Do you take insurance?
Depending on your in and out of network physical therapy benefits, you may be eligible for reimbursement. Ultimately you are responsible for finding out what your benefits are. I am credentialed with BCBS and Life Wise at the moment.  Payment is received up front and super bill is provided with codes for reimbursement that you can submit to your insurance. 
 
Do I need a prescription?
By Washington and Oregon state law, physical therapists must work under a doctor’s prescription after 60 days from the initial evaluation. The script can be obtained from an MD, DO, DC, or dentist (in cases of TMJ). If you are submitting claims to your insurance, you will need a script from the day of evaluation.

What do I wear?
As far as attire, the more I can see and feel, the more efficient I can be. Treatment is performed on bare skin, so most patients simply wear their underwear. If you are more comfortable, elastic gym shorts and a tank top are fine, but should be loose enough to maneuver my hands under. Also, please refrain from applying body lotion on treatment day, as that makes it difficult to maintain good traction.

How long is a treatment?
The first treatment (evaluation) is approximately 1 ½ hours which includes taking your history, performing the evaluation and actual treatment time. Subsequent visits can be scheduled for one, one and a half, or two hours.
You will be e-mailed the intake forms to fill out prior to coming to save time with the intake process. In some cases I may have time to view your intake before seeing you and determine if there is more information that may help streamline our session. 

How many sessions will I need?
It is impossible to estimate how long a person will need treatment. Even with similar diagnoses, each patient is very individual in terms of chronic nature and complexity of the problem, and responsiveness to the treatment. Effects of the sessions are cumulative, so the closer together they are, the better. I recommend 2-3 times per week, if possible. However, if that is not realistic, even once a week is helpful, especially if you are following through with self treatment and stretching at home.

How can I learn more about MFR?
John Barnes’ website, www.myofascialrelease.com, is an invaluable source of information. In particular, I suggest looking under “Articles” near the upper left hand corner of the navigation. There is also a chatline for MFR therapists and patients. Registration is free and easy, directly from John’s website. There you can post your own specific questions or simply read others’ queries and comments. One of John Barnes’ senior therapists, Walt Fritz, has an excellent website that includes research articles relating to myofascial problems and treatment. The website address is: www.myofascialresource.com