Common Questions
What is direct access?
Most states, including Arizona, have approved direct access for physical therapy. This means that you can go see a physical therapist without a physician's referral. Research has shown that this improves outcomes and lowers the patient's overall cost for treatment of neuromusculoskeletal conditions. Physical therapists are trained to screen for presence of non-neuromusculoskeletal symptoms and refer to the appropriate medical provider if indicated.
What does out-of-network mean?
Why should I go out-of-network if insurance already covers PT?
Movement Rx Physical Therapy bills for services out-of-network. This means that clients are responsible for direct payment after services are rendered. Sometimes insurance companies will still reimburse for part or all of out-of-network treatment. I recommend contacting your insurance company individually to determine potential coverage. Upon request, you will be provided with a "superbill" for services that you can submit for reimbursement purposes.
Below are some common benefits of seeking an out-of-network physical therapist:
Direct one-on-one treatment from your provider resulting in fewer sessions for improvement.
Despite higher cost per session, it may be more cost effective and helpful long-term than traditional care.
In addition to monthly premiums, insurance providers may still require co-pays or co-insurance for PT visits.
In-network clinics often use support staff to carry out important aspects of care because of patient volume and scheduling.
Physical therapy benefits can be limited annually (varies per insurance).
You can help make decisions about your care. I can help to develop a treatment plan based on your most important goals and improve your baseline health.
HSA eligible and payments can also be applied towards insurance deductible.
What is Dry Needling?
What is Manipulation?
Are they safe?
Dry needling involves inserting a tiny monofilament needle in a muscle(s) in order to release shortened bands of muscle fibers and decrease trigger point activity. This can help resolve pain and muscle tension and will promote healing.
HVLA (high-velocity, low amplitude) thrust manipulation is a manual technique that applies a quick and controlled movement to mobilize various joints. As a result we often hear the release of gasses in the joint space as popping.
Both treatments are extremely safe and can be very effective for various musculoskeletal conditions. Each patient is screened for potential precautions or contraindications prior to initiation of treatment. Manual therapy, including dry needling or manipulation, improves the healing response and reduces pain through local physiological changes at the site of treatment as well as centrally through neurophysiological mechanisms.
What is a typical therapy session like?
Each session starts with a subjective review and appropriate test/re-test measures to determine changes in pain/limitations.
A typical session will include:
Manual interventions (manipulation, dry needling, joint and/or soft tissue mobilization) to reduce pain threshold, improve mobility, or increase tolerance to loading.
Corrective exercise to help drive changes after manual interventions, improve biomechanics, or build strength/endurance.
Establish/progress home program. Additional education and instruction for necessary training modifications to maintain maximal fitness and strength despite pain/injury.