FAQ

It is common to see pain in other joints after periods of walking abnormally. If you are limping due to knee or ankle pain, it is highly likely that your hip and/or lower back will start hurting. It is very important to have a comprehensive evaluation if your pain persists longer than five to seven days.

In many cases, improved mobility is immediate and decreased pain is felt within 24 hours. Typically, it takes a few treatment sessions (once or twice a week for 3-4 weeks, or 6-8 treatments) for a lasting positive effect. It is most effective when combined with other physical therapy treatments, including stretching and strengthening.

Studies show that low amplitude, gentle, mobilization techniques have as good or better results. Your physical therapist will assess your spinal mobility and pain to determine whether a cavitation (pop) is the most effective technique to improve your pain and mobility.

It all depends on how long the pain and immobility persists. If you are under the age of 30, and pain and immobility persist beyond one week, coming in for a comprehensive evaluation is in your best interest. Research has shown that if you get physical therapy within 14 days of the onset of pain, you save thousands of dollars in the future. Being smart about your pain and movement deficits pays off in the long run.

No, if you are pushing through sharp pain, there is likely more damage than good being done. Physical therapists listen to their patients and modify the treatment plan based on what is best for your individual situation and needs.

While insurance policies may require you to visit a primary care provider first or limit your access to preferred providers only, all 50 states and the District of Columbia allow you to contact a physical therapist without a physician’s referral. You have the right to choose your own physical therapist. You are not obligated to receive physical therapy in any specific facility.

We are here to help! Please let your physical therapist know of any other issues or new injuries. We work on the entire body, so chances are we can help you. If physical therapy is an option for treating your new condition, we may modify your current plan of care to accommodate your new injury. Or we may establish a separate plan of care to address the other condition(s). We’ll work with you to determine the best path to get you better.

Physical therapy can help with a wide variety of symptoms and conditions including but not limited to: ankle and foot pain, arthritis and joint pain, athletic injuries, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, chronic pain, disc injuries, fall prevention and balance training, fibromyalgia, hand, wrist and elbow pain, headaches, hip and knee pain, low back and neck pain, mild stroke, nerve impingement, neurological rehab, osteoarthritis, Parkinson’s, pediatric orthopedic problems, plantar fasciitis, post-surgical rehab, sciatica, shoulder pain, spine conditions, sprains or strains, stenosis, tendonitis, tennis or golfer’s elbow, TMJ and jaw pain, vertigo, vestibular therapy, women’s health, and worker’s compensation injuries.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention urges health care providers to reduce the use of opioids in favor of safe alternatives for long-term pain management. Physical therapy is a safe alternative. Physical therapy treats pain through hands-on care, movement and education.

Physical therapy, for some conditions, has been found to be as effective as surgery. Consider physical therapy before undergoing expensive and invasive surgeries.

Absolutely! We provide treatment services for pediatric therapy and can work closely with your physician, schools and early childhood intervention programs.

Physical therapist assistants are licensed clinicians who work under the direction and supervision of physical therapists. Like physical therapists, they help patients recover from injuries, regain movement and manage pain. Physical therapist assistants treat people of all ages.

Physical therapists are movement experts who work with patients to enhance quality of life with exercise, hands-on care and education. Physical therapists, after making a diagnosis, create personalized care plans to improve mobility, manage pain and chronic conditions, recover from an injury and prevent future injuries and chronic conditions. Physical therapists treat people of all ages.

This depends on your individual needs. You and your physical therapist will develop a treatment plan together. This usually consists of two to three visits per week depending on your condition.

We have many appointment times to fit your schedule including early morning, over the lunch hour or early evening. Specific hours vary by clinic location. Give us a call and we can usually schedule you within the next 24 to 48 hours.

For your first appointment, please bring your photo ID, your insurance card, a list of your current medications, and completed paperwork that you received prior to your appointment.

If you have any questions for your physical therapist, write them down and bring them with. Please fill out the new patient paperwork, or arrive early enough to complete it prior to your appointment.

You can expect to be talking with your physical therapist about your overall health, the specific condition you are being seen for, your home or work environment, your health habits and activity level and your leisure and recreational interests. Your physical therapist will complete an examination, which might include evaluating your strength, flexibility, balance, coordination and posture. Your physical therapist wants to help you to be as active and independent as possible. Together, you and your physical therapist will determine goals for your physical therapy.

An initial evaluation is considered your first visit as a patient of our clinic. A free consultation does not count as an initial evaluation. The initial evaluation is a more detailed visit with your physical therapist to determine a plan of care to best treat your condition. Often this includes a conversation about your condition, health history, and goals. These visits often include stretches and exercises. Following your initial evaluation, you will work with us to schedule your next visits to help you get back to doing life better.

Dress comfortably so you are free to move. Typically, patients wear shorts or loose pants, that allow for movement. Shoes should be supportive, such as a good-fitting pair of walking or running shoes.

First determine if you have Medicare Part B coverage. Part B coverage is how physical therapy is covered. Part A does not cover outpatient physical therapy. Medicare Part B always has a deductible. Once that deductible is met, then patients are responsible for 20% of their bill (co-insurance). Medicare does not have an out-of-pocket maximum. If you have supplemental insurance with Medicare, please check your policy for details.

This varies by state. Some states may have co-insurance and/or co-pays. Please refer to your member handbook for details.

If you do not have insurance or if we are out-of-network (which means we do not have a contract with your insurance carrier), then please inquire about our cash-pay program.

If worker’s compensation does not cover all costs (for example, worker’s compensation deemed the condition wasn’t caused by performing work duties), then we will bill your health insurance. You may still be liable for any unpaid amounts.

We bill the motor vehicle insurance. If the motor vehicle insurance doesn’t cover the costs (for example, the medical pay is exhausted), then we will bill your health insurance. You may still be liable for any unpaid amounts.

We accept cash, check, credit card (Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover), health savings account (HSA) cards and CareCredit.

A specified amount you pay before an insurance company will pay on your visit. You are responsible for the full amount of each visit until the deductible is met.

A payment you make in addition to the payment made by health insurance. This is a set amount you pay per visit (such as $25 per visit).

A share of the payment you make per visit. This amount is a percentage (such as 20%) you pay for each visit.

We accept most major insurance companies and we strive to be in network whenever possible. Give us a call! We are happy to assist you in answering your health insurance questions.

It is our policy to bill your insurance carrier as a courtesy to you. Our practice is committed to providing the best treatment possible, and we charge what is reasonable and customary for our area.

It all depends on insurance and the patient’s specific plan with the insurance carrier. Often, there is a deductible that must be met first before insurance makes a payment for your visits. Deductibles vary greatly across plans.

After the deductible is met, patients may be responsible for paying a certain dollar amount for each visit (co-pay) or percentage of the total cost of each visit (co-insurance), until the out-of-pocket amount is met. The out-of-pocket amounts vary. Please check your insurance for details.