Most Common Questions About Physical Therapy: Your Complete FAQ Guide

Thinking about physical therapy but have questions? You're not alone. We've compiled the most frequently asked questions about physical therapy, sports rehabilitation, and performance optimization to help you make informed decisions about your health and movement.

What is Physical Therapy and How Can It Help Me?

Physical therapy is a healthcare profession focused on evaluating, diagnosing, and treating movement disorders, injuries, and pain. At Activait, we go beyond treating symptoms to find the root causes of your pain and transform how you move for lasting results.

Physical therapy can help with:

• Chronic pain management (lasting 3+ months)

• Sports and orthopedic injuries

• Post-surgery rehabilitation

• Movement optimization and injury prevention

• Neurological conditions like stroke and Parkinson's disease

• Age-related mobility concerns

Do I Need a Doctor's Referral for Physical Therapy?

In the Philippines, you can often access physical therapy services directly without a doctor's referral. However, some insurance providers may require a physician's prescription for coverage. At Activait, we welcome both direct-pay patients and those with medical referrals.

What to bring to your first visit:

• Valid ID

• Insurance information (if applicable)

• List of current medications

• Medical records related to your condition

• Comfortable clothing that allows movement

How Long Does Physical Therapy Take to Work?

Recovery timelines vary significantly based on several factors:

• Severity and type of condition

• Your age and overall health

• Adherence to home exercise programs

• Previous injury history

• Activity level and goals

Typical timeframes:

• Acute injuries: 2-6 weeks

• Chronic conditions: 6-12 weeks or longer

• Post-surgical rehabilitation: 3-6 months

• Performance optimization: Ongoing process

Many patients notice improvements within the first 2-3 sessions, with significant changes typically occurring within 4-6 weeks of consistent treatment.

What Happens During My First Physical Therapy Visit?

Your initial one-hour assessment at Activait includes:

Comprehensive Evaluation Process

1. Medical history discussion - Your symptoms, goals, and lifestyle

2. Movement assessment - Identifying underlying movement issues

3. Physical examination - Testing strength, flexibility, and function

4. Initial treatment - Hands-on therapy to begin your recovery

5. Education - Clear explanation of your condition

6. Home program - Exercises to start immediately

7. Treatment plan - Timeline and expected outcomes

What to Wear

Wear comfortable clothing that allows access to the affected area and permits full movement. Athletic wear or loose-fitting clothes work best.

Is Physical Therapy Painful?

The short answer: It shouldn't be.

Modern physical therapy follows the principle that healing occurs best without excessive pain. You may experience these normal sensations:

• Mild muscle soreness (like after exercise)

• Stretching sensations

• Temporary fatigue

• Awareness of previously unnoticed areas

What's NOT normal:

• Sharp, stabbing pain

• Pain that persists hours after treatment

• Significant increase in your original symptoms

• Numbness or tingling that worsens

Our approach emphasizes pain neuroscience education and movement-based therapy to promote active coping and gradual return to function.

How Much Does Physical Therapy Cost?

Physical therapy costs vary based on several factors:

• Type of treatment needed

• Frequency of visits

• Packaged rates vs. single session rates

Contact our offices directly for more information:

• Activait BGC: Room 515, Avida Cityflex SOHO, BGC

• Activait UP Diliman: Room 107, University Hotel, UP Diliman, QC

Can Physical Therapy Help with Chronic Pain?

Yes! Chronic pain (lasting 3+ months) requires specialized treatment approaches. Our chronic pain management program combines:

Evidence-based treatments:

• Movement-based therapy

• Pain neuroscience education

• Behavioral change strategies

• Graded exercise progression

• Manual therapy techniques

Conditions we treat:

• Fibromyalgia

• Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS)

• Persistent low back pain

• Chronic neck pain

• Post-injury pain syndromes

...and more.

Our clinicians are trained in psychologically informed physiotherapy, meaning we address both physical and psychological factors contributing to your pain experience.

What's the Difference Between Physical Therapy and Sports Therapy?

While related, these disciplines have distinct focuses:

Traditional Physical Therapy

• Treats injuries and movement disorders

• Focuses on returning to daily activities

• Addresses pain and dysfunction

• Works with all age groups and conditions

Sports Physical Therapy

• Specializes in athletic injuries and performance

• Focuses on return to sport/competition

• Emphasizes injury prevention

• Optimizes athletic movement patterns

At Activait, our team includes the Philippines' only Registered International Sports Physiotherapist, providing elite-level care for athletes and active individuals.

Do You Treat Athletes and Sports Injuries?

Absolutely! Activait specializes in sports-level care for everyone - not just elite athletes. Our athletic services include:

Professional Sports Teams

• Complete movement profiling

• Injury prevention programs

• Performance optimization

• Recovery protocols

Collegiate Programs

We're the Official Physical Therapy Partner of UP Fighting Maroons, providing specialized care for student-athletes.

Individual Athletes

• Combat sports athletes

• Endurance athletes

• Recreational sports participants

• Weekend warriors

Team Services

• On-site coverage and assessment

• Injury management protocols

• Return-to-play progressions

• Performance enhancement programs

Can Physical Therapy Help Older Adults?

Yes! Our geriatric movement therapy program promotes healthy aging. We work with specialists to provide comprehensive care that supports longevity and quality of life.

Specialized services:

• Fall prevention strategies

• Arthritis and osteoporosis management

• Balance and coordination training

• Strength building for daily activities

• Cognitive and social engagement support

Real-life activity training:

• Getting out of bed safely

• Climbing stairs confidently

• Carrying groceries

• Maintaining independence

What About Post-Surgery Rehabilitation?

Our pre- and post-surgery rehabilitation programs support optimal recovery:

Pre-Surgery Preparation (Prehabilitation)

• Strength and mobility conditioning

• Education about post-surgery expectations

• Establishing baseline function

• Reducing surgery complications

Post-Surgery Recovery

• Progressive rehabilitation programs

• Joint replacement recovery

• Ligament reconstruction rehab

• Restoration of movement patterns

• Return to daily activities

Here are some of the common surgeries we support:

• Knee and hip replacements

• ACL reconstructions

• Rotator cuff repairs

• Spinal surgeries

• Fracture repairs

How Often Should I Come to Physical Therapy?

Treatment schedules depend on your specific condition and goals:

• Acute injuries: 2-3 times per week initially

• Chronic conditions: 1-2 times per week

• Post-surgical: 2-3 times per week early on

• Performance optimization: 1-2 times per week

• Maintenance: Monthly or as needed

Your therapist will adjust frequency based on your progress and response to treatment.

What Makes Activait Different from Other Clinics?

Expert Credentials

• Philippines' only Registered International Sports Physiotherapist

• Integrated care with orthopedic MD

• Muscle ultrasound accredited practitioners

• Specialists in psychologically informed physiotherapy

Evidence-Based Approach

• Latest research-backed techniques

• Comprehensive movement assessment

• Personalized treatment plans

• Progressive advancement protocols

Sports-Level Care for Everyone

We apply the same high-level assessment and treatment methods used with elite athletes to every patient, regardless of activity level.

How Do I Get Started?

Ready to begin your journey to better movement?

Schedule Your Assessment

1. Online booking: Use our link in bio on social media

2. Phone call: Contact either location directly

3. Walk-in consultations: Subject to availability

What to Expect

• One-hour comprehensive assessment

• Same-day treatment initiation

• Clear explanation of findings

• Personalized treatment plan

• Home exercise program

Our Locations & Hours

Activait BGC Room 515, Avida Cityflex SOHO, BGC Mon/Tue/Wed/Fri: 8AM-5PM

Activait UP Diliman Room 107, University Hotel, UP Diliman, QC Tue-Sat: 8AM-5PM

Still Have Questions?

We're here to help! Contact us directly for personalized answers about your specific situation. Every body is unique, and we're committed to providing the individualized care you deserve.

Remember: The best time to start physical therapy is now. Whether you're dealing with pain, recovering from injury, or looking to optimize your performance, our evidence-based approach can help you move better and live without limits.

Ready to #Activait your body? Book your assessment today and discover what sports-level care can do for you.