FAQs

• What is physical therapy?

  Physical therapy is a medical, hands-on approach to relieving pain and restoring function. Physical therapists are medical experts in musculoskeletal and neurological conditions and work closely with physicians. 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, our 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.

• Do I need a prescription for physical therapy?

  Direct Access laws in the state of Virginia allow patients to see a physical therapist without a prescription for 30 days. This allows you to access physical therapy as soon as you need it.  Should you require more than 30 days of physical therapy, we can work with you to obtain approval by your physician.

• How do I know if physical therapy will help me?

  Working with you and your doctor, we can discuss your options and help determine if physical therapy will be the right choice for you. Call us today to discuss your current condition or request an appointment now.

• Can I go to any physical therapy clinic I choose?

  As a patient you have the right to receive physical therapy at any place you choose. At Respire Physical 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 request an appointment.

• 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 an automobile accident or 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 some temporary soreness from using muscles that are weakened or recovering. This is a normal response to therapy treatment. Good communication with your therapist will help minimize any 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. Respire Physical Therapy will be happy to assist in contacting your insurance company and determining your coverage based on your individual policy. For more information, visit our insurance plan page and please do not hesitate to contact our Falls Church, VA physical therapy 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.

• How long will my therapy sessions last?

  Typically, the first session lasts for 1 hour. Each session after that may be 30-45 minutes. The amount of time will be based on your specific needs, and your therapist will discuss this with you.

• How many sessions will I have?

  Each patient’s diagnosis is different, so together with your referring physician, 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 our 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. All our physical therapists have graduated from accredited doctorate physical therapy programs and are state licensed. 

• 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.