FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

Where are you located?

We have three convenient locations to service our community.

1) Town Marketplace, Suite 33
Essex Junction, VT 05452
802-878-9572

2) 1 Carmichael Street, Suite 101
Essex, Vermont, 05452
802-878-9572 
3) 1879 Williston Road, Unit B
South Burlington, VT 05403  
(802) 878-9572

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How long will the appointment last?

Plan for a minimum of one and a half hours for your first appointment, allowing 15 minutes before and 15 minutes after for paperwork and scheduling. Patients traveling long distances may schedule appointments for two hours. Check with your therapist to determine individual needs for treatment time.

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What should I bring to my appointment?

Please bring all necessary information for filing insurance claims. This may include health insurance card (a copy will be made for your chart), doctor’s referral, workers compensation claim number and contact information, auto insurance card and/or accident information, attorney information, etc. X-rays or MRI reports are appreciated if available. Please bring any additional information or paperwork that you think would be helpful to your therapist or to the office in billing for your services.

If you are unsure of your insurance reimbursement plan (this includes health insurance or worker’s compensation and/or auto insurance) please contact your insurance company to determine eligibility, co-insurance and/or deductible amounts. You may also call our billing office at (802) 876-1044 for assistance.

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What should I wear to my appointment?

Exercise attire is recommended, including a pair of shorts or comfortable pants and tennis shoes. If you are scheduled for aquatic therapy in the pool at the Carmichael Street location, a bathing suit or shorts and top are appropriate. Changing rooms and showers are available.

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What is the cancellation policy?

If you are unable to attend a scheduled appointment, please notify us as soon as possible so that other patients needing treatment can be accommodated. Since we hold a dedicated appointment slot just for you, appointments cancelled or rescheduled within 24 business hours (weekends not included) of your original appointment will be subject to a $50 cancellation fee.

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What is PRI?

PRI refers to the Postural Restoration Institute. Essex Physical Therapy is PRI Certified clinic which means that our staff has been educated in Postural Restoration. Postural Restoration is one of many treatment techniques used here at Essex Physical Therapy with the majority of our patients. It is a technique designed to help the body restore neutral posture by eliminating unwanted muscle tension. Postural Restoration may be used in conjunction with traditional Physical Therapy treatment methods during the course of your therapy.

Why is it important?

When unwanted muscle tension develops in the body, it creates abnormal forces on the joints. This leaves us more susceptible to injury, or results in pain, either at the site of the muscle tension, or somewhere else in the body.

How does it work?

Postural Restoration is based on the concept of opposition. The brain sends signals to muscles with opposite actions on either side of the joint. When one muscle is contracting, the other muscle shuts down. Therefore, we can “shut off” those muscles with unwanted tension, by firing the muscle opposite to them on the joint.

What does the treatment consist of?

There are two main categories of treatment that are used to achieve Postural Restoration. The first, and most important for success, is the home exercise program. It is necessary for these exercises to be done frequently in the beginning (2-4 times per day) in order for muscle re-education to take place. As the muscle tension is eliminated, the frequency of exercise can diminish.

The second intervention is manual therapy. Your therapist will actually guide your body into new positions as you engage the muscles necessary to hold your body in this position. Most of these techniques work the rib cage/torso as another area of frequent unwanted tension in the body is the diaphragm, your breathing muscle. Manual Therapy will thus incorporate breathing exercises.

What are the goals of Postural Restoration?

1. Achieve full flexibility and range of motion after treatment in the clinic.
2. Return to the clinic with full flexibility and range of motion.
3. Relief of symptoms/pain.
4. Increase strength of postural stabilization muscles.
5. Return to all functional activities without symptoms/pain.

Postural discrepancies will lead to muscle and joint stress and ultimately, to pain. These pain syndromes can involve the entire body (neck and shoulder pain, lower back pain, hip and lower extremity pain, etc.). Faulty posture is often the origin of overuse injury, and it can delay healing when there is a traumatic onset of pain. Postural Restoration can help alleviate common pain syndromes and restore function in individuals of all ages.

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Why Physical Therapy?

Physical Therapy is a health care specialty involved with evaluating, diagnosing, and treating disorders of the musculoskeletal system. Most individuals consult a physical therapist for the management of medical problems or other health-related conditions that cause pain, limit the performance of functional activities or affect daily movement or activities. The ultimate goal of Physical Therapy is to restore maximal functional independence to each individual patient. To achieve this goal, therapies such exercise, heat, cold, electricity, and massage are utilized. Physical therapists treat individuals of all ages and all activity levels and practice in many settings including clinics, hospitals and, schools.

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Do I need a referral for Physical Therapy?

Different insurance plans have different requirements for Physical Therapy. Some plans require a referral from a medical doctor. Please contact your specific insurance company about your plan to determine if you need a referral for services. If you have questions about this process, please contact our billing office at 802-876-1044.

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Will Essex Physical Therapy bill my insurance for me?

Essex Physical Therapy will bill most insurance companies for you. Please contact your insurance company and find out the details about your specific plan prior to your visit. Please bring this information, as well as any referral documentation and your insurance card with you to your visit.

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Contact us if you have additional questions about our services.
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