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On average, patients who use Zocdoc can search for a Physical Therapist in Astoria, New York, book an appointment, and see the Physical Therapist within 24 hours. Same-day appointments are often available, you can search for real-time availability of Physical Therapists in Astoria, New York who accept your insurance and make an appointment online.
Zocdoc lets you search specifically for an Astoria, New York Physical Therapist who takes your insurance. Just choose your carrier and plan from the drop-down menu at the top of the page. If you’re not sure which plan you have, you can use Zocdoc’s insurance checker to find out.
Zocdoc is a free online service that helps patients find Physical Therapists in Astoria, New York and book appointments instantly. You can search for Astoria, New York Physical Therapists by symptom or visit reason. Then, choose your insurance plan. Based on that information, you’ll see a list of providers who meet your search criteria, along with their available appointment slots.
When you search for Astoria, New York Physical Therapists on Zocdoc, you can filter your results by gender, in addition to other criteria. That way, you’ll only see Physical Therapists in Astoria, New York who match your preferences.
On Zocdoc, you can search specifically for Astoria, New York Physical Therapists with availability after 5 p.m.
You can use Zocdoc to find Physical Therapists in Astoria, New York who are highly rated by other patients. These ratings are based on verified reviews submitted by real patients. Every time a patient completes an appointment booked on Zocdoc, they’re invited to review their experience. Each review must comply with Zocdoc’s guidelines.
Physical Therapists in Astoria, New York on Zocdoc who see patients through online video visits will have a purple video icon on their profiles. You can also filter your search results to show only Physical Therapists who offer video visits.
Most insurers provide coverage for video visits at the same cost as in-person visits. You can search on Zocdoc specifically for Physical Therapists in Astoria, New York who accept your insurance for video visits by selecting your carrier and plan from the drop-down menu at the top of the page. We recommend you check with your insurance carrier directly to confirm your coverage and out of pocket costs for video visits.
Zocdoc lets you search specifically for a Physical Therapist who has appointments available before 10:00 am, or after 5:00 pm. Just choose the special hours filter at the top of our search page.
Zocdoc let's you see real-time availability for Physical Therapists in Astoria, New York. Many Physical Therapists offer appointments on Saturdays and Sundays.
Physical therapists are licensed healthcare professionals who examine and create rehabilitative plans for patients to improve mobility, increase strength, restore function, and relieve pain from injuries or illnesses. They may also help in managing chronic or life-long conditions and disabilities.
Physical therapists diagnose and provide treatment to patients of all ages (including infants and elders) from the first diagnosis to the therapeutic and preventive stages of recovery. Physical therapists also use their bodies to perform specific techniques on patients where they may need to lift or move a body part. In some cases, physical therapy supports other treatments. Medical specialists may recommend it, or it may also be the only treatment option available.
You may find physical therapists working in various settings, for example, outpatient clinics, hospitals, private physician clinics, schools, sports and fitness centers, offices, workplaces, and nursing homes. They either work alongside doctors or with a team of other healthcare professionals, such as physician assistants, nurses, and surgeons. Most physical therapists work day shifts, but some work evening or weekend shifts.
A physical therapist is not a Doctor of Medicine (MD) and, therefore, cannot prescribe medication or perform surgery. However, they train rigorously and need to earn a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree by enrolling in an accredited physical therapist education program and passing a state licensure examination. Before enrolling in a DPT program, they must also earn a Bachelor's in Science.
DPT courses typically last three years. Students learn anatomy, cellular histology, physiology, neuroscience, pharmacology, pathology, behavioral sciences, biomechanics, and kinesiology during their education. Around 20% of DPT programs involve clinical training, and physical therapy students attain approximately 28 weeks of clinical exposure. Some may also become board-certified clinical specialists by passing an American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties examination.
The different subspecialties in physical therapy include the following:
A physical therapist understands the body's biomechanics and can identify the root cause of your injuries or diagnose a disease that may be causing pain and restriction in mobility. Your treatment may last a few weeks or even months, depending on your condition. Here are some common illnesses managed by physical therapy:
Physical therapists near you may employ various hands-on approaches (such as moving parts of your body themselves) and exercises or movements that you execute under their supervision. The following are some types of physical therapies:
Physical therapy and occupational therapy both aid you in moving your body more effectively and safely. The goals for these therapies are different from one another.
Physical therapy is typically used to address a specific part of your body. It may be required to treat symptoms of a medical condition, such as pain and stiffness, or aid recovery from an injury or surgery.
Occupational therapy focuses primarily on assisting people in improving their capacity to perform everyday chores and live as independently as possible. The term "occupation" in occupational therapy does not necessarily imply that you have lost your capacity to do your job or cannot return to work after an injury. Occupation is a term providers use to refer to any of the daily jobs you perform. An occupational therapist will assist you in improving your ability to do things such as using a computer, shopping for food, and getting dressed.
There may be a few similarities between physical therapy and chiropractic care. However, their approach to treatment dramatically differs. Here are the key differences between physical therapy and chiropractic care.
The benefits may include the following, depending on the cause for treatment:
A physical therapist or other healthcare expert can advise people on the benefits that are particular to their medical history and need for therapy. They can also subspecialize and become experts in a specific field, leading to focused benefits. For example, a sports therapist can help athletes improve their performance by strengthening particular body areas and retraining muscles to work in new ways.
Like any medical intervention, physical therapy has potential drawbacks. Here are a few risks associated with working with a physical therapist near you.
1. Time commitment
Physical therapy requires consistent attendance, usually 2–3 times weekly for several weeks. This commitment can be challenging, especially for those with busy schedules. If you foresee scheduling conflicts, talk to a physical therapist near you, as they might adjust the program to accommodate your needs.
2. Temporary symptom worsening
It’s common for symptoms to worsen initially. Many patients avoid using certain body parts due to pain or fear of re-injury. Reintroducing movement can cause discomfort during the first week or two of therapy. However, this is usually temporary and part of the healing process.
3. Slower progress
Unlike surgery or medication, physical therapy relies on the body's healing ability. This factor can make the recovery process feel slow, as it often takes weeks before noticeable improvements occur. Communication with your therapist can help address concerns about progress.
4. High adherence requirements
Physical therapy involves sticking to a home exercise plan. These exercises usually take less than 10 minutes daily, but skipping them can hinder progress. Staying consistent with both in-office and at-home routines is crucial for achieving your goals.
Physical therapy indeed comes with its own package of benefits and risks. Finding a dedicated physical therapist near you could be the first step toward a healthier, more active life if you're ready to invest in your recovery. Ultimately, it is essential to accept the risks and work towards avoiding them.
Physical therapy can help people recover faster from injuries and manage long-term disabilities effectively. Not only does physical therapy address pain and provide relief, but it can also prevent future injuries and eliminate the need for surgery.
Finding the best physical therapist in Astoria, New York, is time-consuming. However, platforms like Zocdoc make finding qualified healthcare professionals from your home more accessible. Avoid the hassles of visiting a hospital or clinical facility and book a virtual appointment or in-person consultation with a physical therapist on Zocdoc.
Visit the website and enter your symptoms, location, and insurance plan. Then, browse the best physical therapist near you and filter your search results based on gender, time of day, hospital affiliation, languages they speak, distance, and whether a provider treats children. Further, you can select your insurance carrier and plan in the drop-down menu to filter the displayed list of physical therapists with in-network providers.
When scheduling an appointment on Zocdoc, you'll typically be asked to provide your insurance details or confirm that you'll be paying out-of-pocket. Some healthcare providers require insurance information upfront to secure the appointment. However, if you prefer not to share your insurance or plan to pay without using it, you can find another provider on Zocdoc that accommodates your preference. For more queries, you can visit the Zocdoc patient help center page.
Moreover, Zocdoc also helps you to make an informed decision by listing each provider's educational background, clinical training, certifications, licenses, awards, and accreditations. Another way to choose the best physical therapist is by reading honest and verified patient reviews. All bookings on Zocdoc are fast, free, and secure!
A report by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) in May 2021 indicates that the state of New York employs nearly 16,130 physical therapists. It is the second highest level of employment for physical therapists in the country, following California. The New York-Newark-Jersey City metropolitan area employs the highest number of physical therapists (16,100) in the United States.
The BLS also estimated that the job lookout for physical therapists can grow by around 21% from 2020 to 2030. It is much faster than the combined average of all occupations.
According to data in a report published in the National Library of Medicine, New York had one of the highest age, race, and sex-adjusted prevalence rates of Parkinson's among Medicare beneficiaries in the United States (2019). Of the nearly 1.4 million Medicare beneficiaries in New York, approximately 26,160 made claims for Parkinson's disease. There were about 16,327 hospitalizations and over 3000 readmissions.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that nearly 11% of New Yorkers have mobility issues, i.e., severe difficulty walking or climbing stairs (2020). Roughly 6% find it difficult to run errands alone, and around 3% struggle to bathe or dress themselves. Moreover, New York adults with disabilities are more likely to suffer depression, obesity, and heart disease.
A New York State Occupational Health Clinic Network (NYS OHCN) report between 1988 and 2003 reported that over 9,000 people in New York were diagnosed with musculoskeletal issues, of which nearly 82% were work-related. Over one-fourth of those diagnosed worked administrative support jobs, and almost 26% worked in executive or professional specialties. About 33% had peripheral enthesopathy (or conditions that affect the area where a tendon or ligament meets your bone), 13% had soft tissue disorders, 10% had back problems, and 11% had cervical region conditions.
Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science
American Physical Therapists Association
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
The content herein is provided for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Medical information changes constantly, and therefore the content on this website should not be assumed to be current, complete or exhaustive. Always seek the advice of your doctor before starting or changing treatment. If you think you may have a medical emergency, please call your doctor or 9-1-1 immediately.