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(215) 677-1149

FAQ's

FAQs
Frequent asked questions

Frequently Asked Questions

We offer a range of services, including physical therapy, sports rehabilitation, injury prevention, fitness classes, and personal training. Our team of experienced therapists and trainers work together to provide comprehensive care for our clients.

Physical therapists are currently required to obtain an advanced degree from an accredited physical therapy program. After graduation, they must pass a State board exam to become licensed to practice. Some therapists may obtain advanced certification in a particular area of practice or specific treatment techniques.

Therapists have various levels of experience and specialty areas. It’s important to learn more about your therapist to ensure he/she is the best therapist to treat your condition. You have a choice where you go for physical therapy, even if your physician is affiliated with a hospital system.

You can schedule an appointment by calling our office at (215) 677-1149 or by visiting our website and filling out our appointment request form.

Yes, we accept most major insurance plans. Please contact our office with your insurance information to verify coverage and discuss any copayments or deductibles.

During your initial evaluation, your physical therapist will discuss your medical history, assess your current condition, and create a personalized treatment plan to address your specific needs and goals.

Please wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing that allows for ease of movement, as well as athletic shoes. Your therapist may need to access the area being treated, so clothing that allows for this is preferred.

Initial evaluations typically last around 60 minutes, while follow-up appointments are usually 60 minutes. The duration of your appointment may vary depending on your specific treatment plan and needs.

The number of appointments needed varies for each individual and is based on factors such as the severity of your condition, your personal goals, and your response to treatment. Your therapist will discuss your estimated treatment timeline during your initial evaluation.

We require a 24-hour notice for appointment cancellations or rescheduling. If you fail to provide 24-hour notice, you may be charged a cancellation fee.

Physical Therapy

Physical therapy is a healthcare profession that focuses on evaluating, diagnosing, and treating various musculoskeletal, neurological, and cardiopulmonary conditions. They are movement specialists. The goal is to restore and improve physical function, alleviate pain, and prevent further injury or disability.

Individuals of all ages and fitness levels can benefit from physical therapy. It can help address a variety of conditions, including sports injuries, post-surgical rehabilitation, chronic pain, balance and mobility issues, post-concussion/vestibular disorders, and neurological disorders.

In most cases, you do not need a referral to see a physical therapist. However, some insurance plans may require a referral from your primary care physician. It’s best to check with your insurance provider to confirm the requirements.

Your physical therapist will conduct a thorough evaluation during your initial appointment to assess your condition and discuss your goals. Based on this information, they will create a personalized treatment plan that includes various therapeutic techniques and exercises to address your specific needs.

Physical therapists utilize a variety of treatment techniques, including manual therapy, therapeutic exercise, neuromuscular re-education, balance and coordination training, modalities such as heat, cold, and electrical stimulation, and patient education on injury prevention and self-management strategies including education on home exercise programs.

The timeline for improvements varies depending on factors such as the severity of your condition, your commitment to the treatment plan, and your overall health. Some patients may see improvements within a few sessions, while others may require several weeks or months of treatment to achieve their goals.

In some cases, physical therapy can help patients avoid surgery by effectively treating their condition through conservative management. It is crucial to consult with your healthcare provider to determine if physical therapy is a suitable alternative to surgery for your specific situation.

No, physical therapy can benefit individuals from all walks of life, not just athletes. It can help address a wide range of conditions, improve overall physical function, and support a healthy lifestyle.

Your physical therapist will provide you with a home exercise program and self-management strategies to help you maintain the improvements made during your treatment. Staying consistent with these exercises and incorporating them into your daily routine is crucial for long-term success.

Massage Therapy

Massage therapy is a hands-on treatment that involves manipulating the soft tissues of the body, including muscles, connective tissue, tendons, ligaments, and joints. It aims to alleviate pain, reduce stress, promote relaxation, and improve overall well-being.

Massage therapy can provide numerous benefits, such as relieving muscle tension and pain, improving circulation, increasing joint flexibility, reducing stress and anxiety, promoting relaxation, and boosting overall well-being.

Massage therapy sessions typically last between 30 and 90 minutes, depending on the type of massage and your individual needs. Your therapist will work with you to determine the appropriate duration for your session.

You should wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing to your appointment. You may be asked to undress to your level of comfort during the session, but your therapist will always use proper draping techniques to ensure your privacy and comfort.

Some discomfort may occur during deep tissue or therapeutic massage sessions, but your therapist will prioritize your comfort and adjust the pressure according to your preferences. It is important to communicate with your therapist if you experience any discomfort or pain during the session.

The frequency of massage therapy sessions depends on your individual needs, preferences, and goals. Some people may benefit from weekly or biweekly sessions, while others may choose to receive massage therapy on a monthly basis or as needed.

Certain medical conditions may be contraindicated for massage therapy, including acute injuries, infections, fever, blood clots, or some skin conditions. It is crucial to inform your massage therapist of your medical history and any current conditions to ensure your safety during the session.

Boxing Fitness

Boxing fitness is a form of exercise that combines elements of boxing, such as punching techniques, footwork, and agility, with strength training and cardiovascular workouts. It is designed to improve overall fitness, including strength, endurance, coordination, and balance.

No, boxing fitness classes are designed for individuals of all experience levels, from beginners to advanced participants. Our experienced trainers will teach you proper techniques and help you progress at your own pace.

Yes, boxing fitness can be modified to suit people of all ages and fitness levels. However, it is always recommended to consult with your healthcare provider before starting any new exercise program, especially if you have any pre-existing medical conditions or concerns.

For a boxing fitness class, you will need a pair of boxing gloves, hand wraps, and athletic shoes. Most gyms or studios provide gloves and other equipment, but you may prefer to bring your own for hygiene reasons.

Boxing fitness classes typically last between 45 and 60 minutes. The class structure includes a warm-up, technique instruction, conditioning exercises, full body strengthening, bag work, partner drills, and a cool-down/stretching session.

Boxing fitness classes can help with weight loss as they provide a high-intensity workout that combines cardiovascular exercise and strength training. Combined with a healthy diet and consistent exercise routine, boxing fitness can contribute to overall weight loss and improved body composition.

Boxing fitness is generally safe when practiced with proper techniques and under the guidance of experienced trainers. Our trainers prioritize safety and will help you learn the correct form to minimize the risk of injury. If you have any concerns, please communicate with your trainer to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.

Yes, participating in boxing fitness can contribute to improved mental health. Exercise, including boxing fitness, has been shown to reduce stress, improve mood, and increase self-confidence.

Absolutely! Boxing fitness classes are designed to provide a fun and challenging workout without the need to compete in the sport of boxing. The focus is on fitness, technique, and personal development rather than competition.

The frequency of attendance will depend on your individual goals and fitness level. Generally, attending boxing fitness classes 2-3 times per week, combined with other forms of exercise and a healthy lifestyle, can lead to noticeable improvements in strength, endurance, and overall fitness.

Sports Injury Prevention

Sports injury prevention refers to the strategies, exercises, and practices aimed at minimizing the risk of injury during athletic activities. At Capstone, this includes a detailed assessment of flexibility, strength, and whole-body movement patterns that may predispose someone to injury.  Attention is given to each individual sport to address common injury patterns in a given sport.  We look at each athlete individually to assure any risk factors they possess are addressed prior to the start of their season.

We have more than 50 years combined experience treating youth, high school, college, and professional athletes.  We have treated athletes in the sports of baseball, basketball, soccer, boxing, track and field, long distance runners, football, tennis, pickleball, golf, wrestling, and gymnastics, to name a few.

Properly treating a sports injury requires an extensive understanding of human movement.  Only through this understanding can the cause of injury be understood and treated most effectively.  Capstone’s therapists have decades of experience treating individuals with a wide variety of functional abilities and movement patterns.  This variety of patients, rather than focusing on one type of patient, has allowed us to fully understand human movement and get to the root cause of injury.  Rather than just treating your sports injury, we will help you determine why it may have happened and teach you how to prevent reinjury. 

Direct Access

Direct access to physical therapy refers to the ability of patients to seek physical therapy services without requiring a referral or prescription from a physician or other healthcare provider. This enables patients to receive timely care and can help reduce healthcare costs.

Direct access to physical therapy is available in all 50 states in the U.S., although the specific regulations and requirements may vary by state. Some states may have restrictions on the duration of treatment or require a referral for specific procedures or patient populations.

Yes, direct access to physical therapy is safe. Physical therapists are highly trained healthcare professionals capable of evaluating and treating a wide range of musculoskeletal and neuromuscular conditions. They are also trained to recognize when a referral to another healthcare provider is necessary for the patient’s best interest.

Direct access to physical therapy can provide several benefits, including faster access to care, reduced healthcare costs, and improved patient satisfaction. By eliminating the need for a referral, you can begin treatment sooner and potentially achieve a quicker recovery.

With your consent, your physical therapist can communicate with your primary care physician to keep them informed about your treatment progress and any changes in your condition.

During your initial evaluation, your physical therapist will assess your condition and determine if physical therapy is appropriate for your situation. If they determine that you require a referral to another healthcare provider or further diagnostic testing, they will guide you through the necessary steps.

Yes, you can switch from direct access to receiving care through a referral at any time. If your physical therapist determines that a referral is necessary or if your insurance requires a referral for continued coverage, your therapist can help facilitate the process.

Physical therapists can treat a wide range of musculoskeletal and neuromuscular conditions through direct access, including sports injuries, post-surgical rehabilitation, chronic pain, balance and mobility issues, post-concussion/vestibular disorders, and neurological disorders.

Yes, direct access to physical therapy can also be utilized for wellness and injury prevention services. Physical therapists can develop personalized exercise programs, provide ergonomic assessments, and offer guidance on proper movement patterns to promote overall health and prevent future injuries.

Fitness Consultation

A fitness consultation is an initial meeting with a fitness professional, such as a physical threapist, personal trainer or exercise specialist, to discuss your fitness goals, assess your current fitness level, and develop a personalized exercise plan to help you achieve those goals in a safe and effective manner.

A fitness consultation can provide several benefits, including personalized exercise recommendations, guidance on proper technique, and ongoing support and motivation. It can also help identify any potential limitations or areas of concern that should be addressed during your fitness journey.

During a fitness consultation, you can expect to discuss your health history, fitness goals, exercise preferences, and any pre-existing conditions or injuries. The fitness professional may also conduct a physical assessment to evaluate your current fitness level, flexibility, balance, and movement patterns.

A fitness consultation typically lasts between 45 minutes to 1 hour. This allows enough time for a thorough discussion of your goals and assessment of your current fitness level, as well as the development of a personalized exercise plan.

Before your fitness consultation, it’s helpful to have a clear understanding of your fitness goals, exercise preferences, and any limitations or concerns you may have. Additionally, wearing comfortable, loose-fitting clothing and athletic shoes is recommended for the physical assessment portion of the consultation.

While the primary focus of a fitness consultation is to discuss your goals and assess your current fitness level, you may be asked to perform some light exercises or stretches as part of the physical assessment. This helps the fitness professional better understand your movement patterns, strengths, and weaknesses.

After your fitness consultation, the fitness professional will use the information gathered during the session to develop a personalized exercise plan tailored to your goals, preferences, and current fitness level. They may also recommend additional services, such as personal training sessions or group fitness classes, to help support your progress.

Yes, fitness consultations can be beneficial for individuals with pre-existing medical conditions or injuries. The fitness professional will take your specific needs and limitations into account when developing your personalized exercise plan and can provide guidance on safe and effective exercises for your situation.

No, a fitness consultation can be beneficial for individuals at all fitness levels and stages of their fitness journey. Even experienced exercisers can benefit from a professional assessment, updated exercise recommendations, and guidance on proper technique to ensure they continue to progress safely and effectively.

To schedule a fitness consultation at Capstone Physical Therapy and Fitness, you can contact our facility directly by phone or email. Our team will be happy to help you find a convenient time for your consultation and answer any questions you may have about the process.