Frequently Asked Questions

Your first visit includes an initial evaluation by a therapist. You will discuss your medical history, current concerns, pain intensity, what aggravates or eases your symptoms, daily limitations, therapy goals, and related medications, tests, or procedures.

The objective evaluation may include palpation, range-of-motion testing, muscle testing, neurological screening, special tests, and a posture assessment. Your therapist then develops a plan with your input, including visit frequency, expected duration of care, home programs, education, and short- and long-term goals.

Please bring your physical therapy referral if one was provided by your doctor, payment information, and your insurance card if insurance is covering your care. For Workers' Compensation, bring your claim number and case manager contact information. If auto insurance or an attorney lien applies, bring that information as well.

Wear loose-fitting clothing so the area being evaluated and treated can be accessed. For a knee concern, shorts are best. For a shoulder concern, a tank top is a good choice. For low back concerns, wear a loose-fitting shirt and pants so a thorough examination can be performed.

A referral is not always needed. Every state has legislation allowing physical therapists to assess and treat patients without a doctor's referral. Let us know when you schedule your first visit if you do not have a referral. Learn more on our Direct Access page.

Treatment sessions typically last 30 to 60 minutes per visit.

The number of visits is highly variable. It depends on your diagnosis, the severity of your impairments, your past medical history, and other individual factors. You will be re-evaluated on a monthly basis, and progress reports and recommendations are provided when you see your doctor.

You will be evaluated by one of our licensed, highly trained physical therapists, who will also treat you during subsequent visits. Comprehensive Physical Therapy values the one-on-one relationship and continuity of care that come from working closely with the therapist who knows your condition best.

Pain relief is a primary objective for many patients and may be supported with hands-on techniques, exercise, and heat or cold therapy. Some techniques can be uncomfortable, such as regaining range of motion after a total knee replacement or shoulder surgery. Communicate the intensity, frequency, and duration of pain to your therapist so your plan can be adjusted appropriately.

Your plan is individualized and may include therapeutic exercise, gait or walking training, soft tissue mobilization, joint mobilization, posture training, progressive resistive exercise, stretching, range-of-motion work, cold or heat therapy, electrical stimulation, traction, ultrasound, and education for safe independent exercise. Explore our treatments to learn more.

In most cases, health insurance covers physical therapy, though coverage varies by plan. Talk with our receptionist so we can help clarify your coverage. Visit our Insurance page for more information.

Physical therapy services are billed to insurance, Workers' Compensation, or directly to you using Common Procedure Terminology codes. The payer processes the claim and sends an Explanation of Benefits to you and the clinic. Any remaining balance is the patient's responsibility. Missing or misunderstood information can delay processing, so please ask our team if you have billing questions.

Some patients continue with home exercises or a gym program, while others complete rehabilitation and return to normal daily activities. Communicate your goals to your therapist so a program can be tailored to your needs.

Patients who do not have insurance or are not using insurance have the right to receive a Good Faith Estimate explaining the expected cost of non-emergency items or services. You may request an estimate before receiving care. If you receive a bill that is at least $400 more than your estimate, you may dispute the bill. For more information, visit www.cms.gov/nosurprises.

Look for a licensed therapist, a thorough first-visit history and examination, clear discussion of your goals, treatment options that address your needs, insurance support, convenient access, and care delivered by a therapist. At Comprehensive Physical Therapy, we provide one-on-one guidance and individualized plans to help you improve mobility, strength, and independence.