If you live in Newnan, GA, and pain is slowing you down, it can be hard to know where to start. Should you wait for a referral? Go straight to a specialist? For many muscle and joint problems, a physical therapist is a reasonable place to begin. Rehab Solutions has a clinic in Newnan, along with Hampton, Cusseta and other Georgia towns.
You Do Not Need a Doctor’s Order to Start
Many people assume they need a physician to send them first. The Rehab Solutions home page says “NO REFERRAL Required,” “Most Insurances Accepted” and “We Are Available to See You for Your First Visit Within 24-48 Hours”.
Which Conditions Are a Good Fit for PT?
The conditions Rehab Solutions lists include back and hip pain, sciatica, pinched nerves, rotator cuff problems, knee and hip injuries, muscle strains, ligament sprains, foot and ankle diagnoses, joint pain, arthritis, balance and dizziness disorders, nerve and neuromuscular conditions, work related injuries, and post surgical spine and joint reconstruction.
What Happens If You Wait Too Long?
Problems that keep coming back, or that are changing how you move, are worth having assessed rather than waiting out. For an older adult, unsteadiness is worth raising with a doctor or physical therapist instead of putting it down to age.
Is PT Still the Right Call After Surgery?
Pre and post operative rehabilitation is one of the services Rehab Solutions lists, and its physician resources page includes research on rehabilitation after knee and hip replacement. Ask your surgeon when therapy should start for you.
When Should You See a Doctor First?
Physical therapy is not the right first stop for everything. A serious injury, a possible broken bone, fever with a red, swollen joint, or pain that came on suddenly for no clear reason are reasons to see a doctor first. Chest pain, or numbness in the groin area with back pain, needs emergency care: call 911.
What Does a PT Actually Do on the First Visit?
Rehab Solutions describes its care as purpose driven, evidence based and individualized. The treatment approaches it lists include therapeutic exercise, stretching and strengthening, manual therapy, soft tissue massage, neuromuscular stimulation, ultrasound, TENS, heat and ice, and dry needling. Ask the clinic what to expect at your first visit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I call Rehab Solutions directly without a referral?
Yes. No referral is required to request your first appointment. You can submit an appointment request through the website or call the clinic nearest to you: Newnan at 470-414-1631, Hampton at 678-814-4000, or Cusseta at 706-890-8041.
What if I am not sure whether my pain is serious enough for PT?
If pain is limiting how you move, interrupting your sleep or keeping you from work or daily activities, it is reasonable to ask for an evaluation. Asking does not commit you to a full course of treatment.
Does PT work for arthritis, or only for injuries?
Joint pain and arthritis are among the conditions Rehab Solutions treats, and it has a dedicated arthritis program. Ask a therapist whether it suits you.
Will my insurance cover outpatient physical therapy?
The home page says “Most Insurances Accepted,” and the group also offers private pay therapy. Worker’s comp is one of its services if your injury happened at work. Check your own plan with your insurer.
What is the difference between seeing a PT and just resting at home?
Rest has its place, and so does guided treatment. Which is right for you depends on the problem, so ask a physical therapist or your doctor. The physician resources page lists research on topics such as acute low back pain if you want to read further.
Sources
This article draws on the following pages.