New Patients

What to Expect When You Arrive for Your First Visit

At PTA Physical Therapy, we strive to make every patient feel comfortable and confident in their care. We understand that visiting a healthcare provider can feel overwhelming, so we’ve outlined exactly what to expect during your first visit for physical therapy in any of our locations – Kalispell, Whitefish, Columbia Falls, Lakeside, or Bigfork.

Our welcoming front desk staff will guide you through the intake process and prepare you to meet your physical therapist.
Your one-on-one evaluation will include a discussion of your health history, movement limitations, and personal goals—whether you’re recovering from ACL rehab, low back pain, a shoulder, knee, hip, or ankle injury, or seeking pain relief.
A comprehensive movement assessment will help us determine the best orthopedic treatment approach to address your condition and restore function.
You will receive hands-on interventions on your first visit to help you start moving better and feeling better.
Listening to your needs, your therapist will design a personalized home-activity plan to support your recovery and help you return to pain-free movement.

Accepted Insurances

We accept most major insurances including Medicare, Medicaid, Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS), First Choice, Humana Medicare Advantage, United Healthcare, Department of Veteran’s Affairs, Allegiance, Pacific Source, Montana Health Coop, Tricare, Aetna, Workers Comp, and EBMS. To find out if we accept other insurance providers, please contact one of our clinics.

How To Prepare

Being prepared for a visit to physical therapy will make your experience a lot more enjoyable. Here’s a list of everything to bring or have prepared for your first visit.

Driver License or State ID
Insurance Card
Documentation of a Physician Prescription or Referral (if required by your insurance)
Form of Payment for Copay/Coinsurance/Deductible (if required by insurance)
Completed Patient Paperwork (optional — may fill paperwork out upon arrival)
Activity appropriate clothing and shoes. If you are coming in for a lower-body impairment, please bring shorts.

Patient Documents

Patient Intake

Download

Health Summary

Download

Financial Policy

Download

Missed Appointment

Download

Nutrition and activity Questionnaire

Download

Combined New Patient Intake Packet (Fillable)

Download

Will I benefit from physical therapy if I am young or only have a minor injury?

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.

What are common symptoms and conditions that physical therapy can help with?

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.

Can I avoid taking opioids or other pain killers?

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.

Can I avoid surgery if I do physical therapy?

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

Can I make a physical therapy appointment for my child?

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

What do physical therapist assistants do?

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.

Contact Us

We’re excited to help you on your journey to wellness. Our physical therapy clinics are located in Kalispell, Whitefish, Columbia Falls, Lakeside, and Bigfork.

Request an Appointment