Physical & Occupational Therapy
Physical therapy & rehabilitation
Don’t let pain stop you. Orlin & Cohen’s licensed physical therapists can help. Whether you need pre-op, post-op or non-surgical rehabilitative care, our dedicated specialists can help you live a more active, pain-free life.
Orlin & Cohen understands that no two injuries are alike. That’s why our physical therapists design personalized physical therapy and rehabilitation programs tailored to your diagnosis, condition and progress using the latest techniques and technologies.
Our team of experienced, highly motivated physical therapists, assistants and certified trainers provide:
- Specialized rehab programs to help patients overcome pain from back, neck, hip, knee and other musculoskeletal conditions without surgery
- Pre-op rehab services to assess a surgical patient’s function, balance and strength while advising patients what to expect during their recovery
- Comprehensive post-op rehab programs to help patients restore function and range of motion while building strength
- Adolescent sports rehab programs designed by our sports medicine subspecialists specifically for young athletes with sports-related injuries
Throughout your custom-tailored rehab program, your therapist will monitor your progress, assess your condition, and, when necessary, adjust your treatment plan—all so you can reach your recovery goals and feel better, faster.
What is physical therapy?
Physical therapy, or PT, is rehabilitative care that aims to ease pain, improve function and increase mobility so patients can live more active lives with less pain.
Physical therapy isn’t just for people who have had surgery. It can be used for non-surgical recovery from an injury, and specific treatments are designed to prevent future injuries and eliminate the need for surgery.
What does a physical therapist do?
At Orlin & Cohen, your licensed physical therapist works closely with your orthopedic specialist to build a custom rehabilitation plan tailored to your injury. Using the most advanced techniques and state-of-the-art equipment, our therapists work one-on-one with you to alleviate pain, increase range of motion and build strength to help you regain your quality of life.
Your physical therapist will work with you to review your program and ensure that you’re completing exercises properly. Throughout your treatment plan, your therapist will monitor your progress to ensure your recovery stays on track.
What does physical therapy treat?
Physical therapy can treat a range of orthopedic conditions, including:
- Back and neck pain
- Sports injuries, including acute and chronic conditions
- Fractures
- Knee ligament injuries
- Ankle sprains
- Shoulder pain
Physical therapy can also help with post-op rehab and recovery for joint replacements, including knee, hip and shoulder, as well as other orthopedic surgeries.
Benefits of physical therapy
The specific benefits of physical therapy vary with each patient’s condition, treatment plan and goals. Some common benefits of physical therapy include:
- Reduced pain
- Faster recovery from injury or surgery
- Improved function and range of motion
- Better management of chronic conditions
- Prevention of future injuries
- Eliminating the need for surgery
Types of physical therapy
The type of physical therapy prescribed to a patient will vary depending on their condition, progress and overall goals. Below are commonly used physical therapy treatments.
Therapeutic exercise
These are movements specifically designed to correct an impairment or imbalance, restore muscular and skeletal function, and improve a patient’s well-being. Exercises may include agility training, coordination exercises, stretching and range of motion exercises, strengthening exercises, and other movements.
Manual therapy
During manual therapy, a physical therapist uses their hands to manipulate muscles and mobilize joints using their hands, a massage gun or a combination of both.
Electric stimulation
Electric stimulation, or stim, is used primarily for treating muscle spasms and pain. The treatment sends a small electrical current to a single muscle or a group of muscles and forces the targeted area to contract—building strength and preventing further atrophy.
Muscle re-education
Muscle re-education is an essential part of rehabilitative care for patients recovering from joint replacements, such as hip, knee or shoulder. This therapy focuses on joint stability, mobility and the functional ability to retrain muscles to prevent bone loss and other injuries.
Ultrasound
Ultrasound machines send electric currents through an ultrasound probe or wand. When the wand is applied to the body, currents travel through the skin to soft tissue, muscles and ligaments. Ultrasound treatment can reduce muscle pain and chronic inflammation.
Strength training
As the name implies, strength training increases muscular strength by making muscles work against weight or force. Depending on treatment and progress, patients may use resistance bands, their body weight, free weights or weight machines to build muscular strength.
What to expect at your first physical therapy session
At your first session, your Orlin & Cohen physical therapist will take time to discuss the condition you’re seeking treatment for and your goals. In addition to reviewing notes from your orthopedic specialist, they’ll also complete a thorough evaluation to assess your movement, muscle strength, balance and range of motion through a series of tests and exercises.
Learn more about physical therapy and how to get the most out of your PT treatment.
PT FAQs
Is physical therapy covered by insurance?
Most insurance providers cover the cost of physical therapy when provided by a licensed physical therapist. At Orlin & Cohen, all physical therapy treatments are supervised by board-certified, licensed physical therapists, and we accept most major insurance plans.
Do I need a referral or prescription for physical therapy?
New York State allows patients to access physical therapy directly without a referral or prescription. However, some insurance plans require a doctor’s referral or prescription to cover the cost of treatment. Speak with your insurance provider about your coverage.
If you need a referral or a prescription, request an appointment with one of our top-ranked orthopedic specialists.
What should I wear to PT?
Workout or athletic attire is well-suited for physical therapy. Consider wearing a comfortable t-shirt, loose-fitting shorts or pants, and athletic shoes like sneakers or tennis shoes with socks.
How do I find a physical therapist?
When looking for a physical therapist, you’ll want to consider their education and experience to ensure they’re suited to treat your condition.
At Orlin & Cohen, all our physical therapists are licensed to practice in New York State, and many are board-certified and fellowship-trained.
How do I know if I need physical therapy?
Often physical therapy begins as the result of an accident, athletic injury or planned surgery, but that’s not the only reason to go. If pain persists over time or you’re an athlete who’s noticed a change in your performance, physical therapy can help.
Physical therapy doesn’t just relieve pain. It also enhances your body’s ability to perform athletic and routine tasks for an improved quality of life. Wondering if physical therapy can improve your daily life? Request an appointmentwith Orlin & Cohen’s orthopedic specialists.
Meet Our Physical & Occupational Therapy Specialist
Meet Our Physical & Occupational Therapists
Our network of offices throughout Long Island and Queens means a top orthopedic specialist is always close to you.
Nassau County
Suffolk County
Port Jefferson Orthopedic
635 Belle Terre Road
Suite 204
Port Jefferson, NY
631-474-0008
Port Jefferson Station
1201 Route 112
Suite 700
Port Jefferson Station, NY
631-928-8228
Occupational Therapy & Rehabilitation
Orlin & Cohen’s state-licensed occupational therapists and certified hand therapists work closely with our hand specialists to create a customized occupational therapy and rehabilitation program to meet the needs of patients with hand and upper extremity problems.
Our therapists leverage their extensive expertise and the latest techniques to help patients recover from a range of debilitating hand, wrist, arm and shoulder injuries. These specialists work closely with each patient to get them back to their daily activities sooner.
What is occupational therapy?
Occupational therapy, or OT, is designed to improve motor skills that involve your hands and upper extremities. OT helps patients develop the strength and coordination needed to complete tasks like writing, getting dressed, hygiene and other essential daily activities.
What does an occupational therapist do?
Occupational therapists treat patients with injuries, illnesses or disabilities that impact their fine motor skills or coordination.
Occupational therapists work closely with patients to identify goals. Then, they design treatment plans to restore strength and function so patients can return to their daily lives, sports or work – all with less pain and more independence.
What does occupational therapy treat?
Occupational therapy can help people of all ages and abilities. Occupational therapy can help with:
- Fine motor skills
- Recovery from hand, elbow or shoulder surgery
- Arthritis
- Carpal tunnel
- Trigger finger
- Tendonitis
- Tennis elbow
- Golfer’s elbow
Benefits of occupational therapy
The primary benefit of occupational therapy is safely returning to daily activities, sports or work. Other common benefits of occupational therapy include:
- Improved range of motion in joints
- Reduced pain
- Increased strength and dexterity
- Better balance and coordination
- Regained independence
What to expect at occupational therapy sessions
Your occupational therapist will complete an evaluation at your first session, testing your range of motion, strength and balance. This assessment provides a baseline, allowing your therapists to monitor and measure progress over time. Your therapist will also discuss your activity goals to design a treatment plan to support those functions.
After your evaluation, treatments may include therapeutic exercises to strengthen hands, arms, shoulders and surrounding muscle groups to improve function and range of motion. Your occupational therapist may also use manual therapies to stimulate and strengthen muscles.
OT FAQs
Is occupational therapy covered by insurance?
Most insurance companies cover the treatments associated with occupational therapy, but they usually require a referral or prescription. Request a same-day appointment with Orlin & Cohen’s hand and upper extremity specialists for an evaluation and referral.
Do I need a referral or prescription for occupational therapy?
In New York State, occupational therapists can perform evaluations without a referral or prescription. However, you need a referral or prescription from a licensed healthcare provider to implement a treatment plan.
At Orlin & Cohen, our board-certified, fellowship-trained hand, wrist and elbow specialists have the experience and expertise to review your condition and refer you to the best available treatment options. Request an appointment today.
How do I find a good occupational therapist?
In addition to looking for a licensed occupational therapist, you’ll want a therapist with the education and experience to treat your condition. Orlin & Cohen’s occupational therapists are backed by Long Island’s largest, most experienced hand and wrist specialists.
Your specialist works closely with your occupational therapist to review treatment plans, monitor progress and assess your condition—all so you can reach recovery goals faster and get back to living your life free from pain.
View our Physical Therapy Residency Programs.
