Question 1

Do I need a referral (prescription) from a doctor?

Accepted Answer

Texas allows you to seek physical therapy treatment without a physician referral or prescription.  After you have your evaluation, I will contact your provider and obtain the referral if needed.  Referrals can be accepted from all physicians, podiatrists, dentists, physician assistants, nurse practitioners, nurse midwives, and chiropractors.

Question 2

Do you coordinate care with other health professionals?

Accepted Answer

Yes! One of my goals is to provide you with comprehensive care and encourage a team approach.  Communication always occurs with your referring provider.  I can also contact anyone on your healthcare team (e.g.,personal trainer, massage therapist, gynecologist, chiropractor) with your written approval.

Question 3

What should I expect on my first visit?

Accepted Answer

The first visit is us getting to know each other.  The evaluation is all about listening to you and your story. If you have not had time to complete the forms online, then we will complete them together.  Please do not arrive early as I do not have a waiting room.  Your first visit will be 60-90 minutes depending upon your diagnosis.  I will perform a comprehensive evaluation including past medical history, present condition, medications, and any diagnostic procedures.  I will complete a full body assessment to include:  
posture
movement strategies
mobility
strength tests 
coordination and balance
sensory tests 
pain
pelvic floor

You are welcome to bring another person with you to the evaluation either to assist with questions and answers or to make you feel comfortable with the process.

Please remember that YOU are in charge of this evaluation.  If at any time you want to stop or do not want to have a certain assessment performed it is your right.  At the end of the evaluation we will develop goals, treatment plans and schedule your next appointment.

Question 4

What happens with the internal pelvic floor exam and why is it performed?

Accepted Answer

The internal pelvic floor exam is only warranted if you have pelvic floor dysfunction (e.g., pelvic pain, tailbone pain, adult incontinence).  An internal pelvic exam is only performed with your consent.  I do not perform this exam on minors or with pregnant clients.  For my female clients, an internal pelvic floor exam is not like a pelvic exam you have had with your gynecologist where they check the health of the pelvic organs. For my male clients, an internal floor pelvic exam is not like a prostate exam.

The best method for determining the health of your pelvic floor muscles and structures is with an internal pelvic floor exam.  During the exam I first inspect the pelvic floor externally. Then I perform a digital internal exam to assess the muscle strength and look for areas of pain.  The exam can be performed through either the vaginal or anal opening.  The exam is the optimal method in locating the potential causes of your pelvic floor symptoms.

Question 5

What should I wear on my first visit?

Accepted Answer

I would recommend you come dressed in or bring comfortable clothing.  There is no need for athleisure wear or athletic shoes. There is space for you to change out of work clothes if needed.  I do not use gowns, so I would recommend you wear or bring undergarments if you prefer.  I often prescribe exercises at the first visit so you will need clothes to do gentle movement in.

Question 6

Do I need to bring anything with me on my first visit?

Accepted Answer

If you have not completed your paperwork online, please bring a list of your medications.  It is also helpful to have any reports from your physician and diagnostic tests (x-rays, MRI, etc).  Please bring the referral/prescription from your provider/physician if you have one. You will also need to bring a form of payment (see billing section for list of payments accepted).

Question 7

What if I am menstruating?

Accepted Answer

Menstruating is not an issue for me.  It is completely based upon your comfort level.  We can  alter treatment if internal pelvic work was scheduled for that appointment.

Question 8

Can I bring my children to my appointment?

Accepted Answer

It is preferred that you do not bring your children to your appointment however this can be discussed on a case-by-case basis as it depends upon the treatment being rendered and the age of the children.

Question 9

How frequent are treatments?

Accepted Answer

The treatment frequency is based upon the severity of your pain and condition, how chronic the condition is and your goals.  Most clients only come for therapy one time a week unless their condition is acute and pain is severe.   Some patients only have appointments once or twice a month and then work on a home program returning for an assessment and modifications to their program.

Question 10

How many visits do I need? How long until I see improvement?

Accepted Answer

The number of visits and how quickly you improve depend upon several factors: your  diagnosis, how long you have had your symptoms, and how well you are able to incorporate the lifestyle modifications into your life or complete your home exercises.  Most clients experience improvement within 4 to 6 sessions.   At your first appointment you will set goals that you want to achieve from pain reduction to resuming an activity you enjoy.  Then together we will work on trying to achieve those goals.

Question 11

Do you offer out of town programs?

Accepted Answer

I recommend if someone is coming from out of town (state/country) for treatment they are scheduled for a minimum of 3 visits ideally over 2 weeks.  If you need to be treated more frequently or for a longer duration, appropriate arrangements can be made.

Question 12

What if my pain or symptoms return after I have completed therapy?

Accepted Answer

Life happens and it is not uncommon to have a flare-up, relapse or worsening of symptoms.  This can happen even if your initial response to therapy was positive.  If you do have a resumption of your pain or symptoms, please contact me before the problem gets too difficult to treat easily.  In Texas I am able to  see initially without a referral and reassess the situation.  It may be that you need to tweak your home program or revisit your referring provider.

Question 13

How soon can I get an appointment?

Accepted Answer

I keep my schedule flexible to allow for a percentage of new clients on a weekly basis.  Therefore you should be able to schedule an initial appointment within 1 to 2 weeks.

Question 14

Will my physical therapy treatment be painful?

Accepted Answer

Many people joke that PT stand for “pain and torture”.  But I do not subscribe to the philosophy of “no pain no gain” when describing my treatment approach.  Pain relief is always my goal.  There may be some treatments that are briefly intense, for example some stretches, trigger point releases, and fascial release.  I always want you to leave the treatment feeling better than you arrived and continue to feel better each day after.

Question 15

What are your hours?

Accepted Answer

The clinic hours are by appointment only.  I am able to work with most peoples busy work, life and child care schedules.

Question 16

Inclement weather policy

Accepted Answer

In the case of severe weather conditions, please check your phone/text for messages prior to attempting to drive to the clinic.  Please do not put yourself in harm’s way.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions