FAQ

What should I expect during physical therapy sessions?

Physical therapy sessions typically involve an assessment of your condition, manual techniques to improve mobility and flexibility, individualized exercises and activities to help you reach your goals, education on how to prevent further injury or pain, and instruction on proper posture, body mechanics and other lifestyle changes.

 

Do I need a referral from my doctor before attending Physical Therapy?
Virginia law allows patients to directly access physical therapy (PT) services without a physician’s referral.
What do I need to wear or bring with me?

You should dress in comfortable, loose clothing that allows you to move easily and doesn’t restrict circulation. Depending on your condition, your physical therapist may also recommend special shoes or a brace. You should also bring any paperwork related to your medical history, including x-rays, ultrasounds, and doctor’s notes.

Is there anything I can do before my appointment to prepare?

Yes! Make sure you arrive for your session well-rested so that you can give it your full attention and energy. It is also helpful if you keep track of how much pain medication (if any) you take prior to the appointment so that the physical therapist can adjust the intensity of treatment accordingly.

How long will my physical therapy sessions last?

Sessions typically last 30-60 minutes depending on your condition and the types of techniques used. Your physical therapist will give you an estimate when you first arrive for your appointment.

Are there any exercises I can do at home between appointments to help improve my condition?

Yes! Your physical therapist may provide specific exercise recommendations for you to try in between visits, which will help speed up your recovery and progress faster toward reaching your goals. It’s important to follow these carefully and always check with your PT before starting a new exercise program if you have any questions or concerns.

What if I have questions after my physical therapy session?

Your physical therapist should be available to answer any questions or concerns you may have about your treatment plan before and after each visit. You can also contact the clinic directly for further assistance. We want you to get the most out of every session!

Will insurance cover my physical therapy?

It depends on your insurance plan. Most plans cover some or all of the costs associated with physical therapy, but you should check with your provider to determine coverage and any associated fees.

How often will I need to attend physical therapy sessions?

The frequency of visits will depend on your individual goals and condition, but typically it is recommended that patients attend 2-3 times per week for a minimum of 4-6 weeks in order to maximize results. Your therapist will provide more details during your initial appointment.

How long will it take for me to see results?

Every person’s situation is unique; therefore the amount of time needed to reach goals varies. With commitment and dedication from both you and your physical therapist, you can expect to start seeing results within a few weeks. The more positive lifestyle changes you make, the faster your progress will be!

Will my physical therapist be able to answer any questions I have about my condition?

Yes! Your physical therapist should be available to discuss any concerns or questions you have regarding your condition or treatment plan. Don’t hesitate to bring up any issues that may arise during the course of therapy.

What if I feel too much pain during a session?

If at any time during your physical therapy session you experience increased pain, it’s important to let your therapist know so they can adjust the intensity or technique as necessary. Your therapist will work with you to make sure that treatment is comfortable and effective for you

How will I know when I no longer need physical therapy?

Your physical therapist should be able to provide guidance on when it is appropriate to stop attending physical therapy sessions based on your progress, goals, and overall health status. It’s important to listen to your therapist and continue with treatment until they feel you are ready to move on.

Do you take my insurance?

Ascend PT is a cash-based practice, which means we don’t bill insurance directly. Instead, you pay at the time of service, and we provide you with a superbill (receipt with medical codes) that you can submit to your insurance for potential out-of-network reimbursement. Many of our patients get partial reimbursement, but it depends on your plan.

Why cash-based?

By stepping outside the insurance system, we give you:

  • More time with your therapist (60-minute one-on-one sessions).
  • No restrictions on treatment — we choose what’s best for you, not what’s pre-approved.
  • Faster results because we focus on root causes, not quick fixes.
How much does it cost?

Because we’re cash-based, you get one-on-one expert care for a full hour — no rushed visits, no techs, no wasted time. Our rates reflect the value of faster results and fewer visits compared to traditional PT.

  • Initial Evaluation: $225
  • One-on-One Sessions: $195/hour
  • Custom Wellness Memberships: Includes ongoing support, movement tune-ups, and accountability). Prices Vary
Can I use my HSA or FSA?

Yes! Physical therapy is an eligible medical expense for both HSA and FSA accounts.

Will I need a referral?

No. Virginia is a direct access state. You can see a physical therapist without a doctor’s referral. If we find you need imaging or another specialist, we’ll connect you to the right provider.

How many visits will I need?

It depends on your condition and your goals. Many patients feel improvements in just a few sessions. Unlike traditional PT clinics, we don’t drag treatment out — our goal is to get you independent, confident, and back to doing what you love as quickly as possible.

Do you only treat injuries?

Nope. We also help athletes and active adults with:

  • Performance training
  • Injury prevention
  • Movement tune-ups
  • Monthly wellness memberships
What makes Ascend PT different?

At Ascend PT, you get more than just rehab for an injury — you get a partner who looks at the whole picture. Every session is a full hour, one-on-one, with a therapist who digs deep, connects the dots, and helps you move better in real life, not just in the clinic.

We’re known for:

  • Looking beyond the injury — we don’t just treat your ankle or your back; we explore how your whole system works together.
  • Solving the “weird puzzles” — we love the tough cases where others couldn’t find answers.
  • Blending movement + wellness + life — it’s not just PT; it’s coaching, problem-solving, and building habits that stick.
  • True collaboration — our team shares ideas, challenges, and wins so you always benefit from more than one brain.
  • Feeling at home here — patients say they finally feel seen, heard, and supported when they walk in our doors.