FAQ

During your first visit, you can expect the following:

• Arrive at your appointment with your paperwork completed (downloadable from our website).
• Provide a referral for physical therapy if you have one (note: a referral is not always needed).
• We will copy your insurance card.
• You will be seen for the initial evaluation by the therapist.

The therapist will discuss your medical history, current complaints, pain intensity, aggravating/easing factors, functional limitations, goals, related medications/tests/procedures. An objective evaluation may include:

• Palpation: Checking tenderness, swelling, temperature, etc.
• Range of Motion (ROM): Checking joint quality of movement and restrictions.
• Muscle Testing: Checking strength, contraction quality, pain/weakness.
• Neurological Screening: Testing nerve-muscle communication, reflexes, sensations.
• Special Tests: To confirm/rule out additional problems.
• Posture Assessment: Checking joint positions.

The therapist will create a treatment plan with you, your therapist, and your doctor. This includes frequency, duration, home programs, education, goals and expectations after discharge.

Bring your physical therapy referral, payment information and insurance card if insurance is covering your treatment. If using Workers’ Compensation, bring your claim number and case manager’s contact info. If covered by auto insurance or an attorney lien, bring that documentation too. We offer cash-pay packages for those out-of-network or with high deductibles.

Wear loose-fitting clothes that expose the area being treated. For example:

• Knee: wear shorts
• Shoulder: tank top
• Low back: loose shirt and pants

Treatment times vary based on your needs, but typical treatments are 30–60 minutes. Your plan will be discussed at your first visit.

This varies greatly. You may need one visit or months of care depending on your diagnosis, severity and history. You’ll be re-evaluated monthly and provided progress reports for your doctor.

More than half of Americans suffer from pain. Physical therapists treat not just pain but its root cause. They are experts in movement and neuromusculoskeletal disorders, help with dizziness, balance, vertigo, neurological rehab and more.

Physical therapists help patients regain movement and function, prevent injuries, provide sports therapy, ergonomic advice, fitness/wellness programs and treat movement disorders. Treatment includes exercises, manual therapy, patient education, ultrasound, heat/cold and more. Insurance often covers treatment. All 50 states offer direct access to PT.

You may be referred for movement dysfunctions causing pain, dizziness, balance issues or functional deficits that limit daily activities. Physical therapists restore movement and function.

Studies show private practice PTs often spend more time with patients, cost less and provide more direct access. You work closely with the same therapist, ensuring continuity of care, shorter wait times and individualized treatment.

Most health insurance covers treatment. We can help clarify your coverage. For out-of-network or high deductibles, we offer competitive cash-pay packages.

A licensed physical therapist will evaluate and treat you at each visit — unlike clinics where you may see different providers. This ensures consistent, personalized care.

Treatments may include:

• Active/Passive Range of Motion (AROM/PROM)
• Active Assistive ROM (AAROM)
• Stationary bike
• Gait training
• Isometrics/Isotonics
• Soft tissue mobilization
• Mobilization techniques
• PNF exercises
• Posture training
• Progressive resistive exercises (PRE)
• Cryotherapy
• Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation (NMES)
• Traction
• Heat/Ice therapy
• Iontophoresis
• TENS
• Ultrasound
• Whirlpool therapy

Flare-ups happen. Call us for advice — we may adjust your plan, have you see your doctor or recommend another visit.

Yes. In most cases, you can choose any clinic. We accept many insurance plans — contact us for help.

Yes. All states offer direct access. If there’s no improvement in 30 days, your PT may refer you to a physician.

A physical therapist cannot make a medical diagnosis (only your doctor can). PTs provide a physical therapy diagnosis, such as range of motion or strength deficits.

Your therapist bills insurance using CPT codes, which are processed by the payer. An Explanation of Benefits (EOB) shows payments and balances. Payments may take up to six months due to processing steps.

You may continue home exercises, join a gym or return to daily activities. Your therapist will help develop a plan based on your goals.

Yes. All PTs and PTAs are licensed in their respective states.

Consider:

• State licensing
• Comprehensive first exam
• Detailed goal discussion
• Range of treatment techniques
• Insurance acceptance
• Convenient location/hours
• Patient satisfaction results
• Therapist provides treatment
• Opportunity for a pre-visit interview
• Recommendations from family/friends

Please see our Notice of Privacy Practices.

You have the right to receive a Good Faith Estimate for non-emergency services if you’re uninsured or not using insurance. This written estimate must be provided at least one business day before your service. If your bill exceeds the estimate by $400 or more, you can dispute it. Visit www.cms.gov/nosurprises for more info.