Policy and Procedure Manual
All of us at Altitude Physical Therapy and Sports Medicine are pleased to welcome you into our family of therapeutic professionals.
Each employee at Altitude performs a job function critical to the success of our company. We will work very hard to make sure you have all that you require in training and tools to perform at an excellent level. In return, we expect no less than 100% of your energy and dedication. However, it is important that all employees realize that a hire Altitude does not guarantee any length of employment to an employee, and that the company (Altitude) has the right to terminate employment at any time with or without cause. Conversely, all employees have the right to resign at any time with or without cause.
Please take the time to carefully read this handbook, your job description and any other materials distributed to you at hire. We would be happy to answer any questions you may have now or in the future.
We hope that you find this handbook to be helpful in understanding our policies and procedures. This handbook is designed for quick reference and general information. It is not intended to provide, in detail, all policies or to be inclusive of all company policies, regulations, and procedures contained within this handbook, as you will be asked to acknowledge your receipt and understanding of this material.
This handbook is not an employment contract, but rather an explanation of the employee and company policies and procedures, safety programs presently in effect. Should you have any questions concerning any information, procedure or practice described herein, please direct them to your supervisor. As updates, corrections, additions, deletions, etc. become necessary, you will be notified.
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Who are Physical Therapists?Physical therapists are experts in movement, qualified to examine patients and develop treatment plans to improve mobility, reduce pain, and prevent injury. They are the health care practitioners with the most specialized education to help people improve motion and restore function. During your course of treatment, they will administer a variety of techniques that may include manual therapy, various exercise strategies, and patient education to help you move better. Physical therapists complete a rigorous post-graduate program with curriculum heavily focused on the sciences in order to obtain their Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT). They must also pass the National Physical Therapy exam as well as a licensing exam for their state of practice. At this point, their quest for knowledge is only beginning… Physical therapists are lifelong learners. As part of requirements for licensure, PTs continue to earn education credits by taking additional coursework annually, throughout their whole career. It is this continuous accumulation of knowledge and experience that gives them the ability to utilize the most innovative treatment approaches available.
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What conditions do the PTs at Altitude treat?Altitude PT employees general physical therapists that are experienced in treating a wide variety of conditions and injuries. Most of our PTs are experts in a lot of different areas but each physical therapist does have their own personal niches. Please browse through all our physical therapy profiles to find a provider that would be a good match. If you're having trouble knowing where to start you can always call us and our front desk will be happy to help find your perfect fit! You can also browse through our informational page about our services
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Will it hurt?In order for the physical therapist to determine and diagnose your injury, there may be discomfort as recreating your pain is the best way to identify what tissue is affected. Most of these tests or movement screens will cause minimal pain and the therapist will use this information to help guide the treatment in that session.
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Do I need to wear special clothes?We typically recommend that you wear clothes that allow us access or exposure to the involved area. For example, any lower body injury it is usually best to bring shorts with you (although we have some in the office!) and upper body or neck injury it is nice to have a tank-top or t-shirt.
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What is manual therapy?Manual therapy is when the physical therapist has their hands on you! This can include myofascial release, dry needling, joint mobilizations, passive range of motion, and more.
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What is dry needling?Dry needling is a tool that requires special certification after graduating physical therapy school. It is important to note that dry needling is NOT acupuncture and that none of our physical therapists are acupuncturists. Dry needling advances the needle deep into muscle tissue to help "reset" a dysfunctional muscle. It is usually accompanied by a brief, deep and achy pain but can restore movement immediately. Dry needling is not an extra charge at Altitude and would never be performed without proper education and consent.
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Why would I need any of these things?The greatest benefit to our treatment at Altitude is to promote and accelerate your healing in addition to educating you on how to avoid injury in the future!
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Do I have to have these types of treatment?Your therapist will evaluate you and decide which treatment would be best for your particular injury.
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How do I know if I am getting better?You will know you are getting better when you start to achieve your goals or make progress toward your goals.
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What do I need to watch for (signs that I need to alter my treatment or contact my doctor)?Often we will tell our patients that we don't ever want you to feel any sharp pain, pain that is greater than 5/10, or pain that lasts longer than 24 hours. If any of these happen, simply tell your therapist at your next session or email them. They will respond and likely tell you to back off any exercise until you come in again. If you are ever concerned about some other response to treatment, feel free to call the clinic or email your therapist directly.
Closing remarks
The success of Altitude depends on developing the skill and knowledge of each employee to meet ever-expanding challenges. You are encouraged to take individual responsibility to improve performance of your present duties and to grow in your assigned job. Advancement depends on your desire, capabilities, individual performance and needs of the company. The future belongs to those who plan and prepare themselves. We at Altitude feel that our future, as well as yours, is in your hands. How well you accept the challenge and responsibility is up to you.