What to expect during the evaluation: 

The evaluation starts with talking with you about your current issue, past medical history, and desired outcomes of your physical therapy sessions. When you schedule an appointment I will send you a intake paperwork to fill out which asks many specific questions that will help me fine tune your evaluation. *You will need to fill this out 24 hours before you come to your first session. If there is something in the medical history that I feel needs to be addressed prior to the first session you will be called/emailed to reschedule.  The evaluation starts with a review of your intake paperwork during your first visit and we can discuss all of your concerns. *All intake paperwork, billing receipts, and any other documentation is done via an online platform. This requires email communication to access intake paperwork/receipts/documentation if needed. 

After we have reviewed your history and concerns, we will look at major functional dynamic movements to see what the tendencies are in your body.  The body likes to take the path of least resistance! I will continue with looking at a combination of joint mobility and muscle extensibility assessment techniques that will clarify what musculoskeletal restrictions may be present in your body.  All of this information combined with your goals will be used to develop a personalized plan of care for you.

What to expect during the treatment session: 

All treatments are scheduled directly with me as was the evaluation. We will put into motion your plan of care that we created during your evaluation. I will use a variety of manual techniques to release any tissue restrictions that we found. One of them is Myofascial Release. Myofascial release is a powerful technique that enhances movement of the connective tissue. The technique involves the therapists hands assessing the tissue resistance and ability to recoil within different fascial planes of the body. After I have assessed your tissue for possible restrictions-which is the inability of the tissue to glide-treatment begins to restore this motion. As the tissues are treated they relax in a 3 dimensional fashion.  Myofascial release allows for the therapist to maintain the desired pressure, depth, and direction of the tissue being treated. This is why I Iove myofascial release!  I can easily modify the technique in the region that is affected – this makes it a favorite of my chronic pain patients.  Another technique is joint mobilization. It is a technique that focuses on your joints ability to absorb force. Joint mobilizations are graded movements which allow me to administer only the necessary force to enhance mobility.

Treatment will also emphasize motor control of your movement patterns. If we found any areas of your body that were overly mobile-we would use stability exercises to help you control these movements. Also, patients may benefit form neuromuscular re-education to restore functional movement patterns. This is common with patient’s that have difficulty with motor coordination particularly with cases with pelvic dysfunction. You may be given some homework to help reinforce what we have done during your treatment session.

Do I need a prescription from my physician/healthcare provider?

Physical Therapists have direct access in the state of Arizona. You do not need a referral for therapy unless it is for women’s pelvic health services.  *I require a Physical Therapy order for women’s pelvic physical therapy services.  I do not provide a medical diagnosis. I can determine your movement impairments. 

If you are filing your claims yourself to your insurance company you might want a prescription from your physician – you are responsible to check with your insurance company. 

We will discuss your general health during the evaluation – if you have other medical conditions that might be a precaution to participating in a physical therapy program – you will need to clarify them with your physician. At any time if therapist feels that you are not appropriate for therapy services you will be informed and have to reschedule or follow up with another healthcare provider if needed. 

What should I wear?

When you come to therapy please wear loose comfortable clothes.