Frequently Asked Questions

According to the American Physical Therapy Association, Physical Therapy, which is the care and service provided by or under the direction and supervision of a Licensed Physical Therapist includes: 

1. Examining patients with impairments, functional limitations, and disability or other health related conditions to determine a diagnosis, prognosis, and intervention. 
2. Alleviating impairments and functional limitations by designing, implementing, and modifying therapeutic interventions.
3. Preventing injury, impairments, functional limitations, and disability, including the promotion and maintenance of fitness, health, and quality of life in all age populations.
4. Engaging in consultation, education, and research.

Yes. We accept most major PPO insurances, Medicare, TriCare, and Worker Compensation and Liens on a case-by-case basis. Please call the office at (562) 598-5500 to discuss your personal insurance coverage. We would be happy to assist you in verifying coverage and benefits.

The amount you are responsible for depends on your individual insurance plan. The insurance coordinator will discuss this with you prior to or on the day of your first visit.

Depending on the requirements of your insurance, providing a list of your prescriptions may or may not be required to perform an initial evaluation. However, it is helpful for your Physical Therapist to have this during your first visit to make an appropriate Physical Therapy diagnosis. 

You can expect that each session will last approximately 60-80 minutes.

During every visit a Licensed Physical Therapist will deliver your treatment including hands on care (soft tissue mobilization and/or joint mobilization), stretching, exercise, and modalities (if necessary). We also have highly trained Physical Therapy Aides who, through the supervision of your Physical Therapist, guide you through specific exercises your Physical Therapist has prescribed for you.

A Licensed Physical Therapist will perform the examination consisting of: 

• Subjective Assessment. Your Physical Therapist will discuss your pertinent past medical history including diagnostic testing by your doctor, current and past symptoms, problems or chief complaints, current and past 30 day pain levels, review of medications, your aggravating and easing factors, your current functional deficits/status, and your expected goals following the completion.
• Objective Assessment. Your Physical Therapist will make observations and take measurements including:
  • Range of motion: measure active and passive range of motion of applicable joints
  • Strength testing: test for weakness and/or asymmetry of the appropriate muscle groups
  • Neurological testing: reflexes, sensation, and strength testing may be used by your Physical Therapist to determine if your nerves are being affected or contributing to your symptoms
  • Palpation of the affected area(s)
  • Postural assessment: Position of joints and symmetry of your muscles
  • Gait analysis, balance, and coordination testing (when appropriate)
  • Functional testing (e.g. lifting, stair climbing, squatting, transitions)
  • Special testing necessary to obtaining relevant objective information
• Skilled Assessment. Your Physical Therapist will discuss his/her findings and educate you using charts or models to help you understand the possible factors influencing or causing your symptom pattern. 
• Plan. Your Physical Therapist will discuss his/her plan for treatment based on your goals. Additionally, he/she will discuss the how long and often you should expect to be in formal physical therapy to achieve the selected treatment goals.

Yes. All patients receive an individualized home exercise program (with detailed diagrams) as we believe this is perhaps the most important factor in a successful long term outcome. If it is expected that you will continue to benefit from your treatment, you will have to make some behavioral changes or modifications to your daily activities and/or lifestyle.

Yes. Our philosophy is to have our patients seen by the same clinician for each visit as this practice improves continuity and in most cases the outcome. In certain circumstances you may be asked to see one our other Therapists. In these cases it may be due to illness or vacation of the Therapist, a conflict in the schedule, or in consultation with another Therapist to assist in promoting a higher quality of care and/or outcome.