What is Physical Therapy?
Physical therapy examines and treats musculoskeletal injuries in order to reduce pain and improve function/performance. We prescribe therapeutic exercises tailored to strengthen or lengthen muscles and/or stabilize a particular set of joints. In some cases we perform manual therapy in order to improve joint mobility, muscle extensibility, and/or decrease pain. In other cases, we provide modalities such as electrical stimulation, traction, and/or ice/heat to decrease pain.
Why Physical Therapy?
Physical therapists are experts in improving mobility and strength crucial to your overall function and quality of life. Overall, the benefits are numerous. If you have an injury, physical therapy may be the best place to start.
Will Physical Therapy hurt?
Most patients are in physical therapy because they have pain and their goal is to alleviate it. Occasionally, stretching, strengthening, or manual therapy can cause discomfort, but this is typically temporary and short-lived. We ask that you either call, email or tell your physical therapist of any significant changes in your pain following treatment.
What should I bring with me to my first appointment?
Please bring any medical records from your previous doctor, a list of your medications and/or allergies, and a list of prior doctors. We also recommend bringing in a list of any questions or concerns you may have. If you do not wish to complete our digital intake forms prior to your initial evaluation, please make sure you arrive at least 15 minutes before your appointment so you can fill out the necessary paperwork and provide us with insurance information.
What should I wear to physical therapy?
We recommend you wear loose comfortable clothing, similar to what you would wear to a gym. Women with neck or shoulder issues may want to wear a tank top or sports bra. We also have clean treatment gowns and tank tops available to use. If we are treating a leg or low back injury, we recommend you bring a pair of shorts or loose fitting exercise pants.
How long is each appointment?
Every patient is scheduled a 45 minute block of time regardless of insurance type or injury. You will never be double booked with another patient.
How long will i need physical therapy?
You will need to attend physical therapy sessions until you and your therapist decide that you have reached your desired level of function or that further therapy would not be beneficial. For many injuries, a typical duration of care is somewhere between 6-8 weeks, but this can vary significantly. Often, your physical therapy plan of care will also be monitored by your physician.
If I don't have insurance can I still receive Physical Therapy?
Yes, we offer physical therapy services for those not utilizing health insurance plans. We currently accept Visa and Mastercard. We also offer a monthly payment plan. We do not charge interest on your outstanding balance unless your account is past due. Please contact us to inquiry about the cost per appointment.
Who will I see?
We will make every attempt to schedule you with the therapist you desire to see. However, there may be times when another physical therapist will treat you to accommodate your schedule. All of our physical therapists are fully-licensed and enjoy delivering high-quality care. Each physical therapist has pursued education beyond graduate level physical therapy schooling and is a current member of the American Physical Therapy Association. Additionally, we will never pass our care over to an aide, assistant, or technician.
Will my insurance pay for physical therapy?
Generally, most insurance companies pay for physical therapy. Some insurance companies only offer limited coverage or require a co-pay or co-insurance after your deductible has been met for the year. We recommend that you call your insurance company to check on your insurance benefits before you start physical therapy. While Salmon Bay Physical Therapy is happy to assist you with your benefits, please note we cannot guarantee payment. Visit our list of contracted insurances page to see if your insurance provider is listed.
Do you accept Medicare patients?
Absolutely! We welcome patients with Plan B Medicare coverage. We have to jump through a few more paperwork hoops to treat patients with Medicare, but we are used to it and happy to do so. The rules are a bit tricky so please visit Medicare's page in order to see what you are entitled to and what is covered. It can be difficult to understand so we can walk you through it if you would like.
Do I need a referral for physical therapy?
Most private health insurance companies do not require that you get a physician's referral for physical therapy, but it is recommended to check with your health insurance provider about your specific plan. Medicare patients are required to be seen by the physician before starting physical therapy and we require a copy of the physical therapy referral at your first appointment.