CATZ Physical Therapy
pt@catzli.com
FAQs
Q. What is physical therapy?
A. Physical therapy is rehabilitation from an injury to our musculoskeletal system. Injuries can be from a single traumatic event that damages bones, ligaments or muscles. More common are injuries from overuse or repetitive stress. We can sustain traumatic or overuse injuries while playing sports (recreational or competitive), at work, around the house/yard or simply from postural imbalances created by everyday life. Diseases such as osteoporosis, balance deficits and neurologic disorders may also benefit from physical therapy.
The physical therapist will perform an initial evaluation consisting of subjective and objective information through a comprehensive interview, medical history and functional testing protocols. Based on the findings of the initial evaluation, the therapist will develop a plan of care to address the problem and meet the patients goal(s).
Q. What kind of treatments can I expect?
A. At CATZ, we take pride in actively engaging patients in their recovery. We help patients meet their goals via heat, stretching and joint mobilization, upper and lower body functional training, balance and proprioceptive training, core stability training, ice, modalities if necessary (electrical stimulation, ultrasound, laser therapy) and patient education.
Q. Do you work closely with my referring doctor?
A. Every patient treated in physical therapy has to have a doctor’s prescription for physical therapy. After the initial evaluation, the therapist sends the referring doctor a patient plan of care form, which the MD signs and returns to the therapist. This ensures that the doctor agrees with our plan of care. We also create written progress reports to your doctor before follow-up visits. A phone call directly to your physician will be made when necessary.
Q. Do I need a prescription from my doctor for physical therapy treatment?
A. Yes. In the state of California, a prescription is needed to bill insurance companies for professional physical therapy services. It is, however, legal for patients to pay out-of-pocket to receive our services via a general stretch and exercise program.
Q. How long is each appointment and how often will I need to attend physical therapy?
A. The average treatment session is approximately 1 to 1-1/2 hours. Treatment times vary based on individual needs (diagnosis, severity of injury, etc.). Frequency and duration of physical therapy is based on the doctor’s prescription and therapist recommendation – typically two to three times per week for four to six weeks.
Q. Who will perform the physical therapy treatments on me?
A. A licensed physical therapist will perform the initial evaluation and will follow up with your care. The therapist-patient relationship is very important to us, so we recommend that the same therapist treats you throughout the duration of your physical therapy here at CATZ.
Q. How many PTs are in your facility?
A. We have seven licensed physical therapists with a combined 50-plus years of experience.
Q. What should I wear to my physical therapy appointments?
A. Patients should wear something comfortable (shorts or sweatpants, T-shirt, etc.). Typically, your first day of physical therapy is an evaluation and a treatment session.
Q. How do I get started if I have a prescription?
A. Call our office during our normal business hours to schedule an appointment. The receptionist will schedule your appointment time at your request. Once you are scheduled, you may download our forms and fill them out in the comfort of your own home or wait until you are in our office to fill out the paperwork.
Q. How do I get started if I don’t have a prescription?
A. If you are unsure if you are a candidate for physical therapy, call our office during our normal business hours to schedule a free injury assessment. A licensed physical therapist will perform a 15-minute consult to see if you need skilled physical therapy service. If physical therapy is needed, we can send you to a local orthopedic doctor in your area, or you may go to your own physician to get a physical therapy prescription.
Q. What are your hours of operation?
A. We are open Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 7:00 am and close at 8:00 pm. Tuesday and Thursday, we open at 7:00 am and close at 7:00 pm. We are open on Saturday from 8:00 am to 2:00 pm.
Q. Do you have a locker room and/or showers?
A. Yes, we have a locker room for our clients to use to store their belongings while they are receiving physical therapy treatments. You must bring your own lock if you want to use the lockers. Showers are also in the facility, if needed.
Q. Is there parking?
A. Yes, there is ample, free parking in the front of our building.
Q. Do you take credit cards?
A. Yes, we accept Visa and MasterCard, cash and personal checks.
Q. What type of insurance do you accept?
A. CATZ is a member of PTPN, which is an insurance provider network. To be a part of the network, we’ve gone through a comprehensive accreditation process to ensure quality care is delivered. PTPN, in turn, lists us as a “preferred provider” with all major insurers in Southern California.