Frequently Asked Questions

What is physical therapy?

Physical therapy is a form of treatment designed to help in the recovery and rehabilitation from an injury or illness that has impaired your strength, mobility, or balance. Your Physical Therapist will evaluate your condition, provide treatment, and design exercises to help you regain your optimum physical condition. At your appointment, your Physical Therapist will assist you in performing these exercises and may also show you additional exercises to perform at home in between your appointments.

Why should I choose Sports and Wellness Physical Therapy?

SWPT provides highly personalized and professional physical therapy services that are tailored to your unique needs and goals. With over 30 years in practice, our Physical Therapist has the expertise to design a therapeutic program that is right for you. Our goal is to help you function in your daily activities effectively and free of pain. We also believe strongly in looking at the bigger picture of your overall wellness, which can include exploring lifestyle habits, fitness, and nutrition. Each of these areas plays an important role in restoring and sustaining your optimum health. SWPT aims to empower clients with knowledge to help control their pain and assist themselves in their own recovery. We will communicate clearly and work with your referring physician throughout your treatment.

What injuries or illnesses can physical therapy help with?

Our highly trained and experienced physical therapy staff can assist you with:

• Orthopedics
• Post-surgical rehabilitation
• Total joint rehabilitation
• Neurological disorders
• Back and neck care
• Balance
• Pelvic health
• Personalized home programs
• Work-related injuries
• Strengthening programs
• Sports rehabilitation
• Functional assessments
• Corrective exercises

Do I need to see a doctor first before getting physical therapy?

Not necessarily. A doctor’s prescription is required in order to bill your insurance company. The prescription will indicate the frequency and duration of your sessions. Based on the referral from your physician, our Physical Therapist will perform an evaluation, develop a treatment plan, and work with you to treat your injury or disease. As therapy continues, we will evaluate your progress and adjust your treatment plan accordingly. If you wish to pay for your physical therapy, no prescription is required.

Who will provide my physical therapy treatment?

All of your physical therapy sessions will be conducted by our Physical Therapist Doug Johnson. Doug is a licensed Physical Therapist (PT) with over 30 years of experience practicing physical therapy. He is a member of the American Physical Therapy Association and is also a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) through the National Strength and Conditioning Association. Our qualified and trained Physical Therapy Aides may guide you through your exercises under direct supervision of your Physical Therapist. SWPT typically employs PT Aides who are kinesiology or exercise science students from Cal Poly or Cuesta or who are recent graduates and gaining experience before entering their Doctor of Physical Therapy program or Physician’s Assistant program.

How soon can I get an initial appointment?

We always strive to get you in within one week. For patients who have an acute injury or need to get in sooner, we will do our very best to accommodate your request.

How long is my appointment?

Your initial appointment will last approximately 60 minutes. Subsequent appointments are between 45-60 minutes.

What should I wear to my appointment?

Please come to your appointment wearing loose, comfortable clothing. Exercise wear (such as sweats, jogging suits, or shorts and a tee shirt) works well and allows your Physical Therapist to see the affected area of your body as you work together.

What should I bring to my first appointment?

• A referral or prescription from your doctor
• Your insurance card
• A completed Patient Intake Form
• A signed copy of the Welcome & Office Policies Form
• A signed copy of the Cancellation Policy

What can I expect at my first appointment?

Your first appointment will last approximately one hour. During that time, your condition will be evaluated by our Physical Therapist, who will also establish a treatment plan specifically for you. Your treatment will begin at your first session and will continue depending on your doctor’s prescription and/or your progress.

How often and for how long will I come for physical therapy?

Physical therapy can last for a few visits or up to two months or more depending upon your injury and the level of supervision required to achieve your goals. Your referring physician and/or Physical Therapist will make recommendations regarding the length of treatment.

What can I do at home to speed the healing/rehabilitation process?

Our Physical Therapist will design an at-home program of exercises for you to perform between appointments in our office. Your commitment to following the at-home program will reinforce the work you do at your physical therapy appointments and will aid in and possibly speed your recovery or rehabilitation. Please follow your Physical Therapist’s instructions carefully. If during your home exercises you should experience any of the following, please discontinue exercising immediately until you have discussed these problems with your Physical Therapist:

• Shortness of breath
• Unexpected pain
• Fatigue
• Uncertainty of correct performance

Will I see results, and when?

Depending on your injury, you may see results in as quickly as one week. However, the recovery process is specific to each person, each condition and will therefore vary.

What if I have to cancel or reschedule my appointment?

If for any reason you are unable to keep your appointment, please call to reschedule or cancel as soon as possible, at least 24 hours in advance of your appointment. We have an answering machine for your convenience during non-working hours, weekends, and holidays. Missed appointments may be billed a no-show charge, which will not be covered by your insurance carrier.

Do you see patients on a walk-in basis?

No, an appointment is required. Please call 805-439-2159 to schedule your appointment. Our office is open from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm Monday-Thursdays and from 8:00am-3pm on Fridays. We will do everything possible to schedule your appointments at times that are convenient for you.

How do you help prevent the spread of COVID-19?

Our office follows all county, state, and federal mandates. At this time, patient and staff are no longer required to wear masks. All staff practice proper hand sanitization in between each patient. Equipment and tables are cleaned in between patients with hospital grade germicide. Patients are kindly asked to self-screen and reschedule their appointment if they are experiencing symptoms.

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