Southern Lakes Physical Therapy

1. What is physical therapy?

Physical therapy is performed by physical therapists. Physical therapists are board-certified, licensed, health care professionals who diagnose and treat movement dysfunction, providing care and prevention for people of all ages. Movement dysfunction is often associated with back and neck injuries, sprains/strains, fractures, arthritis, surgery, and other injuries related to work and sport. Interventions may include, but are not limited to, therapeutic exercise, manual therapy techniques, neuromuscular re-education, functional training, assistive device training, physical agents (ultrasound/electrical stimulation), and massage.

2. Are there different styles or modes of physical therapy? If so, what or which do you provide?

Yes, there are different physical therapy specialties, i.e. neurology, pediatrics, women’s health, etc. I am a physical therapist specializing in orthopedic physical therapy. Orthopedics is a branch of medicine focused on the musculoskeletal system, i.e. muscles, bones, and nerves.

3. What physical therapy services do you offer?

Southern Lakes Physical Therapy (SLPT) offers general orthopedic physical therapy, post-operative orthopedic rehab, post-motor vehicle accident care, physical therapy for those with a worker’s compensation claim, neck and back rehab, sports medicine, and massage therapy.

4. What physical problems do most of your clients come to you to help with?

I treat a wide variety of diagnoses from sports injuries to joint replacements. Currently the most common diagnosis on my case load is a rotator cuff tear. However, this time of year a number of people are also seeing me for strains, especially of the low back, after shoveling, or for injuries from slipping on the ice.

5. Why did you name your business Southern Lakes Physical Therapy?

Finding a name was a much more difficult process than I had originally thought it would be. I wanted something that I could shorten (SLPT). I wanted the name to reflect what we do, physical therapy, to ensure there was no confusion regarding the services we offer. Finally, I wanted a name that reflected the region in which I practice and Southern Lakes fit.

6. Why did you decide to locate your practice in Bay View?

This location had what I wanted: close to home, new building, parking, easy access via public transportation, an established population, and a recent influx of young professionals.

7. From how far away are people coming to your Bay View location?

I will occasionally get people from well outside this area-Waukesha, Racine, etc., but these are often commuters who work in and around Bay View. Most of my patients live in the area.

8. Has the recession affected your business?

I am indirectly impacted by the recession. Some insurance providers require co-pays or deductibles and people are having a more difficult time paying these. In these situations I work with my patients to develop a flexible payment plan.

9. Are you affiliated with an HMO or hospital? How do you build your client base?

I am not affiliated with a hospital or major health care corporation; I am the sole owner and provider at SLPT.

I am affiliated with a number of HMOs. HMOs represent a specific type of insurance offered by major providers. SLPT accepts all major insurance including Medicare and Medicaid. As a service to our patients, SLPT will always verify a patient’s insurance benefits prior to their first treatment.

I build my client base through a variety of avenues. I have working relationships with many of the physicians in the community. I also accept virtually all insurance and as a result I am listed in many provider directories. Finally, after being open for one year I have started to see new patients through word-of-mouth referrals.

10. What is the most gratifying work you’ve done as a physical therapist?

The most gratifying work that I do is the actual treatment of patients. I am often able to work with a patient over multiple visits to help them achieve their desired goals. Due to this, I often develop “working” relationships with my patients. Nothing is more rewarding than when a former patient sends me a thank-you letter or stops in to show me how well they are doing.

Southern Lakes Physical Therapy, S.C
2121 S. Kinnickinnic Ave.
William Lois
(414) 744-0707
slpt@wi.rr.com