Question 1

Do I need a referral for physical therapy?

Accepted Answer

In Iowa, most health insurance plans do not require a referral to see a physical therapist. However, Medicare, Medicaid, and some private insurance providers still do. We recommend checking with your insurance company in advance to confirm your specific coverage requirements.

If a referral is needed, your doctor or specialist can provide a prescription for therapy. Be sure to ask them to include any relevant diagnostic information or operative notes to help guide your treatment.

Question 2

What insurance do you accept?

Accepted Answer

We accept most major insurance providers and are continuously working to expand our network. Because coverage can vary depending on your specific plan and provider, we recommend checking directly with your insurance company to confirm what physical therapy services are included and whether any limitations apply.
If your plan doesn’t include coverage — or if you prefer not to use insurance — we also offer a flexible cash-based option.
Feel free to contact us if you have any questions or need help understanding your benefits.

Question 3

What should I bring?

Accepted Answer

Please bring your photo ID and insurance card(s) to your first appointment, along with any required co-pays or cash payments. We will send patient forms to you electronically before your visit. If you're unable to complete them in advance, plan to arrive 10–15 minutes early so you have time to finish them in the clinic.

We also ask that you bring a pair of clean, non-street tennis shoes to help preserve our gym floors.

Question 4

What should I wear?

Accepted Answer

Please wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing to your first visit or change when you arrive. Bring a pair of gym (non-street) tennis shoes, to help preserve our gym floors.

Question 5

How long will my appointment be?

Accepted Answer

Your first visit will take approximately one hour. This gives us time to discuss your concerns, assess your movement, and create a personalized plan of care. Follow-up appointments typically last between 45 minutes to one hour, depending on your needs and treatment plan.

Question 6

How many sessions will I need?

Accepted Answer

The number of sessions depends on your individual condition, goals, and how your body responds to treatment. Since every plan of care is personalized, this will vary from person to person. We’ll work with you to develop a plan that fits your goals, schedule, and budget.

Question 7

How do you communicate with my other health professionals?

Accepted Answer

With your consent, we collaborate directly with your other healthcare providers such as your primary care physician, specialist, or surgeon to ensure seamless, coordinated care.

We share relevant updates, progress reports, and treatment plans as needed to support your recovery and help you achieve your health goals. Communication may happen through secure fax, phone, email, or electronic health records, depending on provider preferences and privacy regulations.

If there’s someone you'd like us to coordinate with, just let us know. We’re happy to connect.

Question 8

What is the difference between dry needling and acupuncture?

Accepted Answer

Dry needling is a technique used by licensed healthcare providers, such as physical therapists, to treat muscle pain and movement dysfunction. A thin, solid needle is inserted into trigger points, tendons, or near nerves to relieve pain, restore mobility, and improve muscle function. It’s called “dry” because no medication is injected. Dry needling is guided by Western medicine, anatomy, and neurophysiology.

Acupuncture, on the other hand, is rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine. It involves inserting needles into specific meridian points to balance the body’s energy flow, or “Qi,” with the goal of promoting overall health and wellness.

While both techniques use similar needles, they differ in their underlying philosophy, purpose, and clinical application. Dry needling targets musculoskeletal issues and is often combined with physical therapy, whereas acupuncture focuses on holistic healing.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions