Frequently Asked PT Questions

Front desk staff will greet and hand you intake paperwork if you haven’t filled it out online beforehand. After you have finished the paperwork, your physical therapist will come get you shortly after.

Preferably loose, comfortable clothing. If you are coming from work or not comfortable being in public with loose, comfortable clothing then please come as you are.

Language assistance services are available for non-English speakers.

The cost of therapy depends on the nature of your injury, the results of our initial evaluation, and what you want to accomplish. We can give you an estimate of the cost and length of treatment after you have come in for your initial evaluation. Asher’s sliding fee scale applies to physical therapy as well.

Current list of accepted insurances:  (UPDATED on 8-4-2022)

             § Medicare

Insurances in process:

             § Medicaid

             § Moda

             § PacificSource

             § Providence

             § Cigna

Asher physical therapy can take cash-based patients as well. Our rates are $130 for an evaluation and $99 for any follow up appointments. Asher’s sliding fee scales also apply to physical therapy.

You can refer yourself to physical therapy, however some insurances may require a physician referral regardless. Call the number on the back of your insurance card and ask for a summary of benefits and specifically mention physical therapy.

Many physical therapists have a doctorate in physical therapy; however, Physical Therapists are not Physicians.

While Doctors of Physical Therapy are trained in general pharmacology to understand how medication affects your movement, we do not prescribe medication or give advice to take or not take any medication. Your physical therapist would collaborate with your primary care provider regarding any medication related topic.

Your Physical Therapist will address as many variables as possible that hinder you from your goals. Many times, pain is a significant variable that limits a person’s goals. However, pain should sometimes be expected to achieve a person’s goal in certain situations. For example, recovering knee range of motion after total knee replacement, or shoulder range of motion after shoulder surgery, may be painful. It is important that you communicate the intensity, frequency, and duration of pain to your therapist. Without this information, it is difficult for the Physical Therapist to adjust your treatment plan. 

Soreness is a common feeling to have after physical therapy, however if you have significant soreness that last more than three days from the last appointment, please let your Physical Therapist know so he/she can adjust your treatment plan accordingly. Overall, having muscle and tendon soreness is a normal physiological response that signifies that your body is getting stronger to help you do the things you love to do.

Doctors of Physical Therapy are trained in cardiovascular and pulmonary rehabilitation. Your physical therapist would collaborate with your cardiologist or pulmonologist to determine your best plan of care.

Physical therapists are trained in neurological rehabilitation of a wide range of conditions, including Parkinson’s. Your physical therapist would collaborate with your primary care provider and neurologist to determine your best plan of care.

While physical therapists are not physicians and cannot prescribe medication, physical therapists can be very effective medical professionals to help manage and control diabetes.

Physical therapists are trained in manual therapy, which has a wide range from soft tissue techniques to spinal manipulations. Manual therapy is one of many interventions that a physical therapist may use based on his/her clinical judgement to improve a patient’s functional status. A massage therapist would be the appropriate medical professional if you would like a massage. 

Yes, physical therapists are trained in a wide range of pediatric conditions to help improve your child’s function.

We try 😉