Fax 775.738.4776
Call 775.738.4666
Frequently Asked Questions
01
Why should I choose Physical Therapy?
In physical therapy, we help you feel better in the short term and help you to learn how to care for your body in the long term. This clinic believes in educating the patients on how to maintain their health and how to be self-reliant if the problem arises again. Our goal is to help resolve your problem through correction of strength imbalances, movement deficits, muscle tightness, and/or impaired coordination. Although medication and other forms of treatment can help to reduce symptoms, physical therapy offers a long-term solution. It is often beneficial to combine physical therapy and other treatments to provide decreased pain and an expedited recovery. Physical therapy is not designed as a maintenance program and it is also not a quick fix. It may take a few visits to notice improvements, but the effects will be longer lasting as you will be learning how to care for your body to prevent the development of chronic problems.
Physical therapists are evidence-based health care professionals who offer treatment to help improve function and alleviate pain. Most physical therapists are graduating with a clinical doctorate from an accredited physical therapy program. After graduation, a new therapist must pass a national board examination in order to obtain a license to practice physical therapy. Physical therapists, therefore, have the knowledge to examine, evaluate, and treat a large variety of conditions involving the musculoskeletal system, developmental delays, neurological disorders, wounds, and any condition which affects an individual's ability to move without pain or great difficulty
What does a Physical Therapist do?
Physical therapists are trained to restore movement and function. You do not need to be "injured" to work with a physical therapist as they can help prevent injury by assessing your strength, flexibility, and balance. During a course of physical therapy, you can expect to have your strength and flexibility assessed, perform various exercises, participate in balance training or functional training depending upon your needs as a patient, and to be held accountable for performing an individualized home exercise program to provide the best possible outcome. The therapist may perform specialized hands on techniques to increase joint mobility, decrease pain, improve motion, or improve general ability to function dependent upon the patient needs. Physical therapists may also employ the use of modalities (heat, ice, E-stim) to augment the care received during the treatment session.
Most of all, in this facility, you should expect to have fun.
02
03
What insurances does your clinic accept?
We accept most major insurances in the Elko area, this is a short list of the more common insurances. If your insurance is not on this list please call and check with us as this list is not comprehensive.
Cigna
BlueCross/BlueShield
Medicare
CNIC
Aetna
Anthem
Nevada Health Coop
04
What should I expect on the first visit?
If this is the first time you have received therapy or you are a repeat customer, you will need to complete some paperwork prior to your evaluation with the therapist so, please, arrive 15-30 minutes early. If you would like to complete this paperwork prior to your first appointment, you can request the forms be emailed to you, or you can stop by the office prior to your first appointment and pick up a packet. Please refer to the first visit page for additional information regarding what to expect such as what to bring with you and what to wear.
05
What is my responsibility in physical therapy?
The best results are achieved when the client and the therapist work together. We ask that all clients participate in a home exericse program. You will be provided with an illustrated copy of your exericses.
Is it appropriate to ask my medical provider about Physical Therapy?
It is definitely appropriate to talk with your medical provider about physical therapy. If you have an issue that was resolved with physical therapy previously or you know that you just need a reminder on what exercises will help decrease that recurring back pain ask your medical provider for a referral to physical therapy. If you have a problem involving a joint or muscle, therapy may be beneficial. Physical therapy is a great way to prevent symptoms from worsening, prevent an injury, or remind you of beneficial exercises. If your therapist does not feel that therapy is working you will be referred back to a medical provider.
06
What if I do not have insurance?
If you do not have insurance or you have exhausted your physical therapy benefits we offer private pay treatment. Please ask the office manager regarding this option for more details.
07
When is payment for services expected?
Here at Aikenhead Physical Therapy, LLC, we do not want you to be surprised by a large bill at the end of your treatment, and therefore, require that you pay your copay upon arrival for each visit.
08
What office policies should I be aware of?
Whenever possible, please give adequate notice for cancellations or to reschedule an appointment. If you are going to be late for your appointment please call and inform the office. We strive to be flexible with our appointments, but please, remember there are other clients that need the attention of the therapist.
Call if you have a question or concern. If you are having increased symptoms please come to your scheduled appointment. We may be able to help prevent the symptoms from progressing futher. The session will be adjusted to the level of activity that you can handle.
09
What is Direct Access?
Direct Access, also known as self-referral, allows patients to seek treatment from a physical therapist without prior referral from a medical provider. If you are suffering from a musculoskeletal condition that causes functional movement limitations, use your best judgment when deciding which healthcare practitioner to see. It should be noted that not all insurances will pay for physical therapy services without a referral from a medical provider and therefore we encourage you to speak with your insurance company regarding your physical therapy benefits prior to taking advantage of this opportunity. Physical therapists are trained in differential diagnosis for various conditions relating to the musculoskeletal system. If the therapist does not deem therapy to be appropriate, you will be referred to the appropriate medical provider.