FAQs

At Oakland Physical Therapy, our physical therapists are highly educated, licensed health care professionals who are dedicated to helping their patients get results.

• What is physical therapy?

  Physical therapy is a medical, hands-on approach to relieving pain and restoring function. Physical therapists are medical experts in musculoskeletal and neurological conditions and work closely with physicians. Our physical therapists evaluate your movement patterns, identify the cause of your pain, and work to eliminate it.

  While every patient’s condition and pain is unique, your physical therapist will use a variety of gentle hands-on techniques, exercises, and equipment to relieve pain quickly and restore your function to optimum levels. The overall goal is to restore pain-free mobility and function and to prevent the injury or pain from recurring.

• How do I know if physical therapy will help me?

  Working with you and your doctor, we can discuss your options and help determine if physical therapy will be the right choice for you. Contact us today to discuss your current condition and even set up a free consultation if you choose.

• Can I go to any physical therapy I choose?

  As a patient you have the right to receive physical therapy at any place you choose. At Oakland Physical Therapy, you will receive the highest quality care while achieving the results you need.  We pride ourselves on providing a positive, encouraging environment with well-trained, friendly staff.  We are confident in our ability to help you reach your goals and live a pain-free life.

• How do I schedule an appointment?

  Our scheduling is easy and we offer a convenient location and appointment times for you. We have morning and evening appointments available to meet the demands of your busy schedule. Call us today or simply fill out the schedule appointment form on this page.

• What do I need to know for my first appointment?

  There is paperwork that needs to be completed before your first appointment.  Part of this can be found under the “New Patient Information” section of this website if you are able to print it and bring the completed forms with you.  We ask all our patients to arrive at least 15 minutes early for the first appointment.

  Physical therapy does involve performing therapeutic exercises appropriate for each diagnosis.  It is important to have energy for exercising, so please make sure to have eaten before you come to each appointment.

  When applicable, we ask that patients being seen for performing arts injuries bring their instruments with them to the first appointment if possible.

• What should I bring to my first appointment?

  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.

  To bring on your first visit:

  • A prescription (if needed) for physical therapy from your referring physician, ARNP, or PA.
  • Insurance information (we will make a copy of your card).
  • Print out the patient forms, fill them out, and bring them with you.
  • In case of an automobile accident or worker’s compensation claim, also bring any case manager or insurance adjuster contact names, phone numbers, and claim number.
  • Please arrive 15 minutes early to complete any remaining paperwork, so you can maximize your time in your evaluation.
  • Please wear comfortable clothing that allows easy access to your problem areas.

• Will it hurt?

  Physical therapy is not meant to hurt, but to relieve pain. However, as you restore your mobility, pain levels, at times can fluctuate. You might experience some temporary soreness from using muscles that are weakened or recovering. This is a normal response to therapy treatment. Good communication with your therapist will help minimize any discomfort. We want you on your way to quick pain relief and back to normal activities.

• Does insurance cover my treatment?

  The charges will vary for each individual visit depending on what the physical therapist does and what the approved rates of your insurance are.  You may have a deductible or copayments that you will be responsible for depending on your specific insurance policy.  We will check your insurance coverage when you come in and inform you of any high copayments or deductibles as soon as we know.  For specific questions about your insurance policy, call the customer service phone number on your insurance card for any questions regarding your physical therapy coverage or what you might owe.

• What if I don’t have insurance?

  The charge per visit is dependent on the treatment that is received.  A flat charge per visit may be established based on the treatment plan that is developed by your physical therapist.

• What type of payment do you accept?

  We accept cash, check, debit card, and credit card. We are happy to discuss payment plan options as well. It is our policy that payment is made at the time of service. Your insurance benefits will be determined before your second visit, and you will be informed of what, if any, payment is necessary on that date.

• What do I wear?

  Please be sure to wear comfortable clothes to each appointment as you will be performing exercises and stretches that require ease of movement.  Also, be sure to wear clothing that allows easy access by your therapist to the area being treated.  For example, if you are being treated for your knee, please wear or bring shorts to your appointment.  We do have a bathroom in which you can change as well as lockers to stow your belongings.  We also ask that you please bring or wear athletic shoes to each appointment.

• How often do I need to attend therapy?

  Depending on what your doctor has prescribed, most patients attend therapy 2 or 3 times weekly.  Your therapy schedule will be determined  by what your therapist determines with your doctor.

• How long will my therapy sessions last?

  Your initial evaluation will be the longest appointment, about one hour and fifteen minutes to one hour and a half.  After that your appointments will each be about one hour long.

• How many sessions will I have?

  Each patient’s diagnosis is different, so together with your referring physician, your therapist will develop a plan of care that is right for you. Your plan of care and number of visits will be determined during your first visit and explained to you by your physical therapist.

• What happens if I can’t make my appointment?

  Oakland Physical Therapy, P.C. requires at least a 24 hour notice to cancel an appointment, in order to allow other patients in urgent need of treatment to use that time slot. Exceptions can certainly be made for cancellations due to weather, accidents, or medical emergencies.

  Appointments are always in high demand, and an early cancellation will give another person the opportunity to have access to timely care. In order to avoid fees, timely notice regarding scheduling conflicts is greatly appreciated. We wil make every effort to reschedule an appointment whenever necessary.

• What types of education/training do your therapists have?

  Physical therapists have years of university level training in anatomy, physiology, kinesiology (study of joint movement), neurology, and many of the other medical sciences. Our physical therapists have graduated from accredited physical therapy programs and are state licensed. Depending on the university, the physical therapy program is either a masters or doctorate level degree. Rest assured, your therapist is well trained to evaluate and treat your condition.

• Do you offer programs for me once I’m better?

  Yes, once you have completed your therapy sessions, your therapist will review your continuing home program.  We can make arrangements to meet you at your gym to work with you on determining what equipment may be beneficial, and what exercises would be helpful in your continued recovery.