Physical Therapy FAQs
Q. How often do I have to come to therapy?
A. This is different for each patient depending on their condition. On an average:
- Pregnant patients with back pain come once per week for 3-4 weeks and then as needed for the duration of the pregnancy
- Patients with urinary incontinence, frequency or urgency, come once a week for 3 weeks and then every other week for a month.
- Patients with pelvic pain, sexual pain, menstrual pain or interstitial cystitis come 1-2 times per week for 8 weeks and are weaned off therapy as their condition improves.
If patients live far from the clinic and cannot come to therapy regularly, every effort will be made to teach you what you can do at home to help yourself and if appropriate, we will provide resources for you to rent equipment for home use.
Q. How long is each treatment session?
A. Your initial visit will be 60 minutes. Subsequent treatment sessions vary from 30-60 minutes.
Q. What makes the therapy at Woman’s Hospital different from other facilities?
A.
- All therapists have extensive post graduate training in women’s health and pelvic health.
- We provide extensive education and resources to teach you how to manage your symptoms at home
- We offer care when you are in pain or in an “acute” stage AND also provide care to enhance your physical health.
- Our clinic provides a clean and safe environment. Open communication with your therapist is encouraged.
Q. What are the differences between continence therapy provided by other health care professionals and physical therapists?
A. “Continence therapy” focuses on strengthening the pelvic floor muscles. Physical therapists specialize in personalized “muscle rehabilitation.”
Biofeedback and electrical stimulation are commonly used by most providers to strengthen pelvic floor muscles. Physical therapists offer additional tools for muscle rehabilitation to include manual muscle facilitation, trigger point release (as needed).
Most importantly, pelvic floor muscle exercises (“kegel”) are personalized to each patient in the number of repetitions, position, number of seconds to hold and number of seconds to relax, and coordination with breathing and other key muscle groups. Finally, exercises are incorporated into activities of daily life and muscles are challenged to get stronger over time.
Q. What financial arrangements do you offer?
A.
- We need a referral/order from your physician before you can start therapy. This script must include your name, diagnosis and the physician’s signature.
- We verify your insurance benefits and bill your insurance for therapy (if therapy is included in your plan).
- You will pay your co-pay at every visit
- The Woman’s Hospital of Texas bills your insurance company every month and either reimburses you for overpayment or bills you for any balances.
- We also offer a flat rate for physical therapy for patients who do not have insurance. This rate is time-based. Please call for more information.
Physical Therapy and Massage Services
7400 Fannin, Suite 1145
Houston, Texas 77054
Tel: (713) 799-6193 or 6125
Clinic hours: 7:00a to 6:00p
