FAQ

Do I need a doctor’s prescription/referral for treatment?

No, you do not need a doctor’s prescription. Per Arizona State Law, a person may see a physical therapist via direct access. In other words, you have the ability to be evaluated and treated by a physical therapist without being referred by a doctor or other healthcare practitioner. However, if you have a prescription, we will gladly accept it and correspond with your physician as needed while we provide the physical therapy Phoenix, AZ trusts.

What happens during my first visit?

The therapist will discuss the following:

  • Your medical history

  • Your current condition and reason for seeking treatment

  • Pain intensity, what aggravates and eases the problem

  • How this impacts your daily activities 

  • Your goals for physical therapy

  • Medications, tests, and procedures related to your health

The therapist will then perform the objective evaluation which may include some of the following:

  • Palpation – touching around the area of the pain/problem. This is done to check for the presence of tenderness, swelling, soft tissue integrity, tissue temperature, inflammation, etc.

  • Range of Motion (ROM) – the therapist will move the joint(s) to check for the quality of movement and any restrictions.

  • Muscle Testing – the therapist may check for strength and the quality of the muscle contraction. Muscle strength is graded with pain and weakness noted. This is also part of a neurological screening.

  • Neurological Screening – the therapist may check to see how the nerves are communicating with the muscles and sensation of touch. Reflexes may be assessed as well.

  • Special Tests – the therapist may perform special tests to confirm/rule out the presence of orthopedic pathologies.

  • Posture Assessment – the positions of joints relative to ideal and each other may be assessed.

The therapist will then formulate a list of issues you are experiencing and how to treat those problems. This includes how many times you should see the therapist per week, how many weeks you will need therapy, home programs, patient education, short-term/long-term goals, and what is expected after discharge from therapy. This plan is created with input from you, your therapist, and your doctor.

How should I dress?
You should wear loose fitting clothing so you can expose the area that we will be evaluating and treating. For example, if you have a knee problem, it is best to wear shorts. For a shoulder problem, a tank top is a good choice. For low back problems, wear a loose-fitting shirt and pants so we can perform a thorough examination.

How long will each treatment last?
Treatment sessions typically last 30 to 60 minutes per visit.

How many visits will I need?
This is highly variable. You may need one visit or you may need weeks to months of care. It depends on your diagnosis, the severity of your impairments, your past medical history and more. 

How much does a session cost?
AZ Manual Physical Therapy offers and provides a one-on-one, hands-on physical therapy experience, where 100% of your time is spent with a physical therapist creating a treatment program that works for you. There are no extra costs for an evaluation and no hidden fees for additional treatment techniques.

AZ Manual Physical Therapy offers several payment structures that are fitted to meet the needs of each individual client. We have payment options with rates that are extremely competitive with traditional out-patient therapy clinics and provide many additional conveniences and benefits.

How does the billing process work and are your services covered by insurance?

We have out-of-network status with most private insurance companies and plans. We do not bill any insurance companies for physical therapy services. Payment in full is expected at the time of service. Upon request, an itemized bill (Superbill) can be produced for a client and the client is responsible for submitting this bill for reimbursement or credit towards their deductible. Although most insurance companies and plans offer some type of credit or reimbursement for our services, this is not guaranteed and it is always the responsibility of the client to verify his/her benefits.

AZ Manual Physical Therapy is a cash-based physical therapy practice. We feel strongly about providing you with the best physical therapy in Scottsdale, AZ, which you deserve and need. We believe you should not be limited to a set number of visits or confusing billing codes. Your body tells us how many visits you need and what services work for you. Payment can be made via cash, check, major credit card, and Zelle.