FREQUENTLY ASKED
QUESTIONS
- All
- Aquatic Therapy
- BPPV
- Dry Needling
- ForceDecks
- Geriatric Physical Therapy
- Graston Technique
- Insurance
- Lymphedema
- Neurology
- New Patient
- Occupational Therapy
- Orthopedics
- Pediatrics
- Pelvic Floor Therapy
- Pre-Op and Post-Op
- Sports Training
- TMJ Disorder
- Visits
- Workplace Injuries
Many children can begin physical therapy with a physician referral or through insurance-approved access. Our staff can help verify your insurance benefits and explain the referral process.
Absolutely. Parent and caregiver involvement is an important part of successful pediatric rehabilitation. Your therapist will provide education and home exercises to reinforce progress between visits.
Yes. Pediatric therapy sessions are designed to be engaging, interactive, and age-appropriate while helping children achieve meaningful developmental goals through play-based activities.
The first visit includes a comprehensive evaluation of your child’s movement, strength, coordination, flexibility, and developmental skills. Your therapist will discuss findings with you and develop an individualized treatment plan.
Your child may benefit from physical therapy if they have delayed motor milestones, difficulty walking or running, poor balance, frequent falls, muscle weakness, or are recovering from an injury or surgery.
Pediatric physical therapists evaluate and treat children who have difficulty with movement, balance, strength, coordination, or developmental milestones. Treatment focuses on improving physical function while supporting healthy growth and development.
When appropriate and authorized, your physical therapist can document your progress and communicate relevant rehabilitation information with members of your healthcare and workers’ compensation team.
Workers’ compensation cases may require information such as your claim details, insurance information, physician documentation, employer information, and authorization for treatment. Contact our office before your appointment if you’re unsure which documents are required.
Yes. Physical therapy can help address pain and movement limitations associated with repetitive tasks while identifying strength, mobility, ergonomic, or movement factors that may contribute to recurring symptoms.
Recovery time depends on your injury, job demands, overall health, and progress. Your therapist will establish an individualized plan following your initial evaluation and modify it as your abilities improve.
Your rehabilitation program can incorporate strengthening, mobility exercises, endurance training, lifting mechanics, and functional activities based on the physical demands of your occupation.
The appropriate timing depends on your injury and medical recommendations. Beginning rehabilitation when medically appropriate can help restore movement, reduce weakness and stiffness, and support your return to normal activities.
Physical therapy is often covered when it is authorized as part of an approved workers’ compensation claim. Coverage and authorization requirements vary, so our staff can help you understand the information needed before scheduling treatment.
Physical therapy can help treat many musculoskeletal workplace injuries, including back and neck injuries, shoulder conditions, knee injuries, sprains, strains, repetitive-use injuries, and post-surgical conditions. Your therapist will evaluate your injury to determine an appropriate rehabilitation plan.
Many patients in Illinois can access physical therapy without first obtaining a physician referral. Insurance requirements can vary, so our team can help determine your coverage and explain your options.
It depends on the cause of your symptoms. Dental issues such as problems with the teeth or bite may require evaluation by a dentist, while physical therapists can address problems involving jaw movement, muscles, posture, and surrounding joints. In some cases, collaborative care may be appropriate.
Treatment length varies depending on the cause and severity of your symptoms. After your initial evaluation, your therapist will recommend a personalized treatment plan and monitor your progress throughout therapy.
Yes. When restricted jaw movement is related to muscle tightness or joint mobility, physical therapy may help improve range of motion through manual therapy, exercises, and movement retraining.
Posture can influence the position and movement of the head, neck, and jaw. For some patients, improving posture and neck mobility can be an important component of TMJ treatment.
Jaw muscle tension and dysfunction may contribute to headaches in some individuals. A physical therapist can evaluate the jaw, neck, posture, and surrounding muscles to determine whether these factors may be contributing to your symptoms.
Clicking and popping can occur when structures within the temporomandibular joint move differently during opening or closing. Clicking does not always require treatment, but clicking accompanied by pain, locking, or difficulty moving the jaw should be evaluated.
Yes. Physical therapy can help patients whose TMJ symptoms are related to joint mobility, muscle tension, weakness, posture, or movement dysfunction. Your therapist will perform an evaluation to determine whether physical therapy is appropriate for your symptoms.
Yes. Every athlete has different strengths, weaknesses, sports demands, and performance goals. An individualized sports training program allows exercises and progressions to be selected based on the athlete’s assessment, experience, position, and goals rather than relying on a one-size-fits-all approach.
Yes. Sports training can help bridge the gap between rehabilitation and returning to full athletic competition. Once appropriate, athletes can progress through exercises that challenge strength, speed, power, agility, and sport-specific movement while preparing their bodies for the demands of practices and competition.
VALD ForceDecks are advanced force plates that provide objective measurements of an athlete’s strength, power, balance, jump performance, and movement symmetry. At Alton Physical Therapy, ForceDecks data can help identify performance opportunities, establish baseline measurements, track progress, and guide individualized training or rehabilitation programs.
Yes. Sports performance programs can be customized around the movements and physical demands of an athlete’s sport. Training may emphasize areas such as acceleration, change of direction, jumping, landing, strength, power, or endurance depending on the athlete’s needs and goals.
While no training program can prevent every injury, sports performance training can help address factors that may contribute to injury risk. Improving strength, balance, flexibility, movement mechanics, and neuromuscular control can help athletes better handle the physical demands of their sport.
Traditional strength training primarily focuses on increasing muscular strength, while sports performance training takes a more comprehensive approach. In addition to strength, programs may address speed, agility, explosive power, balance, coordination, mobility, and sport-specific movement patterns to help improve overall athletic performance.
Sports performance training can benefit athletes at many ages and competitive levels. Training should be appropriate for the athlete’s age, physical development, experience, and sport. At Alton Physical Therapy, programs are individualized to help athletes develop their abilities safely and effectively.
Sports performance training is specialized exercise and conditioning designed to improve the physical skills athletes need to perform at their best. Programs may focus on strength, speed, agility, power, balance, coordination, mobility, and movement mechanics based on the athlete’s sport, position, and individual goals.
Treatment length varies based on your condition, symptoms, goals, and response to therapy. Following your evaluation, your therapist will recommend an individualized plan of care and monitor your progress throughout treatment.
Treatment should be based on your comfort level. Some patients may experience sensitivity when painful or tight tissues are evaluated, but your therapist will communicate with you throughout treatment and modify techniques as needed.
Pelvic floor therapy can be beneficial during postpartum recovery, particularly for patients experiencing urinary leakage, pelvic discomfort, core weakness, or difficulty returning to exercise and normal activities.
Yes. Some forms of constipation are associated with difficulty coordinating or relaxing the pelvic floor muscles. Your therapist can evaluate whether pelvic floor dysfunction may be contributing to your symptoms and recommend an appropriate treatment program.
Pelvic floor physical therapy can help many patients experiencing stress or urge urinary incontinence by addressing muscle strength, coordination, breathing, movement, and bladder habits.
No. An internal examination may provide useful information in some cases, but it is performed only when clinically appropriate and with your consent. Your therapist will explain your options and answer any questions before proceeding.
No. Pelvic floor dysfunction can affect both women and men. Treatment is individualized based on each patient’s symptoms, anatomy, medical history, and goals.
Many Illinois patients can begin physical therapy through Direct Access, although some insurance plans or post-surgical protocols may require a referral. Our team can help verify your benefits and explain your options.
Absolutely. Home exercises are an important part of recovery and help reinforce your progress between therapy visits.
Yes. Physical therapy helps reduce pain by restoring movement, improving strength, reducing stiffness, and helping control swelling throughout the recovery process.
Recovery timelines vary based on the type of surgery, your overall health, and your rehabilitation goals. Your therapist will discuss your expected plan of care after your evaluation.
The timing depends on your specific procedure and your surgeon’s recommendations. Some patients begin therapy within days of surgery, while others may wait longer depending on healing requirements.
Prehabilitation, or prehab, is physical therapy performed before surgery to improve strength, flexibility, balance, and overall conditioning. It can help prepare your body for surgery and support a smoother recovery.
Many Illinois patients can begin physical therapy through Direct Access without first obtaining a physician referral. Our team can help verify your insurance coverage and explain your options.
Comfortable clothing that allows easy movement and supportive athletic shoes are recommended for most appointments.
Yes. Physical therapy can improve joint mobility, strengthen supporting muscles, reduce pain, and help individuals with arthritis remain active and independent.
Every rehabilitation program is individualized. Your therapist will discuss your expected treatment plan after your evaluation and adjust it as you make progress.
No. Many orthopedic conditions improve with conservative physical therapy, allowing patients to reduce pain and restore function without surgery. If surgery is necessary, therapy also plays an important role before and after the procedure.
Orthopedic physical therapy treats injuries and conditions affecting the muscles, joints, bones, tendons, ligaments, and connective tissues, including back pain, arthritis, sports injuries, fractures, and post-surgical recovery.
Yes. Your therapist will develop a personalized home exercise program to reinforce your progress between visits and help you achieve the best possible results.
Many patients in Illinois can begin therapy through Direct Access, although some insurance plans may require a referral. Our team can help verify your benefits before your first appointment.
Treatment length varies depending on your diagnosis, goals, and progress. Your therapist will develop an individualized plan of care and adjust it throughout your recovery.
Occupational therapy is beneficial for individuals recovering from orthopedic injuries, neurological conditions, surgery, arthritis, hand injuries, and many other conditions affecting daily function.
Physical therapy focuses primarily on improving movement, mobility, and balance, while occupational therapy focuses on helping patients safely perform daily activities such as dressing, cooking, working, and self-care.
Occupational therapists help patients regain the skills needed to safely perform everyday activities after injury, illness, or surgery. Treatment often focuses on improving upper extremity function, coordination, strength, and independence.
Many patients in Illinois can begin physical therapy through Direct Access without first obtaining a physician referral. Our staff can help verify your insurance benefits and explain your options.
Yes. Your therapist will develop a personalized home exercise program designed to reinforce your progress between therapy sessions and support long-term success.
No. Individuals living with chronic neurological conditions may also benefit from ongoing therapy to maintain mobility, improve function, and manage symptoms.
Yes. Physical therapy can improve mobility, posture, balance, flexibility, and walking while helping individuals maintain independence and reduce fall risk.
Yes. Stroke rehabilitation focuses on improving strength, balance, walking ability, coordination, and independence while helping patients safely return to daily activities.
Every patient’s recovery is unique. Your therapist will develop an individualized treatment plan based on your diagnosis, goals, and progress throughout therapy.
Neurological physical therapy is beneficial for individuals recovering from stroke, brain injury, spinal cord injury, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, vestibular disorders, peripheral neuropathy, and many other neurological conditions.
Many patients can begin physical therapy through Illinois Direct Access, while some insurance plans or specific medical situations may require a referral. Our team can help verify your benefits and explain your options.
Treatment varies depending on the severity of your condition and your individual goals. Your therapist will develop a personalized plan of care and monitor your progress throughout rehabilitation.
No. Most treatment techniques are gentle and designed to reduce discomfort while improving lymphatic drainage.
Many patients benefit from compression garments to help maintain swelling reduction after treatment. Your therapist will recommend the most appropriate compression options for your condition.
No. Manual Lymphatic Drainage is a specialized medical treatment performed by trained therapists using gentle techniques specifically designed to improve lymphatic flow. It differs significantly from traditional massage therapy.
Complete Decongestive Therapy is the gold standard treatment for lymphedema. It combines Manual Lymphatic Drainage, compression therapy, therapeutic exercise, skin care, and patient education to reduce swelling and improve lymphatic function.
Lymphedema is generally considered a chronic condition, but specialized therapy can effectively reduce swelling, improve function, and help manage symptoms over the long term.
Your therapist may recommend gentle stretching, hydration, movement, or home exercises to maximize the benefits of your treatment session.
Yes. The Graston Technique may be used to address scar tissue and soft tissue restrictions that develop following certain orthopedic surgeries when appropriate during the healing process.
Yes. When performed by trained physical therapists, the Graston Technique is considered a safe and effective treatment for many musculoskeletal conditions.
Treatment recommendations vary depending on your diagnosis, severity of symptoms, and rehabilitation goals. Your physical therapist will develop a personalized plan of care following your evaluation.
No. While both treatments involve soft tissue, the Graston Technique uses specialized instruments and evidence-based assessment to target scar tissue, fascial restrictions, and movement limitations as part of a physical therapy program.
The Graston Technique is a specialized form of Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM) that uses stainless steel instruments to identify and treat soft tissue restrictions, scar tissue, and muscle tightness.
Yes. Aquatic therapy is commonly recommended following joint replacement and other orthopedic surgeries because it allows patients to begin movement while placing less stress on healing tissues.
Treatment times vary depending on your personalized plan of care, but most sessions last approximately 45 to 60 minutes.
Most insurance plans that cover physical therapy also cover aquatic therapy when it is medically necessary. Our staff can help verify your benefits before treatment.
Yes. Our therapeutic pool is maintained between 92 and 94 degrees to promote comfort, reduce muscle tension, and improve mobility during treatment.
No. Most aquatic therapy exercises are performed in shallow water, and your therapist remains with you throughout the session.
Comfortable clothing that allows you to move easily and supportive walking shoes are recommended for most therapy sessions.
Yes. Physical therapy can help reduce pain, improve joint mobility, strengthen supporting muscles, and increase overall function for many individuals living with arthritis.
Treatment varies depending on your condition and goals. Your therapist will discuss your recommended plan of care after your initial evaluation and adjust it as you make progress.
Many patients in Illinois can begin physical therapy through Direct Access without first obtaining a physician referral. Our staff can help determine your eligibility and verify your insurance coverage.
Absolutely. Physical therapists evaluate balance, strength, walking patterns, and other factors that contribute to falls. Personalized fall prevention programs can significantly improve stability and confidence.
Yes. Every treatment plan is customized to your individual health, abilities, and goals. Exercises are progressed gradually to ensure safety while promoting improvement.
Geriatric physical therapy is beneficial for adults experiencing age-related changes in strength, balance, flexibility, or mobility, as well as those recovering from surgery, illness, or injury.
ForceDecks provide objective measurements that help therapists track progress, identify remaining deficits, and make informed decisions about advancing treatment or returning patients to activity safely.
No. Testing is non-invasive and consists of movements such as standing, balancing, jumping, or performing functional tasks while standing on the force plates.
Most ForceDecks assessments can be completed in approximately 30 to 60 minutes, depending on the testing protocol and your individual goals.
No. While commonly used in sports medicine, ForceDecks also help evaluate patients recovering from orthopedic injuries, joint replacements, balance impairments, and other movement-related conditions.
ForceDecks are beneficial for athletes returning from injury, patients recovering from orthopedic surgery, active adults, and anyone seeking objective movement analysis to improve rehabilitation or performance.
VALD ForceDecks are computerized force plates that measure strength, power, balance, movement symmetry, and athletic performance using objective biomechanical data.
Insurance coverage varies by plan. Our staff can help verify your benefits and answer questions about coverage before your first appointment.
Dry needling may not be appropriate for everyone. During your evaluation, your therapist will review your medical history and determine whether this treatment is safe and appropriate for your specific needs.
Your therapist may recommend drinking plenty of water, staying active with gentle movement, performing prescribed stretches, and avoiding strenuous exercise for the remainder of the day if appropriate.
Yes. When performed by trained physical therapists using sterile, single-use needles, dry needling is considered a safe treatment with a low risk of complications.
Treatment varies depending on your condition, symptoms, and overall rehabilitation goals. Some patients notice improvement after one or two sessions, while others benefit from additional treatments as part of a comprehensive therapy program.
No. While both treatments use thin needles, dry needling and acupuncture are based on different philosophies and treatment goals. Dry needling is rooted in modern anatomy and evidence-based physical therapy, focusing on relieving muscle tension, reducing pain, and restoring movement.
Illinois allows many patients to begin physical therapy through Direct Access without first obtaining a physician referral. Our staff can help determine your eligibility and verify your insurance benefits.
The Epley Maneuver is a series of carefully guided head and body movements performed by a trained physical therapist to move displaced inner ear crystals back to their proper location. It is one of the most common and effective treatments for BPPV.
Yes. Some people experience recurring episodes months or even years later. Fortunately, physical therapy remains highly effective for treating recurrent BPPV.
Some cases improve without treatment, but symptoms may persist for weeks or months. Physical therapy often provides faster symptom relief and helps restore normal function sooner.
While BPPV itself is not typically dangerous, the dizziness it causes can increase your risk of falls and make everyday activities difficult. Prompt treatment can help restore balance and reduce these risks.
Many patients experience significant improvement after one to three visits. However, treatment recommendations vary depending on your symptoms, medical history, and response to therapy.
Yes. Physical therapy is one of the most effective treatments for BPPV. Specialized repositioning maneuvers and vestibular rehabilitation exercises often resolve symptoms quickly while reducing the likelihood of future episodes.
No. Aquatic therapy is a medically supervised rehabilitation program led by licensed physical therapists using targeted exercises designed to improve strength, mobility, balance, and function.
Alton Physical Therapy participates in the following health care plans. If your plan is not listed, please contact our office and we will be happy to check your benefits.
- Aetna
- Advantra
- Align Networks
- Blue Cross/Blue Shield
- Humana
- Cigna
- Coventry
- Department of Labor
- Essence Healthcare
- First Health
- HealthLink
- Humana Military
- Medicare Part B
- Medrisk
- Multiplan
- Network Synergy Group (Genex)
- Railroad Medicare
- Three Rivers
- UMR
- United Healthcare
- Veterans Administration
- Workman’s Compensation
We also provide a cash patient rate for those who do not have insurance. Please call 618-462-1133 for details.
These accepted insurance companies are for our Alton, Columbia, and Hardin locations. If you have insurance questions for our Litchfield Clinic call (217) 324-8780, Jerseyville Clinic call (618) 498-8480, Shelbyville Clinic call (217) 774-6434, or Staunton Clinic call (618) 635-4273.
Physical therapists (PTs), physical therapist assistants (PTAs), Occupational Therapists and Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA/L) are all licensed by their respective states.
In most cases, you have the right to choose any physical therapy clinic. Our practice is a provider for many different insurance plans.
Your initial evaluation treatment session typically lasts about 1 ½ hours. Every visit after that typically lasts about 45 minutes to an hour.
You should wear loose fitting clothing so you can expose the area that we will be evaluating and treating. For example, if you have a knee problem, it is best to wear shorts. For a shoulder problem, a tank top is a good choice, and for low back problems, wear a loose fitting shirt and pants, again, so we can perform a thorough examination.
- Make sure you bring your physical therapy referral (if required by your insurance, provided to you by your doctor) and your payment information.
- If your insurance is covering the cost of physical therapy, bring your insurance card.
- If you are covered by Workers’ Compensation, bring your claim number and your case manager’s contact information.
- Please bring a valid photo ID and be prepared to pay any copay/coinsurance due.
During your first visit you can expect the following:
- Arrive at your appointment with your paperwork completed (you can download it by clicking here).
- You will provide us with your prescription for physical therapy (if required by insurance).
- We will copy your insurance card and a valid photo ID.
- You will be seen for the initial evaluation by the therapist.
The therapist will discuss the following:
1. Your medical history.
2. Your current problems/complaints.
3. Pain intensity, what aggravates and eases the problem.
4. How this is impacting your daily activities or your functional limitations.
5. Your goals with physical therapy.
6. Medications, tests, and procedures related to your health.
Contact your insurance company and inquire if a physician referral is required for PT.
- If your insurance DOES require this, obtain a referral from your physician. Remember, you choose where you receive your PT.
- If your insurance DOES NOT require a physician referral, you will be a Direct Access patient. This means you can call Alton Physical Therapy and schedule your PT evaluation WITHOUT a physician referral.
What is DIRECT ACCESS? In August 2018, the State of IL passed direct access which now allows patients to access care from a physical therapist without a physician’s referral. The law permits a physical therapist to evaluate a patient and devise a treatment plan without first having to submit a diagnosis for the physician’s approval. Alton Physical Therapy will continue to verify insurance benefits to see if a physician’s referral is required for coverage.