Question #1: How do I get started?

Answer: We are mandated by California law to require a physician's prescription before you start your physical therapy. (If you have been diagnosed by a physician  previously for your problem and want to pay cash, you do not need a physicians prescription.)  If you do not have a physician, please contact us so that we can refer you to an appropriate physician who can assist you with your physical therapy needs.  Once you have your prescription, you can call us for an appointment.

Question #2: What happens on my first visit?

Answer: On your first visit, you will be greeted by your personal licensed physical therapist. You will be asked to fill out some paperwork regarding your medical history and insurance information. (Please don't forget to bring in your prescription for physical therapy, operative reports, X-ray, CT scan, MRI , or nerve conduction test results related to your injury).

Your physical therapist will then perform a comprehensive evaluation to better understand your pain and injury. Questions regarding the mechanism of injury, nature of your pain, medical history, and personal goals will be addressed. A thorough physical exam that includes range of motion, strength and flexibility testing, palpation and special tests to check the integrity of muscles/tendons/ligaments, movement/gait analysis, balance/proprioception, nerve tension/sensation testing, and joint mobility testing will be assessed based on your symptoms. It is very important that you understand your condition, prognosis, and time frame for healing. It is our responsibility to educate you on any pertinent findings that will be addressed during your physical therapy to help ensure a successful recovery. Based on your physician's diagnosis, our prognosis, and your personal goals, an individual treatment plan will be devised. You will receive treatment on your first visit that may include any of the treatment options stated below. Please bring in your personal calendars to schedule future appointments.

Question #3: What types of treatments do you offer?

Answer: We will perform a combination of treatments, as directed by your physician and physical therapist, best suited for your particular injury.
This may include:

1. Soft Tissue Mobilization, Massage, Myofascial Release
2. Joint Mobilization, Spinal Mobilization
3. Electrical stimulation
4. Ultrasound
5. Iontophoresis, Phonophoresis
6. Stretching/Strengthening exercises: (Core Stabilization Exercises, Plyometrics, Cardiovascular Training, Sport specific Exercises, PNF – Muscle Reeducation)
7. Gait/Balance Training
8. Pilates
9. Heat/Ice

The treatment program will vary based on your injury, and will be performed in a studio type setting using a variety of exercise and rehabilitation equipment. We are equipped with pilates apparatuses such as the Reformer, Cadillac, Wunda Chair, and Avalon.

Question #4: How often will I need to attend physical therapy?

Answer: Most patients are treated two to three times per week. The total duration of physical therapy will depend on the severity of your injury. Your committment  to your physical therapy (meaning you consistently attend your PT sessions), will ensure a speedy recovery. We will help you set up your appointment times so that it is convenient for you to accomodate PT into your busy schedule.   We offer early morning and late evening appointments.

Question #5: How long will each appointment take?

Answer: Each visit will require one hour of your time. If you have time constraints, we will work around your busy schedule. During your first visit, you will spend a majority of your time one on one with your physical therapist. During each subsequent visit, you will spend the first half of your treatment with your physical therapist receiving manual treatment (soft-deep tissue massage, joint mobilization, manual stretching or other forms of specialized treatment for your injury), and the other half with a physical therapy technician working on strengthening the injured area via specific therapeutic exercises.

Question #6: What can I do at home to assist my recovery?

Answer: We will educate you on your condition so that you have a better understanding of what things you can and cannot do to assist the healing process. Body mechanics and posture are typically addressed so that you may minimize stress to the injured tissues of your body. We will provide you with a home exercise program comprised of stretching and strengthening to help reduce your pain and revitalize the muscles surrounding the injured site. It is essential that you follow the instructions and perform the home exercises regularly to control your symptoms and speed up recovery.

Question #7: Do you know my doctor?

Answer: We have working relationships with hundreds of physicians in the greater Orange County area. If your doctor is not a referring physician, we welcome the opportunity to meet your physician and develop a professional relationship to ensure that your physical therapy needs are met. We will communicate with your physician via email, phone call, or written progress note so that they can monitor your progress toward your personal goals.

Question #8: How much will each visit cost me?

Answer: California Therapy Solutions works with a private billing service company, (Billing Company's Name), to keep our services affordable. Their purpose is to minimize your out-of-pocket expense and ensure your health insurance covers as much of your physical therapy treatments as possible. They take care of health insurance verification and worker's compensation authorization at no additional cost to the patient. Your out-of-pocket expense will vary depending on your insurance policy. Prescribed physical therapy is typically covered by most insurance companies. Depending on your insurance policy, you may or may not have a co-payment for each visit.

Question #9: What type of insurances do you accept?

Answer: We accept all Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) insurances, Medicare, Blue Cross, Blue Shield, Aetna and some worker's compensation insurance depending on the location of the clinic. We do not accept HMO insurance plans or liens. However, if you have been injured in a motor vehicle accident and require physical therapy, you may be eligible for coverage under your PPO or car insurance policy. Just because we are not listed in your insurance company's provider book does not mean we do not accept your insurance. Please call us to find out whether you are eligible for coverage, and if so, what your co-payment and/or deductible will be. We will provide this information free of charge. Simply call and ask about your insurance benefits.

Question #10: Why should I choose California Therapy Solutions?

Answer: California Therapy Solutions prides itself on expert patient care and patient satisfaction. We are the largest outpatient orthopedic company in the greater Orange County area with a strong reputation as having a friendly and supportive staff with exceptional, innovative therapists. We will not quit until your needs are met! You are the most important person to us at this place and time. Our focus is on giving you a 100% of our effort to make your recovery a most successful one!