With recent changes in state law, a physician's referral is no longer required for a physical therapist to perform an initial evaluation. If you have a problem, we encourage you to come in for an initial evaluation to assess the problem and determine if physical therapy is appropriate for you. Get the process started...don't delay. Many studies have confirmed what common sense already tells us. The longer we wait to get help, the worse the problem gets and the longer it takes to fix it. If your therapist determines physical therapy would help your problem, we can assist you in obtaining a referral, which is needed in some cases for insurance reimbursement and to perform follow-up treatment. If you already have a referral from your physician, please bring your referral to your first visit. If your physician's office told you they would fax your referral, please let us know so we can confirm we have received it.
While subsequent treatment sessions generally begin on the hour, for your first evaluation you will be asked to arrive 15 minutes before the hour. This allows time for paperwork to be processed and entered into our system. We recommend intake forms (see below) be downloaded, printed, and filled out prior to your arrival. This will expedite the registration process and allow your evaluation to start on time.
You and your physical therapist will then discuss your problem and history in more detail. Your therapist will then evaluate your problem including assessing movement, performing tests, and taking measurements.
Treatment may begin during this first visit. This may provide you with some relief from your symptoms, and it also provides your therapist with a more hands-on assessment of your problem. Because your therapist will be assessing movement and performing treatment, it is important you wear clothing which will allow them to access the region for evaluation and treatment.
You will be given a folder at the end of your first appointment. Your exercises, given as homework, will be kept in this folder. You may be given one or two exercises on your first visit, but don’t worry, we will avoid giving you exercises that are too difficult for you to perform. Try to bring your exercise folder with you every visit as we will continue to add, change, and update your home program as your status progresses. This folder also contains useful information about our services and your insurance coverage.
You and your therapist will also decide on a treatment plan, establishing the number of sessions per week you will need. Following your visit, your physical therapist will document your session and send a copy of your evaluation to your physician. Our administrative staff will collect a co-payment and work with you on scheduling follow-up appointments with your assigned team of therapists.
Congratulations, you have taken your first step on the road to better health.
Thank you once again for entrusting Dynamic Performance with your care. In order to make your registration process more efficient, we have condensed this information. To schedule your first appointment, please contact us at (256) 837-5425
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For every area we address, we need to assess and treat the entire region and this is easier when the region is readily accessible. In addition, part of the session will involve exercises and therefore comfortable, loose fitting clothing are important. A tank top or loose fitting t-shirt works best for treating the neck, shoulder, elbow, wrist and hand as well as the mid-back. T-shirt and gym shorts for low back, hip, knee, foot and ankle are the most optimal. However, you are welcome to discuss other options with your therapist if you are uncomfortable wearing any of these items. We also have gowns, shorts and T-shirts available in the clinic if you forget to bring clothing items to a session.
