Why physical therapy?

The physical therapists at St. Charles Physical Therapy in Bend are experts in movement who examine patients and develop treatment plans that help them improve their ability to move while reducing pain, restoring function and preventing injury. This treatment may include manual therapy techniques, exercise strategies and patient education.

A physical therapist's training never truly ends. As part of their licensure and dedication to the profession, physical therapists are required to attend continuing education to learn the most current, evidence-based techniques related to your health.

Do I need a prescription for physical therapy?

Yes, a prescription is required for physical therapy. Some physical therapy locations (those that use "direct access") might not require a prescription, but St. Charles has found that most insurance companies require a prescription in order to establish that physical therapy services are medically necessary. If you need assistance in obtaining a prescription for physical therapy after a recent visit to your physician, we would be happy to help.

Do you take health insurance?

St. Charles accepts most major insurance plans and worker's compensation. Not sure if your plan is accepted? We can help you with any questions you might have. Call us at 541-706-5940 to learn more.

How much will treatment cost? What's my co-pay going to be?

It's important to contact your insurance provider in order to fully understand your therapy benefits or limitations. St. Charles Physical Therapy will contact your insurance company to determine benefits that your plan offers before your first treatment session with us. We will do our best to communicate any limitations we identify in your insurance benefit; our insurance verifier can explain information we receive from your insurance company.

What should I expect on my first visit?

During your first visit — also called an initial evaluation — your physical therapist will:

  • Conduct a medical history that includes medications you are taking, and discuss your current problems/complaints
  • Assess your pain intensity and ask you what aggravates or eases the problem
  • Learn how your current problems limit your daily activities or function
  • Listen to your goals for physical rehabilitation

Your physical therapist will also conduct a whole-body movement assessment that includes a general observation of your movement and may include:

  • Palpation — touching around the area of the pain/problem that checks for the presence of tenderness, swelling, soft tissue integrity, tissue temperature, inflammation, etc.
  • Range of motion — moving the joint(s) to check for the quality of movement and any restrictions.
  • Muscle testing — checking for strength and the quality of the muscle contraction, noting any pain and weakness, and grading muscle strength. This is also part of the neurological screening.
  • Neurological screening — checking to determine how nerves communicate with the muscles in sensing touch, pain, vibration or temperature. Your physical therapist may assess your reflexes as well.
  • Special tests — testing to confirm or rule out the presence of additional problems.
  • Posture assessment — assessing the position of joints relative to what's ideal.

Based on findings and keeping your goals in mind, your therapist will identify the source of your dysfunction or pain, then design an individualized plan of care for symptom relief and to address the origin of your concerns. While most of your initial evaluation is spent collecting information and assessing your current physical presentation, your therapist will provide information and one to two exercises to get you started on your path to wellness.

What should I bring to my initial evaluation?

  • Ask your doctor's office to fax your physical therapy evaluation and treatment order to our location or bring your prescription with you.
  • You can complete patient intake forms prior to your appointment (or come 15 minutes early to your appointment to fill them out).
  • Insurance referral (if needed, in accordance with your insurance policy) — please call your primary care physician to have an insurance referral faxed to our facility.
  • Photo ID, health insurance card and co-payment (if applicable).
  • Comfortable clothes and athletic shoes (and any inserts, if applicable).

St. Charles Physical Therapy in Bend, Oregon offers inpatient and outpatient physical therapy for a variety of musculoskeletal and orthopedic conditions.