Physical Therapy FAQs
– Come in for a free consultation with one of our doctors. Your PCP or specialist could also recommend it to you based on medical need.
– You can pick your Physical Therapist, your primary doctor may refer you to a specific clinic but you can always request Sure Cure or bring an “Order” “Referral” or “Script” for PT to our office.
Great question! We ask that our patients kindly bring the following items with them to the first appointment with us:
- Photo ID
- Insurance Card(s)
- Physical Therapy Order/ Referral/ prescription
- Any recent reports (MRIs, X-RAY etc)- not required but if you have them they sure can be useful
- Arrive 15-20 min early to complete paperwork or be sure to do your paperwork ahead of time on our patient portal
We encourage our patients to dress comfortably. Athletic wear is highly recommended as it allows you to bend and stretch. You are more than welcome to change into your athletic wear at the clinic before your appointment.
During your first physical therapy appointment with us, you should expect to fill out some patient intake forms (if you have not already done them from home), the front office staff will make copies of your ID, Insurance card(s), Physical therapy order and other documents pertaining to the physical therapy. You will then go back with one of the doctors here at Sure Cure and be evaluated, during that evaluation we will discuss your diagnosis that brought you to us, any other relevant medical history, perform tests and various measurements so we have a starting point, and create a Plan of Care with you for the next 4- 12 weeks.
Sure Cure is located outside of the Castle Hills neighborhood at the intersection of King Arthur Blvd and N. Josey Ln near the King Arthur Montessori Academy.
We are on the back side of the Medical Complex, when you enter our parking lot circle around the building for our entrance.
Lymphatic Drainage Massage FAQs
A lymph is a clear fluid contained in the lymph nodes that helps filter proteins, waste, and metabolizes cells in the body.
The lymph nodes remove the waste and circulate clean lymph fluid through the body. Lymph nodes contain white blood cells called lymphocytes.There are between 600 and 700 lymph nodes in the body.
The lymphatic system is the system of the body that helps maintain fluid levels in the body, circulate lymph fluid, fight off infection, and helps circulate blood.
The lymphatic system is a part of the healing process, and helps remove toxins from the body under periods of stress.
At Sure Cure, we are certified in MAnual lymphatic drainage and scar Management,our physical and massage therapist help you achieve your goals, We follow Vodder’s manual lymph drainage techniques which is considered gold standard in Lymphatic drainage. We use Dolphin neurostim Microcurrent for scar management and enhance lymphatic restoration after ablation surgeries and cosmetic surgeries.
SYMPTOMS OF POOR LYMPHATIC DRAINAGE:
– Swelling in arms and legs
– Changes in the condition of the skin
– Changes in the skin color
– Blisters
– Fluid leaking
Here are the major symptoms of poor lymphatic drainage:
- Swelling in arms and legs
- Changes in the condition of the skin
- Changes in the skin colour
- Blisters
- Fluid leaking
Lymphatic drainage massage can be used to address a variety of conditions, including:
- Lymphedema
- Lipedema
- Edema
- Post-
- liposuction
- Tummy
- tuck
- Cosmetic
- surgery/procedure
- Mastectomy
- Brazilian butt lift (BBL)
- Mommy makeover
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Fibromyalgia
- Joint replacement
- Preeclampsia during pregnancy
- Postoperative swelling and discomfort
- Muscle aches and pains
No. Although many doctors recommend MLD, it is also perfectly fine to self-refer. When its done under physical therapy, insurance companies need the prescription for reimbursement.
You many notice a hardness or lumpiness to the areas treated with liposuction Smart-lipo, or Cool Sculpting especially in the abdominal area and even more so if combined with other body contouring procedures (such as fat injections for what is popularly known as the Brazilian Butt Lift) This is normal right after your procedure.
This post-surgical lymphedema is caused by inflammation and trauma from the cannula (instrument that sucks out the fat) moving under the skin. Channels are formed by the cannula that can fill up with fluid and the tissue also becomes swollen. Manual Lymph Massage helps to move the fluid by gently pumping it back into the lymph vessels. Reducing the swelling can reduce discomfort.
Without Lymph Massage (LDT or MLD) the inflammation can evolve into fibrosis (a permanent hardening of the tissue) or a seroma ( pocket of serum) can form. Many doctors prescribe Lymph Drainage Therapy after liposuction or other plastic surgery procedures to make sure their patients get the best possible results from their procedure.
No, although it may seem that deep massage would assist in decreasing the hardness following liposuction, it would actually increase the circulation to the treated areas making it harder to evacuate the lymph fluid. Even though MLD is extremely light work, it is the most efficient way to reduce swelling and bruising. It is based on scientific knowledge of the anatomy and physiology of the Lymphatic System.
It is a myth that deep massage and heat are beneficial in healing after liposuction. The Vodder Method and the Chikly Technique are widely accepted forms of Lymph Drainage Therapy performed in hospitals and clinics all over the world. So, even though it may seem to you that a deep massage or other forms of therapeutic or Swedish massage would be helpful, it is not.
Yes. That is one of the best applications of MLD. Bruises are an accumulation of cellular debris and old red blood cells in the tissue. Lymph Drainage Therapy greatly reduces healing time for bruises by cleansing the extracellular spaces where these substances are trapped.
A new style of ” Lymphatic Massage” has surged in the last few years where fluid is pushed downwards instead of working with the flow of the lymphatic. Some “Lymphatic Massages” reopen the surgical holes and push plasma and blood out of those holes. They are not moving Lymph. And yet, they still call this Manual Lymphatic Drainage (MLD). It is NOT.
They are doing DEEP TISSUE not Manual Lymph Drainage. DEEP TISSUE crushes the lymphatic system and after surgery will cause more damage, bruising and swelling. This is also another way Seromas are created. Deep Tissue is CONTRAINDICATED after surgery. Lymphatic Drainage is meant to be light work because the lymph system is right underneath the skin. When it is done correctly it is gentle, not painful, and soothing.
When your tissue is ready, then we can begin to incorporate myofascial and scar tissue work in the areas that the scar tissue is starting to bind.
Shockwave Therapy FAQs
Extracorporeal Pulse Activation Technology (EPAT), sometimes referred to as ESWT or shock wave therapy, is the most
advanced and highly effective non-invasive treatment method cleared by the FDA. This proprietary technology is based
on a unique set of pressure waves that stimulate the metabolism, enhance blood circulation and accelerate the healing
process.
EPAT has a proven success rate that is equal to or greater than that of traditional treatment methods (including surgery)
and without the risks, complications and lengthy recovery time.
EPAT is:
– Performed in your physician’s office/ clinic
– Does not require anesthesia
– Requires a minimal amount of time
Patients can:
– Bear weight (i.e. walk) immediately,
– Return to work/normal activities within 24-48 hours
Coupling gel is applied to the treatment area of interest to enhance effectiveness. After these preparations, EPAT
pressure waves are released via the applicator moved over the area of interest in a circular motion.
The safety and effectiveness of the EPAT procedure has not been determined on people with the following health
conditions. Your doctor will provide you with information about how these and other conditions might affect the
determination to perform the EPAT procedures.
– Malignancies
– DVT (Deep Vein Thrombosis)
Generally, acute or chronic musculoskeletal pain and/or pain that significantly impairs mobility or quality of life Areas include:
- Neck,
- Shoulders,
- Back, and
- Chest
- Upper Extremity
- Lower Extremity
- Foot and Ankle
- Myofascial Trigger points
The non-invasive EPAT®/ESWT treatment has virtually no risks or side effects. In some cases, patients may experience some minor discomfort, which may continue for a few days. It is normal to have some residual pain after intense exercise or a full day of work.
The treatment sessions take approximately 10 minutes each for acute injury and 5 – 6 sessions for chronic injury. Generally, at least 2-3 treatment sessions are necessary weekly.
The beneficial effects of Extracorporeal Pulse Activation Technology (EPAT®) are often experienced after only 3 treatments. Some patients report immediate pain relief after the treatment, although it can take up to 4 weeks for pain relief to begin. The procedure eliminates pain and restores full mobility, thus improving your quality of life. Over 80% of patients treated report being pain free and/or having significant pain reduction.
Yes. This FDA cleared technology was developed in Europe and is currently used around the globe. A wealth of medical experience, state-of-the-art engineering, and optimal quality have been built into each EPAT®device; and extensive clinical studies and tests have confirmed its safety and efficacy. .If performed by a qualified caregiver, Extracorporeal Pulse Activation Technology (EPAT®) has virtually no risks or side effects.
Dry needling is a technique that involves the insertion of fine needles into trigger points (tender knots in muscles) in order to alleviate pain and improve muscle function.
No, dry needling is different from acupuncture. Although both use needles, acupuncture is based on traditional Chinese medicine principles and involves the insertion of needles into specific points along energy meridians, while dry needling focuses on the trigger points themselves.
Many people report feeling a mild discomfort or pressure during dry needling, but it is generally not considered painful. The needles used are very thin and typically do not cause bleeding or bruising.
Dry needling is a specific technique that involves the insertion of needles into trigger points to relieve pain and improve function. Massage and physical therapy use different techniques to achieve similar goals.