Frequently Asked Questions About Physical Therapy
Personalized Physical Therapy in New York City
Finding the right physical therapist can make a meaningful difference in how you move, recover and feel. Lizz V Smith provides personalized physical therapy in a private New York City setting, with each session focused on your individual symptoms, movement patterns and goals.
Below are answers to common questions about physical therapy, treatment options, appointments and what to expect when working with Lizz.
What does a physical therapist do?
A physical therapist evaluates how your body moves and identifies factors that may be contributing to pain, weakness, stiffness or recurring injuries.
Treatment may include hands-on manual therapy, corrective exercises, mobility work and a personalized home program designed to improve movement, support recovery and help prevent future problems.
What conditions does Lizz V Smith treat?
Lizz treats a wide range of orthopedic and musculoskeletal concerns, including:
Back and neck pain
Sciatica
Arthritis
Knee pain
Shoulder pain and instability
Frozen shoulder
Rotator cuff injuries and tendinitis
Shoulder impingement
Plantar fasciitis
Piriformis syndrome
Tennis elbow
Hamstring and ankle tendinitis
Disc bulges and herniated discs
Meniscus and labral tears
Postural imbalances
Post-surgical rehabilitation
You do not need to know exactly what is causing your symptoms before scheduling an appointment. Your initial evaluation is designed to help identify the underlying factors contributing to your discomfort.
Where can I find a physical therapist in New York City who offers private appointments?
Lizz V Smith provides physical therapy in a private setting at 1133 Broadway in New York City.
Appointments are one-on-one and designed around your individual needs rather than a standardized treatment plan or crowded clinical environment.
Do I need a doctor’s referral to see a physical therapist?
No. A physician referral is not required to schedule an appointment with Lizz V Smith.
You may contact the practice directly to discuss your symptoms and determine whether physical therapy may be appropriate for you.
What happens during my first physical therapy appointment?
Your first visit includes an evaluation and treatment of your condition.
Lizz will assess areas such as your posture, strength, flexibility, mobility and movement patterns to better understand what may be causing or contributing to your symptoms.
You will also begin a personalized home exercise or mobility program that supports your recovery between appointments.
How does Lizz determine what is causing my pain?
Lizz takes a whole-body approach rather than focusing only on the area that hurts.
Your evaluation may look at posture, flexibility, strength, mobility, muscular imbalances and movement habits. This helps identify dysfunction elsewhere in the body that may be contributing to pain or limiting your recovery.
What treatments are used during physical therapy?
Treatment is personalized to your condition and may include:
Manual therapy
Corrective therapeutic exercise
Mobility exercises
Myofascial release
Active Release Technique
Cupping or myofascial decompression
Heat or ice
Electrical stimulation
A personalized home exercise program
The methods used during your appointment will depend on your symptoms, movement assessment and recovery goals.
Does physical therapy involve exercise?
Yes. Corrective and therapeutic exercise is an important part of physical therapy.
Your exercises will be selected specifically for your body and condition. They may focus on improving strength, flexibility, stability, posture, balance or mobility.
You will also receive guidance on exercises or movements you can safely perform at home.
What is manual therapy?
Manual therapy is hands-on treatment performed by a physical therapist to address restrictions in muscles, joints, fascia and other soft tissues.
It may be used to improve mobility, reduce stiffness, relieve discomfort and help your body move more efficiently. Manual therapy is often combined with corrective exercise for longer-lasting results.
What is myofascial release?
Myofascial release is a hands-on treatment that addresses tightness and restrictions within the fascia, the connective tissue surrounding muscles and other structures in the body.
The goal is to reduce tension, improve mobility and help restore more comfortable movement.
Does Lizz offer cupping therapy?
Yes. Cupping, also called myofascial decompression, may be incorporated into treatment when appropriate.
Cupping uses gentle suction to lift the skin and underlying tissues. It may help improve tissue mobility, decrease muscular tension and support movement.
Because every patient is different, Lizz will determine whether cupping is suitable for your condition.
Can physical therapy help with back pain?
Yes. Physical therapy can help address many common causes of back pain.
Lizz evaluates factors such as spinal mobility, core strength, posture, flexibility, daily movement patterns and muscular imbalances. Treatment may include manual therapy, mobility work and exercises designed to reduce symptoms and improve function.
Sudden, severe or unexplained back pain should first be evaluated by an appropriate medical provider.
Can physical therapy help with neck and shoulder pain?
Yes. Physical therapy may help with neck pain, frozen shoulder, shoulder impingement, rotator cuff problems, instability and other musculoskeletal shoulder conditions.
Treatment focuses on identifying the movement restrictions, weakness, posture or tissue irritation contributing to your symptoms.
Can physical therapy help with posture?
Yes. Physical therapy can help identify and correct postural imbalances that contribute to pain, stiffness or inefficient movement.
Rather than simply telling you to “sit up straight,” Lizz evaluates your mobility, strength, flexibility, work environment and everyday movement habits. Your treatment plan may include exercises and practical strategies that make better posture feel more natural and sustainable.
Can I see a physical therapist before I am injured?
Yes. Physical therapy is not only for recovering from an injury.
A preventative evaluation can identify limitations in strength, mobility, flexibility or movement mechanics before they develop into a larger problem. Preventative physical therapy may be especially helpful for active adults, dancers, trainers, performers and people beginning a new exercise routine.
Does Lizz work with dancers, trainers and performers?
Yes. Lizz works with active individuals, including trainers, dancers and performers.
Treatment can address existing pain, recurring injuries, mobility limitations and movement patterns that may affect performance. Trainer, dancer and performer discounts may be available upon request.
Does Lizz provide post-surgical physical therapy?
Yes. Lizz has experience treating individuals following orthopedic surgery.
Post-surgical physical therapy may focus on restoring mobility, rebuilding strength, reducing stiffness and helping you safely return to everyday activities. The timing and structure of your treatment will depend on your procedure and your surgeon’s rehabilitation guidelines.
How many physical therapy sessions will I need?
The number of sessions depends on your condition, how long you have experienced symptoms, your activity level and your personal goals.
Some people seek help for a recent or relatively straightforward concern, while others need continued support for a chronic condition, post-surgical recovery or recurring injury.
After your evaluation, Lizz can provide more personalized guidance based on your needs and response to treatment.
Will I receive exercises to do at home?
Yes. A personalized home exercise or mobility program is established during your care.
These exercises reinforce the work completed during your appointments and help you continue making progress between sessions. Your program may be updated as your strength, mobility and symptoms improve.
Does Lizz V Smith accept insurance?
Lizz does not participate as an in-network provider with insurance companies.
Payment is due at the time of your appointment. A claim form can be provided for you to submit to your insurance company for possible out-of-network reimbursement.
Reimbursement varies by insurance plan, so contact your insurance provider directly to ask about your out-of-network physical therapy benefits.
What should I wear to a physical therapy appointment?
Wear comfortable clothing that allows you to move easily and gives Lizz access to the area being evaluated.
Athletic clothing, leggings, shorts and a comfortable shirt are generally good options. Depending on the location of your symptoms, you may be asked to perform basic movements during your evaluation.
How should I prepare for my first appointment?
Before your appointment, consider when your symptoms began, which activities make them better or worse and whether you have experienced any previous injuries or surgeries in the same area.
Bring any relevant medical information or rehabilitation instructions you have received. Wear comfortable clothing and be prepared to discuss your daily activities, exercise routine and recovery goals.
How do I schedule an appointment with Lizz V Smith?
Use the contact form to describe your symptoms, concerns and what you would like help with.
Lizz will follow up with information about scheduling and the next steps for beginning personalized physical therapy.
Still Have Questions?
Every person and every condition is different. Contact Lizz to discuss your symptoms, movement concerns or recovery goals and determine whether personalized physical therapy is right for you.
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