Question 1

What does a physical therapist do?

Accepted Answer

Physical therapists are the experts in diagnosis, prognosis and plan of care of the movement system (cardiovascular, pulmonary, endocrine, integumentary, nervous, and musculoskeletal systems). They can help you improve your mobility and quality of life without the expense of surgery or side effects of opioids through individualized and customized treatment plans including functional exercise, manual therapy, electrical modalities and home education.

Question 2

Can I avoid surgery through physical therapy?

Accepted Answer

Yes, many conditions of the movement system can be successfully treated without expensive and painful surgery. Talk to your physical therapist to see what options are available to you. Surgery does not have to be your only option. As an example, see how physical therapy can help knee pain here: http://www.moveforwardpt.com/DidYouKnow/Detail.aspx?cid=687aa921-ed48-46dd-9b2f-17febb9423ed#.VZKxShtVikp

Question 3

Do I need a referral from my doctor?

Accepted Answer

Washington State is a direct access state, which means you can see a physical therapist without seeing your physician first. However, many insurances still require a referral from your physician for reimbursement. Call the office today to see if your insurance plan requires a referral for physical therapy.

Question 4

What should I bring for my first appointment?

Accepted Answer

You will need to bring a photo ID and your insurance card. We will be sending out a welcome packet in the mail with initial paperwork that we would like you to fill out prior to your first appointment. Please arrive 15 minutes early for your first appointment to make sure we have all necessary paperwork filled out.

Question 5

How long are my appointments?

Accepted Answer

Typically, most appointments will be 45-60 minutes, depending on the severity of your condition. If your condition requires a shorter or longer appointment, we will adjust accordingly.

Question 6

Will I see the same physical therapist each time?

Accepted Answer

At Harada Physical Therapy, we believe in a team-oriented treatment approach. Our teams are composed of one physical therapist (PT) and one physical therapist assistant (PTA).
We know continuity of care is important. Therefore, you will always be treated by the same team (barring any last minute rescheduling or staff vacations) during your time with us. Your team will consult with each other to stay up to date on your progress and, rest assured, you will receive the best treatment possible!

Question 7

What if I cannot make a scheduled appointment?

Accepted Answer

To accommodate all our patients, we reserve individual time slots for each session. Cancelling at the last minute, or failing to show for a treatment, limits our ability to accommodate the needs of our other patients. We require a call by 3 pm the day before your scheduled appointment to avoid a late cancellation or no-show fee. This allows us time to call other patients that are waiting to be seen. We take pride in one-on-one treatment and do not double our triple book our patients with our therapists.

Frequently Asked Questions