FAQ

WHAT HAPPENS DURING MY FIRST VISIT?

  • Arrive at your appointment with your paperwork completed (you can easily download it from our website). If you can’t complete your paperwork before your visit, please arrive 20 minutes prior to your appointment.

  • You will provide us with your prescription for physical therapy.

  • We will copy your insurance card.

  • You will be seen for the initial evaluation and treatment by the therapist.

  • The therapist will perform an objective evaluation which may include some of the following: manual muscle testing, range of motion assessment, functional activities analysis, postural assessment, mobility testing and specific tests for special conditions.

  • The therapist will discuss the following: Rehabilitation Potential, Goals, Expectations, and Treatment Plan.

Make sure you bring your physical therapy prescription (provided to you by your doctor) and your payment information. We recommend submitting your insurance information for benefits verification prior to your first visit so that we can provide you with accurate information about your coverage before your session. If you will be billing your insurance for physical therapy, bring your insurance card. If you are being covered by auto insurance, make sure you submit this information prior to your first visit.

HOW SHOULD I DRESS?

You should wear loose fitting clothing so you can expose the area that will be evaluated and treated. For example, it is best to wear shorts if being treated for a knee injury; if you have a shoulder problem, a tank top is a good choice, and for low back problems, wear a loose fitting shirt and pants, in order for us to perform a thorough examination.

HOW LONG WILL EACH TREATMENT LAST?

Treatment sessions typically last 45 to 60 minutes per visit.

HOW MANY VISITS WILL I NEED?

This is highly variable as it depends on your diagnosis, the severity of your impairments, your past medical history, and your specific functional needs for daily activities. You will be re-evaluated on a monthly basis and when you see your doctor, we will provide you with a progress report with our recommendations and treatment plan.

WHAT DO PHYSICAL THERAPISTS DO?

Many people are familiar with how physical therapy can help with orthopedic problems, such as low back pain or knee surgeries, to reduce pain and regain function. Others may be aware of the treatment that physical therapists provide to assist patients recovering from a stroke (e.g., assisting them with recovering use of their limbs and walking again). But because physical therapists are experts in movement and function, they do not confine their talents to treating people who are ill. A large part of a physical therapist’s program is educational and is directed at preventing injury, loss of movement, or even surgery.Physical therapists can also help athletes at all levels screen for potential problems and institute preventive exercise programs.

WHY IS PHYSICAL THERAPY A GOOD CHOICE?

The APTA reports that more than half of all Americans are suffering from pain. Whether it is a recent episode or chronic, an ABC News/Stanford study revealed that chronic pain in America is a serious problem. Physical therapists are well equipped to not only treat pain but also its source. Physical therapists are experts at treating movement dysfunction and neuro-musculoskeletal disorders. Pain often accompanies a movement disorder and physical therapists can help correct the disorder and diminish or eliminate the pain associated with it.

WHY ARE PEOPLE REFERRED TO PHYSICAL THERAPY?

You may be referred to physical therapy because of a movement dysfunction, which very likely causes pain and limits your daily activities (e.g. difficulty getting out of a chair, an inability to play sports, or trouble with walking, etc.). Physical therapists treat these movement dysfunctions and their associated pains and restore your body’s ability to move in a normal manner.

WHO PAYS FOR THE TREATMENT?

In most cases, health insurance covers your treatment. Please contact our office for a complete list of accepted insurance programs. We accept most types of insurance. Any of our receptionists can help you clarify your insurance coverage and physical therapy benefits.

WHO WILL SEE ME?

You will be evaluated by one of our licensed and highly trained physical therapists. At Core Conditioning, we approach every patient with the same goal in mind: to provide rehabilitation that will strengthen your body and condition your life. To achieve this we work one on one with each patient and believe that developing a relationship with our patients is crucial to maintaining continuity of care.

IS PHYSICAL THERAPY PAINFUL?

One of the primary objectives for many patients is to reduce or eliminate pain. This is frequently accomplished with hands-on techniques, modalities such as ultrasound, electrical stimulation, and/or heat or cold therapy. Movement will often provide pain relief as well. Your physical therapist will create a program just for you, which will generally include exercises to relieve pain and restore range of motion, awareness, strength, and endurance.

In some cases, physical therapy techniques can be uncomfortable. For example, recovering knee range of motion after total knee replacement or shoulder range of motion after shoulder surgery may be painful. Your physical therapist will utilize a variety of techniques to help maximize your treatment goals with as little pain as possible. It is important that you communicate the intensity, frequency, and duration of discomfort or pain to your therapist. Without this information, it is difficult for the therapist to adjust your treatment plan.

WHAT TYPES OF TREATMENTS WILL I RECEIVE?

There are many different types of treatment interventions that can be determined following your initial evaluation. Here is a list of treatment interventions we use at Core Conditioning:

  • Active Range of Motion (AROM) – the patient lifts or moves a body part through range of motion against gravity. AROM improves joint and tissue mobility.

  • Active Assistive Range of Motion (AAROM) – therapist-assisted active range of motion. This is usually prescribed for gentle stretching or strengthening for a very weak body part.

  • Stationary Bicycle – with or without resistance. This is usually prescribed for improving the strength and/or range of motion of the back or lower extremities as well as cardio-vascular endurance.

  • Elliptical Machine – This is usually prescribed for improving the strength and/or range of motion of the back or lower extremities as well as cardio-vascular endurance.

  • Treadmill – with or without incline. This is usually prescribed for improving the strength and/or range of motion of the back or lower extremities as well as cardio-vascular endurance.

  • Gait or Walking Training – the analysis of walking problems by visually observing the functional relationships between the low back/pelvis and the joints of the thighs, legs, and feet during the various stages of walking, including initial contact, loading response, mid stance, terminal stance, pre swing, mid swing, and terminal swing. Many back, thigh, leg, ankle, and foot problems may be caused by or lead to gait abnormalities.

  • Isometrics – muscle contraction without joint movement. This is usually prescribed for strengthening without stressing or damaging the joint (e.g., arthritis, exercises to be performed when in a cast, or after surgery if recommended by the therapist/doctor).

  • Isotonics- muscle(s) contracting through the ROM with resistance. This is usually prescribed for strengthening.

  • Soft Tissue Mobilization – therapeutic massage of body tissue, performed with the hands. Soft tissue mobilization may be used to relax a muscle, to decrease swelling, to decrease scar tissue adhesions, and for pain relief.

  • Mobilization – hands-on therapeutic procedures intended to increase soft tissue or joint mobility. Mobilization is usually prescribed to increase mobility, decrease stiffness, and to relieve pain. There are many types of mobilization techniques including Maitland, Isometric Mobilizations, etc.

  • Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF) – a system of manually resisted exercises performed in diagonal patterns. PNF was initially used in developmentally and neurologically impaired patients but now is used in almost every aspect of neuromuscular retraining from athletes in sports facilities to the very weak in hospitals and nursing homes.

  • Posture Training – instruction in the correct biomechanical alignment of the body in order to reduce undue stress on muscles, joints, ligaments, discs, and other soft tissues. Therapists teach patients about the importance of improving posture with daily activities. Stretching and strengthening exercises may be prescribed to facilitate improved postural balance and to prevent further dysfunction or recurrences of problems.

  • Progressive Resistive Exercises (PRE) – exercises that gradually increase in resistance (weights) and in repetitions. PRE is usually prescribed for reeducation of muscles and strengthening. Weights, resistance bands, weighted balls and body weight can be used as resistance.

  • Passive Range of Motion (PROM) – the patient or therapist moves the body part through a range of motion without the use of the muscles that “actively” move the joint(s).

  • Stretching/Flexibility Exercise – exercise designed to lengthen muscle(s) or soft tissue. Stretching exercises are usually prescribed to improve the flexibility of muscles that have tightened as a result of disuse or to compensate for pain, spasm or immobilization.

  • Cryotherapy or Cold Therapy – used to cause vasoconstriction (the blood vessels constrict or decrease their diameter) to reduce the amount of fluid that leaks out of the capillaries into the tissue spaces (swelling) in response to injury of tissue. Ice or cold is used most frequently in acute injuries, but also an effective pain reliever for even the most chronic pain.

  • Cold Laser Therapy – This form of therapy uses light which is absorbed into the tissues to power metabolic processes, synthesize RNA, DNA, proteins, enzymes, and other biological materials needed to repair or regenerate cell and tissue components. Light therapy works to reduce pain by modulating the levels of prostaglandins and nitric oxide. The end result is that the absorbed energy is used to repair the tissue, reduce pain and/or restore normalcy to an otherwise impaired biological process.

  • Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation (NMES) – the application of electrical stimulation to aid in improving strength (e.g., the quadriceps muscle after knee surgery or injury). NMES is also used to decrease pain and swelling and to relieve muscle spasm.

  • Cervical Traction – a gentle longitudinal/axial pull on the neck, either manual or mechanical, intermittent or continuous for relief of neck pain, to decrease muscle spasm, and facilitate unloading of the spine. Heat – heat is recommended to decrease chronic pain, relax muscles, and for pain relief. It should not be used with an acute or “new” injury.

  • Pelvic Traction – the longitudinal/axial pull on the lumbar spine, either manual or mechanical, intermittent or continuous. Pelvic traction may be helpful for the relief of low back pain and muscle spasm.

  • Iontophoresis – medications are propelled through the skin by an electrical charge. Iontophoresis is usually prescribed for injuries such as shoulder or elbow bursitis.

  • Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) – a relatively low voltage applied over painful areas through small self-adhesive electrodes. The electrical stimulation overrides the sensation of pain. It is a small, portable unit, used in intervals, to control pain and reduce dependence on drugs. It is usually prescribed to relieve pain.

  • Ultrasound – ultrasound uses a high frequency sound wave emitted from the sound head when electricity is passed through a quartz crystal. The sound waves cause the vibration of water molecules deep within tissue causing a heating effect. When the sound waves are pulsed, they cause a vibration of the tissue rather than heating. The stream of sound waves helps with nutrition exchange at the cellular level and promotes healing. Studies have shown that ultrasound is helpful for many tissue impairments including: ligament damage, for carpal tunnel syndrome, and muscle spasm.

WILL I GET A MASSAGE AT PHYSICAL THERAPY?

Massage may be part of your treatment. Rehabilitation specialists are trained in a variety of massage techniques that may help with your recovery, however massage is not always indicated. Deep tissue techniques may be part of the rehabilitative process. Massage is typically utilized for three reasons – to facilitate increase venous return from a swollen area, to relax a tight muscle, or to relieve pain.

CAN I GO TO ANY PHYSICAL THERAPY CLINIC?

In most cases, you have the right to choose any physical therapy clinic. Our clinic takes many different insurance plans; our office manager can discuss your options through a quick phone call. Our clinic may not be a provider for your insurance plan, however we will work with you to determine an estimate of what your expenses will be. You may still come to our clinic, but it is likely that you will have to pay a portion out-of-pocket for the treatments. The best thing to do is call, and we will attempt to answer all of your questions.

CAN I GO DIRECTLY TO MY PHYSICAL THERAPIST?

Forty-three states have some form of what is called direct access. Some state physical therapy practice acts require a diagnosis before a patient can see a therapist; This is the case in California. Other states allow patients to go directly to physical therapists. In most cases, if you are not making significant improvement within 30 days, the therapist will refer you to/back to your physician.

CAN MY THERAPIST PROVIDE ME WITH A DIAGNOSIS?

In most states, physical therapists cannot make a medical diagnosis. This is something that your medical doctor will provide for you. Physical therapists are important members of your medical team. Physicians are typically the health care providers that will provide you with a medical diagnosis, physical therapists will provide you with information about your rehabilitation potential, goals and plan of care.

HOW DOES THE BILLING PROCESS WORK?

Billing for physical therapy services is similar to what happens at your doctor’s office. When you are seen for treatment the following occurs:

1. The physical therapist bills your insurance company, or charges you based on CPT (Common Procedure Terminology) codes.

2. Those codes are transferred to a billing form that is electronically communicated to the payer.

3. The payer processes this information and makes payments.

4. An EOB (Explanation of Benefits) is generated and sent to the patient and the physical therapy clinic with a check for payment and a balance due by the patient.

5. The patient is expected to make the payment on the balance if any.

It is important to understand that there are many small steps (beyond the outline provided above) within the process. Exceptions are common to the above example as well. At any time along the way, information may be missing, miscommunicated, or misunderstood. This can delay the payment process. While it is common for the payment process to be completed in 90 days or less, it is not uncommon for the physical therapy clinic to receive payment as long as 6 months after the treatment date. You will be financially responsible for any unpaid balance by your insurance.

WHAT WILL I HAVE TO DO AFTER PHYSICAL THERAPY?

Most patients will have a home exercise plan prescribed by their physical therapist. In addition, we offer many options for transition, including group classes, private training sessions, and open gym memberships. At the end of your treatment you and your therapist will work together to create a personalized plan for your continued care.

IS MY THERAPIST LICENSED?

Physical therapists (PT’s) and physical therapist assistants (PTA’s) are licensed by their respective states.

HOW DO I CHOOSE A PHYSICAL THERAPY CLINIC?

  • Do they have a service that can address your problem?

  • Do they take your insurance or are they willing to work with you if they are not a preferred provider?

  • They should be conveniently located. Since sitting and driving often aggravate orthopedic problems, there should be a very good reason for you to drive a long distance for rehabilitation.

  • What are the hours of operation?

  • Can they provide satisfaction survey results?

  • The therapist should provide the treatment.

  • Can you briefly interview the therapist before the first visit?

  • Ask your family and friends who they would recommend.

Testimonials

“I was fortunate to meet Allyson Cabot, PT, and Gabrielle Shrier, MPT, in 2008. I was head of education for Redcord Norway and the trainer of Master Instructors for North America. After they attended their first Neurac course they demonstrated professionalism and a deep understanding of the Neurac method. In 2009 they became certified as Neurac course instructors and have been a part of the Redcord course instructor team in the U.S. since then. As educators they are engaging and knowledgeable. They have a great ability to integrate their clinical experience in their teachings, and transfer this into relevant practical skills. This makes Allyson and Gabrielle excellent course instructors for Redcord.”

-Øyvind Pedersen, Physiotherapist
VP Education & Research, REDCORD Norway

“I’ve been a client at Core Conditioning for more than 6 years. They truly understand dancers and know how to battle injuries efficiently and honestly. While working on Michael Jackson’s final tour, “THIS IS IT,” I recommended Allyson Cabot and her team to do on-site physical therapy with the dancers between rehearsals. Their staff was completely professional, friendly, and thorough. They were even invited to sit in on some of our show run-throughs!”

-Tony Testa, L.A. based choreographer

“In five years I have experienced two spinal discectomies, one lumbar fusion and many, many physical therapists – none of which helped me recover. A personal trainer friend suggested I try Core Conditioning and …WOW! In the past, my assigned therapist would give me a handout of basic floor exercises and send me on my way in six weeks. At Core Conditioning you never leave, …at least I’ll never leave! Through physical therapy, Pilates, Visceral and CranioSacral Therapy I am finally strengthening my core! Now I’m able to take classes that help support the work I’m doing in physical therapy.”

-Kym Fichtner

“What I like about Core Conditioning is that they look at your injury through assessing your entire body.  Who knew my knee injury would create weak muscle groups in other areas?  Well, they did.  The program they have created for me has focused on a range of exercises that I can do at home, combined with more intense clinic work and massage.” 

-Daryl S.

“I have had chronic back pain for as long as I can remember due to an unstable sacro-iliac as well as severe stenosis from L3-S1. I have been through years of physical therapy at other facilities and other treatment regimens with varying results, but no lasting improvement. I am currently in PT at Core Conditioning with an amazingly gifted Redcord therapist, and can see and feel the enormous difference. Not only am I standing up straighter than I have in years. I can now sit in a car for several hours with no residual pain and I have begun to enjoy walking again, thanks to Redcord and my therapist at Core Conditioning!”

-S. Garfield
Yoga Instructor

“I’m very pleased to have worked with Ally, Gabrielle and the rest of the Core Conditioning team for the rehabilitation of my knee. Not only did my knee become stronger than expected, but I also got a chance to really work my core, something that is very important for my Wide Receiver position and all athletes. Core Conditioning workouts are bigger than just rehabbing!”

-Brandon London
Montreal Alouettes’ Wide Receiver
Super Bowl/Grey Bowl Champion

“Gabrielle & Allyson have a passion for teaching and whole health that is contagious. Each workshop they teach is filled with insight, research, practical application and lots of personal attention. I continue to bring back helpful tools to offer my clientele after attending their workshops!”

-Lora Anderson, Master Trainer/Educator
Owner, Pilates Studio City

“I have worked with Allyson Cabot, PT, and Gabrielle Shrier, MPT, both as faculty members for Balanced Body University as well as presenters for Pilates on Tour since 2006. They gracefully combine their deep knowledge of anatomy, biomechanics and Pilates along with many years of clinical experience as physical therapists to create teaching experiences that are interesting, fun, well organized, practical and straightforward. Allyson and Gabrielle, along with their colleagues at Core Conditioning are pioneers in educating physical therapists, trainers and fitness enthusiasts alike in a multitude of rehabilitation principles on several apparatus.”

-Nora St. John, Founder & Program Director
Balanced Body Education Division

“I just complete Anatomy in 3-Dimension this weekend and highly recommend the course. It is perfect for the visual learner and has a great teacher! Thank you! All Pilates instructors should complete this exercise in clay!”

-Michelle A.
Certified Pilates Instructor

“We at Redcord USA are honored to have Gabrielle Shrier, MPT, and Allyson Cabot, PT, of Core Conditioning as part of our education staff and it is not surprising why Redcord is so popular in the state of California. It is a testament to their knowledge, teaching and educational experience that puts them on the top of the list when it comes to education. Whether it’s Neurac, Pilates or other PT topics, they both have a confident teaching style that is second to none.”

-Tyler Joyce, PT
Owner, Redcord USA & Neurac Institute for Physical Therapy

“I first experienced Redcord at Core Conditioning in Burbank, 2009, and loved it so much I decided to take a Redcord Education Course. That was four years ago, and I have been practicing and teaching Redcord myself now since 2009. I have attended several courses in the past four years, including Advanced 1 and recently attended Multi-Suspension at the Studio City location. I can say that it only gets better and more exciting with time. Two ropes or four ropes for the Redcord Active Courses, each level teaches you something for every body. My clients love it, they tell me every day how much stronger they are and how much more awareness they develop after their first session.”

-Nicole Leto, Pilates on 17th
Redcord Active & Pilates Instructor

“As a physical therapist and the inventor of CoreAlign®, I am very particular about who is allowed to teach my coursework on the equipment. It was such a pleasure to be at Core Conditioning in Los Angeles to train them and their staff on the CoreAlign®. Their enthusiasm and professionalism was very special to me. I am sure Core will develop into a major CoreAlign® Physical Therapy clinic in California. It is so encouraging to visit clinics where emphasis is on training patients to manage their every day level of function with good quality of movement and no pain. From there only good things can happen!"

-Jonathon Hoffman, PT
CoreAlign® Inventor, Developer & Master Trainer

“Since working with Core Conditioning, we’ve seen a great increase in our collective physical awareness and improved quality of movement inside of the 60-75 pound puppet suits… They have helped us to identify weak areas and given each individual a personalized plan to remain safe. Their attention to detail is invaluable in preventing injury at any job, whether you’re a firefighter, a stunt person…or even a parent.”

-Natural History Museum’s Performance Art program