Frequently Asked Questions

What should I bring to my appointment?

-Insurance and Identification cards

-A prescription/referral, if you have one

-Completed patient forms

-Any assistive devices you use or are no longer able to use, such as old braces, prostheses, wheelchair, walker, crutches, etc. Allowing us to see what you have received in the past will allow us to create a treatment plan that works for you.

-Medical records from the past 6 months from your primary and prescribing physician

What should I wear?

You should wear socks and shoes along with loose fitting clothing so you can expose the area that we will be evaluating and treating. For example, if you have a knee problem, it is best to wear shorts. For a shoulder problem, a tank top is a good choice, and for lower back problems, wear a loose fitting shirt and pants, so we can perform a thorough examination.

How long will my visit last?

Evaluations will take about an hour to complete. If this is your first time at our clinic, please arrive early to complete paperwork.

Subsequent visits are typically 1 hour; however, many factors may result in a shorter or slightly longer appointment (ie. patient tolerance, type of adjustment needed, specific injury, age, or medical restrictions)

Who is allowed in the room or gym with me or my loved one?

One caregiver or family member may be allowed into the treatment area as long as they do not distract the patient or interfere with their care or the care of others in the treatment area.

*Due to Covid-19, the number of clients and caregivers in the treatment area is limited. Scheduling accommodations may be possible if needed.

Do I need a prescription to see a Physical Therapist?

In some instances, a prescription is required by your insurance. However, in most cases you may begin physical therapy without a prescription or referral. If after 30 days, significant improvements have not been made, the therapist will refer you to or back to your physician. There may be instances in which the therapist will refer you to or back to your physician within that time frame as well.

All fifty states have some form of direct access. In most cases, if you are not making significant improvement within 30 days, the therapist will refer you to or back to your physician.

Do I need a prescription to see a Prosthetist or Orthotist?

A prescription is not required for a consultation with an orthotist or prosthetist; however, we require a prescription before providing a brace or artificial limb.

A prescription is required if you would like us to bill your insurance. There are also other documents that insurances require in order to cover your brace or artificial limb. We will work with you and your primary care physician to obtain the necessary paperwork.

What is aquatic therapy and what types of conditions are treated using aquatic therapy?

Aquatic therapy is physical therapy that takes place in a pool or other aquatic environment under the supervision of a trained healthcare professional. It is a physical medicine and rehabilitation specialty that requires the involvement of a trained professional and is covered by many insurance providers due to the personalized nature of the treatment.

Aquatic therapy is NOT aquatic exercise, aquatic fitness or adaptive aquatics. Aquatic exercise does not need to be supervised by a trained professional, is not covered by insurance, and it often takes place in a group setting that includes multiple people with different levels of physical fitness. Adaptive aquatics is the process of teaching people with disabilities how to swim safely in the water. Aquatic therapy does not focus on teaching clients how to swim.

Frequent conditions treated:

-Arthritis

-Pain

-General deconditioning and weakness

-Fibromyalgia

-Joint replacements / reconstruction

-Walking and postural deficits

-Difficulty walking or weight-bearing capacity

-Extremity injuries preventing exercise on land

-Spinal injuries preventing exercise on land

-Traumatic brain injuries

-Neuromuscular conditions

-Vestibular or balance problems

What is Equine Assisted Therapy (Hippotherapy)?

The term hippotherapy refers to how occupational therapy, physical therapy and speech-language pathology professionals use evidence-based practice and clinical reasoning in the purposeful manipulation of equine movement as a therapy tool to engage sensory, neuromotor and cognitive systems to promote functional outcomes. Hippotherapy is not therapeutic riding. Therapeutic riding includes activity, riding, learning about the horse, health benefits and physical activity for the purpose of contributing positively to the cognitive, physical, emotional and social well-being of individuals with special needs.

When should I NOT come to my appointment?

Please call our office to let us know you are not going to make your appointment if you exhibits any of the following:

-Illness symptoms within the last 24 hours

-Fever: temperature of 100° F or 38° C or greater within the last 24 hours

-Diarrhea: Five or more loose, watery stools within 24 hours (zero in the last 24 hours for Aquatic Therapy)

-Vomiting within the last 24 hours

-Sore throat or difficulty swallowing

-Rash or spots on skin; ringworm infection

-Severe itching

-Mouth sores

-Eye discharge

-Unusual nasal discharge

-Uncontrolled coughing

-Difficulty breathing, wheezing

-Wounds that are not properly covered