OPTIONS FOR STARTING
If you're ready to start physical therapy, you may schedule a full initial evaluation that's either paid for out of pocket or through insurance. The evaluation takes 45-60 minutes or more for us to evaluate, establish baseline measures, formulate and educate you on the plan of care, begin treatment, review an initial home exercise program, and perform any modalities for pain if needed.
Not sure if physical therapy is right for your condition? We offer a 15-30 minute FREE injury consultation where we help you understand the source of your pain and inform you of our diagnosis. In most cases, physical therapy is the recommended course of action and we can get you started with us. But should you require further medical consultation, our team can guide you to the best physicians in the area for your specific injury.
You may be surprised to find out the source of your pain isn’t where the pain itself presents and there’s something you can do about it starting today!
In Maryland, there is a Direct Access law that indicates there are no restrictions or limitations whatsoever for treatment absent a referral. This means that you, as a patient, can be evaluated and treated by a licensed Physical Therapist without having to first see your physician for a referral.
However, if you are planning on using insurance for your visits, you may need to check with them for coverage without a referral.
INSURANCE PHYSICAL THERAPY
Your insurance company may offer In-Network Benefits (as per your insurance carrier and policy coverage).
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We also accept Out-of-network Benefits (as per your insurance carrier and policy coverage). We can help you understand what your insurance company will allow.
YOUR FIRST VISIT
Please arrive 15 minutes prior to your scheduled appointment time so that we can complete your new patient registration process. If possible, please download and complete the New Patient Forms located prior to your arrival to limit your wait time.
You’ll need to bring your insurance card, driver’s license/photo ID, doctors prescription or referral (if applicable), any pertinent imaging (X-rays or MRI), and any medical reports if available.
As a courtesy, Catalyst PT will verify your insurance benefits for you and gladly review the information with you prior to your first visit.
WHAT TO WEAR
Physical Therapy at Catalyst is physical! Help us help you by wearing loose, comfortable clothing so your therapist can easily access your injured area. Loose fitting clothes, shorts, and sports bras for women, allow Catalyst’s therapists to perform a thorough, comprehensive examination without restricting your range of motion. Please bring athletic footwear. No heels or sandals.
We advise our patients to bring a water bottle to your sessions, and a towel for wiping sweat if you like. Cubbies are provided for your personal items, and showers are available in the attached Chiseled Life Gym.
YOUR FIRST EXAMINATION
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At your first visit, your physical therapist will perform a comprehensive evaluation that includes:
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The history of the injury
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Your symptoms and complaints
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Measurement of your pain
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Range of motion
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Strength, sansation, and balance
An assessment of your posture, gait, soft tissue and spinal alignment, and a functional movement assessment.
Your therapist will review the findings of your evaluation and explain the associated anatomy of your injury, the ideology behind your treatment plan, as well as answer any questions you may have.
You will be given a home exercise program to help speed your recovery. These exercises will be reviewed over your first few sessions. Your home exercise program will likely change throughout the course of your rehab as you progress. Ultimately, you will be given an advanced home program at your discharge evaluation to help with maintenance and the prevention of relapse, or future injuries.
TREATMENT EXPECTATIONS
After your first visit, you can expect each visit to last 75-90 minutes with 15-30 minutes of 1:1 time with your therapist. More severe injuries may include a larger number exercises and require a bit more time. Here at Catalyst PT, we go above and beyond for our patients and referring physicians. We know insurance companies only cover about 60 minutes per visit. However, our philosophy combines physical therapy and strength and conditioning and often will go over 60 minutes. This is why we utilize highly trained techs to assist you in your custom corrective exercise and training program. Our goal is to not only get you healthy again, but to retain and improve your strength and endurance in the process. Our methods have been highly successful since opening in 2011 and we plan to always go above and beyond for our clients!
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Depending on your doctor’s orders, treatments are performed 2-3 times a week, decreasing as you approach your discharge goals. The duration of your treatment may vary and depends upon the type of injury you have.
You will be formally re-evaluated by your physical therapist at least once every 30 days or 10 visits. Re-evaluations may be performed earlier if there is a significant decline in your status that warrants a physician follow-up, or a significant progression that would indicate discharge.
Your physical therapist will maintain open communication with your physician to ensure the most efficient management and treatment plan possible. Your physician can expect to receive copies of your initial evaluation, re-evaluations, progress reports (for your follow-up appointments), and discharge evaluations.
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COMMUNICATION
Catalyst PT’s therapists will also openly communicate with the coaches and trainers of our clients to help ensure safe training modifications throughout your recovery. (Only upon the client’s request.)
Catalyst’s rehab philosophy relies heavily on corrective exercise. Please come prepared to work hard during your visits and with your home exercise programs. (Showers and towels are available for your convenience should you wish to shower here after a session.
Every Catalyst PT team member is here to assist you with your questions, concerns, or rehabilitation needs. Please do not hesitate to ask!
FOLLOW-UP VISITS
Most sessions last 75-90 minutes and start with a 5-10 minute warm-up on equipment or manually with heat if your injured area isn’t ready for a dynamic warm-up.
Once warmed up, you’ll either start your prescribed exercises or start with your therapist and manual therapy. Either way, you’ll work through your exercise program under the watchful eye of a rehab technician during your visit, as well as spend one on one time with your therapist. This tag-team approach allows you to make the best use of your time and to get feedback you need during your session to primed for success!
HOURS
Catalyst Orthopedic and Sports Physical Therapy offers convenient hours Monday through Friday.
Monday 7 am - 7 pm
Tuesday 11:30 am - 7 pm
Wednesday 7 am - 7 pm
Thursday 11:30 am - 7 pm
Friday 1 pm - 7 pm
Chiseled Life Gym is open 24 hours Monday through Friday, and 5 am - 11 pm on Saturday and Sunday.