Ten questions, answered plainly

In Ohio, you can start without a referral. Your plan may still ask for one, and your doctor should know you are coming. We tell you what yours needs before your first visit.

A first visit is about an hour with one physical therapist, and you see the same therapist after that. A parent or guardian is welcome to sit in, and for anyone under 18 we ask that one does.

It depends on what we find, how your symptoms behave as we add activity, and how much your school or sport asks of you. We explain what decides it at the first visit, and we change the plan when you change.

We bill many kinds of plans, including Medicare, Medicaid, workers' compensation and most PPO and HMO plans, and many school accident plans. Your plan decides what it pays. We check your benefits and call you before your first visit.

We give you a written estimate before your first visit, and you pay for each visit on the day. We do not bill your plan for visits you pay for yourself.

Soft, loose clothes and flat, closed shoes you can balance in. Bring your glasses or contacts, sunglasses if bright light bothers you, a list of your medicines and any notes from your doctor.

We work within what you can tolerate. Some exercises bring symptoms on for a short time on purpose, and we tell you which ones before we start and stop when you ask.

We see people in the clinic. A follow-up or a school meeting can sometimes be by video for people in Ohio, where our therapists are licensed.

We see teens and adults with head injuries from any cause. If you were hurt at work or in a crash, get emergency care first. Tell us who your adjuster is. Your state decides who may direct your care.

Who signs a return-to-play form is set by Ohio law and by your school or league. We say what we can sign and what has to come from your doctor, and we share what we see with whoever does sign.