Physical Therapy FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions

What Should I Wear to My First Appointment?

Comfortable work out clothing or loose-fitting clothes are best. Clothing that allows you to expose the skin in the area being treated is preferred, but not required. During the evaluation and follow up visits, the therapist will often need to access your skin, muscles, and joints around the area that you are attending physical therapy for to determine what is problem is and treat it effectively.

What Should I Expect on My First Visit?

On your first visit a licensed physical therapist will go over your medical history and screen your injury/ailment. The physical therapist will take baseline measurements of your strength, flexibility, and mobility to better determine a personalized plan of care with you. Often a brief treatment will also be provided on the first visit, and a home exercise plan will be developed when appropriate.

Is Physical Therapy Painful?

At OSPT, our physical therapists work with you to mitigate your pain. Often the goal of physical therapy is to alleviate discomfort and improve function. Our licensed physical therapist staff will continuously check in to monitor your pain during each session to minimize unwarranted discomfort.

How Long Does Each Visit Take?

Normally, appointments are usually between 45-60 minutes, but can last up to 90 minutes in certain conditions.

How Often Will I Come to Physical Therapy?

Each injury is different, and each person’s health history is unique. Typically, patients are in physical therapy for 1-2 months to regain function and return to their prior activities safely. Depending on severity of the disorder, a patient can expect to be seen 1-3 visits a week in the clinic to regain their function while simultaneously doing a personalized home exercise plan. For example, typical sprain and strains may take 4-6 weeks while post-surgical procedures may take 2-3 months to rehab. At OSPT, your physical therapist will work with your individual schedule to accommodate a plan that will facilitate healing and independence.

How is My Progress Measured?

At OSPT our physical therapists measure your baseline function at the start of care during your evaluation. Additionally, you will fill out a subjective questionnaire regarding your current function with activities of daily living. During subsequent visits, our therapy staff will monitor and assess your progress with activities during treatment sessions and provide regular feedback to you. Midway through your plan of care, the physical therapist will often re-evaluate your function, update your physical therapy goals, and provide a progress note to your referring physician. At the end of care, your physical therapist will re-assess your function, check your progress with your activities of daily living, and provide a note to your referring physician with your updated functional status.

What Will I Do After Physical Therapy?

Ultimately, the goal of physical therapy is to return you to normal day to day activities, recreation, or sport independently. Our physical therapist will design a home exercise plan to fit your needs to do independently at home, or in the gym, to safely maintain your gains from physical therapy.

Will My Insurance Cover Physical Therapy?

OSPT takes most insurances, our office will contact your insurance company and get a breakdown of your benefits based on your individual policy prior to your first visit.

What If I Don't Have Insurance?

For patients that do not have insurance, we offer a discounted self-pay rate, due at the time of service.

Are There Any New Patient Forms I Need to Complete Prior to My First Appointment?

Yes, forms will be mailed or emailed out prior to your first visit.

How is OSPT Different from Other Physical Therapy Clinics in Sonoma County?

OSPT provides in person, one on one care for all your treatment sessions. All treatment sessions are provided by licensed physical therapist or a licensed physical therapy assistants with extensive knowledge of movement disorders. We provide individualized compassionate care to return you to your prior level of function.