FAQs

Physical therapists provide services that help restore function, improve mobility, relieve pain, and prevent or limit permanent physical disabilities. Our therapists work closely with a patient's physicians and nurses to coordinate personalized treatment programs, working with the patient on every aspect of mobility, from climbing stairs to exercising and walking with crutches or a walker.

Occupational therapists help the patient develop, recover and/or maintain daily living and work skills including basic everyday tasks from bathing and dressing to routine household chores. They work with individuals who suffer from mentally, physically, developmentally or emotionally disabling conditions with the goal of helping clients have independent, productive and satisfying lives.

Speech-language pathologists diagnose and treat disorders related to speech, language, cognitive communication, voice, fluency and swallowing (specializing in diagnosing using modified barium swallow studies). Evaluation and treatment services are available for conditions arising from stroke, traumatic brain injury, deterioration, developmental delays, cancer (brain, oral and laryngeal), chronic respiratory conditions (relating to decreased coordination of breathing with swallowing such as COPD) and neuromuscular disorders (multiple sclerosis, ALS and Parkinson's disease). 

We use a best result, least visit approach to patient care.  Our first priority is for our patients to get the best possible results from their rehabilitation.  We achieve this through the use of experienced therapists, by providing one-on-one care, and using the best medical evidence to treat your condition.  We also strive to be good stewards of your time and healthcare dollar.  Because co-pays and deductibles are on the rise, getting you better with fewer visits helps to contain your expenses and gives you more time to do what you love.  For more reason to choose us please see what our patients are saying!

Yes, a physician referral is required in order to see an occupational or speech therapist but not for physical therapy. 

The state of Virginia has “Direct Access” to Physical Therapy, which means that you are not legally required to have a Physician’s referral before seeing a Physical Therapist for an evaluation or treatment. However, some insurance coverage may require you to have a referral or “authorization” before they will approve payment. You should contact your insurance company beforehand to determine the process that they require. It’s important to remember that if you are under the care of a Physician and require therapy, you have the freedom to choose which therapy clinic to receive your treatment from.

Yes, you have the legal right to go anywhere you choose for your therapy.  A physician may only make a recommendation as to where to go; but realize these recommendations may be based on a personal or financial relationship with a particular therapy group, and not necessarily on the skill of the therapists, patient convenience, or customer service.  As you search for a therapist, it’s important to choose a clinic that is professional and gives you the personalized attention and the results you deserve. 

This depends on your diagnosis, whether or not you have had surgery, your level of injury, and compliance with your home exercises.  We respect your time, financial resources, and your physical well- being.  We want you to restore your quality of life as quickly as possible.  

During your initial visit, your therapist will provide you with a thorough examination.  Please be prepared to discuss your needs and any pain, lack of mobility or function that you currently have. This evaluation will involve certain range of motion, postural, and strength tests to help your therapist develop a plan unique to you and your condition.

Please bring the following to your first visit and arrive 15 minutes early (if you do not have completed paperwork we ask that you arrive 30 minutes early so you will have time to finish it before your appointment):

• Completed Paperwork – Health History Questionnaire, HIPPA & Cancellation Policy
• A copy of your list of medications
• Insurance Card(s)
• Picture ID
• Referral / Prescription

Please wear clothing that allows for comfort and unrestricted motion, modesty, and exposing of injured and related areas.  You may bring clothes with you to change into.  Additionally, we have gowns available if needed.

Our policy is that only patients are allowed in the treatment rooms and gym. For safety reasons, please make arrangements for your children. This also allows you and our care providers to focus on your treatment during the time you are here.

We accept all insurance plans.  Please check with your individual provider for your specific plan benefits.  At the time of scheduling your first appointment we request that you provide us your insurance information so that we may verify your coverage.  

We accept payment via cash, check, debit and credit card (Visa, MasterCard, Discover, & American Express). Payment is expected at the time of treatment (normally during check-in or check-out). If you have insurance coverage there may be a deductible or co-pay required. Before your first visit we will contact your insurance company to verify your benefits for therapy. Some insurance providers have restrictions on specific treatments. As a courtesy, Centra will file a claim with your primary insurance as well as any secondary coverage. You will be billed for any cost share (if applicable) after your insurance has paid their portion.

There are some similarities and many differences between the two professions.  At the most basic level chiropractic is focused on alignment of the spine as a means of allowing the body to heal itself from all ailments without the use of traditional medicine approaches like medication or surgery. Physical & Occupational therapies use many forms of joint mobilization, manipulation and bodywork to restore movement to all parts and systems of the body, along with teaching corrective exercises and self-treatment techniques. Many people tend to think of chiropractors when they need treatment for back or neck pain.  However, physical therapists treat the back and neck very effectively, including the use of spinal manipulation, if clinically indicated, and are second only to orthopedic doctors in diagnosing musculoskeletal problems.