Q. Do I need to see a doctor before I can receive physical therapy?

Not necessarily. Massachusetts is a “direct access” state, meaning patients can see a physical therapist without first seeing a physician. However, for those patients who plan to submit physical therapy claims to their insurance carrier for reimbursement, a physician’s prescription will be required.

Q. What can I expect on my first session?

Plan to arrive 10-15 minutes early for your appointment to complete medical history paperwork and an explanation of our policies. Your physical therapist will spend approximately one hour with you, evaluating your medical history, goals, strength and flexibility, gait, posture, etc. Make sure you wear comfortable clothing that allows you unrestricted movement.

By the end of that hour, you will receive:

• A full explanation of your diagnosis and physical condition in terms you can understand.
• A home exercise program individually designed to help “kick-start” your recovery.
• An idea of the timeframe required for recovery.
• If needed, a schedule of follow-up physical therapy sessions for the next 2-4 weeks.

Q. Do you need to see my X-Rays or MRI?

You do not have to bring your X-Rays or MRI, but we would be interested to read any written reports you may have regarding these films.

Q. How many sessions of physical therapy will I need?

This will vary for each patient. Some patients will need only education on a current condition, then maybe 1 or 2 follow-up treatments as “check-ups”. Others with more chronic conditions or those coming out of surgery may require more consistent care for several weeks or longer.

Q. How long will a session last?

A new patient evaluation will take about one hour. Follow-up treatments are not timed, but generally last for about an hour as well. The length of a session may increase or decrease depending on the patients level of function.

Q. Do you take my insurance?

See our Payment Options page for more on this topic. Backstage PT accepts Medicare and many other insurance plans through patients' out-of-network benefits. For patients without out-of-network physical therapy benefits or patients without health insurance, we offer a 50% administrative discount from our regular rates.