment, but they are not main players in problem solving your issues. Gym equipment can be helpful at times, but, if you don’t have access to it outside of therapy, the benefit isn’t sustainable. Our goal is to provide simple but comprehensive treatment and a home program that you can easily sustain with what you have available.

What is a physical therapist?

A physical therapist is a highly educated, licensed professional who specializes in movement of the human body. They have extensive knowledge of anatomy and physiology, human biomechanics, and neurology. They help improve clients’ quality of life through hands-on care, patient education, and prescribed movement.

After making a diagnosis, a physical therapist creates a personalized treatment plan to help their patient improve movement, manage pain, or recover their function.

WHat is a doctor of physical therapy (DPT)?

A Doctor of Physical Therapy is a physical therapist who has gone through additional training. All practitioners who graduate from physical therapy programs now are doctors.

The doctorate level of education means that these providers know what is within their scope of care and what may require referral to one of their other medical colleagues. This is why you can see your physical therapist for treatment without a referral.

It is important for physical therapy practitioners to let the public know how highly skilled they are and distinguish the meaning of their title, because most people think of Medical Doctors (M.D.) and Doctors of Osteopathy (D.O.) when they hear the title “doctor”.

Do I need a referral?

As referenced above, referrals are welcome but not required initially. Michigan law allows you direct access to your physical therapist for treatment for 10 visits or 21 days before requiring a prescription from your physician. Depending on your issues you may not require more than a few visits.

Some insurances, such as Medicare, still require a provider referral before covering services no matter what. Check with your insurance provider for more information.

Do you take my insurance?

Because of the high quality and VIP in-home experience we provide, we do not take insurance.

How can I know what my insurance benefits for physical therapy are?

You may be able to find your physical therapy benefits online via your insurance company’s patient site or by calling the correct number on the back of your insurance card. It is your responsibility to know your benefits though we may check them as a courtesy. Here are a few questions to ask your insurance company prior to receiving treatment:

1. Is outpatient physical therapy a covered benefit?

2. Does physical therapy require an authorization?

3. How many physical therapy visits do I have?

4. How many have I used?

5. What is my co-pay or co-insurance for each visit?

6. Do I have to meet a deductible prior to insurance coverage to start?

WHAT MAKES northbound PT & Wellness DIFFERENT?

Northbound PT is unique in that we treat clients in their homes instead of an office. Some other features that distinguish us are that we strive to be:

• Holistic: At Northbound, we believe that everything in your body is interconnected. We make sure to look at the whole picture of your movement to see how it may influence your painful area or movement difficulty. From this point, we use hands-on therapy and movement to help you toward your goals.

• Collaborative: Often healthcare professionals are too busy to keep in touch with other people who take care of you. Your doctor, your trainer, orthotist- whoever plays a role in your well-being and movement. We believe that interdisciplinary communication and collaboration is paramount for providing excellent care. We commit to working with other professionals who care for you.

• Accessible: When you work with Northbound Physical Therapy and Wellness you have access to your PT by text, email, or phone if you have a question about a concept reviewed during a session, performance of an exercise, or how to modify based on how you feel.

Can you help me if I’m not in pain?

Our vision at Northbound is to prevent injuries before they happen. The modern lifestyle is often not friendly to our bodies and can leave us with minor nagging aches that grow into something more over time.

We believe that if you take time to address muscular imbalances, joint restriction and abnormal movements you will be able to move better and live life with less pain. If you have a minor issue you want to address a physical therapy consultation, a single visit, or wellness services might be helpful to you.