Frequently Asked Questions

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Physical therapy is a branch of rehabilitative medicine that focuses on how the body  operates during everyday activity. Physical Therapists are the foremost experts in the muscular system and how the muscular system is controlled by the neural system. We are able to assess how the nerves and  brain control the body, and incorporate different interventions to optimize these patterns. Functional physical therapists use hands-on manual techniques and neuro-muscular rehabilitation techniques to provide the highest levels of care. 

Simply put, sports performance is ensuring that your body is able to perform at it's highest level each and every time you step on the field. It is a balance of muscles, tendons and the nerves to make sure that your body is prepared for the unique challenges of your sport. Balance training, practice, and rest are key components to be at your peak on game day. Sports performance physical therapy will set you up for success and make sure that your performance will not be restricted by pain or limitations. 

Physical therapy is not just for those that are in pain. If you feel that you are avoiding any activity because of inability to complete the task, a physical therapist can help. With direct access in the state of New Jersey, the physical therapist is the best first choice when it comes to muscular pain or restriction with any aspect of life. Assessments are done on day one to determine if issues can be helped by a physical therapist or if further medical intervention is necessary. 

Let's start with the definition. Functional is defined as: of or having a special activity, purpose, or task; relating to the way in which someone works or operates. 

Now let's define 'functional' in terms of physical movement. A functional movement is anything that you do during your everyday life. It ranges from squatting to pick up your grandchild or dog from the floor to lunging and cutting on the playing field. 

How do these definitions relate to what Functional Physical Therapy does? We do not do exercises just to do exercises. We focus our interventions on being able to help you function better with whatever is restricting or limiting you. Each session is unique, and your functional movement patterns during that visit will guide how each intervention is delivered each day. 

You will see the hashtag #GetPT1st often throughout our social media. What does that mean? 

First, in New Jersey, you do not need to see a doctor and get a prescription to see a physical therapist. This is called direct access. With all insurance plans, other than Medicare, you as the patient have that right within New Jersey. 

Second, physical therapists are the foremost experts in movement and the neuro-muscular systems of the body. We are trained to be able to screen the body for any red flags, and can assess you to see if you need to see another medical professional or if physical therapy is right for you. 

Functional Physical Therapy is an out-of-network provider for all insurance companies, including Medicare. This means that coverage is dependent on each insurance's out-of-network coverage, which varies by plan. We will gladly confirm your coverage before you make your first appointment. 

Due to declining reimbursement from many insurance companies, physical therapy clinics have been forced to see as many as 7-8 patients within a single hour. We did not find that scenario appropriate for providing a high level of patient care, so we have decided to go out-of-network. This ensures that we can put the patient first and provide focused one-to-one treatment for your full 55-minute treatment session. 

New Jersey is a direct access state. That means that for all private insurances, you do not need to have a prescription before beginning physical therapy.

For those with Medicare, you will need to provide a prescription dated prior to your first treatment session to ensure coverage. 

We make it as simple for you as possible. Either reach out to us by phone at (908) 872-5133 or by e-mail at nick@functional-physicaltherapy.com anytime. We will return your inquiry as soon as possible. 

For physical therapy services we do like to verify your benefits before your first appointment. This way, we are able to give you the most accurate picture we can of your coverage, and we can try to eliminate any surprises. 

Prior to your first treatment session, you will be emailed your new patient paperwork, but it is also available in the patient section of our website. Please bring completed paperwork, insurance card, drivers license, and a credit card to put on file. 

We recommend patients wear comfortable clothing to be able to perform functional exercises easily. We have facilities available should you need to change.

If your questions are not answered above, please e-mail  or call us anytime!