Can I go to any physical therapy clinic?

Thanks to Direct Access laws, you can!

The APTA’s website states, “Direct access means the removal of the physician referral mandated by state law to access physical therapist services for evaluation and treatment. Every state, the District of Columbia, and the US Virgin Islands allow for evaluation and some form of treatment without a physician referral.” This means you can choose what clinic you want to receive treatment from without waiting for your primary care doctor to refer you to them. No referral or prescription is necessary!

How is my progress measured?

Tracking your pain and mobility levels as you go through your physical therapy program is the most visible approach to gauge your improvement and progress. You should notice a significant improvement in your discomfort and range of motion as you progress through your rehabilitation exercises.

What should I do to prepare for my first appointment?

There are a few things we ask all patients to bring with them on their first visit to our office.

  • Please print out the patient forms, fill them out, and bring them with you if you are able. If you cannot do this or do not have access to a printer/computer, please allow for extra time to fill these out upon your arrival.
  • Please arrive 15 minutes early to complete any remaining paperwork so that you can maximize your time in your evaluation.
  • Please wear comfortable clothing that allows easy access to your problem areas.
  • Insurance information (we will make a copy of your card).
  • A prescription (if needed) for physical therapy from your referring physician, ARNP, or PA.
  • In case of an automobile accident or worker’s compensation claim, bring any case manager or insurance adjuster's contact names, phone numbers, and claim number.

Please have your prescription and insurance card available when you call. This will allow us to verify your insurance benefits and provide you with an estimate of coverage.

What do physical therapists do?

Our physical therapists assess and treat many sorts of pain and discomfort. Our team consists of movement professionals that have the knowledge and experience to diagnose, evaluate, and treat any musculoskeletal ailment that may arise.

We play a key role in preventing, reversing, and controlling both old and new injuries. Every program is tailored to your specific requirements. We determine the severity of your injuries using objective measurements and tailor your treatment accordingly.

Where can I find a physical therapist?

Our Tacoma, WA physical therapy clinic takes pride in providing a positive, encouraging environment with well-trained, friendly staff. We are confident in our ability to assist you in achieving your goals and leading a pain-free life.

You have the right to seek physical therapy at any facility of your choosing. You will receive the highest quality care while achieving the results you seek at PhysioStrength Physical Therapy.

Can my physical therapist diagnose me?

Your physical therapist will do a physical evaluation when you come for your initial session at PhysioStrength Physical Therapy to establish the severity of your injury or illness. Your therapist will be able to establish exactly what is causing your pain after a comprehensive assessment.

Your physical therapist and physician may collaborate to diagnose you. This will ensure that your diagnosis is correct and that your medical history is taken into consideration.

Can I choose any physical therapy clinic for treatment?

Thanks to Direct Access laws, yes, you can choose!

The APTA’s website states, “Direct access means the removal of the physician referral mandated by state law to access physical therapist services for evaluation and treatment. Every state, the District of Columbia, and the US Virgin Islands allow for evaluation and some form of treatment without a physician referral.”

To put it another way, you can choose which clinic you want to go to instead of waiting for your primary care physician to refer you to one. This does not require a referral or a prescription!

Do I need my doctor to refer me to receive physical therapy treatment?

Don’t have a prescription for physical therapy? No problem!

Individuals can go immediately to a physical therapy clinic of their choosing and obtain the materials and treatment they need, thanks to Direct Access regulations.

Direct Access allows you to see a physical therapist without needing a prescription or referral from a doctor. Patients in all fifty states and the District of Columbia now have "direct access" to physical therapy treatments and programs.

Will my insurance cover the cost of treatment?

We understand that dealing with insurance can be complicated; therefore, PhysioStrength Physical Therapy would gladly assist you in contacting your insurance carrier and assessing your coverage depending on your specific policy.

In most cases, insurance will cover a considerable portion, if not all, of your treatment costs.

For more information, please see our insurance page, and do not hesitate to contact our Tacoma, WA physical therapy clinic with your questions. We provide a range of payment options for your convenience.

I do not have insurance. Can I still receive physical therapy?

It's fine if you do not have insurance. Our clinic will never turn a patient away! We offer a lower charge for patients who do not have insurance, which must be paid at the time of service. Please contact our Tacoma, WA clinic and inquire about rates and payment plans with our front desk.

How can I pay for each session?

Your insurance benefits will be assessed prior to your second visit, and you will be told of what, if any, payment is due on that date.

The following methods of payment are accepted: cash, cheque, debit card, and credit card. We're also pleased to talk about payment options. We collect money at the time of service as a matter of policy.

How can I schedule an appointment?

Scheduling an appointment at PhysioStrength Physical Therapy in Tacoma, WA has never been easier or more convenient.

We have morning and evening appointments available to meet the demands of your busy schedule.

Our scheduling is easy, and we offer a convenient location and appointment times for you. Call us today at (253) 336-2040 or click here to request an appointment.

What kind of clothing should I wear for appointments?

Loose-fitting clothes that are comfortable for gentle exercises, as well as supportive sneakers, are often good choices for treatments.

Dress comfortably in clothes that allow the therapist easy access to your problem areas.

How long should each appointment take?

Due to the fact that each patient is unique, the initial session normally lasts 60 minutes. Following that, each session is 45 minutes.

The duration of time will be determined by your specific needs, which will be discussed with you by our therapist. You'll generally see your therapist once or twice a week at first, with greater space between meetings as you progress through treatment.

How is physical therapy different at PhysioStrength Physical Therapy?

Why should treatment strategies be the same for every patient? We believe in individualized treatment regimens for each and every patient at PhysioStrength Physical Therapy. When you come to our clinic, you will be put through a series of tests to determine the source of your injury or sickness.

Your physical therapist may inquire about your medical history or request that you do particular movements or exercises so that they can observe any problems firsthand. Your therapist will then create a treatment plan that is unique to you. Joint mobilization, manual therapy, and therapeutic exercise are examples of such methods.

Can I benefit from PT treatments?

You certainly can! Everyone can benefit from physical therapy. We can discuss your options and help you decide if physical therapy is the right choice for you by working with you and your doctor. Contact us today to learn more about how PT can help you and make an appointment with one of our dedicated staff members.

Do PT treatments hurt?

Physical therapy is meant to alleviate pain rather than exacerbate it. However, when you restore mobility, it's possible that your pain levels will fluctuate. As a result of using weakened or recuperating muscles, you may suffer some momentary discomfort. Rest assured that this is a common side effect of physical therapy and should not be taken as a cause for alarm.

Communication with our therapist will help to reduce any discomfort you may feel during your physical therapy treatments. We want you to be pain-free and back to your normal activities as soon as possible.

What should I know about physical therapy?

It's critical to understand that the overall goal of physical therapy is to restore pain-free mobility and function while also preventing the injury or pain from recurring.

Our physical therapists assess your movement patterns, determine the source of your pain, and work with you to manage or eliminate it completely.

Physical therapists are highly trained medical professionals who specialize in musculoskeletal and neurological conditions. They collaborate with physicians to ensure that your treatment plan is as effective and efficient as possible. Physical therapy is a medical, hands-on approach to pain relief and function restoration.

While each patient's condition and pain are unique, our physical therapist will use a variety of gentle hands-on techniques, exercises, and equipment to quickly relieve pain and restore function.

How is my physical therapy treatment progress tracked?

As you go through your rehabilitation activities, you should see a considerable improvement in your discomfort and range of motion.

The most evident way to measure your improvement and progress is to keep track of your pain and mobility levels as you proceed through your physical therapy program.

How does physical therapy differ for older adults?

Age-related changes in strength, flexibility, and balance increase the risk of falls. At our Tacoma, WA clinic, we will work together with you to investigate your medical history and determine what factors may be contributing to your fall risk.

At PhysioStrength Physical Therapy, we understand that as we age, our bodies become more susceptible to certain health risks. Our bodies begin to notice the “wear and tear” that has developed throughout the years, causing us to slow down and putting us at risk for health conditions.

Luckily, physical therapy can help soothe some of the health conditions that your body may experience with age. If you are looking for pain relief, PhysioStrength Physical Therapy can help! Call our office today for more information.

Why does physical therapy take longer than I thought?

Everyone is different, and so is every pain condition! At PhysioStrength Physical Therapy, you will have access to a personalized treatment plan created based on your individual needs and goals. Throughout your recovery process, our team will provide constant feedback and allow refinement of your program to ensure it provides optimal results. This may take weeks or months.

We will keep you updated on your progress throughout each session. If you have any questions or concerns about the length of your treatment plan, do not hesitate to ask your physical therapist. We are here to help you by providing clarity throughout this process.

Do you treat my condition at your clinic?

You can be confident that our therapists are well-trained to assess and treat your condition.

Our physical therapists are state-licensed and have graduated from accredited physical therapy programs with a master's or a doctorate level degree, depending on the university.

Physical therapists have received years of university-level education in anatomy, physiology, kinesiology (the study of joint movement), neurology, and many other medical sciences. You are in capable hands!

When will I start to feel better?

Because each patient's diagnosis is unique, our therapist will work with you and your referring physician to develop a treatment plan that is right for you.

During your first visit, your physical therapist will determine your treatment plan and the number of visits required. If you have any questions about the duration of your treatment plan, do not hesitate to reach out to your physical therapist. Our team is here to support you and answer your questions.

Can I continue seeing a therapist even when I feel better?

Yes, after you have finished your therapy sessions, our therapist will go over your at-home continuing therapy program with you.

We can also arrange to meet you at your gym to work with you on determining what equipment and exercises would be beneficial in your continued recovery.

What office policies should I be aware of?

If you are unable to make it to your appointment due to illness or another emergency, our clinic requests that you call us at least 24 hours before your scheduled appointment time to let us know. Any missed appointments that have not been rescheduled at least 24 hours in advance will result in a non-refundable charge of 50 dollars.

We also ask that if you have been exposed to the COVID-19 virus, please reschedule your appointment with our front desk so that we can maintain a safe, healthy environment for our patients and employees.