I’ve heard of physical therapy but I don’t know what it is. What is it?

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.

How do I find a physical therapist?

As a patient you have the right to receive physical therapy at any place you choose. At Balanced Body 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.

Will physical therapy benefit 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 schedule an evaluation now.

Will physical therapy hurt me?

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.

Are your physical therapists trained to treat my condition?

Physical therapists have years of university level training in anatomy, physiology, kinesiology (study of joint movement), neurology, and many of the other medical sciences.

Our physical therapists have graduated from accredited physical therapy programs and are state licensed. Depending on the university and how long the therapist has practiced, The therapist may have a Bachelor’s degree, a Master’s Degree or a Doctorate Degree (The therapist may also have additional specialties which are designated by initials after their physical therapy degree. Some of the most common are OMT which is an orthopedic manual therapist, OCS which is an orthopedic certified specialist, SCS which is a sports certified specialist and multiple others. All physical therapists are trained to assist patients achieve their goals.)

Rest assured, your therapist is well trained to evaluate and treat your condition.

I want to schedule an evaluation – how do I do that?

Our scheduling is easy and we offer a convenient location and evaluation times for you. We have morning and evening times available to meet the demands of your busy schedule. Call us today or schedule an evaluation.

What should I wear to my sessions?

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 each of my sessions last?

Typically, the first session lasts for 1 hour 15 minutes. Each session after that may be 45-60 minutes. The amount of time will be based on your specific needs, and your therapist will discuss this with you.

How many times will I need to come in before I feel better?

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.(There are many things that affect progress in physical therapy. Some of these may be adherence to the exercises that have been given to the individual. It could be changing a certain posture or position that is contributing to the problem. So, there are variables that are outside the control of the physical therapist which have to be addressed and changed by the patient)

Will my sessions be covered by insurance?

Yes, in most cases it does. Balanced Body Physical Therapy will be happy to assist in contacting your insurance company and determining your coverage based on your individual policy. Some insurances require preauthorization for visits. Our patient care coordinator will work with the physical therapist and your insurance company in getting these visits approved. We will always stay in contact with you so that you are aware of the status on any visits that we are trying to get authorized.

For more information, visit our insurance plan page and please do not hesitate to contact our Salt Lake City physical therapy office at 801-293-8888. We do offer different payment options for your convenience.

I don’t have insurance – what do I do?

For patients who do not have insurance, we offer a discounted fee, due at the time of service.

How should I pay?

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 first visit, and you will be informed of what, if any, payment is necessary at that time.

How should I prepare for my initial screening?

Please have your prescription (if needed) 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.
Can I continue sessions even after I feel better?

Yes, once you have completed your therapy sessions, your therapist will review your continuing home program.

We are available to answer any questions or to update your home program according to your needs. We are a phone call away in case you are experiencing any new or recurring symptoms.

One thing that many people forget is that physicians recommend a yearly physical so that they can look at your blood pressure, your lab results and give you an appraisal of your overall health.

Physical therapists also have the ability to do yearly physicals to determine your overall health by talking to you about any physical illness that you have that is related to muscle, ligament, joint, movement dysfunctions, postural dysfunctions and many other problems that are sports medicine or orthopedic related. Doing a yearly follow-up with your physical therapist can help you to address some issues which are becoming problematic and with some very simple exercises or changing the way you do things can significantly enhance your mental, physical and functional status.