At Fultz Physical Therapy & Joint Rehab, we believe an informed patient is an empowered patient. Below you’ll find answers to the questions we hear most often. If you don’t see what you’re looking for, our teams at our South Shreveport, North Shreveport, and South Bossier clinics are always happy to help.
What is physical therapy?
Physical therapy is a medically grounded, hands-on approach to relieving pain, restoring function, and returning you to the activities that matter most in your life. Physical therapists are licensed healthcare professionals and recognized experts in musculoskeletal and neurological conditions who work closely with physicians and specialists to deliver comprehensive, coordinated care.
At Fultz Physical Therapy & Joint Rehab, your physical therapist evaluates your movement patterns, identifies the root cause of your pain or dysfunction, and builds a personalized treatment plan to eliminate it. Every plan is different — because every patient is different. Your therapist uses a combination of hands-on manual techniques, targeted therapeutic exercise, and evidence-based modalities to reduce pain quickly and restore your function to its fullest potential. The goal is always the same: pain-free mobility, full function, and the tools to keep it that way.
How do I know if physical therapy will help me?
Physical therapy is effective for an extraordinarily wide range of conditions — from acute injuries and post-surgical rehabilitation to chronic pain, balance disorders, and performance limitations. If you are experiencing pain, limited mobility, or a functional problem that is affecting your quality of life, there is a very good chance physical therapy can help.
The best way to find out is to talk to us. Contact any of our South Shreveport, North Shreveport, or South Bossier clinics today to discuss your condition. Thanks to Louisiana’s Direct Access law, you don’t even need a referral to schedule an evaluation — we can assess your condition, determine whether physical therapy is the right path forward, and get you started immediately.
Do I need a referral or prescription to be seen?
No. Thanks to Louisiana’s Direct Access law, you can schedule an evaluation and begin treatment at Fultz Physical Therapy & Joint Rehab without a prescription or physician referral. If your evaluation reveals a condition that requires a physician’s attention, we will communicate that clearly and help connect you with the right provider. Your health always comes first — and part of what makes Direct Access so valuable is having a skilled clinician guide that determination from your very first visit.
Can I choose my own physical therapy provider?
Absolutely. As a patient, you have the legal right to receive physical therapy at any provider you choose — regardless of what an insurance company, physician’s office, or hospital system may suggest. At Fultz Physical Therapy & Joint Rehab, you will receive one-on-one care from a licensed physical therapist, a positive and encouraging clinical environment, and a team that is genuinely invested in helping you reach your goals and live a pain-free life. We are confident in our ability to get you results — and we think you will be too.
How do I schedule an appointment?
Scheduling is simple. Call any of our three locations directly or request an appointment online. We offer morning and evening appointment times to accommodate busy schedules, and our staff will work with you to find an appointment time that fits your life. We see patients at our South Shreveport, North Shreveport, and South Bossier clinics — so convenient access to care is never far away.
What should I bring to my first appointment?
To make the most of your first visit, please bring the following:
- A prescription for physical therapy from your referring physician, ARNP, or PA — if you have one (a referral is not required under Louisiana’s Direct Access law)
- Your insurance card — we will make a copy and verify your benefits prior to treatment
- Completed new patient intake forms — these are available on our website; completing them in advance saves time and allows you to maximize your evaluation
- For motor vehicle accident or workers’ compensation cases — bring your claim number and any case manager or insurance adjuster contact information
- Comfortable clothing that allows easy access to your problem areas — loose-fitting athletic wear and supportive sneakers are idea
We recommend arriving 15 minutes before your scheduled appointment time to complete any remaining paperwork and ensure your full evaluation time is protected.
Will physical therapy hurt?
Physical therapy is designed to relieve pain — not cause it. That said, as your body begins to move in new ways and muscles that have been weakened or guarded start to engage, you may experience some temporary soreness during the early phases of treatment. This is a normal, expected response to rehabilitation and typically resolves quickly. Your physical therapist will monitor your response carefully and adjust treatment parameters to keep you as comfortable as possible throughout the process. Open communication with your therapist is encouraged — the more feedback you provide, the more precisely your treatment can be calibrated to your needs and your pace.
Does insurance cover physical therapy?
In most cases, yes. Physical therapy is a covered benefit under the majority of health insurance plans, including commercial insurance, Medicare, Medicaid, workers’ compensation, and personal injury/auto insurance. Our staff will contact your insurance provider directly, verify your specific benefits, and clearly communicate your coverage and any out-of-pocket responsibility before your second visit so there are no surprises. For questions about your specific plan or coverage, contact any of our clinic locations and our team will be happy to assist.
What if I don’t have insurance?
Lack of insurance is not a barrier to receiving care at Fultz Physical Therapy & Joint Rehab. We offer a discounted self-pay rate for patients without insurance coverage, due at the time of service. We also offer flexible payment plan options. Contact us to discuss your situation and we will work with you to find a solution that makes your care accessible.
What forms of payment do you accept?
We accept cash, check, debit cards, and all major credit cards. Payment is due at the time of service. Your insurance benefits will be verified and communicated to you prior to your second visit so you have a clear understanding of any cost-sharing responsibility going forward. Payment plan options are available — please don’t hesitate to ask.
What should I wear?
Dress comfortably in clothing that allows your physical therapist easy access to the area being treated. Loose-fitting athletic wear and supportive sneakers are ideal for most appointments. Avoid restrictive clothing, jeans, or formal attire — you will be moving, stretching, and exercising as part of your treatment session.
How long will my sessions last?
Your initial evaluation typically lasts approximately one hour and fifteen minutes. This allows your physical therapist adequate time to conduct a thorough assessment, discuss your history and goals, and begin developing your treatment plan. Follow-up treatment sessions are generally 45 to 60 minutes in duration, depending on the complexity of your condition and the treatments involved. Your therapist will discuss the expected session structure with you at your first visit.
How many sessions will I need?
Every patient’s diagnosis, baseline function, and recovery goals are different — so there is no universal answer. During your initial evaluation, your physical therapist will develop a plan of care that outlines the recommended frequency and duration of treatment based on your specific condition and objectives. This plan is developed collaboratively and reviewed regularly as your progress is assessed. Your therapist will keep you informed every step of the way so you always know where you stand and what comes next.
What education and training do your physical therapists have?
Physical therapists complete rigorous university-level training in anatomy, physiology, kinesiology, neurology, biomechanics, and the full spectrum of medical sciences relevant to human movement and rehabilitation. All physical therapists graduate from accredited programs and must pass a national licensure examination before practicing. Physical therapy is a doctoral-level profession — all entry-level PT programs in the United States now award the Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree.
At Fultz Physical Therapy & Joint Rehab, our therapists hold doctoral-level degrees, maintain active state licensure, and pursue ongoing continuing education and advanced clinical training. You are in highly qualified, experienced hands.
Do you offer programs to maintain my progress after I’m discharged?
Yes. Your physical therapist will design a comprehensive home exercise program tailored to your specific needs as you approach the end of your formal treatment. This program is your roadmap for maintaining the gains you’ve worked for and continuing to build on them independently.
For patients who prefer additional guidance, we can also coordinate with you at your gym or training facility — assessing equipment, reviewing exercise selection, and ensuring your ongoing program is appropriate for your continued recovery and long-term goals. Our commitment to your health doesn’t end when your formal treatment does.
Still have questions?
The teams at Fultz Physical Therapy & Joint Rehab are here to help. Whether you’re ready to schedule or just want to learn more, we’d love to hear from you.
Contact us today at our South Shreveport, North Shreveport, and South Bossier clinic — and take the first step toward a pain-free life.
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