Q&A With Cory Stephens PT, DPT, TPI, Cert. DN
Why open a new clinic when there are other choices?
There is a growing need for Physical Therapy. As our population ages, that need will only increase. Also, as we have all noticed the Hoover Metro area is growing rapidly which will ultimately create more demand for access to high-quality physical therapy care.
What is the inspiration behind the name “Tradition”?
We felt the name Tradition encompassed our purpose. Yes, we are a new company/brand, but we are not new to the field of Physical Therapy. We want to provide a “Tradition” of highly skilled, individualized care with a local community flare.
Why Hoover?
I have lived in Hoover for a while now, my wife grew up in Hoover and this is where we have decided to put down roots for our family. There is no better community to support and help make a positive impact on the lives of those who live here than Hoover.
What made you choose a career as a Physical Therapist?
I have always been fascinated with the body. From early on in my life I knew I wanted to be in healthcare to some degree. Once I was in high school playing sports, I started to have a few injuries. One of those injuries led to shoulder surgery which led to months of PT. I was deeply impacted by the empathy and pursuit of excellence of the PT that provided my care. After I completed my own PT, I did a few internships/observations and decided this was the field for me.
I have been a PT for 7 years now. Most of my experience is in outpatient with a couple of part-time jobs in the hospital setting and home health physical therapy.
What type of injuries/diagnoses do you treat at Tradition Physical Therapy?
I do not like to look at my patients as just a diagnosis or an injury. Those injuries and ailments do not define who they are, they strictly define an instance in time. Most of my experience is in the orthopedic and sports medicine world, but I have also treated balance dysfunctions, vestibular conditions, and people dealing with other neurological conditions such as Parkinson’s and strokes. I also have experience treating pediatric and adolescent conditions.
How long does a typical term of physical therapy last?
Episodes of care for Physical Therapy can last anywhere from a couple of weeks to several months. This is based on the injury severity, timeline, the prior activity level of the patient, etc. Each episode of PT is guided by a plan of care that the Physical Therapist sets in conjunction with the patient and is ultimately approved by the referring provider.
Is Physical Therapy only for people who have had surgery?
Physical Therapy is not only for people who have had surgery. Physical Therapy can be for anyone who is dealing with something that has slowed them down or impacted their mobility.
Is Physical Therapy covered by insurance? Are you required to have insurance?
Physical Therapy is covered by most insurances. When someone comes to us with a referral, we verify their benefits and those benefits are discussed with the PT when the patient comes in for their initial evaluation.
We also offer a self-pay option as well which can be discussed via phone call to the clinic or stop by for a visit.
If someone has a question about physical therapy or to find out if they are a candidate for physical therapy, what should they do?
Call us and schedule a 15-minute complimentary screen or come to one of our workshops that we will be rolling out in the near future. Be sure to follow us on all social media outlets to keep up with any relevant news or events that we will be providing or participating in.
