A: Functional Manual Therapy (FMT) is a very specialized form of Manual Physical Therapy. There are fewer than 350 Certified Functional Manual Therapists from the Institute of Physical Art. The word “manual” means that it is hands-on mobilization, and manipulation. The ‘functional’ aspect means that you will be moving during your treatment session, as opposed to    just laying still, while the therapist works on you. Also, the entire session is geared towards getting you back to your ‘function’ as soon as possible.   Your function could be running a new PR, swinging a golf club to break 80, or, it could be simply getting out of bed pain-free

A: At PPTW, I will spend 1 hour with you, without any other patients. We will    analyze your movements, whether they are dysfunctional, painful, or both. Our goals will be focused on helping you return to pain-free, efficient, movement.

A: Traditionally, many therapists don’t focus on the root cause, as they are too busy to analyze all movements. Thus, when you come in for knee pain, they will treat your knee pain, and send you on your way. The problem with this is that most knee pain is a direct result of what is happening at the hip, and also the feet. A proper treatment of knee pain/dysfunction includes treatment of the hip and both feet.

A: Using video motion analysis, I have been able to analyze gait and help many people return to running longer distances without discomfort.    Not only have I personally completed an Ironman race (140.6 miles of swimming, biking, and running), but I have also worked with several accomplished, high level athletes.

A: No, you will only be seen by Brian.

A: Our methodology is built upon 3 tenets: mechanical restrictions, neuromuscular weakness, and motor control training. This approach focuses first on getting rid of the dysfunction that causes the pain, and most importantly, keeping rid of the pain.

A: 1 hour each.

A: You will be scheduled within 48 hours. Often, I can even see you in the same day, depending on how flexible your scheduling is.

A: Please wear loose fitting attire. Bring shorts, and if you have an upper body/neck problem, bring a sports bra or tank top so that your areas of concern are accessible to your physical therapist.

Also, appropriate footwear is important if you are being treated as an athlete.

A: I will set up an appointment for a complimentary 10 minute evaluation over the phone, which sometimes can be performed on the spot.

A: Of course, this depends entirely on your injury. However, the number of sessions is usually much fewer than at most traditional therapy clinics, where you are merely one of several patients that is being juggled at once. You will feel some improvement in your symptoms in less than 4 sessions, by which point we will already have you working towards your goals of returning to sport or function, in addition to getting rid of your pain.

A: No, in the state of Connecticut, we have direct access. This means that you do not need a prescription to see a physical therapist.

A: I am an out-of-network provider with all insurance companies. This means you will pay up-front to be seen for physical therapy. At this point, as a courtesy, we will submit your claims to your insurance company and any reimbursement they make will go straight to you.

A: All insurance companies work differently, however you are welcome to call your insurance company to ask them what your out-of-network benefits for PT are. If you would like, we will make that phone call for you.

A: I do work with patients who are Medicare beneficiaries, however I do not have a relationship with Medicare.

A: I have over 11 years experience in the field of physical therapy.

A: I have worked with many young children, in addition to spending some time in a pediatric therapy clinic in Dallas, TX. Additionally, I have worked with patients in their mid 90s, helping them return to functional Activities of Daily Living.

A: There is not much that I do not work with, but if I do feel that you need to see a doctor, or that you are not appropriate for physical therapy, I will be the first to tell you to see your primary care physician, or refer you out to the medical care professional that is best fit to see you.