Question 1

What can I expect from my first appointment?

Accepted Answer

Standard Examination (85 min): A thorough dialogue about what brings you in and what your body has been through to get here. Tests and measurements will be performed to reveal the characteristics of your movement / strength limitations which will help guide care. This includes assessments of soft tissue mobility, joint mobility, strength and your movement patterns. Treatment will be provided to a lesser amount than a typical session or a longer examination due to the time needed to understand you well. 1-3 exercises will be provided (but usually 1-2) to help build a base layer of strength and get you moving forward.

Two Hour Examination: Needs will always vary based on the person, but this examination, will likely be,  the most in depth examination you’ve had with a health or wellness practitioner. We will dig deep into your past, to uncover reasons why your body / movement system may not be moving optimally and leading to your symptoms. Tests and measures will be taken. Treatment will be provided to a larger extent relative to the one hour examination and 1-3 exercises will be provided. Bring your cell phone, as we will often record exercises using your cell phone camera.

Question 2

What should I wear to my appointment?

Accepted Answer

Wear clothing which allows your body to move easily and be seen. Ideally, shorts and a short sleeve shirt, as if you were going for a work out. Yoga pants are ok, but we may need to access your skin so shorts are preferred. Please bring shoes that you frequently wear / or exercise in, as this allows us to see wear patterns which can provide insight that may inform your care.

Question 3

How do I make an appointment?

Accepted Answer

For San Diego patients, please fill out the form on the contact page and we will either email or call within 1-2 business days or less.

Chicago patients, all scheduling is done on this website. Follow prompts to book through Square in the Chicago location page. Email: info@MotivityPT.com if you have questions.

Question 4

Do I need a prescription from my Physician to start care?

Accepted Answer

In short, NO you do not need a prescription to start care. Within the last 10 years, laws in California and Illinois have changed to allow you to initiate care without a prescription.  Depending on if your care is “medically necessary” will determine if you will need a prescription from a physician after approximately 6 weeks if notable progress is not made.

If you are coming in for Performance / Wellness or Longevity sessions, no prescription will be needed at any point.

Question 5

Do I need to receive PT where my Physician referred me? Do I have a choice in who I receive PT from?

Accepted Answer

You as a consumer have the choice to seek PT treatment from whomever you believe will help you.

Question 6

What does "out-of-network with insurance" mean?

Accepted Answer

Out-of-network with insurance companies means that we will not bill for or receive payment from your insurance company for the services we provide. Therefore, you are responsible for payment for services provided at each session.

Question 7

Why is Motivity out-of-network with insurance companies?

Accepted Answer

At Motivity, we believe you should be in control of your health, not the insurance company. In order to provide optimal care, we can only do so while operating out of network with insurance companies.

Unfortunately, much of the contemporary practice of typical Physical Therapy has been directed by insurance company reimbursement. Smart, well intentioned therapists have been continually driven to see more patients for less time. While the traditional PT model helps many and allows some businesses to survive, it can come at the cost of quality of care, frequently requiring more sessions which can end up costing more and require more of your time.

Within the traditional PT model, it is common for a Physical Therapist to see 2-4 or more patients per hour and at times needing to work with two or more patients at once, further cutting into the patient’s time with the therapist. This often leaves 10-30 minutes of one-on-one care. The remaining time is used to complete a long list of exercises which may or may not feel like they’re doing much good.

Many patients see improvement and do get better within this model (which is great), but sadly this isn’t the story for far too many people. Frequently, once a patient has worked with this type of PT practice and did not get better, they believe they’ve failed and don’t know if they can be helped.

Motivity was created to provide care to this group which was not helped by the traditional PT model. It is our belief that the body takes time, effort and intention to change and we are here to provide you with each. Therefore allowing the insurance company to dictate your care is an agreement we choose not to make.

Question 8

What forms of payment can I use?

Accepted Answer

We accept cash, check, credit card, Zelle and FSA / HSA.

We operate 'out of network' with all insurance companies.

Question 9

Will my insurance company pay for any of my care?

Accepted Answer

You may be able to receive reimbursement for some or all of your care from your insurance company. Many people will receive partial reimbursement if they send a “super-bill” to their insurance. We will provide a super-bill upon request. Generally, insurance companies prefer or at times require a script from your Physician in order for you to receive reimbursement from your insurance company for your Physical Therapy care.

If you are interested in submitting your services to your insurance company, we encourage you to review your specific plan and how it relates to “out-of-network benefits” and call your insurance provider with more questions about your individual plan.

Question 10

What is Manual Physical Therapy

Accepted Answer

Manual Physical Therapy is a specialization within the practice of Physical Therapy where hands on / manual contact is a primary tool for the:​
Examination 
Clinical reasoning processes
Treatment 
Reassessment 
The specific feel or mobility of a person's joints and soft tissues plays a major role in informing the Manual Physical Therapist what needs be done to help.  Proficiency usually requires years of specific training and mentorship outside what can be taught in a Physical Therapy Doctoral Program.

Frequently asked questions