Frequently Asked Questions
We get asked many questions about treating scoliosis, spinal deformity, and back pain. Here are some of the most common frequently asked questions and their answers.
The Schroth Method (pronounced shroth) is a method developed by Katrina Schroth in Germany in the 1950’s. She had suffered with scoliosis for most of her life and realized that certain things she did helped to reduce the appearance of her scoliosis and helped relieve her pain.
This method uses the muscles to actively correct the scoliosis posture and maintain improved alignment during exercise. The idea is to retrain the muscles to hold the body in a way that reduces the scoliosis. Because of the nature of scoliosis, and the fact that no two scoliosis curves are the same, the exercises need to be modified and tailored to each individual.
The answer to this question depends on what we are treating. For those who are post-operative, such as knee replacements and rotator cuff repairs, yes, there is some discomfort associated with treatment.
With scoliosis and back pain, as well as many other orthopedic issues, we actually want to minimize pain. Controlling this pain is essential to getting muscles contracting normally and avoiding compensation.
Most of the time, if there is pain involved, we try to change the exercise or do something different to avoid the increase in pain. Most of the time it is not “no pain no gain”. Some treatments like ASTYM and deep tissue massage are uncomfortable at the time, but should not cause more pain later on.
We are constantly working with insurance companies to provide service in-network, but with some insurances it is necessary to bill out-of-network. We encourage you to be familiar with your insurance benefits so you know what they will cover.
Many of our patients choose our self pay option to avoid insurance challenges or to take advantage of our other cash pay services. If you want to learn more about this either call us or ask at your visit.
A physician referral is not required to see a physical therapist. Some insurances, however, do require a referral to cover physical therapy services.
For specific questions, you should contact your insurance to know if your plan requires it. If it is required for your insurance, we can help you navigate the process and get the referral from your doctor.
When I started the clinic in 2015, I had a bonsai in my front office that my wife had given me. I would see it every day, and as I started to specialize more with spine and scoliosis, a few similarities came to mind.
Not only is the spine like the curved trunk of the bonsai tree, but it is complex and intricate. The spine has always fascinated me.
A Bonsai tree takes nurturing and consistent care to grow and flourish. This is not unlike our patients who get the best results with hard work and consistency.
Your treatment plan is determined by you and your therapist. After an evaluation and discussion on your diagnosis, an optimal treatment plan will be designed. Because of our one on one treatment, we usually need fewer visits than traditional physical therapy.
The average number of treatment in therapy is usually between 8 and 12 visits to resolve most issues. Obviously that number varies with extent of the injury and individual differences.
On your first visit, you can expect to fill out some forms, unless you have already downloaded and completed those prior to coming in. The therapist will do an evaluation involving asking you questions and doing some tests. The therapist will then discuss the findings and diagnosis with you, and discuss treatment options.
You can expect to receive treatment on your first visit, and will be given some things to do at home. Depending on the treatment plan you and the therapist determine is best, you will then schedule your follow up visits.
Your first visit is usually longer and will take between 60 and 90 minutes. Follow-up visits are usually between 45 and 60 minutes in length.
You will be asked to do exercises and other things at home to help you progress faster.
Scoliosis is one of our main focuses because it is a very specialized condition, but because of our focus on the spine, we are uniquely qualified to treat a long list of spinal conditions including:
- Adult onset Scoliosis
- Scheurman’s Kyphosis
- Pediatric Back Pain
- Spondylolisthesis
- Chronic Back Pain
- Degenerative Disc Disease
- Lumbar Disc Herniation
- Tension Headaches
- Neck Pain
- Sacroiliac Joint Dysfunction
- Failed Back Surgery
- Along with MANY MORE!
Yes! Before specializing in spine and scoliosis we were a general orthopedic clinic. Most of our therapists are board certified in orthopedics and love treating this as well.
All types of orthopedic problems and conditions can be seen in our clinic on any day. Everything from knee replacements, shoulder pain, running related pain, or just tennis elbow…all are welcome at Align Therapy.
Many people think they will just end up needing surgery for their chronic back pain or scoliosis. While it is true that some conditions will require surgery, there are MANY others that can benefit from physical therapy before surgery, and which may actually be able to avoid surgery if done correctly.
Post surgical treatment is something we routinely do, but one of our main goals is to avoid surgery if possible and still meet the patient’s goals. Why not work on scoliosis or other spine conditions before it gets to the point of needing surgery?
Strengthening prior to surgery can also be helpful to improve outcomes following surgery. Ask your doctor about therapy before surgery to optimize your recovery.
The answer to this question is based on what service you are looking for. We have different levels of treatment as well as packages that include discounts on massages and other services.
Contact us for more information on Self Pay rates for specific treatment and our current deals!
Do you have questions for our therapists? We would be happy to talk to you. Request a time to talk to one of our amazing therapists!
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