At Kessler Rehabilitation Center, we have the privilege and opportunity to work with a wide variety of patients. On any given day, a member of Kessler's clinical team could treat a senior citizen who had knee replacement surgery, an adult who suffers from arthritis, an individual who was injured on the job and/or a college or high school athlete who is recovering from a sports-related mishap. If you are in need of physical therapy for the first time, here is a quick and generalized preview of "what to expect."

Most patients come to us with a prescription for physical therapy that was issued by their physician - this prescription is similar in form to what you take to the drugstore for medicine -- and includes recommendations for treatment. The next step is to verify a prospective patient's insurance and that Kessler participates in the individual's specific insurance plan. Once this is verified, an initial evaluation is scheduled at a Kessler center most convenient for the patient. Since physical therapy usually requires multiple visits, some patients select a Kessler center near their home, while others select a center near their place of employment. We usually recommend that patients wear looser-fitting exercise clothing and sneakers for maximum comfort.

When a patient first arrives at a Kessler center, he or she will be greeted by our Office Administrator (OA) at the front desk area. Patients interact with our OA staff frequently. The Office Administrator also:

New patients are asked to arrive early for their first appointment to fill out the necessary paperwork in our patient waiting area. Next, the new patient meets with a Kessler Physical, Occupational or Hand Therapist who evaluates the patient's injury or condition, discusses his or her goals and specific needs, and devises an individualized treatment plan. The length of a patient's treatment plan and frequency of visits are based on several factors including:

It is very important to attend all appointments to ensure a safe level of return-to-work or activities of daily living. At each visit, patients work with a member of Kessler’s clinical team, who instruct and supervise the care. Various modalities may be utilized including:

Since Kessler utilizes a progressive plan of care, patients are progressed to new levels, treatments and exercises. Patients are also provided with home programs, which are exercises specifically designed for patients to do at home. Home exercise programs are an important part of a patient's total rehabilitation plan and help ensure more successful and positive outcomes.

Kessler therapists also maintain regular contact with a patient's doctor, surgeon and/or case manager to ensure timely updates on the patient's progress and a team approach to care. At the end of each visit, a Kessler therapist should answer any questions a patient has and inform him or her on what to expect at the next visit.

Physical, occupational and hand therapy require a commitment from each patient - a commitment of time, of energy and of a desire to achieve one's rehabilitation goals. Consider it an investment in yourself!