Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
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With so much information on the internet these days it’s important to know you’re getting credible information from a qualified professional. General advice like “exercises for low back pain” may not be a big deal for a minor issue but could make things worse for someone with a more serious condition. PTs have a doctoral level of education and have studied the gamut of injuries and dysfunctions. They could help discern what’s going on and how to treat it effectively. There are not many professionals out there who could offer you the combination of treatments that PTs could offer, including an initial evaluation, manual treatment, and exercise. Also, not all therapists are the same so it may be beneficial to try it even if you’ve had PT before.
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Physical therapy is a service to help decrease pain and restore optimal movement. Typically it addresses musculoskeletal or orthopedic issues, but also works with neurological issues. It includes:
a thorough initial evaluation
manual therapy (hands-on treatment working on soft tissues and joints)
assistance with exercises (flexibility, mobility, strength, proper breathing and stabilization, motor control)
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Anyone could benefit from physical therapy. Whether it’s for pain, proper breathing, trunk stabilization, or learning optimal movement, physical therapy could be helpful for your everyday person, athletes, or those who’ve been involved in traumatic accidents.
Common conditions:
Neck or back pain
Upper body pain (shoulder, scapula, elbow, wrist, hand)
Lower body pain (hip, knee, ankle, feet)
Stiffness in joints
Flexibility/mobility issues
Herniated discs
Degeneration in joints; arthritis
Tendinitis; tendinopathies
Numbness/tingling down the arms or legs.
Scoliosis
Overuse injuries
Post-stroke
Chronic pain
Sports injuries
A locking sensation
A giving-out sensation; instability
Balance/proprioception problems
Post-surgical
Neurological issues
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Physical therapists have a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree which is a 3-yr graduate degree (7 years total including undergrad). Some PTs have a MPT (Master’s degree) or a PT (Bachelor’s degree). Any other initials after a person’s name and they are likely not a licensed physical therapist.
PTs are trained in principles of Western medicine (i.e. acupuncturists are trained in Eastern medicine). They need to pass a rigorous national board exam and be licensed in their state, which requires 30 credit hours of continuing education every two years.
Check a therapist’s license here: Verify license
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Central PT is “out-of-network” with insurance, which means patients are still able to receive reimbursement for each visit from their insurance depending on their out-of-network physical therapy benefits. We provide you with a “superbill”, or sales receipt, after each visit which could then be submitted to your insurance for reimbursement, but we do not bill the insurance company directly.
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Most people have what’s called a “deductible” through their insurance, which means you have to pay a certain amount before the insurance even kicks in. For some people it’s $500 per year (which is on the low end) but for others it could be upwards to $5000 or more per year, which, if you’re not having surgery or something major happen to you it would likely not be met. This means anywhere you go for PT, whether they accept your insurance or not, you’re paying a cash rate until the deductible is met.
Some things you should also consider are:
(1) Is the clinic providing 1-on-1 sessions with the physical therapist for the full session? Most places use aides or assistants so the PT is only seen for part of the time.
(2) Is the PT hands-on with you during the session? Some places utilize passive treatments or things you could do without the PT there.
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There is no third party (insurance) directing patient care, so there are no limits to number of visits, no limits to how many body parts could be treated at one time, and no prescription requirements in order to begin care. There are also no future bills to worry about as the transaction is completed after each visit.
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We are not participating providers for Medicare. We can only accept Medicare beneficiaries as patients when the patient does not want Medicare billed for any PT services. This request must be made up front by the patient and of the patient’s own free will.
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There is free parking underneath the building (entrance off of Windsor Blvd) where you could park in any available spot even if it says “reserved”. Take the elevator to the 2nd floor to Suite 290. There is also metered and street parking available off of Windsor Blvd.
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Please wear something comfortable that you could easily move around in. Access to the region being treated is ideal (i.e. shorts or pants that could be rolled up for knee or ankle issue; tanktop or loose shirt for shoulder or back issue).
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Doctor prescription/referral for physical therapy (if you have one)
X-ray/MRI report (if taken)
Paperwork is recommended to be filled out and sent back via email at least a day prior to the visit. This will allow the physical therapist to review your file and have more time for treatment when you come in.
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In the state of CA there is what’s called “Direct Access” where you can start seeing a physical therapist directly without seeing a physician first. This could continue for 12 visits or 45 days – whichever comes first – and then a plan of care (prescription) from a physician will need to be obtained to continue care.
Check your insurance.
We are out-of-network with insurance. You could either fill out the form with the necessary information and we will contact you or you could call your insurance directly and ask about your “out-of-network physical therapy benefits”.