Frequently Asked Questions
1. Do I need a prescription or referral for Physical Therapy Treatment?
NO. Effective June 1, 2024, Physical Therapists in Alabama have DIRECT ACCESS to patients without requiring a referral. This law came into effect following Governor Ivey’s signature on ACT 2024-385. Patients may now be treated by a licensed Physical Therapist without needing to first see their physician. However, if after 30 days or 11 treatments there is no positive benefit, then your PT is required to refer you to another medical professional.
2. Can PTs provide WELLNESS Care?
YES. In Alabama PTs may provide WELLNESS care to clients looking for ‘maintenance’ and ‘preventative’ care including exercise programs and manual therapy.
3. How often will I need to be treated, and for how long?
There are several factors that determine both frequency and longevity of care. These factors include acute versus chronic condition, severity of symptoms, general health, and type of therapy services desired. Typically during early stages of treatment you would be expected to have treatment once per week, but this often quickly diminishes to 1-2 treatments per month. Individuals receiving Cranial-Sacral therapy require time between sessions to allow their body to integrate the manual work received, and may have treatment only once per month depending on needs.
4. What should I wear ?
It is important that your therapist be able to ‘see’ your system for accurate assessment, and skin-to-skin contact is needed for most manual techniques. It is best to wear comfortable, loose clothing including shorts, sports bra, or camisoles.
5. How will I feel after a session?
It is common for clients to feel fatigued following a session, and often to feel a little sore or ‘punky’. This can last for a few hours, and usually resolves within 24-48 hours. Others may also feel some immediate relief. If your symptoms are more chronic in nature it is important to know that symptoms will typically diminish in severity and frequency over time…try not to be discouraged if results are not immediately complete.
6. How will I feel after a session?
It is common for clients to feel fatigued following a session, and often to feel a little sore or ‘punky’. This can last for a few hours, and usually resolves within 24-48 hours.
Others may also feel some immediate relief. If your symptoms are more chronic in nature it is important to know that symptoms will typically diminish in severity and frequency over time…try not to be discouraged if results are not immediately complete.
7. When will I experience results?
Some patients do experience immediate relief from symptoms, but for most it takes a few sessions before positive changes are strong. Each persons recovery is unique
Can't find an answer to your question?
Ask Us
