FAQ

Appointments

How do I make an appointment?
What if I need to reschedule my appointment?

Insurance Payments

Do you participate with insurance companies?
Will I have to make a payment at the time of service?

Physical Therapy

What is Physical Therapy?
What conditions can be treated with Physical Therapy?
Do I need a physician's referral for Physical Therapy?
Do I have a choice where I attend Physical Therapy?
Will my insurance cover Physical Therapy services?
How do I schedule my appointment?
What should I bring to my first visit?
What should I wear to Physical Therapy?
What should I expect on my first visit?
How long will my visit last?
How many visits do I have to come?
How is my progress measured?
What is my responsibility in Physical Therapy?
Will the therapy hurt?

Pilates

What is Pilates?
Do I still have to lift weights to gain muscle if I’m taking Pilates classes?
Will Pilates help my scoliosis?
How long is a Pilates session?
Do I have to start with private sessions or can I go right in to group classes?
What should I wear to a Pilates class?
What should I bring to a Pilates class?
How many times a week should I take a Pilates class?
How long will it take to see results?

Massage

Why is massage beneficial?
What is massage used for?
Do I have to get naked for my massage?
What do I wear during my massage?
How often should I receive a massage?

Yoga

What is yoga?
Why is yoga a good form of exercise?
Can I do yoga even if I’m not flexible?
Will doing Yoga help me loose weight?
Will doing Yoga make me sore?
What should I wear to a Yoga class?



Appointments

How do I make an appointments? (Back To Top)

To schedule an appointment, please call 321-725-2267.

What if I need to cancel or reschedule my appointment? (Back To Top)

Please remember that an appointment means that we have reserved that time especially for you. If you need to cancel or reschedule your appointment, please give us at least 24 hours' notice so that another patient may be treated at that time

Insurance and Payments

Do you participate with insurance companies? (Back To Top)
Beachside Performance and Health is an out-of-network provider; however, most insurance carriers will cover a percentage of fees for physical therapy services. To avoid confusion, it is best to review your personal policy or consult with your insurance carrier to determine your level of coverage. As a courtesy to you, Beachside Performance and Health will provide you with the materials and information you need to file your insurance claim with your carrier.

Will I have to make a payment at the time of service? (Back To Top)
It is required that you make payments at or before your time of service as this allows Beachside Performance and Health to be competitive with our fees for service.  We will be able to tell you what you will need to pay at each visit at the end of your evaluation.

Physical Therapy

What is Physical Therapy? (Back To Top)
Physical Therapy is a licensed health care profession that specializes in the treatment of musculoskeletal as well as neurological conditions. Treatment includes therapeutic exercise, manual therapy/massage, as well as the use of modalities (heat, cold, electrical stimulation, ultrasound, etc.). The treatment is focused towards returning the patient to their prior level of function.

What conditions can be treated with Physical Therapy? (Back To Top)
Most musculoskeletal and neurological conditions can be treated through physical therapy. This can range from pain, fractures, total joint replacements, sprains/ strains to Parkinson’s disease and stroke. If you have a question, please do not hesitate to call the office to see if we treat your condition.

Do I need a physician's referral for Physical Therapy? (Back To Top)
Yes and No. Florida is a direct access state, which means you are not required to have a referral from your physician. However, we believe in the team approach and after your comprehensive evaluation if you prefer we will communicate with the physician of your choice. Typically, if you require greater than 3 weeks of treatment we will send your treatment plan to your physician for approval to continue if needed.

Do I have a choice where to attend Physical Therapy? (Back To Top)
Yes. As a patient you have the right to request the physical therapy clinic of your choice.

Will my insurance cover Physical Therapy services? (Back To Top)
Beachside Performance and Health is a reasonably priced cash based practice. We do not accept assignment from insurance carriers. However, if insurance is the route you prefer, we will furnish you with the necessary forms to submit to your insurance carrier for reimbursement. We also have Beachside Physical Therapy, Inc. (http://www.beachsidetherapy.com) at 5 locations throughout Brevard that does accept assignment from most insurance carriers.

How do I schedule my appointment? (Back To Top)
Give us a call and we can arrange a time for your initial visit. Sometimes, physicians fax the referral to us in which case we will contact you to set up the initial visit.

What should I bring to my first visit? (Back To Top)
For your first visit, you should bring your picture ID and driver’s license. Also, any operative, MRI, and x-ray reports are also helpful in your care. Another recommendation is to bring a list of your medications and drug allergies.

What should I wear to Physical Therapy? (Back To Top)
In general, wear comfortable clothing that will allow you to move around. If the impairment you present with is an upper body problem (cervical, shoulder, upper back), a gown can be provided to maintain your modesty. If the problem is low back or lower extremity, shorts are recommended to allow easier access to the area. We do have private treatment rooms so it is possible to change clothes at the clinic.

What should I expect on my first visit? (Back To Top)
Your first visit is the initial evaluation. During this visit, your physical therapist will take a thorough history of your condition and then take specific tests and measurements to pinpoint your impairment. Your therapist will use this data to make a clinical judgment of your diagnosis and prognosis.  Then your therapist will formulate a specific treatment plan to resolve the problems identified. Goals will be set with your input as well.

How long will my visit last? (Back To Top)
Your initial visit will last approximately 1 hour. We also ask that you arrive 15 minutes prior to this appointment to complete paperwork. Treatment sessions, after initial evaluation, typically last 20 minutes on average but could be longer duration depending on the level of service you desire. Treatments sessions are of sufficient length to accomplish the necessary services without imposing on your busy schedule.

How many visits will I have to come? (Back To Top)
The amount of visits will be set by your therapist with your cooperation. These visits do have a range depending on the patient’s diagnosis but typically the average number of visits is 12.

How is my progress measured? (Back To Top)
Your progress is an ongoing process as your therapist will be evaluating you during each session to quantify this progress. It is important to inform your therapist of any physician appointments so that a re-evaluation occurs so that the physician is updated when you see them.

What is my responsibility to Physical Therapy? (Back To Top)
Physical therapy requires the co-participation of the therapist and patient. Success is unlikely if the patient only does their exercises during their sessions. It is imperative to do your home exercise program that your therapist will instruct you in. The home exercise program helps to speed recovery.

Will the therapy hurt? (Back To Top)
It is possible that you can experience some muscle soreness. Just because soreness occurs does not necessarily mean that the condition has worsened. The objective is to make your rehabilitation as comfortable as possible.


Pilates

What is Pilates? (Back To Top)
Pilates is an exercise method focused on core stability and full body balance.  Joseph Pilates 1880-1967 is the founder, he first started using his method of exercise in world war I as a type of physical therapy for the injured soldier.  Today Pilates is widely used by the elderly for balance and increased body awareness, by the average individual for a whole body stretching and strengthening workout, and by the advanced athlete to fine tune their skills and increase their range of control.

Do I still have to lift weights to gain muscle if I’m taking Pilates classes? (Back To Top)
No, Pilates is a full body stretching and strengthening exercise.  Pilates focuses on deep muscle contraction and learning how to use your body in the most efficient and balanced way.   Various forms of spring resistance and muscle contractions create a very apparent muscle gain with the use of Pilates.

Will Pilates help my scoliosis? (Back To Top)
Yes, Pilates focuses on creating a balanced body through the core which is the abdominals, lower back, and hips.  As your core gets stronger and your awareness of balance and posture increasing you will see improvements in your body structure.

How long is a Pilates session? (Back To Top)
Generally 55 minutes long.  Sessions usually start on the hour or half hour and let out with a 5 minute transition period.

Do I have to start with private sessions or can I go right in to group classes? (Back To Top)
It is suggested that a new person start with at least an introductory of 3 private sessions before attending a group class.  To fully gain the benefit of Pilates form is essential.  Private sessions allow the certified instructor to guide you through the exercises one on one help you attain a better understanding of your body and the Pilates method.

What should I wear to a Pilates class? (Back To Top)
Wear comfortable clothing that allows you to stretch and move freely.  Most individuals prefer a fitted t-shirt and spandex like pants.

What should I bring to a Pilates class? (Back To Top)
You should bring socks to work out in and a water bottle.

How many times a week should I take a Pilates class? (Back To Top)
For best results 3 times a week is optimal.  Just like any other form of exercise consistency is vital and necessary to gain results.

How long will it take to see results? (Back To Top)
If you are consistently attending Pilates class 2-3 times a week, Joseph Pilates promised, “after 10 sessions you’ll start feeling a difference, after 20 sessions you’ll see a difference, and after 30 sessions you’ll have a whole new body”!


Massage

Why is massage beneficial? (Back To Top)
Benefits range from treating chronic injury, maintaining optimal athletic condition, to alleviating stress and tension.  Listed below are a few specific benefits:
- Increases circulation, which allows the body to pump more oxygen and nutrients into tissues and vital organs.
- Stimulates the flow of lymph, the body's natural defense system, against toxic invaders. - Relaxes and softens injured and overused muscles
- Reduces cramping and spasms
- Reduces recovery time, helps prepare for strenuous workouts and eliminates consequent pains of the athlete at any level.
- Releases endorphins - the body's natural painkiller - and can be used in chronic illness, injury and recovery from surgery to control and relieve pain.
- Reduces post-surgery adhesions and edema and can be used to reduce and realign scar tissue after healing has occurred.
- Improves range-of-motion and decreases discomfort for patients with low back pain.
- Relieves pain for migraine sufferers and decreases the need for medication.
- Provides exercise and stretching for atrophied muscles and reduces shortening of the muscles for those with restricted range of motion.

What is massage used for? (Back To Top)
Massage has multiple uses ranging from musculoskeletal rehabilitation, increasing fascial, muscular, and joint mobility.  Massage aides in headaches, stress, body alignment, posturing, athletic body maintenance, detoxification, relaxation and improved sleep are a few examples.

Do I have to get naked for my massage? (Back To Top)
No, massage is professionally designed for you and your comfort. 

What do I wear during my massage? (Back To Top)
The less clothing you have on the better your massage will be.  You can choose to wear gym clothes, your undergarments, or be nude.  During the massage you will be covered with a top sheet and only the body part being worked on will be exposed.

How often should I receive a massage? (Back To Top)
It depends on your goals and body condition.  It can range from 3 times a week to every few months.


Yoga

What is yoga? (Back To Top)
Yoga is much more than a collection of exercises for stretching.  It is a state of freedom; a liberation from daily stresses, physical pains, and anxieties.  It unites the body, mind, and spirit into balance and harmony.

Why is yoga a good form of exercise? (Back To Top)
The various poses bring much benefit to the body.  Standing poses increase strength and power in the feet, legs, and hips.  They improve blood circulation, stimulate digestion, remove depression, and leave the body invigorated.  Backbends keep the spine supple.  Forward bends sooth and calm.  Sun Salutations increase flexibility, grace, alertness, and coordination.  Inversions improve concentration, invigorates the pineal and pituitary glands of the endocrine system.  Twists strengthen and rotate the spine.  Relaxation allows the body to rejuvenate, regulate blood pressure, and reduce fatigue.

Can I do yoga even if I’m not flexible? (Back To Top)
Yes, actually if you have tight muscles yoga is exactly what you need.   Yoga can be personalized for any body type, and over time you will gain flexibility along side the other health benefits of yoga.

Will doing Yoga help me loose weight? (Back To Top)
Regular attendance to yoga will make you feel better about your body and help you become stronger, more flexible, tone your muscles, and improve your mental and physical well-being. To loose weight you need a balance of healthy dieting and exercise that raises your heart rate on a regular basis.

Will doing Yoga make me sore? (Back To Top)
It is not uncommon to experience a little soreness after attending a yoga class.  Yoga encourages you to use and stretch muscles that are often neglected causing muscle soreness that usually occurs a day or two after the class.  A warm bath and light stretching usually helps relieve the soreness.

What should I wear to a Yoga class? (Back To Top)
Wear comfortable clothing that allows you to stretch and move freely.  Most individuals prefer a fitted t-shirt and spandex like pants.