Frequently Asked Questions About Physical Therapy at Our Clinic.
Here are some common questions we hear from our patients. If you don't see your question answered here, please don't hesitate to contact us directly!
Do I need a referral from a doctor to receive physical therapy?
In Kansas, direct access laws allow patients to be evaluated and treated by a licensed physical therapist without a physician's referral.5 This means you can often begin your physical therapy journey without delay. If you are paying privately, outside of insurance, a prescription (Rx) from a doctor is not necessary. However, some insurance plans may still require a referral for coverage. We always recommend checking with your specific insurance provider or contacting us for clarification regarding your plan
Do you accept my insurance, and what are my payment options?
We accept a wide range of insurance plans, including PPO and Medicare plans. As a courtesy, we ask that you contact your insurance provider directly to verify your specific benefits and understand your coverage prior to your first visit. For detailed questions about your coverage, out-of-pocket costs, or if you plan to pay privately, you will also need to refer to your plan with your insurance provider.
What is Physical Therapy at your clinic?
Physical therapy at our clinic is a comprehensive, personalized approach dedicated to understanding and addressing physical discomfort, improving movement, and restoring function. Our Doctors of Physical Therapy (DPTs) utilize advanced knowledge of anatomy, biomechanics, and exercise science to alleviate symptoms, prevent recurrence, and empower you to return to your activities with confidence and greater ease. We believe in a holistic approach, understanding that true well-being comes from strengthening and optimizing every part of you
What can I expect during my first visit?
Your first visit will involve a comprehensive evaluation with one of our DPTs. They will take a detailed medical history, perform a thorough physical assessment of your movement patterns, strength, flexibility, and stability, and pinpoint the exact source of your discomfort or performance limitation. This initial assessment allows us to collaboratively develop your personalized treatment plan, and we'll often begin with some initial therapeutic interventions right away.
What is a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT)?
A Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) is a highly educated and skilled healthcare professional who has completed a rigorous doctoral-level program.This extensive training provides them with a deep understanding of human anatomy, physiology, biomechanics, and pathology. They are movement specialists skilled in advanced diagnostic techniques (within their scope of practice), differential diagnosis, and creating individualized, evidence-based treatment plans to restore function, reduce pain, and optimize performance across the entire body.
What makes your physical therapy clinic unique?
Our clinic stands out due to our patient-centered, holistic approach led by highly skilled Doctors of Physical Therapy (DPTs). We go beyond just treating symptoms; we meticulously identify the root cause of your discomfort or limitation through in-depth biomechanical analysis. Our individualized treatment plans leverage evidence-based techniques like targeted therapeutic exercises, hands-on manual therapy, and comprehensive patient education to empower you for lasting health and optimal movement. We focus on the interconnectedness of your body, ensuring a robust and lasting recovery.
What types of conditions and body parts do you treat?
We specialize in treating a wide range of conditions across the body. Our expertise covers issues affecting the Knee, Shoulder, Elbow, Foot & Ankle, Neck, Hip, and Pelvic Floor (specifically for women). We address everything from common aches, stiffness, and injuries to chronic pain and post-surgical rehabilitation.
Can physical therapy help me improve my athletic or general physical performance?
Absolutely! Beyond pain relief and injury recovery, our DPTs specialize in optimizing general physical performance. We utilize advanced biomechanical analysis to identify inefficiencies, strengthen entire movement chains (core, hips, shoulders, legs), and develop targeted programs for improved power, agility, stability, and movement efficiency.2 Our goal is to enhance your resilience, prevent future injuries, and help you perform at your absolute best, whether in sports or daily activities.
What types of treatment methods do you use?
Our DPTs employ a variety of evidence-based methods tailored to your specific needs. These commonly include:
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Therapeutic Exercises: Customized strengthening, flexibility, balance, and endurance exercises.
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Manual Therapy: Hands-on techniques like joint mobilization, soft tissue mobilization, and massage to reduce pain and improve movement.3
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Neuromuscular Re-education: Specific exercises to improve coordination, balance, and controlled movement patterns.4
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Gait and Movement Analysis: Detailed assessment of how you walk or perform specific activities to identify and correct faulty mechanics.
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Postural Retraining: Education and exercises to improve your posture for pain relief and better movement.
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Patient Education: Empowering you with knowledge about your condition, proper body mechanics, and self-management strategies for long-term well-being.
Will physical therapy be painful?
Our primary goal is to alleviate your pain and restore comfortable movement. While some therapeutic exercises or manual techniques may cause mild discomfort or a sensation of stretch as we work to restore mobility or strengthen weakened areas, we always work carefully within your tolerance. We prioritize open communication and will never push you beyond what is comfortable or safe, ensuring your treatment is as effective and positive as possible.
How long does a typical physical therapy session last?
Generally, physical therapy sessions at our clinic typically last between 30 to 45 minutes, depending on your personalized treatment plan and the specific interventions for that day.
How many physical therapy sessions will I need?
The number of sessions varies greatly depending on your specific condition, its severity, your individual response to therapy, and your personal goals. After your initial comprehensive evaluation, your DPT will discuss a projected treatment plan and timeline with you. This plan is continuously reassessed based on your progress and adjusted as needed to ensure you achieve your best possible outcome.
What should I wear to my appointments?
We recommend wearing comfortable, loose-fitting clothing that allows for easy movement and provides access to the area being treated. For example, shorts for knee or hip issues, or a sleeveless or loose-fitting top for shoulder or neck issues. Athletic wear is generally a good choice.
What is your cancellation policy?
We require a 24-hour notice for any appointment cancellations or rescheduling. Appointments canceled with less than 24 hours' notice may be subject to a late cancellation fee. We appreciate your understanding.