FAQs

What happens on my first visit?
All first sessions (telehealth or in-person): Your therapist will talk with you to find out about your symptoms and your goals. We will review your medical history and forms with you, answer your questions and learn more about what brings you to our office. Your therapist will perform a comprehensive, visual evaluation of your overall alignment, strength, flexibility and movement. In-person sessions: Your therapist may also perform hands-on evaluation of your joints and mobility as well as visual and/ or manual internal and external examination of your pelvic muscles via vagina and/ or rectum. For both telehealth and in-person sessions, your therapist will discuss findings and treatment recommendations with you, provide you with a home program and answer any additional questions.
Do I need to come early?
You should arrive 15 minutes early for your first visit. If you did not complete your paperwork you should allow an additional 15 minutes to fully complete this prior to your appointment. Prepare to come a few minutes early to your follow up sessions to allow time to check in, use the restroom, and change clothing as needed prior to seeing your therapist.
What should I bring?
*Completed Patient Forms for your first visit. You may bring a separate list of your current medications, past surgeries and any specific tests/ results with you if you prefer. These forms take time and thought and should be done in advance of your visit. If you do not bring them with you, you will need to fill them out prior to seeing your therapist. *A referral from your physician, if required by your insurance company and you plan to submit for reimbursement. If you are not sure whether you need a referral for insurance purposes, check with your insurance provider.
What should I wear?
Wear or bring comfortable clothing that you can move in for your first and follow up visits. This may include comfortable shorts, yoga or sweat pants, comfortable walking shoes or sneakers, and a shirt. Women may want to bring a sports bra as some of the assessment and treatment will require us to look at your spine and abdomen. We also have gowns for your convenience.
What happens if I start my cycle?
We are still able to see you if you start your period. In most cases this will not disrupt exercise or manual treatment, although there may be some interventions that we will defer until your cycle ends based on your comfort and/ or treatment plan. Contact us prior to changing your appointment if you have any questions.
How many visits will I need?
Your number of treatment sessions and frequency of visits may vary according to your diagnosis, duration and intensity of your symptoms, medical and musculoskeletal contributors, and your consistency with attendance and home program. Your therapist will be able to give you a prognosis at your first visit and will continue to discuss and update this throughout your treatment.
I can’t come as often as my therapist recommends. Will you still see me?
Of course! We understand that most of our patients are juggling many other time and financial commitments, and that this may at times affect their ability to attend physical therapy. Our treatment philosophy relies on both clinic treatment and a home program. Decreased frequency of treatment may prolong your symptoms, however we will work with you to maximize your time in the clinic as well as emphasize your home exercises to progress you toward your goals.
Do I need a doctor referral?
North Carolina is a direct access state for physical therapy services meaning you do not need a referral from a physician for physical therapy services. However, pelvic health problems may also occur in conjunction with other serious medical problems. Thus, we may require a referral from your medical provider prior to your first session or during your treatment course to ensure adequate medical screening and testing. This will allow us to collaborate and communicate with your health care provider to ensure comprehensive treatment and wellness.
Will my insurance company pay for physical therapy services?
Most insurance companies cover physical therapy services. Some require a doctor’s referral. Check with your insurance company to see if they cover physical therapy as an “out-of-network” rate.
Can I set up a payment plan?
Payment is due in full at time of service. Please speak with our billing expert if you have questions about payment.
What questions do I ask my insurance company for reimbursement of your services?
Please download the Insurance Benefit Worksheet for some questions to ask about reimbursement for physical therapy services.
How does physical therapy help pelvic pain?
Muscles, connective tissue (fascia), and nerves in the pelvis and surrounding regions may all contribute to pelvic pain. Physical therapists are well trained to evaluate and treat muscle spasm and trigger points that can result from muscle imbalance, compression or stretch injuries, and trauma.
My pain is in my abdomen. Why are you treating my pelvis?
Some muscles and structures in the pelvic region refer pain to the abdomen, buttock or tailbone areas. In addition, decreased muscle function in the pelvis either due to spasm, weakness, and/ or poor coordination may contribute to your pain. We believe in treating the source of the problem rather than only the location of the pain.
Do Kegels help?
Kegel exercises, or pelvic muscle contractions, may be helpful for some patients with certain symptoms, such as incontinence. However, when done incorrectly, or if performed with a short or painful muscle, symptoms may remain unchanged or worsen.
Do I need to have my pelvic muscles examined?
If your symptoms involve pain, weakness, or coordination of the pelvic muscles, you will need a pelvic muscle examination for the most comprehensive assessment of your problem. This provides an important piece of information regarding your individualized physical therapy treatment plan, and full recovery may not be achieved without it. However, you always have the option to defer or decline this or any part of your examination and treatment.
Can I bring my spouse?
Yes. You may bring a spouse, partner or friend with you to any or all visits. We are happy to work with you together on pain management techniques, home exercises and general education about your condition.
Can I bring my children?
We would love to meet your family! However, it is preferable for you to come to your initial and follow up treatments without your children if possible. This allows for open discussion of personal information, as well as comprehensive examination and treatment. That said we appreciate that many of our patients are busy moms, and that child care issues may be a factor from time to time- please keep your appointment and come as planned if this occurs and we will do our best to accommodate your needs accordingly.
I am coming from out of town. Can I have a longer appointment?
Yes. We can reserve longer or more frequent appointments to accommodate travel on an as-needed basis. Please contact us for payment information. Please note: Your insurance company may have a limit on the amount they will reimburse you for each session, and this may be limited to a maximum amount per day. If you are unsure about your insurance benefits and plan to submit for reimbursement, check with your insurance provider.