Frequently Asked Questions

Physical Therapy will help you recover from injury and return you to your previous activities. Research shows that people who go to physical therapy, return to daily, recreational, athletic and work activities more rapidly than those who do not engage in PT.

BEST physical therapists use a whole-body approach for both evaluation and treatment to identify the source of your problems than just treating the symptoms.

Pain often stems from postural and movement abnormalities, muscle imbalances, and improper body mechanics in sports and/or daily activities.

Anti-inflammatories or pain medication can mask rather than address the core cause of the pain. Others rest to allow the pain to ease which may increase the weakness and over time make the problem worse.

Physical therapists can develop an exercise and/or training program for you to improve strength and fitness goals.

BEST uses a whole-body approach to access and determine your problem. The body naturally wants to be and stay in motion. Your therapist will work with you personally to design a treatment plan. They will address your problems using modalities and hands-on treatment.

Manual therapy approaches include soft tissue massage, myofascial release, neural release, and scar tissue release, joint mobilizations in a variety of positions to alleviate joint stiffness and soft tissue to regain normal biomechanics.

Therapists use therapeutic activities and exercises with a hands-on approach for proper form and to develop better movement patterns. Focusing on better posture, muscle memory training, and movement patterns help with effective motion for daily and athletic performance. Therapists also help with injury prevention and performance enhancement.

All methods of physical therapy can be used together to maximize effectiveness of a program. A physical therapist will decide which are best to use after evaluating a patient. This includes evaluation of the way in which a patient moves to perform certain tasks, physical palpitation to pinpoint sources of pain, and visual observation to assess a patient's progress and physical abilities.

A patient should prepare for their physical therapy sessions by wearing comfortable clothing that does not restrict movement, not eating large meals before exercising, and updating the physical therapist of any progress or setbacks experienced since the last visit.

It is vital to keep physical therapy appointments and follow a steady routine. One or two sessions will not be effective in correcting a problem; rather gradual treatment will be necessary, and is most healthy for the body.

Every plan is different. Generally, insurance will cover some physical therapy visits. Some plans offer no coverage, and some have unlimited visits so it depends on the plan offered by your employer and the one you chose. Some clients pay out of their own pocket should their plan not cover physical therapy, they have an HMO, or out-of-network plan.

Some services such as Fitness Classes, Sports Training, Wellness and Team Training are not covered by insurance. These are cash services. Please discuss these fees with your therapists or the front desk.

In California, you may see physical therapists for 12 visits without a physician referral. You may see a physical therapist for unlimited fitness and/or sports training. Research indicates that people who go to a physical therapist first for pain or injury recover faster and at a higher level, and often with lower medical costs, than those who see a physician or other health providers first.

Yes. Falling is related to multiple factors including weakness, joint stiffness, muscle tightness, pain and fear. BEST physical therapists can do a full body assessment to determine what might be contributing to your risk of falling. In turn, the therapists can develop a treatment plan based on your goals and evaluation findings.

Yes. Using a whole-body evaluation approach, BEST will assess your youth's strengths, weaknesses, muscle imbalances, postures, movement patterns, and sport techniques. A treatment plan is based on findings and goals working with your youth to prepare them for the current, new sport or upcoming season.

You can expect to be at the office from 60 to 90 minutes on your first visit. You will undergo a comprehensive evaluation so we can establish an appropriate treatment plan. Please arrive at least 15 minutes before your appointment to discuss insurance and billing procedures with our front office staff and complete your new patient paperwork.

Depending on the type of treatment you have been referred for, your regular appointments will last from 45 to 90 minutes.

Appointments are made with the front office staff or your physical therapist. You should check in and out with them at each visit.

A treatment program typically consists of two to four sessions per week. The more often we can work with you, the quicker we can help you recover.

Physical therapy services are directed by licensed physical therapists. Your specialized treatment program will involve a team approach, consisting of skilled physical therapists and physical therapist assistants.

It is our policy to schedule you with the same team of therapists for each of your visits to our clinic. Occasionally, substitutions must be made because of staff vacation, illness, or participation in continuing education courses.

Physical therapy benefits will be verified prior to your first appointment. Our well-versed front office staff will outline your benefits when you arrive, as per your insurance contract. Co-pay and deductible amounts are paid at the time of service. Our Patient Account Representatives are ready to answer any of your billing and insurance questions, and can be reached at (408) 257-6708.

In order to accommodate each patient's schedule, reserving time slots for treatments is very important in order to operate our clinics efficiently. Canceling an appointment at the last minute or failing to come in for a session limits our ability to meet the scheduling needs of our other patients. Therefore, we request that all cancellations be made at least 24 hours in advance of an appointment. A cancellation fee may be charged for cancellations with less than 24-hour notice.

A copy of your initial evaluation will be sent to your referring physician, along with regular progress notes to keep your physician updated on your progress and current functional status. Communication with all parties is an important component of your treatment program.

Upon discharge, you will be adequately prepared to leave physical therapy, and your home exercise program will be updated accordingly. You may contact your physical therapist anytime with questions or concerns.

Upon discharge, you will be adequately prepared to leave physical therapy, and your home exercise program will be updated accordingly. You may contact your physical therapist anytime with questions or concerns.

Since we will be stretching and exercising you, we highly recommend you bring or wear comfortable, unrestrictive clothing or athletic wear to all of your treatments. Your clothes should allow us to evaluate your area of injury, so please dress accordingly. As for footwear, we suggest comfortable closed-toe shoes - sneakers would be perfect. We recommend against any type of heel. If you have questions, please contact us prior to your first appointment.