Frequently asked questions
What should I expect during my first visit?
During your first visit to Therapeutic Dynamics, our PT, Jon Preston, will conduct a comprehensive evaluation, including:
A review of your medical history
A physical examination
A discussion of your goals and treatment expectations
Based on this evaluation, Jon will create a personalized treatment plan to help you achieve the best possible outcome. We also begin treatment on the first day to jumpstart your recovery process.
What treatments will I receive?
We offer a variety of treatments tailored to your specific needs, including:
Manual Therapy: Hands-on techniques to improve mobility and reduce pain
Therapeutic Exercises: Customized programs to strengthen muscles and enhance flexibility
Modalities: Ultrasound, electrical stimulation, cupping therapy, iontophoresis, and heat/cold therapy for pain relief and healing
Balance and Gait Training: Exercises, including Nintendo Wii Fit-assisted activities, to improve coordination and walking ability
Postural Training: Techniques to improve posture and prevent strain
Neuromuscular Re-Education (NMRE): Methods such as NMES for knee rehabilitation and movement retraining
Mechanical Traction: Specialized treatments for cervical and lumbar spine issues
All treatments are performed in private rooms for comfort and privacy.
Will physical therapy be painful?
Physical therapy is designed to reduce pain, improve function, and promote healing. Some discomfort may arise during exercises or treatments, particularly if muscles are weak or joints are stiff. However, Jon will closely monitor your progress and adjust treatments to ensure you stay comfortable while achieving long-term relief.
How often will I need to come for treatment?
The frequency of visits depends on your condition and treatment plan. Typically, patients attend therapy 1-3 times per week. Jon will tailor a plan to your needs, adjusting visits as necessary for optimal results.
How long will each session last?
Initial appointment: About 1.5 hours, including evaluation and first treatment
Follow-up sessions: Typically 1 to 1 hour 15 minutes, ensuring effective care
What can I expect during my appointments?
Each session includes:
Heat or Cold Therapy (first 15 minutes) to prepare your body for treatment
Stretching Exercises to enhance flexibility and reduce stiffness
One-on-one time with Jon for targeted therapy, including manual techniques and modalities.
Do I need a referral to start physical therapy?
It depends on your insurance. Most plans allow direct access to physical therapy without a referral, meaning you can schedule an appointment without first seeing a doctor, however, Medicare and Medicare Replacement plans do require a physician referral for Physical Therapy.
Additionally, if you already have a referral for physical therapy but it was issued for a different clinic, you can use that same referral to go anywhere you prefer. Your referral is valid at any physical therapy provider you choose.
How much does physical therapy cost, and will insurance cover it?
Therapeutic Dynamics accepts most major insurance plans and provides in-house insurance verification to simplify the process.
For self-pay patients, we offer affordable flat-rate pricing aligned with Medicare’s fee schedule, lower than other clinics that charge full rates.
Contact us to verify your coverage and discuss payment options!
Is my Physical Therapist licensed?
Yes! Jon M. Preston is a licensed Physical Therapist in the state of Georgia.
What should I wear to my appointment?
Wear loose, comfortable clothing that allows for easy movement.
For a low back injury: Wear bottoms with a loose waist fit for comfort and accessibility during treatment.
For a knee injury: Bring shorts or wide-leg sweatpants to ensure easy access to the treated area.
For a shoulder injury: Choose a top that is easy to put on and take off. We will provide a gown for convenient access to the treatment area.
Do I really have to do home exercises?
Yes! While therapy visits are crucial, recovery happens outside the clinic too. Following your home exercise program ensures consistent progress and quicker results.
Why is physical therapy a good choice?
More than half of Americans experience pain, whether acute or chronic. Physical therapists help reduce pain, restore movement, and prevent future issues. Our goal is to manage discomfort and improve function—without reliance on medication or surgery.
What do Physical Therapists do?
Physical Therapists are experts in movement and function, so they do not confine their talents to only treating people who are ill. A large part of a Physical Therapist’s program is directed at preventing injury, loss of movement, and even surgery. Physical Therapists work as consultants in industrial settings to improve the design of the workplace and reduce the risk of workers overusing certain muscles or developing lower back pain. They also provide services to athletes at all levels to screen for potential problems and institute preventive exercise programs.
The cornerstones of Physical Therapy treatment are therapeutic exercise and functional training. In addition to “hands-on” care, Physical Therapists also educate patients to take care of themselves and to perform certain exercises on their own. Depending on the particular needs of a patient, Physical Therapists may also “mobilize” a joint (that is, perform certain types of movements at the end of your range of motion) or massage a muscle to promote proper movement and function. Physical Therapists also use methods such as ultrasound (which uses high frequency waves to produce heat), hot packs, and ice.
Most forms of Physical Therapy treatment are covered by insurance, but the coverage will vary with each plan. Most states do not legally require patients to see their physicians before seeing a Physical Therapist (Direct Access). Most of the time all you have to do is ask your doctor if Physical Therapy is right for you.
Reference: APTA