Frequently Asked Questions?
Try our FAQ search!
- Do you have handicapped parking
available?
- What can I expect my first
session?
- What does a typical treatment
session consist of?
- What should I bring/wear to my
sessions?
- Does insurance cover the
cost of services?
- Am I going to get sore after
treatment?
- Am I going to have to do
anything at home after treatment?
- Why do you encourage
extra fluid intake after sessions?
- What does your free
initial consultation consist of?
- I don't belong to the
Heartland network. Can I still come to your clinic?
Detroit Lakes: Yes. Many of our
patients find it convenient to park in the large lot at the rear
(east) of The Roosevelt Building. Enter the door to the
three-story part of the building; this is closest to the
elevator. There is a parking place for our clients next to the door
and a parking permit is NOT needed. The Handicapped spaces at the
front door DO need a permit. Our clinic is on the third floor just
outside the elevator. If you need assistance, call ahead and we
will meet you in the parking lot with a wheel chair. After 5 PM,
the above door may be the only door open.
Dilworth: No. Patients can park on
the street or in the driveway.
If you haven't completed your initial forms,
you should plan to come early to fill them out. Forms are
available on our site to download to bring with you. Once the
forms are completed, we start off with a thorough full body
evaluation of posture, range of motion, flexibility, and soft tissue
tension. Once we have an idea of where the restrictions in the body
are and what type of pain you have, we can start treatment.
The first session typically takes 1 1/4 to 1 1/2 hours for the
evaluation and some treatment.
Treatments are generally an hour long and consist mostly of hands
on myofascial release treatment. Myofascial release is the process
of applying gentle sustained pressure into the restricted tissues of
the body. Once the restrictions in the body are released, patients
generally notice an improvement in body positioning, an increase in
range of motion, and a decrease in pain. Once we start seeing an
improvement, we begin to implement stabilization exercises to
maintain the gains we’ve seen and to decrease the likelihood of the
restrictions recurring. Every treatment is different and catered to
each patient’s specific needs. We’ve been quite successful in
treating a variety of difficult conditions.
Please bring your insurance cards; we will
copy them for your chart. Myofascial release (MFR) is a whole body,
hands-on therapy applied directly on the skin without the use of
lotions or oils. Because of this the skin needs to be clean and
accessible as much as possible during the treatment session. Do not
use oils or lotions on appointment days until after your session.
We suggest female clients wear either a two-piece bathing suit, or
loose fitting gym shorts and a top that will unclasp in the back.
If you wear a bra in place of a bathing suit top bring a T-shirt to
wear in our exercise room. Male clients should wear loose fitting
gym shorts and bring a T-shirt. Clinical gowns are not used for
either male or female clients, as they do not provide sufficient
access to treatment areas.
Cell phones must be turned off during therapy
sessions. This is your time to focus on your treatment. In case of
emergency, you can be reached at 218-844-5555 in DL or 218-284-5555
in Dilworth.
It is advised that you avoid eating heavily
immediately before your treatment session.
Occupational Therapy services are covered by
many medical insurances. Eligibility, deductibles, and co-pays vary
and we can check that for you prior to starting therapy.
Deductibles are expected at the time of service unless prior
arrangements have been made. In most cases, therapy supplies are
not covered by insurance. We keep this cost low by teaching you to
use ordinary household items and low cost supplies (like our therapy
balls) rather than purchasing expensive equipment. We can let
you know what your approximate out of pocket cost will be prior to
the start of services.
Therapeutic Massage is also offered in our
clinic. If you choose to make Therapeutic Massage part of your
treatment, we recommend our massage therapists. Massage is not
covered by most medical insurances.
You may notice the results of therapy during
your therapy session or in the next day or two as the fascia
re-organizes itself. In some cases it may take several sessions for
results to be recognized. Post treatment soreness can occur by the
evening following a treatment session, often lasts into the next
day, and is never injurious! In a small percentage of cases,
soreness can last up to three days. The soreness following
treatment may be in an area that was treated or in another area that
is connected through a fascial restriction. Home self treatment and
increasing water intake may help minimize the temporary discomfort
you may feel following a treatment session. Your therapist will
explain what to expect but responses do vary so please call if you
have any questions.
Self-treatment sessions are invaluable to your
healing process. You will be taught techniques to carry over at
home and throughout your day. We recommend 45-60 minutes of
self-treatment each day. If you find the exercises painful or
difficult please let us know so that we can adapt them for you.
Increasing your intake of water is very
important in your progress. This will help open up areas that have
been restricted for a long time and help with any post treatment
soreness that may develop. Your therapist will discuss with you the
amount needed per day for your body type and weight. Let us know if
your doctor has limited your intake of fluids.
You meet one on one with a therapist who will
inform you of the treatment options available to you and answer any
questions you might have about services. At the initial
consultation, we can pull your insurance information for you and
tell you approximately what your out of pocket costs would be.
If you don't already have one, we can help you obtain a referral
from your physician for services.
Yes. Most insurance plans allow patients to choose which
clinic they go to for services. For most health plans we are
considered in-network providers and we have contracts to provide
services with over 40 managed care plans. We can let you know up
front if we are in-network providers with your plan and what your
anticipated out of pocket cost would be.
