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FAQ
At Catalyst Physical Therapy, we understand that you may have some questions about our services. We have compiled a list of frequently asked questions below to help you better understand what we offer and how we can help you. If you have any additional questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.
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What can I do to prepare for my appointment?If you are scheduled for your initial evaluation, first off, thank you! We are excited to be a part of your recovery and health journey! Before you come in for your first visit you will be sent a packet of information that needs to be filled out prior to being seen. This allows us to review your medical history, list of medications, current complaints, and goals so we can be as efficient during our time as possible. It also allows us to track your recovery by using measurable tools to see progress. We know filling out forms is time-consuming and, quite frankly, annoying so we have worked hard to make it as simple as possible. Some other things that we recommend preparing beforehand are questions for us, your birth plan if you are pregnant, and any medical records that seem important (such as imaging or surgical reports). You can have any medical records faxed to our office beforehand if you would like them reviewed by your physical therapist prior to your visit. Our fax number is (520) 201-6519.
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What is the Catalyst PT approach?What sets our treatment approach apart from other clinics is the holistic, full-body perspective combined with advanced expertise in both pelvic floor therapy and orthopedics. We don’t just treat symptoms in isolation—We assess how your entire body functions together. Your pelvic floor is deeply connected to areas like your jaw, diaphragm, hips, and feet, and dysfunction in one area can impact the others. Because we specialize in both pelvic health and orthopedic care, we can address all of these factors at once, leading to more effective, lasting results and a more complete healing experience.
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Can I bring my baby/child to my appointment?Yes! We understand that your family comes first and we want to support you and your family. We are all too familiar with the challenges of finding childcare to go to healthcare appointments, especially in the early postpartum period. We never want that to be a barrier to getting the care you deserve. If you have a baby or toddler we can make accommodations for your little one by using the clinic's pack-n-play, your stroller, or bringing a partner to watch the child. If you are breastfeeding we encourage you to breastfeed the baby whenever needed during your appointment. If you are pumping you are welcome to pump in the private room during your session as appropriate. If you have an older child, they can either sit in the room with us during your visit or they are welcome to sit in the lobby if that is a better option. Bringing baby to your appointment gives us a good opportunity to practice body mechanics, posture, and give tips on pain management with baby. It also allows us to give options of incorporating your little one into your exercise routine.
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Do I need a referral?The state of Arizona is a direct access state meaning you do not need a referral from another provider to receive physical therapy services. Our office does not require a referral but if you have one we would gladly add it to your chart for review. Keep in mind that some insurance companies still require a referral so if you anticipate submitting for reimbursement through your insurance you should call to check your out-of-network benefits to see if this is required for them. Please use our insurance verification worksheet to guide you in this process. This is the sole responsibility of the patient to do.
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What is pelvic floor physical therapy?Pelvic floor physical therapy is a specialized form of physical therapy that helps address dysfunctions of the pelvic floor muscles. This includes symptoms of pelvic pain, pain with intercourse, urinary or bowel dysfunctions, weakness, and prolapse to name a few. If pelvic floor physical therapy is deemed appropriate, an external and internal evaluation of the pelvic floor muscles will be performed with consent. A treatment plan will be created to address your unique situation to help you get back to what makes you happy. We know that this can seem very intimidating, so we make every effort to make this experience as safe and comfortable as possible. You will always be in a private room, covered appropriately, and you will always know what will happen before it occurs.
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Can I bring my partner/spouse to my appointment?Yes! If having your loved one in the room with you during your examination and/or treatment is what you prefer that is fine with us! It can be beneficial to have your partner/spouse receive the education alongside you and we can give your partner tips to help in your recovery. This is especially helpful with pregnant women preparing for birth or people recovering from surgery.
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What can I expect from my first visit?In your initial evaluation (your first visit) you will sit down with your physical therapist and discuss your symptoms, medical history, goals and expectations. Your therapist will do testing for symptoms, available motion, strength, and coordination. You will need to be able to move around comfortably and have easy access to various body areas including your back, arms, and legs so please dress accordingly. Your therapist will discuss the findings of the examination and how we can address these issues. We will work with you to create a plan of action to achieve your goals. You will leave with an individualized home program with all necessary instructions as well as access to your personal patient portal.
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Do you treat children?Our care is specialized to those ages 18+, however, exceptions can be made on a case-by-case basis. Please reach out to our office if you would like your child to be seen by one of our physical therapists to see if we would be a good fit.
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I’ve tried physical therapy before without success—how is your approach different?Many of our patients come to us feeling frustrated after other PT experiences that didn’t lead to lasting results. Some patients have seen 5+ different PTs in the past and still see results with our approach. What makes our approach different is a combination of advanced expertise in both pelvic floor and orthopedic care, and a holistic, full-body assessment that looks far beyond the site of pain. We take the time to understand how different parts of your body are connected and create a personalized plan that addresses the root cause—not just the symptoms. Most patients feel relief, hope, and progress within just a few sessions.
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