Frequently Asked Questions About Physical Therapy

Physical therapy uses targeted exercises, movement training, hands-on techniques, and other therapeutic approaches to help improve strength, flexibility, balance, mobility, and physical function.

Physical therapy may be beneficial after an injury or surgery, for ongoing musculoskeletal problems, or when pain and limited mobility are interfering with everyday activities.

Physical therapy may help with many orthopedic and musculoskeletal conditions, including:

• Back and neck pain
• Shoulder pain and injuries
• Knee pain
• Hip pain
• Ankle and foot injuries
• Muscle strains and sprains
• Sports injuries
• Post-surgical rehabilitation
• Chronic pain and mobility problems
• Balance and dizziness problems
• Vestibular conditions
• Weakness and loss of function

Your physical therapist will evaluate your individual condition and develop a treatment plan based on your specific goals.

No. Physical therapy can also be used to improve strength, mobility, movement patterns, balance, and physical performance.

Athletes, active adults, older adults, and people returning to exercise after time away may all benefit from physical therapy and injury-prevention services.

Every patient is different. The length of treatment depends on your condition, goals, progress, and treatment plan.

Your therapist will monitor your progress and adjust your program as you regain strength, mobility, and function.

Yes. All Star Physical Therapy provides sports medicine and rehabilitation services designed to help athletes recover from injuries and safely return to their sport.

The practice also provides return-to-sport and injury-prevention screening and testing.

Return-to-sport testing helps evaluate whether an athlete has regained the strength, stability, balance, and movement abilities needed to safely return to athletic activity.

All Star Therapy offers testing such as Y-Balance Testing and Functional Movement Screening

Physical therapy isn't only about recovering from an injury. Movement and functional testing can identify areas of weakness, instability, or inefficient movement that may increase injury risk.

A therapist can then develop exercises designed around the athlete's specific needs.

Yes. All Star Physical Therapy provides specialized vestibular, dizziness, and balance rehabilitation.

Treatment begins with an evaluation to help determine potential causes of dizziness, vertigo, or balance problems. Depending on the findings, treatment may include specific exercises, balance training, or techniques designed to address certain vestibular problems.

Vestibular rehabilitation is a specialized form of physical therapy designed to improve balance and the communication between systems involved in balance and movement.

It may be appropriate for certain patients experiencing dizziness, vertigo, unsteadiness, or related balance problems.

The number of visits varies by patient and condition. Some vestibular problems can improve relatively quickly, while other conditions require a longer treatment program.

Your therapist will determine the appropriate plan following your evaluation.

Dry needling is a therapeutic technique that uses a very fine filament needle to target specific tissues or trigger points associated with musculoskeletal pain and dysfunction.

All Star Physical Therapy offers dry needling as part of its rehabilitation services

epending on the individual patient and condition, dry needling may be used to help address muscle tension, trigger points, pain, and restricted range of motion.

It may be considered for problems involving areas such as the neck, back, arm, jaw, and other musculoskeletal regions.

No. A physical therapist should evaluate your condition and determine whether dry needling is an appropriate component of your treatment plan.

Aquatic therapy uses the properties of water to create a lower-impact environment for therapeutic exercise and movement.

The reduced load and resistance of water can make certain exercises more comfortable for patients who have difficulty performing them on land.

Aquatic therapy may be beneficial for individuals who need a lower-impact environment while working on strength, mobility, balance, or physical function. 

Your therapist can determine whether aquatic therapy is appropriate for your specific condition.