Frequently Asked Questions

How many treatment sessions will I need?
How long is a session?
When do I know when I am done with physical therapy treatment?
What is biofeedback?
Who uses biofeedback?
What does biofeedback involve?
Is this specialized physical therapy covered by my insurance?

How many treatment sessions will I need? You will need anywhere from 1 to 6 treatments for uncomplicated conditions of the pelvic region. However, if you suffer from multiple organ or muscle conditions ( i.e. back pain with urinary incontinence) or have a more chronic condition (lasting longer than 6months), you may require up to 6 additional treatments. We work with you to reach your rehabilitation goals which are set on the day of your evaluation.

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How long is a session? Each session is 60 minutes which includes discussion of progress and a question/answer session as well as hands on physical therapy care.

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When do I know when I am done with physical therapy treatment? When you have reached your rehabilitation goals, or when we feel your progress has reached a plateau and you are no longer progressing in physical therapy.

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What is Biofeedback? Biofeedback, also called Surface Electromyography (SEMG), is a specialized tool to assist a person in gaining control of their natural body functions. As it relates to physical therapy, it is a piece of equipment that allows monitoring of muscle function. It involves the monitoring of a life process (biology) and the return of that information to the patient and therapist in a meaningful form (feedback).

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Biofeedback training uses sensitive equipment that enables you to see or hear how your muscles are responding to your instructions on a small hand held monitor or computer screen. It helps you to become aware of specific muscles and how they function. You can learn to relax tense muscles or strengthen weak muscles.

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Who uses biofeedback? Your health care provider may recommend biofeedback evaluation and treatment for the muscles of your pelvic floor. These muscles are responsible for bladder and bowel control. Anyone interested in learning how to relax tense muscles, strengthen weak ones, or to control and coordinate use of muscles may benefit from biofeedback. However, it is only a tool to help you locate muscle groups and does not provide any additions benefits. Exercise is the key to building muscle strength.

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What does biofeedback involve? For the evaluation you will use external stick-on sensors placed near the rectal opening. These sensors are used to monitor the muscle activity of your pelvic floor. This enables us to evaluate resting muscle activity as well as evaluate your muscle strength and endurance. The results of your evaluation will help us design a specific treatment plan for your needs.

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Is this specialized physical therapy covered by my insurance? In the state of California, a referral from your physician is usually required to see a physical therapist and to bill through your insurance. Insurance plans that do not require you to go to an "in network" provider, will reimburse you according to the plan you have purchased. If you have a Preferred Provider network (PPO), you will be reimbursed according to your plans’ "out of network" benefit. You most likely will have to satisfy your deductible first. If your plan cannot provide you with an "in network" provider they may allow you to have an "in network" benefit. You should get preauthorization from your PCP if you belong to a HMO or a plan that requires referrals.

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