Letting an injury go too long can lead to more than just discomfort. You can be setting yourself up for additional and potentially more severe injuries. Many patients put off being evaluated because they are worried they may need surgery. In reality, about 80 percent of musculoskeletal injuries respond well to much less invasive treatment and do not require surgery.

In 2013, Indiana passed a legal provision that lets patients be evaluated and treated by a licensed physical therapist without a doctor's referral. Put simply, you can now go directly to our physical therapists for evaluation and treatment. Studies have shown that, for some patients, receiving direct access physical therapy can help decrease costs while providing successful treatment outcomes. Giving patients direct access to physical therapy care can also remove barriers and allow treatment to begin sooner—which is imperative to the healing process.

Hendricks Regional Health physical therapists are extensively trained in the evaluation, diagnosis and treatment of a wide variety of orthopedic conditions. Before beginning treatment, they carefully screen each and every patient to ensure that physical therapy is the most appropriate method of care. Our physical therapists work closely with a team of orthopedic surgeons and sports medicine physicians, as well as our network of primary care physicians. Staff communicate regularly with your doctor to keep them updated about your treatment. It's important to know that your therapist will refer you to a physician, either your primary care doctor or an orthopedic/sports medicine specialist, if it is determined that your condition requires further evaluation.

Your evaluation will take about an hour and will be performed by one of our experienced physical therapists. Depending on the nature of your pain, our staff will pair you with a therapist specializing in your area of concern. During your evaluation visit, your therapist will review your medical history and begin building an individualized treatment plan with an in-depth discussion of your medical history. You also will have the opportunity to talk with your therapist about individualized rehabilitation goals. Together, you will develop a treatment plan tailored to help you achieve these goals.

Your course of treatment often begins that day. Most patients benefit from physical therapy treatment plans that include one-on-one therapy sessions, therapeutic exercise, education and the development of a home program to advance your progress. As part of your evaluation, you will be carefully screened to ensure that physical therapy is the most appropriate method of care. If they determine your condition requires further evaluation or radiology tests, they will consult with or refer you to one of our orthopedic or sports medicine physicians.

Follow-up physical therapy visits will be set at whatever time frame and frequency you and your therapist decide are appropriate. On average, a follow-up visit lasts 30-45 minutes, but your specific condition, treatment and plan of care will dictate how long the sessions will last and the number of visits needed. Constant reassessment by your therapist will determine what changes need to be made to your treatment progression. Physical therapists can continue your treatment program for 24 calendar days without a physician's order.