Frequently Asked Questions
Your Resource for Answers
Have questions about your upcoming appointment, our services, or how we can help you on your journey to recovery? Find answers to commonly asked questions here.
If you don’t see what you’re looking for, feel free to reach out to our team for assistance.
Do I need a doctor’s referral to receive treatment?
Thanks to Direct Access, you do not need a doctor’s referral or prescription to receive treatment from a physical therapist. Direct Access is the legal right that enables patients in all fifty states and the District of Columbia to access physical therapy services and programs directly.
Do keep in mind that Direct Access does not apply to insurance carriers, who may require a referral or prescription. Reach out to your insurance provider to confirm the details.
How is my progress tracked?
Because we take an evidence-based approach to physical therapy here at GO Physical Therapy - Grand Island, tracking your progress is a significant part of our process! Keeping good records is essential to understanding if your treatment is working as intended or if we need to make any adjustments.
We’ll track changes in your physical capabilities, functional movements, and overall fitness to ensure you progress. Depending on the reason for your treatment, we’ll likely track most of the following:
- Heart rate and blood pressure
- Range of motion
- Strength (i.e., power, speed, endurance)
- Functional mobility
- Coordination and agility
- Specific movements, such as squatting, lunging, or running
We’ll also track any impairments you might be experiencing, such as pain or swelling.
Our therapists will help you set specific, realistic goals for your therapy sessions so you have a complete picture of what exactly you’re working toward. We’re committed to helping you achieve optimal results in your performance, function, and overall health.
Do treatments hurt?
If you exercise regularly, you’re likely familiar with the concept of “good” pain (such as muscles burning from fatigue) and “bad” pain (such as a sharp, shooting pain in your joint). Physical therapy operates in much the same way.
While our physical therapists are not purposefully trying to hurt you, there may be times when a treatment triggers a temporary pain response. But like a fatigued muscle, that pain response is a normal part of the process. A bit of pain now will lead to improved movement in the long term.
It’s especially important to keep the concept of normal versus abnormal pain in mind if you’re recovering from surgery. You’ll likely experience some pain as you work to restore strength and range of motion in your recuperating muscles–but this type of pain will ultimately reduce your overall pain levels and promote your mobility.
Similarly, you may have begun avoiding specific movements if you’re experiencing imbalances or impairments in your musculoskeletal system. As you start to perform those movements again, you may experience some initial discomfort.
It’s vital that you communicate any pain or other sensations you experience during treatment to your physical therapist. This information helps us fully understand your progress and allows us to make necessary adjustments or other modifications.
When will I start to see results?
We know how anxious you are to see the results of your therapy. Unfortunately, there isn’t any one-size-fits-all answer to this question. Your timeline can vary based on your health and fitness levels when you started, whether or not you’re recovering from an injury, the severity of your condition, and much more.
It’s also important to understand that physical therapy, as a rule, is not a quick fix but a process that takes time, effort, and dedication. You may start to feel some improvement in your symptoms after a few sessions, but it may take weeks or even months to achieve optimal results.
We can guarantee that our therapists will explain the process to you every step of the way. We’ll keep detailed records of your condition, symptoms, treatments, and overall progress to ensure you’re advancing the way we expect. If something isn’t working, we’ll work to find a solution that does.
If you have any questions about your treatment plan or physical therapy timeline, please do not hesitate to discuss them with our experts. The more we know about your experience with treatment, the better we can tailor our approach to maximize your efforts!
Do you treat my condition at your clinic?
At GO Physical Therapy - Grand Island, our evidence-based physical therapy services treat various conditions and ailments. Our highly-trained, expert therapists specialize in musculoskeletal and neurological conditions and will help you achieve the results you’re looking for.
We treat a variety of conditions, including but not limited to:
- Sports injuries
- Sports and athletic conditioning
- Post-surgical rehabilitation
- Pre-surgical treatment (“pre-hab”)
- Back pain
- Neck pain
- Shoulder pain
- Knee pain
- Hip pain
- Arthritis
- Balance and coordination issues
- Neurological disorders such as stroke or Parkinson’s disease
- And more
If you are unsure whether we treat your specific condition, don’t hesitate to contact us; we will be happy to discuss your options and determine whether physical therapy is right for you.
At GO Physical Therapy - Grand Island, we are committed to helping you achieve optimal health and wellness. Contact us today to schedule an appointment and start your journey toward optimal fitness, performance, and overall health.
How long should each appointment take?
We provide customized, evidence-based care to all of our patients. To that end, your first visit will last between 1 hour and 1 hour and 15 minutes to give our therapists time to conduct a detailed physical assessment, learn more about your specific needs, and develop a personalized treatment plan. Follow-up visits usually range from 45 to 60 minutes.
The number and duration of visits will depend on your individual needs. We recommend attending more frequent visits in the initial stages of therapy to maximize your progress, as discussed with your therapist.
As you advance through treatment, you will generally see your therapist two to three times per week, with fewer weekly visits and more extended periods between meetings.
The team of experts at GO Physical Therapy - Grand Island is committed to helping you achieve your fitness and performance goals through regular physical therapy sessions.
How can I pay for each session?
Our policy is to collect payment at the time of service to ensure a seamless experience for all patients. We also provide payment options based on your unique circumstances and accept various methods of payment, including the following:
- Cash
- Check
- Credit card
- Debit card
If you have insurance, please contact your provider to better understand your coverage, copayments/coinsurance, and overall plan requirements. Our staff will also assess your benefits and inform you of your payments at each visit.
Please contact our Capital Ave, Sports Clinic or S Locust clinic to learn more about our payment policies and options.
Will my insurance cover the cost of treatment?
In some cases, yes. It’s important that you check with your insurance provider to understand what services they can cover.
We also offer a range of payment options, including cash-based options if your insurance doesn’t cover treatment or only covers a portion of it. Our clinic will work with you to assess your insurance benefits and determine your payments at each visit.
For more information, please see our insurance page, and don’t hesitate to contact our Capital Ave, Sports Clinic or S Locust clinic with any questions. Our knowledgeable staff will gladly assist you.
What office policies should I be aware of?
It’s important that you understand our office policies so you can focus on your physical therapy, not administrative concerns. Please take note of the following policies:
- Appointment cancellation policy: We understand that sometimes appointments need to be rescheduled or canceled. Please let us know at least XXX hours in advance if you need to cancel or reschedule your appointment to avoid a cancellation fee.
Any missed appointments that have not been rescheduled at least XXX hours in advance will result in a non-refundable charge of XXX dollars. - Payment policy: Payment is due at the time of service. We accept various forms of payment, including cash, check, and credit card. Please let us know if you have any questions or concerns about payment.
- Insurance policy: We accept most insurance plans and will work with you to ensure that you receive the best possible care within the confines of your insurance coverage. Please bring your insurance card to your appointment, and let us know if you have any questions about your coverage.
- Privacy policy: We take your privacy seriously and follow strict HIPAA guidelines to ensure the confidentiality of your personal and medical information. Please let us know if you have any concerns about your privacy or would like to review our privacy policy.
- Arrival policy: Please arrive on time for your appointment to ensure you receive your session’s full benefit. If you arrive late, we may need to reschedule your appointment or adjust the length of your session to accommodate other patients.
- Communication policy: We encourage open and honest communication with our patients and welcome any questions or concerns you may have about your treatment plan or progress. Please let us know if there is anything we can do to improve your experience.
- COVID-19 policy: If you have been exposed to the COVID-19 virus or are experiencing any COVID-19 symptoms, please reschedule your appointment with our front desk so that we can maintain a safe, healthy environment for our patients and employees.
At GO Physical Therapy - Grand Island, we are committed to providing excellent care with minimal fuss. If you have any questions or concerns about our office policies, please do not hesitate to contact us.
What kind of clothing should I wear for appointments?
You can expect to move when you come into an appointment at GO Physical Therapy - Grand Island! For that reason, it’s important to wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing and appropriate footwear, such as sneakers or athletic shoes.
Dress as you would when you’re headed to the gym, and you’ll be ready to kick-start your treatment or training.
What if I need to cancel my appointment?
We understand that sometimes circumstances make attending your scheduled appointment difficult or impossible. In the event of illness or an emergency, please notify our clinic at least 24 hours before your appointment time to avoid any inconvenience.
At GO Physical Therapy - Grand Island, we want to accommodate all our patients while maintaining a smooth and efficient schedule. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.
What should I do to prepare for my first appointment?
We’re dedicated to ensuring your experience at our Capital Ave, Sports Clinic and S Locust physical therapy clinic is as smooth and hassle-free as possible. To help you prepare for your first visit, read over this list of essential items and information, all of which will help maximize your time during your initial visit:
- If you’re using insurance, please have your insurance information available when you call us to schedule your appointment.
- Complete our online patient forms, print them out, and bring them to your appointment. If you’re unable to do so or lack access to a printer/computer, please arrive early to complete these forms at our office.
- Arrive at least 15 – 20 minutes before your appointment to finalize any remaining paperwork and ensure a timely start to your evaluation.
- Wear comfortable clothing that provides easy access to the areas requiring treatment.
- Bring your insurance information (we will make a copy of your card) if you plan to use insurance for your treatment.
- Provide any relevant referrals, prescriptions, and test results from your referring physician, nurse practitioner, or physician assistant.
- Regarding automobile accidents or worker’s compensation claims, please bring the contact information for your case manager or insurance adjuster and the claim number.
At GO Physical Therapy - Grand Island, we are committed to delivering exceptional care and support throughout your physical therapy journey.
We look forward to welcoming you to our clinic!
What if I do not have insurance?
At GO Physical Therapy - Grand Island, we believe that everyone deserves access to quality care, regardless of their insurance status. For patients without insurance, we offer cash-based options and payment plans payable at the time of service. Don’t hesitate to contact our Capital Ave, Sports Clinic or S Locust clinic to discuss costs and payment arrangements.
Your well-being is our priority, and our dedicated team at GO Physical Therapy - Grand Island is committed to guiding you through every step of your physical therapy journey.
How long is each appointment going to be?
Appointment durations vary based on individual needs. That said, initial sessions typically last between 1 hour and 1 hour and 15 minutes. Subsequent sessions generally range from 45-60 minutes.
Generally speaking, your therapist will want to see you more often in the early stages of your therapy, as this will help them assess your progress and confirm you’re on the right treatment plan. At first, you’ll likely attend sessions twice a week, then space them out as you proceed through treatment.
Our therapists will work with you to determine the best length and frequency of your appointments to ensure your optimal progress.
How can I schedule an appointment?
At GO Physical Therapy - Grand Island, we want you to accomplish your goals–and that means regularly attending your sessions. To help ensure you’re keeping up with your therapy, we offer a variety of appointment times to fit your schedule, including both mornings and evenings. Plus, our scheduling process is quick and easy.
Our clinics are conveniently located on Capital Ave, Sports Clinic and S Locust, and our expert staff is always happy to help you schedule your appointment. You can call us at (308) 382-0344 or request an appointment by clicking here.
We’re here to help you optimize your health and fitness–so schedule your initial appointment today!
