Do I need a doctor’s referral to receive treatment?

The short answer is no!

Direct Access refers to your legal right to be treated by a physical therapist without a prescription or referral, so if you don't have a prescription for physical therapy, there is nothing to worry about!

All fifty states and the District of Columbia have ruled enabling patients "Direct Access" to physical therapy services and programs. You can be evaluated and seen by a physical therapist for 60 days without a medical referral.

Can I go to any physical therapy clinic?

According to “The Patient’s Bill of Rights” law, you can decide what physical therapy clinic you choose for your care.

Although a lot of physicians recommend a physical therapy clinic they may prefer, you are under no obligation to go to that clinic. No medical practitioner, insurance company, or other entity can insist you attend a physical therapy clinic. The choice is yours to make!

Your basic patient rights include these:

The right to information about quality: You can look up information about medical practitioners' credentials, statistics regarding hospitals and clinics, and what your health plan covers in easy-to-understand language.

The right to choose a healthcare provider: Besides your primary healthcare provider, this also covers specialists, including physical therapists.

The right to emergency services: You can't be denied treatment in an emergency.

The right to make decisions: It's up to you to decide which course of treatment you want to follow.

The right to respect: You must be treated with respect regardless of sex, age, race, national origin, sexual orientation, or disability.

The right to confidentiality: Your health information is private and cannot be released without your consent.

The right to complain: All providers (insurance, physicians, clinics and hospitals, etc.) must have a grievance procedure.

All fifty states and the District of Columbia have made a ruling enabling patients “Direct Access” to physical therapy services and programs. This means you can contact a physical therapist directly without a physician's prescription or referral. 

How can I make an appointment?

Scheduling an appointment at PEAK Physical Therapy & Sports Rehabilitation in Williamsburg, VA is easier than ever! Our scheduling is easy, and we offer a convenient location and appointment times. We have morning and evening appointments available to meet the demands of your busy schedule.

Call us today at (757) 231-7449 for the McLaws Circle location or at (757) 241-5129 for the Michael Commons location. You can also click here to request an appointment.

How is my progress measured?

Physical therapists primarily measure your impairments and your functional limitations.

Impairments include:

  • Pain
  • Weakness
  • Loss of motion
  • Paresthesias (numbness, tingling, pins, needles, etc.)

Functional limitations include:

  • Lying
    • Sleep
    • Rolling over
    • Getting up out of bed
  • Sitting
    • Moving from standing to sitting
    • Moving from sitting to standing
  • Standing
  • Walking
    • Level ground
    • Stairs
    • Uneven ground
  • Running
  • etc

Tracking your impairments and functional abilities gives physical therapists objective information to compare with initial measurements. In addition, your reports and personal experiences help to validate your improvements and clue your therapist to regressions and/or lack of progress.

The bottom line is that you should notice improvements in how you feel and function throughout therapy. If you are not following an anticipated path of progress, your therapist will reassess the situation or make recommendations for further testing or treatments.

How long is each appointment going to be?

Although every patient is different, the initial session usually lasts 1 hour to an hour and 15 minutes. After that, each session will vary depending on your condition and progress; most often, it will last 45-60 minutes.

Your unique needs will determine the length of time, which our therapist will discuss with you. In addition, the frequency of your weekly appointments will be determined by you and your physical therapist.

It is common for your therapist to want to see you more often in the early stages of your care to assess your progress and confirm your treatment plan. You'll probably see your therapist twice a week initially and then make your appointments more spaced out as you proceed through treatment.

Will my insurance cover the cost of treatment?

We understand that dealing with insurance can be complicated; therefore, PEAK Physical Therapy & Sports Rehabilitation would gladly assist you and answer your questions. It is important to contact your insurance carrier to determine your coverage depending on your specific policy.

Visit our insurance plans page for additional information, and please do not hesitate to contact our Williamsburg, VA physical therapy office.

For your convenience, we provide a variety of payment alternatives.

What if I do not have insurance?

Our clinic will never turn a patient away for this reason!

If you do not have insurance, that’s okay. For patients who do not have insurance, we offer private pay options due at the time of service.

Please contact our Williamsburg, VA clinic and speak to our front desk about costs and setting up payment plans.

What should I do to prepare for my first appointment?

There are a few things we ask all patients to bring with them on their first visit to our office.

  • Please go online and fill out our forms, print out the patient forms, complete them, and bring them with you for your initial evaluation. If you cannot do this or do not have access to a printer/computer, please allow extra time to fill these out upon arrival.
  • Please arrive at least 15 minutes early to complete any remaining paperwork so that you can maximize your time in your evaluation.
  • Please wear comfortable clothing that allows easy access to your problem areas.
  • If you intend to use insurance, please bring your insurance information (we will make a copy of your card).
  • Please bring any referrals, prescriptions, and test results from your referring physician, Nurse Practitioner, or physician assistant.
  • In case of an automobile accident or worker's compensation claim, bring any case manager or insurance adjuster's contact names, phone numbers, and claim number.

Please have your prescription and insurance card available when you call our office. This will allow us to verify your insurance benefits and provide you with an estimate of coverage.

What office policies should I be aware of?

If you cannot attend your appointment due to illness or another emergency, please notify our clinic at least 24 hours before your scheduled appointment time.

A non-refundable charge of 50 dollars will be applied to any missed appointments that have not been rescheduled at least 24 hours in advance.

Please reschedule your appointment with our front desk if you have been sick or ill so that we can maintain a safe, healthy environment for our patients and personnel.

What exactly do physical therapists do?

Physical therapists are movement experts who can help you live a better life by providing hands-on care, patient education, and movement-based exercises.

Physical therapists are committed to assisting you in improving and restoring your movement and function, as well as managing pain and reducing the symptoms of a variety of chronic conditions and diseases. Their expertise is in examining the whole person and developing therapeutic interventions to assist you in recovering from and preventing injury.

Our physical therapists evaluate and treat a wide range of pain and injuries. Our team is made up of movement professionals who have the knowledge and experience to diagnose and treat any musculoskeletal condition.

We play a critical role in the prevention, reversal, and control of both old and new injuries. We use objective measurements to determine the severity of your injuries and tailor your treatment accordingly. Each program is tailored to your specific needs.

How do I locate a physical therapist?

Our Williamsburg, VA physical therapy clinics take pride in offering a positive, encouraging environment staffed by well-trained, friendly professionals. We are confident in our ability to help you achieve your objectives.

You are free to seek physical therapy at any facility of your choice. You will receive the best possible care while achieving the best possible results at PEAK Physical Therapy & Sports Rehabilitation.

Can my physical therapist make a diagnosis for me?

When you come in for your first session at PEAK Physical Therapy & Sports Rehabilitation, your physical therapist will conduct a thorough evaluation that includes a detailed history and a thorough physical examination. The initial assessment determines the severity of your injury or illness and aids in determining the source of your symptoms and the factors contributing to your condition.

Physical therapists frequently collaborate with physicians to provide confirmation or potential contradictions to a diagnosis to ensure that your diagnosis is correct and your treatment plan is appropriate.

Can I seek treatment at any physical therapy clinic?

You have the right to choose which physical therapy clinic you want to use for your care, according to the law known as "The Patient's Bill of Rights."

Although many physicians may recommend a physical therapy clinic that they prefer, you are not required to go to that clinic. No medical professional, insurance company, or other entity has the authority to compel you to attend a physical therapy clinic. The decision is entirely yours!

You also do not have to wait for a physician to refer you to the clinic of your choice, thanks to Direct Access laws.

You have legal access to physical therapy services, including evaluations and treatments, with direct access. Every state, the District of Columbia, and the United States Virgin Islands permit evaluation and treatment without a physician referral.

To put it another way, you can select the clinic of your choice!

Is it necessary for my doctor to refer me for physical therapy?

The simple answer is no!

Direct Access regulations allow individuals to go directly to a physical therapy clinic of their choice and receive the treatment they require.

Direct Access allows you to see a physical therapist without a prescription or a doctor's referral. Physical therapy treatments and programs are now available to patients in all fifty states and the District of Columbia.

Will my insurance pay for the treatment?

We understand that dealing with insurance can be difficult. That's why PEAK Physical Therapy & Sports Rehabilitation would be delighted to assist you and answer your questions. It is critical to contact your insurance provider to determine your coverage under your specific policy.

Please see our insurance page for more information, and feel free to contact our Williamsburg, VA physical therapy clinic with any questions. For your convenience, we offer a variety of payment options.

I don’t have any insurance. Can I continue to receive physical therapy?

Our clinic will never turn away a patient!

For patients who do not have insurance, we offer cash-based options that must be paid at the time of service. Please contact our Williamsburg, VA clinic and ask our front desk about rates and payment options.

How do I make payment for each session?

To ensure that you understand your requirements, we recommend that you contact your insurance carrier to determine your coverage, copayments/coinsurance, and overall plan.

At each visit, our staff will assess your insurance benefits and notify you of your payments.

We accept the following payment methods:

We also provide payment options based on the individual's situation and can provide additional information upon request.

It is our policy to collect payment at the time of service.

How do I make an appointment?

It's never been easier or more convenient to make an appointment at PEAK Physical Therapy & Sports Rehabilitation in Williamsburg, VA.

We have morning and evening appointments available to accommodate your hectic schedule.

Our scheduling process is simple, and we provide a convenient location and appointment times. Call us at (757) 231-7449 for the McLaws Circle location or at (757) 241-5129 for the Michael Commons location. You can also click here to make an appointment today.

What type of clothing should I wear to appointments?

Wear loose-fitting clothes that are easy to move in and allow easy access to the area causing your symptoms. We also recommend that you wear comfortable shoes or sneakers.

How long should each appointment last?

At your first visit, we will begin with a comprehensive evaluation that will last approximately 1 hour to 1 hour and 15 minutes. Your follow-up visits usually last 45 to 60 minutes.

The number of visits and duration of your care plan will be determined by your specific needs. As you and your therapist have discussed, we recommend attending more frequently in the early stages of your therapy to ensure progress.

Initially, you'll see your therapist twice or even three times per week, gradually decreasing to fewer weekly visits and increasing the time between meetings as you progress through treatment.

What distinguishes physical therapy at PEAK Physical Therapy & Sports Rehabilitation?

At PEAK Physical Therapy & Sports Rehabilitation, we believe in creating individualized treatment plans for every patient. When you visit our clinic, we will administer a set of tests to determine the cause of your injury or functional difficulties.

Your physical therapist may ask about your medical history and may request that you perform specific movements or tests so that they can assess the quality of your movement patterns and identify any problems firsthand.

Your therapist will then tailor a treatment plan to your specific needs. Joint mobilization exercises, manual therapy, and therapeutic exercise are examples of such methods.

Can I benefit from physical therapy treatments?

You most certainly can!

Physical therapists are experts at evaluating the whole person. This means that we seek to identify all of the factors associated with your condition. We understand the body's interconnectedness and how a problem in one area may be a symptom pointing to the source of the situation in another.

We are also adept at determining whether you are dealing with one problem or several issues affecting you and your function.

Everyone can benefit from physical therapy, but that doesn't mean it's the only thing you need. We believe in collaborating with other healthcare professionals and working with you while another practitioner assists you in getting the results you deserve.

We can discuss your options and help you decide if physical therapy is right for you. Contact us today to learn more about how PT can help you and make an appointment with one of our dedicated staff members.

Are physical therapy treatments painful?

Physical therapy is intended to relieve pain rather than aggravate it. Your pain levels, however, may fluctuate. Our therapists will clearly define what constitutes "normal" pain and what does not. To facilitate improvements in your overall condition, some situations necessitate exercises or actions that can elicit a pain response.

You may experience some discomfort as a result of using weakened or recovering muscles. Alternatively, due to the nature of the condition, restoring range of motion after surgery can be painful for some. Unfortunately, experiencing a temporary increase in pain may be critical to your recovery. Although it may seem counterintuitive, there are times when increased pain early on can prevent more severe pain later on.

Rest assured that we will do everything possible to reduce your pain and prevent it from worsening during your physical therapy session. Communication with our therapist will aid in the reduction of any discomfort you may experience during your physical therapy treatments.

We want you to be pain-free and back to your normal activities as soon as possible, and we will do everything we can to prepare you for any discomfort.

What do I need to know about physical therapy?

Physical therapists are highly educated professionals who specialize in musculoskeletal and neurological disorders. Physical therapists work as part of a healthcare team that includes physicians, surgeons, and other medical professionals.

We also collaborate with other healthcare providers such as chiropractors, massage therapists, and acupuncturists to ensure that your treatment plan is as effective and efficient as possible.

Physical therapists are movement specialists who have received extensive training and education in musculoskeletal disorders and diseases. Physical therapists treat pain and restore function by using their hands.

Physical therapy seeks to restore pain-free mobility and function while preventing recurrence of the injury or pain. Physical therapists provide comprehensive care, from prevention to intervention. Our physical therapists evaluate your movement patterns, identify the source of your pain, and collaborate with you to manage or eliminate it.

While every patient's condition and pain is different, our physical therapist at PEAK Physical Therapy & Sports Rehabilitation will use a variety of targeted manual therapy techniques, exercises, modalities, and equipment to quickly relieve pain and restore function.

How is the progress of my physical therapy treatment tracked?

You should notice a significant improvement in your discomfort and overall function as you progress through your rehabilitation activities.

Keeping track of your pain and mobility levels as you progress through your physical therapy program is an effective way to measure your improvement and progress.

Keeping track of your impairments and functional abilities provides physical therapists with objective data to compare to initial measurements. Furthermore, your reports and personal experiences aid in validating your progress and alerting your therapist to regressions and/or a lack of progress.

The bottom line is that you should notice improvements in how you feel and function throughout therapy. If you are not following an anticipated path of progress, your therapist will reassess the situation or make recommendations for further testing or treatments.

What should I do to get ready for my first appointment?

We ask all patients to bring a few items with them on their first visit to our office.

  • Arrive 15 minutes early for your first visit to allow time to complete your paperwork.
  • Do you have any additional questions? Prepare a list of questions to ask during your first meeting.
  • Bring all of your documentation. A photo ID and a copy of your insurance card are required.
  • Please call our office ahead of time at (757) 231-7449 for the McLaws Circle location or at (757) 241-5129 for the Michael Commons location to confirm your insurance benefits.
  • Prepare to discuss your medical history, previous treatments, current medications, and other relevant information.
  • Create a list of any symptoms or warning signs that the therapist should be aware of. What recently irritated or hurt you? How long have you been focusing on this issue? What are you unable to do as a result of this?

When you call our office, please have your prescription and insurance card ready. This will allow us to confirm your insurance benefits and provide you with a coverage estimate.

How is physical therapy different for older people?

At PEAK Physical Therapy & Sports Rehabilitation, we understand that as we age, our bodies become more vulnerable to certain health risks. Degeneration of our bodies is a normal, natural process that we will all go through. There is no way to avoid all of the changes that come with aging, but staying active and taking care of your health are the most effective ways to reduce or delay the risk of aging-related health conditions.

Age-related changes in strength, joint mobility, tissue flexibility, coordination, and reaction time, for example, will affect our balance and increase our risk of falling. We will investigate your medical history, determine what factors may be contributing to your fall risk, and work with you to restore your function and reduce your risks at our Williamsburg, VA clinic.

Aging also has an impact on healing times and your body's ability to tolerate changes in activity levels. Maintaining your health and function requires you to stay active.

Our team at PEAK Physical Therapy & Sports Rehabilitation can assist you if you are looking for physical therapists who understand how to navigate the effects of aging.

For more information, please contact our office right away.

Why is physical therapy taking longer than I expected?

Although there are typical stages of healing, everyone is unique, and so is their ability to heal.

At PEAK Physical Therapy & Sports Rehabilitation, you will receive a personalized treatment plan tailored to your specific needs and goals. Throughout your recovery, our team will provide constant feedback and allow for program refinement to ensure optimal results.

The most common causes of delayed recovery are attempting to do too much too soon or failing to do enough. Physical therapists thrive when they can find a happy medium. We refine your program and maximize your results in the shortest amount of time possible by using concrete physiological benchmarks and your individual treatment response.

If you have any questions or concerns about the duration of your treatment plan, please consult with your physical therapist. We are here to assist you throughout this process by providing clarity. Throughout each session, we will keep you informed of your progress.

Do you offer treatment for my condition at your clinic?

Physical therapists are trained to treat a wide range of musculoskeletal disorders. Most physical therapy clinics specialize in one or two areas of physical therapy.

You can trust that our skilled therapists will assess and treat your condition. Pediatric physical therapists, for example, frequently work solely with children. In contrast, orthopedic outpatient physical therapists will work with patients of all ages and conditions.

If we believe that another therapist or healthcare provider would be a better fit for you, we will make recommendations for people we know and trust.

Our physical therapists have years of university-level training in anatomy, physiology, kinesiology (the study of joint movement), neurology, and a variety of other medical sciences. All of our physical therapists are state-licensed and have completed accredited physical therapy programs.

You can be confident that you are in capable hands!

When can I expect to feel better?

Because each patient's diagnosis is unique, our therapist will collaborate with you and any other medical or healthcare provider to ensure you get the best results possible.

Our goal is to identify all of the factors that are causing your condition. To gather this information, we will conduct a comprehensive evaluation and thorough history and then design a treatment plan that is appropriate for you.

Some people experience relief on the first day; for others, it is a journey filled with ups and downs. It is difficult to predict who you will be until we meet with you and examine your specific situation.

Our team is well-versed in treating all types of musculoskeletal pain and injuries. We'll give you some pointers to help you understand your condition and what to expect from therapy. These guidelines will include the expected duration of your situation as well as realistic timetables for progress.

Throughout the process, our team is here to help and answer your questions!

Can I keep seeing a therapist even if I’m feeling better?

Yes, you can continue to see your physical therapist after you have completed your therapy sessions. There are several approaches to this, for example:

  • Your therapist will meet with you to go over and discuss your at-home therapy program.
  • You can re-evaluate your progress after a month to ensure you're still on track and modify your home program as needed.
  • You can make an appointment with your therapist at regular intervals (for example, every six months) to assess your progress, ensure you are not regressing, and address any new issues that have arisen.

We can also meet you at your gym to work with you on determining what equipment and exercises would be beneficial in your ongoing recovery.

What are the office policies I should be aware of?

If you are unable to attend your appointment due to illness or another emergency, please notify us at least 24 hours before your scheduled appointment time.

Any appointments that are missed and not rescheduled at least 24 hours in advance will incur a non-refundable charge of 50 dollars.