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FAQ/QA

Have questions about our services? Find answers to the most common inquiries about physical therapy, treatments, and what to expect during your sessions.

Treatment & Techniques

  1. How long does cupping or instrument-assisted soft tissue work take in a session?​​

    1. ​We employ skilled hands-on methods, such as joint mobilizations, soft-tissue mobilization, and spinal mobilizations or manipulations, to restore joint mobility and reduce pain in the cervical and lumbar regions. These techniques are tailored per patient and often combined with muscle-energy techniques, myofascial release, and trigger-point release to address tight or adhered tissues. By integrating these manual approaches with therapeutic exercise and posture education, we maximize functional gains and support long-term pain relief

  2. Can physical therapy help with headaches caused by poor posture?

    1. ​Yes—physical therapists effectively treat cervicogenic and tension-type headaches by correcting postural imbalances and muscle tightness Medical News TodayChoosePT. Through manual therapy (e.g., soft-tissue release, joint mobilizations), targeted stretching and strengthening of neck and upper-back muscles, and ergonomic/postural training, PT reduces headache frequency and intensity by offloading stressed structures and promoting optimal alignment

  3. ​How long does cupping or instrument-assisted soft-tissue work take in a session?

    1. ​Typical dry cupping sessions last between 5–20 minutes, depending on the targeted area and cup type, with most protocols limiting suction time to 5–10 minutes to avoid skin irritation PhysiopediaNCBI. Instrument-assisted soft-tissue mobilization (IASTM) treatments usually run under 10 minutes per body part, framed within a 30–60-minute overall therapy visit that includes warm-up, treatment, and follow-up stretches or exercises. Dry needling appointments are commonly scheduled as 30-minute slots, during which needles are inserted into myofascial trigger points.

Practical Info & Intake

  1. What do I need to bring to my first appointment at Superior PT?

    1. You can fill out your forms before coming in by clicking here: FORMS​

  2. How long are your typical treatment sessions, and how often will I come?

    1. The typical treatment time is 45-60 minutes 1on1 with the therapist. PT typically last 6-8 weeks, but this depends on the problem/condition.​​

​Vestibular Rehab

  1. How does vestibular rehab help with dizziness and balance issues?

    1. Vestibular rehab retrains your brain’s balance centers by guiding you through targeted exercises, like head‐eye coordination drills and balance tasks, that reduce dizziness, improve gaze stability, and enhance postural control. Over a 4–8-week program, these exercises help compensate for inner‐ear imbalances and often decrease fall risk and symptom severity.

  2. What should I expect during my first vestibular therapy session?

    1. ​Your therapist will perform a thorough evaluation, assessing eye movements (nystagmus), head‐thrust tests, balance and gait, and neck mobility, to pinpoint your specific deficits. This initial 45–60-minute visit often includes baseline measures (e.g., Dynamic Visual Acuity), goal setting, and a few introductory exercises to begin familiarizing you with the program.

  3. Are there exercises I can do at home to keep my vertigo from coming back?

    1. ​​Yes. Home programs typically include gaze‐stabilization (e.g., “X1 viewing” where you focus on a target while moving your head) and habituation drills like Brandt-Daroff exercises. Doing these 2–3 times daily maintains vestibular compensation, helping to prevent recurrence of vertigo and improving long-term balance.

Billing & Insurance

  1. Do I need a doctor’s referral to start physical therapy?

    1. ​No—Illinois law grants direct access, allowing you to begin physical therapy evaluation and treatment without a physician’s prescription NMPT. However, your insurance plan may still require a referral for reimbursement, so check with your carrier beforehand to avoid unexpected out-of-pocket costs.

  2. Can I pay with HSA/FSA, and do you offer self-pay rates?

    1. ​Yes—physical therapy services are IRS-qualified medical expenses, so you can use HSA, FSA, or HRA funds for co-pays, deductibles, and session fees. 

Home Programs & Outcomes​

  1. Why is it important to stick with home exercise plans?

    1. ​Studies consistently show that higher adherence to home exercise programs leads to better pain reduction, improved physical function, and sustained long-term gains. Regular HEP (home exercise program) performance reinforces in-clinic gains, maintains mobility and strength post-discharge, and helps prevent re-injury and additional healthcare visits​

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