Patient Information for Physical Therapy

We are contracted with most major health insurance plans (please note that we do not have any contracts with HMO plans). For inquiries about your insurance coverage, including information about direct access services, please contact our office. We are here to assist you in verifying your insurance benefits and addressing any physical therapy FAQs you may have.

What is Direct Access? It refers to your ability to directly refer yourself to physical therapy, allowing you to schedule an appointment at our clinic without the need to consult a physician first. With Direct Access, your physical therapist can evaluate you immediately under your insurance coverage and provide treatment right away. Early intervention through physical therapy can facilitate a quicker recovery, helping you return to your normal activities sooner. Did you know that most insurance plans in California include 'Direct Access'? Contact us to learn more about how we can assist you in getting back to living life to the fullest as quickly as possible. For further details, check out our physical therapy FAQs.

How long is each therapy session? Your initial session with us will last approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes. Each follow-up visit will be roughly 45-60 minutes, based on your needs identified during the evaluation.

Isn't physical therapy painful? At Crest Physical Therapy and Wellness, we do not subscribe to the 'No Pain, No Gain' mantra. While you may experience some discomfort with manual techniques used to loosen joints or soft tissue, it should never be painful during your physical therapy sessions.

How many visits will I need to recover? Since no two injuries are the same, we treat each individual uniquely. During your evaluation, your therapist will collaborate with you to identify your goals and determine what is needed to achieve them. This personalized approach will help develop a tailored plan to get you back to your normal lifestyle as quickly as possible.

What should I wear to visits? It is advisable to wear loose, comfortable clothes that allow your therapist to adequately expose the injured area to provide the necessary treatment. This will help ensure that you can reach your therapy goals effectively.

Will I be sore after treatment sessions? You should not experience 'pain' after treatment sessions, as our goal is to restore function without aggravating your injury.

Do I need a prescription? Most insurances support direct access for physical therapy, which means you typically do not need a prescription for the initial treatment of your injury. However, if your insurance plan does not cover direct access or if your injury requires longer treatment than what is allowed (30-40 days), you may need to obtain a prescription. Contact us, and we can help you determine your options based on your insurance coverage.

Do I need to go to the clinic that is on the prescription? NO! A prescription for physical therapy is valid at any outpatient clinic, giving you the flexibility to choose the best facility that fits your needs.