FAQs
What is physical therapy?
Physical therapists are medical experts in soft tissue, musculoskeletal and neurological conditions. Our physical therapists are experts in the evaluation and treatment of human movement impairments which underlie soft tissue disease and pain. 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?
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.
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 a 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 temporary soreness from stretching through scar tissue and using muscles that are weakened or recovering. This is a normal response to therapy treatment. Good communication with your therapist will help minimize discomfort. We want you on your way to quick pain relief and back to normal activities.
Does insurance cover my treatment?
Yes, in most cases it does. Our office will be happy to assist in contacting your insurance company and determining your coverage based on your individual policy. For more information do not hesitate to contact our office. We do offer different payment options for your convenience.
What if I don’t have insurance?
For patients who do not have insurance, we offer a discounted fee, due at the time of service.
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?
Dress comfortably with clothes that allow easy access for the therapist to examine your problem areas. For treatments, loose-fitting clothes that are comfortable for gentle exercises and supportive sneakers are often good choices to wear. Ask our front desk for specific clothing and footwear needed for biomechanical testing
How long will my therapy sessions last?
Typically, the first session lasts for 1 hour 30 minutes. Each session after that may be 60 minutes.
How many sessions will I have?
Each patient’s diagnosis is different, 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 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.
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 Canyon Sports 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 is biomechanics?
Biomechanics is the scientific discipline that applies the principles of mechanics to human movement. Biomechanics incorporates the concepts of engineering and physics in order to understand normal and pathological motion, physical performance, and mechanisms of injury. This is the study of how and why we move. By measuring the motion and forces applied to the body during human movement, potential causes of dysfunction can be identified. Typical Physical Therapy or Personal Training assessments do not utilize biomechanical assessments due to a lack of sufficient equipment and expertise to perform this type of assessment. A great deal of guesswork and assumption becomes necessary without the ability to measure force and motion during activity. Accurate assessment of walking, running, jumping, cutting or cycling activities are impossible without the aid of specialized equipment. The use of high-speed cameras, force measuring systems and EMG telemetry are required to accurately record and measure motion and forces.
How can a biomechanical analysis help me?
Biomechanical testing can help identify the cause(s) or source of your pain. It will also identify problems before they become symptomatic and more serious. Many therapies focus on treating pain symptoms without treating the underlying cause. This usually gives only temporary relief at best. The only true way to eliminate pain is to treat it at its origin. By incorporating the information from your biomechanical analysis into a precise treatment plan you have the best opportunity to recover quickly, eliminate your pain, and prevent the recurrence of your injury. Interestingly you will find that your physical ability also improves as you reduce or remove these biomechanical faults.
How do I know if I need a biomechanical evaluation?
Anyone who has difficulty moving or experiences pain during physical activity is a candidate for a biomechanical evaluation. For persons with pain, a biomechanical evaluation will determine if abnormal movement is contributing to your symptoms. Such an evaluation particularly is indicated when conventional forms of treatment have failed (i.e. surgery, injections, medications, chiropractic, physical therapy, etc).
What does a biomechanical evaluation entail?
Depending on the type of evaluation being performed, you likely will be asked to perform activities similar to those that cause your symptoms. Walking and running evaluations will be performed on an instrumented treadmill. For return to sport evaluations, be prepared to perform activities consistent with your sport (i.e. jumping, cutting, lateral movements, etc.). In addition to evaluating your movement, we also may evaluate your muscle strength, flexibility, joint range of motion, etc.
What should I wear to my appointment?
To properly analyze your movement, we will need to see your joints, the top of your pelvis and trunk. Your shorts may need to be taped up so we can see the appropriate bony landmarks. Running shorts or spandex type shorts, tight fitting sleeveless tops work best. Please wear the same type of shoes you would use when performing your sport (no spiked shoes !)
How long does a biomechanical evaluation take?
Please allow a minimum of 2 hours for your evaluation.
Do I need to do anything to prepare for my evaluation?
There is no need to prepare for your evaluation. However, it is important to avoid vigorous activity a day or two before your examination. Please bring any pertinent medical records to your appointment, including MRI, x-rays, etc.
How much does a biomechanical evaluation cost?
The cost of your evaluation will depend on the type of testing being performed. Typical charges range from $175-$500.
Will insurance cover the cost of the testing?
We strongly believe that biomechanical testing is a valuable service, which leads to better outcomes, and ultimately lower healthcare costs. Insurance plans vary considerably and we cannot guarantee your insurance will cover your biomechanical testing. We do not submit these specialized services to insurances at this time and full payment for your biomechanical testing session is required at the time of your visit.
When will I get the results of my evaluation?
You will receive a verbal summary of your results immediately following your evaluation. An electronic report will be provided within 2 weeks. If you would like copies of your videos, please bring a flash-drive and we will provide them to you.
Will you communicate the results of my evaluation with my physician, physical therapist, or trainer?
Upon your request, we will provide a copy of your report to the person(s) of your choosing. We are also available to talk directly with your health care provider to discuss your results.