Yes. The choice of where you receive therapy is always yours. While the majority of our patients come to us by physician referral/recommendation, many clients request to see us due to our strong clinical reputation in the community.

In Washington, you can see a physical therapist without a referral from a physician. However, your insurance may require a referral from a physician to cover your expenses. To find out, call the number on the back of your insurance card and ask if a referral is necessary for coverage of physical therapy.

• We participate in the majority of major health insurance plans including Medicare and Worker’s Compensation. Review your insurance coverage and ensure that OSR Physical Therapy is in your network. Contact your insurance provider or check their online portal for details on coverage, co-pays, and deductibles. Please contact us before your first visit to see if we participate with your specific health plan.

As a service to our patients, we will gladly file claims with your insurance company on your behalf. In order to appropriately submit these claims, we will need to obtain a copy of your insurance identification card to ensure that we have the necessary information.

Before your appointment, gather important information that will help your physical therapist assess your condition effectively. This includes medical history, relevant test results, and any documentation related to your injury or condition. Your therapist will conduct an evaluation of your condition lasting between 60-90 minutes. The evaluation is necessary to create a program designed specifically to address your needs for maximum recovery.

– Referral slip from your medical doctor
– Your medical insurance card
– Your ID
– If you are getting therapy as a result of a worker’s compensation claim or an automobile accident, you will also need to bring your claim information, including claim number.

Please arrive 15 minutes early on your first visit to fill out any necessary paperwork.

What to Expect During Your Initial Physical Therapy Evaluation

Preparing for your initial physical therapy evaluation can help ensure a smooth and productive appointment. At OSR Physical Therapy, we want to provide you with a clear understanding of what to expect during this important step in your treatment.

What to Expect:

1. Comprehensive Health History Review:
– Your physical therapist will review your comprehensive health history, including current conditions, past injuries, surgeries, medications, and any relevant medical information.
– Be prepared to provide accurate and detailed information to help your therapist develop a complete understanding of your health.

2. Discussion of Symptoms and Goals:
– Your therapist will engage in a conversation to understand your symptoms, challenges, and goals.
– This discussion allows you to express your concerns, ask questions, and outline the specific outcomes you hope to achieve through physical therapy.

3. Physical Examination and Assessments:
– Your therapist will perform various assessments to evaluate your strength, range of motion, flexibility, posture, balance, and functional abilities.
– These assessments may involve specific movements, tests, and measurements to gather valuable information about your condition.

4. Treatment Plan Development:
– Based on the evaluation results, your therapist will develop a personalized treatment plan tailored to your needs and goals.
– The treatment plan will outline the specific interventions, exercises, modalities, and techniques that will be utilized during your therapy sessions.

What to Bring:

1. Insurance Card:
– Please bring your insurance card to the appointment.
– This will help our administrative staff verify your insurance coverage and ensure a smooth billing process.

2. ID (Identification):
– Bring a valid photo ID, such as a driver’s license or passport, to confirm your identity.

3. Referral (if needed):
– If your insurance requires a referral from a healthcare provider, please bring the referral with you to the evaluation.
– This will ensure that your therapy is covered by your insurance plan.

4. Pertinent Medical Documents:
– If you have any relevant medical documents, such as imaging reports, surgical notes, or test results, please bring them to your appointment.
– These documents can provide valuable insights into your condition and help guide your therapy plan.

We prioritize providing exceptional care from the very beginning. By bringing your insurance card, ID, referral (if needed), and any pertinent medical documents, you can ensure a smooth check-in process and provide our therapists with valuable information. Trust our dedicated team to guide you on your path to improved health and well-being. We look forward to assisting you during your initial physical therapy evaluation and beyond.

Wear comfortable clothing and shoes that allow for ease of movement. Depending on your condition, you may be required to perform specific exercises or movements during your session. We recommend comfortable clothing such as sweatpants or shorts, a T-shirt or tank-top and sneakers.

Each visit will last 60 – 90 minutes on average. Times vary due to the treatment and exercises being performed.

The number of sessions required varies depending on the severity of your condition, your overall health, and your treatment goals. In general, a physical therapy treatment plan may range from a few weeks to several months. Your progress will be regularly evaluated, and adjustments to the plan will be made as necessary.

Physical therapy is a branch of healthcare that focuses on diagnosing, managing, and treating musculoskeletal conditions and movement impairments. Physical therapists (PTs) are licensed healthcare professionals who use various techniques and exercises to improve a patient’s physical abilities and reduce pain.

Physical therapy can be beneficial for various conditions, such as sports injuries, post-surgical rehabilitation, chronic pain, arthritis, and neurological disorders. If you are experiencing pain, limited mobility, or difficulty performing daily activities, it’s advisable to consult a physical therapist for an evaluation.

During your initial session, a physical therapist will evaluate your medical history, assess your current condition, and discuss your goals. They may conduct tests, measure your range of motion, strength, and flexibility, and develop a personalized treatment plan tailored to your needs.

Physical therapy treatments vary depending on the individual’s condition, but they often include therapeutic exercises, manual therapy techniques, electrical stimulation, heat or cold therapy, ultrasound, and education on body mechanics and posture.

On average, a physical therapy session lasts between 30 and 60 minutes. However, the duration may vary based on the complexity of your condition and the treatments involved. Your physical therapist will discuss the appropriate session length for your specific needs.

Physical therapy is designed to alleviate pain, not exacerbate it. However, certain exercises or manual therapy techniques may cause mild discomfort initially. Your physical therapist will work closely with you to ensure your comfort and adjust the treatment if needed.

In some cases, physical therapy can help individuals avoid surgery by effectively managing their condition or improving strength and mobility. However, the decision to pursue surgery is ultimately determined by your healthcare provider based on the specifics of your condition.