FAQ

California’s Direct Access law allows patients to receive physical therapy evaluations and treatments directly from a licensed therapist without a doctor’s prescription. Patients can access services for up to 45 days or 12 visits, whichever comes first, before requiring a physician’s sign-off.

Yes! Make sure you arrive for your session well-rested so that you can give it your full attention and energy. It is also helpful if you keep track of how much pain medication (if any) you take prior to the appointment so that the physical therapist can adjust the intensity of treatment accordingly.

Sessions typically last 30-60 minutes depending on your condition and the types of techniques used. Your physical therapist will give you an estimate when you first arrive for your appointment.

Yes! Your physical therapist may provide specific exercise recommendations for you to try in between visits, which will help speed up your recovery and progress faster toward reaching your goals. It’s important to follow these carefully and always check with your PT before starting a new exercise program if you have any questions or concerns.

Your physical therapist should be available to answer any questions or concerns you may have about your treatment plan before and after each visit. You can also contact the clinic directly for further assistance. We want you to get the most out of every session!

It depends on your insurance plan. Most plans cover some or all of the costs associated with physical therapy, but you should check with your provider to determine coverage and any associated fees.

The frequency of visits will depend on your individual goals and condition, but typically it is recommended that patients attend 2-3 times per week for a minimum of 4-6 weeks in order to maximize results. Your therapist will provide more details during your initial appointment.

Every person’s situation is unique; therefore the amount of time needed to reach goals varies. With commitment and dedication from both you and your physical therapist, you can expect to start seeing results within a few weeks. The more positive lifestyle changes you make, the faster your progress will be!

Yes! Your physical therapist should be available to discuss any concerns or questions you have regarding your condition or treatment plan. Don’t hesitate to bring up any issues that may arise during the course of therapy.

If at any time during your physical therapy session you experience increased pain, it’s important to let your therapist know so they can adjust the intensity or technique as necessary. Your therapist will work with you to make sure that treatment is comfortable and effective for you

Your physical therapist should be able to provide guidance on when it is appropriate to stop attending physical therapy sessions based on your progress, goals, and overall health status. It’s important to listen to your therapist and continue with treatment until they feel you are ready to move on.

Physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech and hearing therapy all involve customized treatment plans for each patient. We’ll study all the information we have on your case, from scans to doctor’s notes to surgery reports, and design your path to recovery based on your needs.

Physical therapy often involves exercise to improve strength, flexibility, agility, and other factors. Occupational therapists help patients adapt to activities of daily living, such as helping patients feed themselves or dress themselves.

Speech therapy involves treatments not just for speech, but for other elements of communication, such as language, voice therapy, and more. Speech therapists even treat swallowing disorders.

Your therapist will give you exercises to practice at home, moving you toward a healthier, more mobile and functional life.

For your first physical or occupational therapy session, show up in comfortable clothes or athletic wear—something you might wear to a gym.

For physical, occupational, and speech therapy, come prepared with a list of medications, symptoms, and conditions. If you’ve recently had surgery, make sure to have your surgeon or referring physician send over your surgery report.

Many patients also find it helpful to write down a list of questions to ask their physical therapist. Additionally, if you take your phone with you, you can record videos of your physical or occupational therapist demonstrating the exercises you’ll practice at home.

Physical therapy often involves some physical discomfort and sometimes a bit of pain, but if you’re recovering from an injury or major surgery, you’ve probably dealt with much worse. Your physical therapist will work with you to keep any discomfort manageable, with the ultimate goal of reducing or eliminating your pain.

Occupational therapy may involve some discomfort as well, but it’s rarely painful. Speech and hearing therapy isn’t typically painful either.

Functional maintenance describes treatment designed to allow you to maintain your state of wellness long after you’ve recovered from an accident or injury. A recent court case ruled that patients who require treatment to maintain their current state of health and wellness can continue to receive treatment, and Medicare is required to cover it.

Learn more about functional maintenance here.

Occupational therapy is about helping patients adapt to the activities of everyday life, from feeding themselves, to cooking, to driving a car. Occupational therapists are skilled at helping people with injuries and disabilities live enjoyable, fully functional lives.

The time it takes to see results can vary from one patient to another, based on factors such as the severity of your injury, surgery, or condition, along with your age and general state of health.

You can reduce your recovery time through consistent effort, performing the exercises we give you at home and communicating with your physical therapist during each session whenever you need guidance on any given exercise.

You’re likely to see small, initial improvements in the beginning, with greater improvements over time, through consistent effort.

Yes! In fact, we’re specialists at working with Medicare and helping our patients get the coverage they need to enjoy a happy, healthy life and maintain their gains.

Yes, all physical therapists in the U.S. hold a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) along with state licensure, allowing them to diagnose and treat musculoskeletal issues.