Patient Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Straight answers about what to expect before, during, and after physical therapy.
Physical therapy sessions typically involve an assessment of your condition, manual techniques to improve mobility and flexibility, individualized exercises to help you reach your goals, education on how to prevent further injury or pain, and instruction on proper posture, body mechanics, and other lifestyle changes.
It depends on your health insurance plan and the state you live in. California’s direct access laws allow patients to be seen without a physician referral. Check with your insurance company before scheduling if you’re not sure.
Wear comfortable, loose clothing that lets you move freely and doesn’t restrict circulation. Depending on your condition, we may also recommend special shoes or a brace. Bring any paperwork related to your medical history, including x-rays, ultrasounds, and doctor’s notes.
Yes. Arrive well-rested so you can give the session your full attention and energy. It also helps to keep track of any pain medication you’ve taken beforehand, so your therapist can adjust the intensity of treatment accordingly.
Sessions typically last 30-40 minutes, depending on your condition and the techniques used. Your physical therapist will give you an estimate when you first arrive for your appointment.
Yes. Your physical therapist may give you specific exercises to try between visits, which helps speed up your recovery and progress faster toward your goals. Follow these carefully, and always check with your PT before starting a new exercise on your own.
Your physical therapist is available to answer questions about your treatment plan before and after each visit, and you can always contact the clinic directly for further help. We want you to get the most out of every session.
It depends on your plan. Most insurance covers some or all of the cost of physical therapy, but you should check with your provider to confirm your coverage and any associated fees.
Frequency depends on your individual goals and condition, but patients typically attend 2–3 times per week for a minimum of 4–6 weeks to maximize results. Your therapist will give you more detail during your initial appointment.
Every situation is unique, so the time needed to reach your goals varies. With commitment from both you and your physical therapist, most patients start seeing results within a few weeks. The more you follow through on the plan between visits, the faster your progress will be.
If you experience increased pain at any point during a session, tell your therapist right away so they can adjust the intensity or technique. Treatment should always be comfortable and effective for you, never something you push through in silence.
Your physical therapist will guide you on when it’s appropriate to graduate from sessions, based on your progress, goals, and overall health. Stick with the plan and keep the conversation open until your therapist agrees you’re ready to move on.
We verify your benefits before your first visit, so you’ll know your exact copay before you ever walk in: no surprise bills later. If you’re without insurance or prefer to skip it, we also offer self-pay rates.
That’s normal, and it’s exactly what the evaluation is for. You don’t need a diagnosis to book: try our 30-second Pain Check, or just tell us where it hurts, and we’ll find the actual cause together.
No. Every visit is one-on-one, hands-on care with a Doctor of Physical Therapy, never a tech handing you a printout. Your exercises are dosed specifically for you and progressed live as you improve.
That’s a fair question, and it’s usually the model, not you. A lot of clinics rotate you through techs and hand you generic sheets. Here, you get one-on-one time with a Doctor of PT every single visit, a cause-first evaluation instead of a cookie-cutter protocol, and a phase-based plan with clear graduation criteria, so you always know why you’re doing what you’re doing, and when you’re done.