Frequently asked questions on the following topics:
Rehabilitation and Lifetime Fitness
Office Ergonomics
Rehabilitation and Lifetime Fitness
Why choose Direct Access Physical Therapy over a personal trainer for you Lifetime Fitness?
Direct Access Physical Therapy utilizes licensed professionals qualified BOTH physical therapy and personal training. This unique combination can maximize your ability to reach your ultimate fitness goals while minimizing risk of incurring injury. As clinicians, we are also able to address pre-existing, nagging problems, as well as evaluate and treat acute injuries.
Are Direct Access Physical Therapy services covered under my insurance plan?
Direct Access Physical Therapy recommends that all potential clients utilize their full medical insurance benefits, including physical therapy treatments, to there fullest. Direct Access Physical Therapy operates as a private-pay, mobile service firm acting as a bridge between rehabilitation and lifetime fitness. We provide flexible scheduling and the convenience of coming to you!
What kind of specialized equipment do I need to get started?
NONE. In most cases, Direct Access physical therapists provide all the necessary components to get you started. As you progress in your fitness training, we will assist you in building your own home workout area.
Do I need a physician's clearance to begin exercise?
A physical activity readiness questionnaire (PAR-Q) is completed prior to participation. Based on the answers you provide, Direct Access physical therapists will determine the need for physician's clearance in order to provide the safest and most effective program to meet your individual needs.
What's it going to take for me to "get back in shape"?
A thorough evaluation of "where you are at" is completed prior to participation. We will develop a comprehensive program based on your current level of conditioning and your future goals.
Do you provide nutritional counseling?
We provide guidance on your nutritional needs based on RDA recommendations and scientific research. We will refer you to a registered dietician as needed.
What is ergonomics?
Ergonomics is the science of fitting the job to the worker. Individual's come in all shapes and sizes and the science of ergonomics strives to accommodate each persons individual needs.
Why should I care?
More than 647,000 Americans suffer serious injuries and illnesses due to work related musculoskeletal (MSD) disorders each year accounting for more than 34% of all lost workdays injuries and illnesses and costing employers $15-20 billion annually in direct worker's compensation costs.
Am I at risk of developing a MSD?
Substantial sound scientific evidence links musculoskeletal disorders to work. The scientific literature demonstrates that workers who face high biomechanical stress-such as heavy lifting and repetitive motion have high rates of MSD's such as back injuries, tendonitis and carpal tunnel syndrome just to name a few. The National Academy of Sciences found "compelling evidence" that reducing biomechanical stress on the job reduces the risk of injuries.
What can I do to minimize my personal risk of sustaining injury at work?
For almost every job, there are different ways to do the work that can reduce the risk of injury. Simple, inexpensive solutions often can prevent these painful disorders.
Employers and employees can work together effectively to reduce MSD's.
- Look at injury and illness records to find jobs where problems have occurred.
- Talk with workers to identify specific tasks that contribute to pain and lost workdays.
- Ask workers what changes they think will make a difference
- Encourage workers to report MSD symptoms and establish a medical management system to detect problems early.
- Find ways to reduce repeated motions, forceful hand exertions, prolonged bending or working from above shoulder height.
- Reduce or eliminate vibration and sharp edges or handles that dig into the skin
- Rely on equipment -not backs- for heavy or repetitive lifting.
- Hire a consultant to help your company form a comprehensive plan to decrease MSD's at your workplace.
Are their any organizations taking steps to safeguard worker's health and safety?
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is a leader in defending worker's rights and much legislation over a formal standard has taken place. The history begins back in 1990, when Labor Secretary Elizabeth Dole called for developing rules to reduce repetitive stress injuries. For 10 long years of debating and formulating a standard, with testimonials from many employees suffering from MSD's a standard was formed in January. President Clinton endorsed this standard, however, congress saw it as a threat to small businesses. In March 2001, via the congressional review act (CRA) the standard was vetoed and President Bush is expected to sign the repeal. All is not lost, however, because the Bush Administration agrees these issues cannot be ignored.
Dr. Richard A. Levinson, associate executive director of the American Public Health Association, said: It's quite inevitable that there will be new regulations someday. You can't walk away from an estimated 1.8 million injuries a year that cost $50 billion a year in medical bills and sick days. Hopefully, it will not take another 10 years to put it together."
Federally mandated or not the high relevance work-related musculoskeletal disorders and related costs to companies is real and it is smart business to address these problems for the benefit of both the employer and the employee.
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