FAQ
No! On January 1, 2014 AB 1000 became a law in the state of California opening the door for consumers to go to their Physical Therapist first to begin treatment rather then seeing their doctor before physical therapy. This law allows you to be seen by your PT for 12 visits or 45 days (whichever comes first) before you will have to see your doctor if you choose to continue Physical Therapy care.
The initial visit is one of the most important sessions you will have with your Physical Therapist. You will have the opportunity to discuss the nature and history of your condition and any details that may be relevant to your assessment or treatment. After you complete your medical history forms your therapist will ask you a series of questions specific to your history and condition. The therapist will then conduct a physical examination to determine the diagnosis and treatment plan best for you. The therapist will explain the findings and provide you with a home exercise program. If determined appropriate by the initial exam, you will receive treatment on your first visit.
Plan on at least 90 minutes for your first visit.
Arrive at least 15 minutes prior to your appointment time. If your paperwork is complete and you have no questions for the office staff 5-10 minutes prior to your appointment time should be sufficient.
The clinic is located on the first floor of the Navajo Professional building across from the Cowles Mountain trail head in the community of San Carlos. There are two entrances to our parking lot, one from Golfcrest Dr & the other from Navajo Rd There is both elevator and stair access to the first floor from the parking level.
Parking is free. There are three reserved spots (marked 111) in the parking structure and there are also open parking spots, short term guest parking and disabled parking on the perimeter of the building. If you are not able to find an open spot please call the clinic and we will park it for you!
Wearing comfortable, loose fitting clothing makes it easy for you to move and for the therapist to access the area to be treated. Shorts or stretchy exercise pants are best for the lower back and lower body. A tank top or bathing suit top for women is appropriate for any neck, upper back or shoulder conditions. Avoid jeans and sports bras.
We do have private areas for you to change from your work clothes and into "PT clothes" or into a gown if necessary. Restrooms are also available.
Your physical therapy appointment should not affect your medication schedule. The physical therapist is able to accurately evaluate you if you need your pain medication. In some instances a Doctor or Physical Therapist may recommend a patient take medication prior to their treatments. Discuss this with your doctor or PT if you have additional concerns.
Some patients experience increase soreness or pain during or after the initial visit, which should resolve in a day. If your pain lasts longer or you have concerns with the pain you are experiencing call the clinic to speak to your therapist.
A physical therapist does not prescribe medication but you will receive an exercise program to help with your pain!
The amount of treatment necessary to reduce pain and to improve your function is different for each person and each condition and is dependent on many factors. Our goal is that you will leave your first visit feeling better and with the knowledge to participate on your road to recovery. Our physical therapists strive to provide the most effective treatments personalized to you at each visit to maximize your time and healthcare dollars.
Attending your visits as prescribed is important in maximizing the benefits of your physical therapy program. We value the time that you set for physical therapy and want you to too! We understand that there may come a time that you need to cancel an appointment. We ask that you give us at least 24 hours notice so that we can offer your time to someone else. For late cancellations, we reserve the right to charge you for the full cost of the appointment.
Physical Therapy treatment is designed to rehabilitate an injury or a condition. Wellness interventions are designed to maintain and promote optimal health and wellness and are not intended to rehabilitate an injury or condition.
We are out-of-network with insurance companies. We can bill for services for those patients who choose to use their PPO insurance and for certain Tricare plans. We are a contracted provider with Medicare.
