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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
You may have many questions regarding your injury, your therapy, and how we can help you regain your function. The following is a list of questions most frequently asked by our patients. Please feel free to contact us at 301.997.1155 to discuss your questions or concerns regarding your therapy.
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Physical Therapy FAQ
What should I bring to my first physical therapy appointment?
The items necessary for the first visit are a prescription or referral from your Physician as well as your insurance card. It's a good idea to call the number on back of your insurance card for information regarding your benefits, authorizations, co-pays, deductibles and number of Physical Therapy visits allowed per year. If you are covered by no fault or workers compensation you will also need to bring a case number and contact information of a case worker.
What should I wear to my first physical therapy visit?
Loose comfortable fitting clothing should be worn or brought to your PT appointment.
How long should I expect my first visit to last and what will take place?
The first visit consists of an interview, evaluation and treatment session lasting approximately 60 minutes. Please allow approximately 15 minutes for paperwork. If you would like to save time and complete the paperwork at your leisure you may download some of forms from the information for patients section and complete before you arrive.
Follow-up visits usually lasts between 45 to 60 minutes.
Will I be responsible for any payment for my treatment?
Insurance plans vary in how much they will want you to be financially responsible for. It's a good idea to check with your insurance company regarding PT benefits. There usually is a co-pay per visit that you will be required to pay so your insurance company will provide that information for you.
If you don't have insurance please inquire about our fees. We offer 30% off PT services if you self-pay.
We accept cash, personal checks or Visa, Master card and Discover.
How many sessions will I need to come for treatment?
In general this is decided by your Physician and written on the prescription. It can vary though, sometimes the duration of the prescription in not required for restoration of health, and other times more treatment is necessary. It is a decision that the patient should have a large part in making and can be discussed with the treating therapist. Sometimes the insurance coverage will have a say in how benefits are used.
Can I see the Physical Therapist without seeing a Doctor?
Maryland law allows direct access for physical therapy, however insurance coverage is contingent upon a medical diagnosis and will only pay for services that are deemed reasonable and necessary under a Doctors order.
CranioSacral Therapy
What is CranioSacral Therapy?
CranioSacral Therapy (CST) is a gentle, hands-on, whole-body method of releasing restrictions around the brain and spinal cord to enhance central nervous system performance and allow the body to self-correct. It was developed by osteopathic physician John E. Upledger after eight years of clinical research and testing at Michigan State University. The Upledger Institute, established in 1985, has now trained more than 80,000 Craniosacral Therapists worldwide.
CranioSacral Therapy strengthens the body's natural healing processes to bolster resistance to disease and improve overall health. It has also proven effective in aiding individuals with a wide range of medical challenges associated with pain and dysfunction, including:
Migraines
Fibromyalgia
Chronic Fatigue
TMJ Syndrome
Motor-Coordination Impairments
Autism
Neck and Back Pain
Central Nervous System Disorders
Colic
Scoliosis
Learning Disabilities
Brain and Spinal Cord injuries
Emotional Difficulties
Stress-related Problems
Neurovascular or Immune Disorders
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
Post-Surgical Dysfunction
And Many Other Conditions
Because of its gentle nature and positive effects on so many body functions, Craniosacral Therapy is practice by a variety of healthcare professionals, from physicians to massage therapists.
What Can I expect From A CranioSacral Therapy session?
A typical CranioSacral Therapy session lasts from 45 minutes to an hour, and takes place in a quiet, private setting. As a client you remain fully clothed as you recline on a massage or treatment table. The practitioner will stand or sit positioned at various points of your head, torso or feet. At times your practitioner may also support your limbs and spine while helping your body release accumulated tension.
What you experience during a CST session is highly individual. Some people say they feel deeply relaxed, while others describe feeling unwinding sensations as the body releases tension. You may even recall circumstances surrounding a post trauma or injury that caused you body stress.
What Will I Experience After A Session?
Just as each individual experiences CST sessions differently, the results can be diverse as well. You may leave in such a relaxed state that you feel like sleeping for hours. Or you may leave full of boundless energy. You may feel a decrease in pain or an increase in function immediately after the session, or the effects may develop gradually over the next few days.
Since CST helps the body resume its natural healing processes, it's common for your improvements to continue weeks after the session. You may also experience a reorganization phase as your body releases previously held patterns and adapts to a new state of wellness.
How Does CranioSacral Therapy Work?
Few structures have as much influence over the body's ability to function properly as the brain and spinal cord that make up the central nervous system.
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