FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
DO I NEED A PRESCRIPTION FROM A PHYSICIAN TO ATTEND PT?
Most states allow Direct Access to physical therapy for at least the first visit, meaning you can go directly to a physical therapist to start PT without waiting for a script/referral from a physician. Texas allows Direct Access for 10 business days after the first visit. If you have a doctor appointment shortly before your first or second PT visit, please ask for a script at that time. Ref: https://www.tpta.org/direct-access
WHAT SHOULD I BRING/WEAR TO PT?
For the first visit, it would helpful to bring anything regarding your diagnosis, if you have one (example: script, test results, imaging); as well as the contact information for any other health or fitness professional who you would like your physical therapist to be in touch with. You can come dressed in whatever you are wearing for the day. The clinic will provide a clean gown and draping as needed. The most helpful clothing to bring is loose shorts (preferred over pants/leggings).
DO YOU ACCEPT INSURANCE?
Stendahl PT is out-of-network with insurances. This means that payment is due at time of service, and we will help you to receive direct reimbursement if you have out-of-network benefits for physical therapy. This is a very important decision chosen to better serve you with the rehab support you need at the discretion of you and the skilled therapist, so that your quality of care is not limited by in-network insurance restrictions. Visits are typically once per week or less, so the total cost over the span of care is similar to costs of in-network PT models that requires shorter, more frequent visits.
CAN I GET REIMBURSED FOR OUT-OF-NETWORK PT?
Most patients do receive insurance reimbursement. If you would like to submit for reimbursement, please let your physical therapist know, and you will be provided with an invoice that has all the information your insurance provider needs. If you have coverage for out-of-network physical therapy, you would be reimbursed directly by your insurance provider. It can be helpful to call your insurance provider to ask about your benefits and how to use them.
WHEN CAN I EXPECT TO START FEELING BETTER?
Most people notice improvement within the first few sessions. The exact timeline for recovery depends on the symptoms, how long they have been present, and on individual lifestyle factors and health status. Stendahl PT works with you to manage expectations and complete rehab as efficiently as possible. It is typical to steadily improve with consistent participation in your PT experience.
I WAS TREATED FOR AN INFECTION AND MY LATEST LAB TEST WAS NORMAL, BUT I STILL FEEL SYMPTOMS. SHOULD I TRY PT?
If your physician has ruled out an active infection and several weeks have passed without returning to normal, physical therapy may help. Pelvic floor symptoms can be initiated by an infection. During an infection or injury, the body reacts to protect you, often by muscle-guarding (tightening). This increased muscle tension can continued after the infection is gone, so now the symptoms are due to the tight muscles around the nerves and blood vessels in the region. This can create symptoms like burning, itching, numbness, or other sensations that mimic those of an infection. Tight muscles can also result in abnormal or painful bladder or bowel urgency, frequency, or voiding. These symptoms can be addressed by physical therapy.
CAN I STILL COME IN FOR PELVIC FLOOR PT IF I'M ON MY PERIOD?
Yes, pelvic floor assessment and treatment can still be done during menstruation. Treatment can even help relieve menstrual symptoms, like cramps. If you prefer to avoid a specific assessment or treatment technique during this time, this will be honored and the visit can focus on other related aspects of your care so that you do not lose valuable time in your care plan.
HOW SOON AFTER CHILDBIRTH CAN I START PT?
A typical time to begin postpartum PT is 6-8 weeks after delivery. Many people choose to wait until after the 6-week checkup with their OB or midwife, but there is no limitation to beginning PT sooner unless you have experienced a complication. The earliest postpartum activities can be helpful starting day 1 after childbirth, and include pain management, breath-work, positioning for sleep and baby-feeding, and re-initiation of core postural muscles.