FAQ & Patient Resources //
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Frequently Asked Questions //
Why should I come to Three Lakes Physical Therapy?
Three Lakes PT specializes in the pre-operative and post-surgical care of patients. Our surgical rehabilitation programs were designed to enhance your unique rehabilitation program by communicating directly with your physician. Our programs are designed with the patient’s individual goals and activities in mind.
Do you call my insurance to verify coverage for physical therapy visits?
Yes, we will call your insurance to verify coverage and update you on your benefits.
What should I wear to my first physical therapy visit?
Wear or bring comfortable exercise type clothing that will allow the therapist to evaluate the area of concern.
Do I need a referral/prescription to start physical therapy?
No. You can be thoroughly evaluated and begin treatment immediately. We will update your Doctor on your condition and progress. If after three weeks, you have not yet completed care, we will reach out to your Doctor and request a prescription to continue. Some Doctors may require an office visit at that time.
How much will I owe after my insurance pays?
You will be responsible for all co-pays and deductibles.
What is the cancellation policy??
We appreciate a phone call 24 hours or more in advance if you need to cancel or reschedule your physical therapy visit. Missing appointments will delay or impair your functional recovery, but we realize cancellations are sometimes unavoidable. There will be a charge for patients who cancel without providing adequate notice more than once during their program.
Does Dry Needling hurt?
Typically, patients will feel some level of discomfort, but it is short-lived. If one does not feel the treatment at all, it is not yet working. For most people, the anticipation is worse than the event.
What will I feel after Dry Needling?
There may be some soreness immediately after treatment in the area of the body that was dry needled. This is normal, although it does not always occur. Occasionally, soreness develops a few hours later, or even the next day. The soreness may vary depending on the area of the body that was treated, and also varies person-to-person, but typically it feels like you have had an intense workout at the gym. Occasionally patients will experience some bruising with this soreness. Following the soreness you should feel some improvement in your particular symptoms.
Health Insurance //
We accept almost all Health Insurance plans. Prior to your first visit, we will contact your Insurance company and find out about your Physical Therapy benefits, co-pays, etc.
New Patient Paperwork //
You can download our New Patient Paperwork here.
Your First Visit //
During your first visit you can expect the following:
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Please arrive at your appointment with your paperwork completed or you may complete it upon arrival. Please arrive 15 minutes prior to your appointment time if you need to complete paperwork.
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We will make sure that we have your prescription and a copy of your insurance card.
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Please be prepared to pay at time of service any copay or coinsurance due.
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You will be seen for the initial evaluation by your therapist.
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The therapist will discuss the following:
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Your medical history.
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Your current problems/complaints.
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Pain intensity, what aggravates and eases the problem.
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How this is impacting your daily activities or your functional limitations.
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Your goals with physical therapy.
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Medications, tests, and procedures related to your health.
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The therapist will then perform the objective evaluation which may include some of the following:
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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.
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Range of Motion (ROM) – the therapist will move the joint(s) to check for the quality of movement and any restrictions.
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Muscle Testing – the therapist may check for strength and the quality of the muscle contraction. Pain and weakness may be noted. Often the muscle strength is graded. This is also part of a neurological screening.
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Neurological Screening – the therapist may check to see how the nerves are communicating with the muscles, sensing touch, pain, vibration, or temperature. Reflexes may be assessed as well.
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Special Tests – the therapist may perform special tests to confirm/rule out the presence of additional problems.
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Posture Assessment – the positions of joints relative to ideal and each other may be assessed.
The therapist will then formulate a list of problems you are having, and how to treat those problems. A plan is subsequently developed with your input. 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 physician.