Why more people are choosing to pay cash to eliminate their pain

We are all familiar with the usual course of treatment when we are dealing with an injury or chronic pain. First, we go see our Primary Care Physician (PCP) who recommends pain medication and muscle relaxers. We take those for 4-6 weeks and go back to the PCP when the pain is not any better. The PCP then orders an X-ray which doesn’t show anything and we are referred to a specialist. It takes a couple
of weeks to get in to see the specialist. Meanwhile, the pain medication is not eliminating the pain and is upsetting our stomachs. The specialist recommends either surgery or avoiding the activities that cause pain. This is the assembly line of the modern medical system that leaves many people feeling frustrated or hopeless.

Did you know that you could bypass this system?

In Washington State, you can see a Physical Therapist directly to deal with your pain issues. You do not need a prescription. You may even be able to go in for a free consultation to get all your questions answered and see if PT is right for you.

Don’t I need an MRI?

What if you could avoid the cost, hassle, and exposure of having an MRI? Research has proven that what shows up on MRI’s is often not correlated to what is causing your pain. Often the pain is caused by a movement dysfunction that an MRI cannot see. Physical therapists are experts on movement dysfunctions. They are able to “see” areas that are not moving correctly and help to get them moving pain free.

How do I know if Physical Therapy will even work?

Often the art and science of Physical Therapy does work, it is the mode of delivery that doesn’t work. Traditional PT’s in an insurance based model are forced to see more patients in less time. They are compensated for using things like ultrasound, E-stim, and ice/heat. In this system, the insurance companies decide how much treatment you get instead of you and your therapist deciding on the best plan for you. Insurance companies often dictate the schedule you are seen on which may not be the optimum for your body or for your lifestyle. Having 2-3 PT treatments per week can be a strain on your already busy schedule. All of this restraint has caused Physical Therapy to get a bad reputation.

What other options are available to you if you don’t want to take medication, you don’t want surgery, or you have had a bad experience with Physical Therapy before? You can take matter into your own hands and pay out of pocket for an experience that is custom tailored to your unique needs.

You want me to pay for Physical Therapy?

Yep. Here’s why – people will see a chiropractor, massage therapist, and personal trainer in an effort to manage their pain and move forward with their lives. Physical Therapists are specialist in movement disorders and have training to move stuck joints, release tight muscles, and teach you specific exercises to help your body heal. We will also offer you loads of education on how to keep yourself healthy and pain free in the future.

Here’s how – at PT4EB we spend more time with you. Most sessions are one hour. You are given our complete attention for that one hour. We usually only see people once per week for 6 sessions and then we spread sessions out. Often people require a total of 10-12 sessions. During and after your treatment, we can check in over E-mail if you have any questions. Traditional PT clinics blow through
your 12 visits in 4-6 weeks. This is long enough to get you feeling better but not long enough to make real changes in your body. The real changes you need for long term results. This costs you more in the long run as the problem comes back.

Since the insurance companies do not decide on your course of treatment, we are able to spread your visits out. We are able to give you undivided attention. You have time to get all your questions answered. You have complete access to us both during and after your treatment for any questions that come up.

Many times sessions can be paid for by submitting your claims to your insurance company. Please let us know and we will provide you with a superbill – the paperwork needed to submit your claims. We also accept Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) and Health Savings Accounts (HSA)

People often come to our clinic as a “last resort” after exhausting their other options. They refuse to have surgery which is the only medical option provided to them. People are tired of taking medication because they realize that it only masks the symptoms. They are frustrated, disheartened, and sometimes depressed over their lack of activity. The biggest question I hear is – how come I didn’t find you earlier?

Are you curious if this model is right for you?

If you are local to the Maple Valley area, please feel free to give us a call. We are happy to answer all your questions or have you come in for a free Discovery Visit to see if we are a good fit for your needs. Please click here to fill out a brief contact form (link to contact form).
If you are not local please feel free to give us a call. We have a network of other providers throughout the US that we can connect you with who hold these same values.

Your health is at least worth a conversation, right?