Q: Do I need a doctors referral?
A: Most private insurance allow direct access, except for those that need prior authorization for physical therapy. As a courtesy to their physicians, we still send them a copy of their PT initial evaluations, Progress Notes and Discharge Summaries. Government-funded insurance such as Medicare and Medicaid still require a doctor's referral.

Q: Can I choose where I want to go for my rehabilitation services?
A: Yes, your doctor may provide you with a list of physical therapists in this area or your insurance company may guide you to the "in network" providers that are included in your insurance plan, but please remember, the final decision is up to you.

Q: Is there anything I can do if Advance Physical Therapy is not in my insurance network?
A: We currently accept many insurance plans, however, if we are not in your network, we would be happy to contact your insurance company for you to see whether your plan has out-of-network benefits that will allow you to receive care at our facility.

Q: What do i need to bring on my first visit?
A: On the first visit new patients are asked to come 15 minutes early to complete paperwork and then afterwards a thorough initial evaluation will be preformed that usually takes about one hour. Please wear comfortable clothing and shoes.

Please also bring the following items:

• Your insurance card(s).
• Any paperwork that you have received from the doctor (referrals, x-ray results, etc.).
• Your calendar, so you can make appointments right away if more physical therapy is necessary.

Q: What treatment techniques do you offer?

• We utilize a wide variety of evidence-based procedures in therapeutic exercises, strength and conditioning, manual therapy, taping techniques and neuromuscular re-education.
• We use the Hesch method to evaluate and treat low back and pelvic/hip problems.
• We utilize IASTM (instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization) to treat myofascial restrictions.
• We have the AlterG that allow our patients to walk while eliminating pain with weight-bearing, as for those who have just undergone knee, hip or ankle surgery, or for any patients who experience pain during weight-bearing, but could use the benefit of gait training.
• We also utilize strain and counterstrain techniques, muscle energy and myofascial release, as indicated by patients' cases.
• If needed, we use modalities such as the GameReady, electrical stimulation, traction and ultrasound, as adjunct to achieving patient progress.
• We Use Functional Capacity Evaluation and Work Conditioning Program

  Functional Capacity Evaluation is a comprehensive evaluation designed to determine a patient's tolerance and physical abilities to perform his or her required job demands or to test his or her overall functional abilities at that time. It is meant to see if the patient is able to return to full duty work. The therapist will send the report to the doctor, case manager, employer, and insurance adjustor.

  Work Conditioning/Hardening Program: The program consists of a total body workout with a primary goal of returning the patient to full duty work. It will focus on strengthening the entire body while implementing job simulated tasks for the patient to perform in order to return him or her to work. This is a Monday through Friday treatment program and the patient will be asked to participate up to 3.5 hours in the beginning of the program per day. The hours may be increased up to six hours per day or the patient may return to work on modified duty part time while in the program.

Q: What should I expect during my PT visit?

• We see our patients for 1 hour, on one-on-one setup. On your first visit, we do our best to assess you to find out what is causing your pain or other issues. Then we provide your treatment according to that assessment.
• On your follow-up visits, we still spend some time to re-assess you, to see if the treatments are helping and to find out any remaining issue. We also provide you with a home exercise program that comes with handouts, in order for your treatments to have a good carryover.

• Tips to stretch properly and increase flexibility:
  • Stretch slowly and gradually until you feel tension. Don't bounce!
  • Don't stretch until you feel pain. This means you have gone too far and could injure yourself.
  • Hold a stretch for 15-30 seconds, but don't forget to breathe!
• Relaxing for at least 20 minutes a day will go a long way to reduce blood pressure and your reaction to stress. Sit or lie somewhere comfortable, breathe slowly in and out of the nostrils, breathing deeply into your abdomen. Try once a day for fantastic results!
• Shoveling snow can be good exercise, but dangerous for those who take on more than they can handle. Be sure to dress warmly, pace yourself, and lift with your legs when clearing the next snowfall.
• Water or aquatic exercise is great for people suffering from fibromyalgia.
• When you experience pain, it is important to avoid activities that cause or escalate the symptoms.
• Back-to-School Backpack Safety:
  • Choose a backpack with two wide, padded shoulder straps
  • Always wear both shoulder straps
  • Carry no more than 10-15% of your body weight in the backpack
• Prevent falls at home by keeping the floor clear of clutter, keeping hallways and stairways well-lit, installing rails in the bathroom and on stairs, and placing non-skid mats in showers/tubs and on other slippery surfaces.
• Cooling down is an important part of exercising. It helps the body recover to a pre-workout state by decreasing heart rate and breathing to normal levels. Also, cooling down helps rid the body of toxins and release strains.
• Warming up should be a part of every exercise routine. It prepares both your body and mind for more intense activity.
• Overly developed hamstrings and weak quadriceps, or vice versa, can stress knees. Maintain good balance when developing leg muscles.
• Most knee injuries occur when one is fatigued. Know your limits and don't push beyond them.
• Sitting in an office all day, working on a computer takes a real toll on your mind and body. A poorly positioned chair will put extra strain on your back and cause tension in your shoulder muscles. Ask for a chair that you can adjust the height, back rest position and tilt. Try to adjust the chair to get your knees level with your hips and your forearms at right angles with your upper arms.
• Sports can carry the risk of injury for children so always make sure that they wear the right protective gear(pads, Helmets and mouth pieces, etc.) and remember to stretch before and after the game.
• Drink plenty of water. When the body is in need of liquid to keep essential organs, such as your heart and lungs, running smoothly, it will draw it from other areas, such as your discs and joints. Back problems have been lessened in some cases by simply increasing the amount of water taken in, and decreasing dehydrating beverages such as caffeinated sodas.
• Don't lift by bending over. Lift an object by bending your knees and squatting to pick up the object. Keep your back straight and hold the object close to your body. Avoid twisting your body while lifting.
• Always wear well-fitting shoes that are appropriate to your sport and the ground surface, and replace worn out shoes.
• Sleeping with too many pillows can cause neck pain. Instead try an orthopedic pillow if you normally sleep with more than one pillow.

• AARP
• Aetna
• Alliance Network
• Auxiant
• Blue Cross Blue Shield
• Benefit Plan Administrators (BPA)
• Care Wisconsin
• CIGNA
• Community Connect
• Coventry
• Group Health Cooperative
• HIRSP
• HSM, Inc.
• Humana
• Humana VA

• Medicaid/ForwardHealth/BadgerCare
• Medicare
• Network Health Plans
• Prevea Network
• Security Health Plans
• Tricare
• UMR
• United Healthcare, including former John Deere Insurance
• Unity
• VA
• WEA
• WPS
• Worker’s Compensation
• Dean PPO and POS plans only
• Physician’s Plus PPO and POS plans only