FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions And Treatment Options

  • What should I know about physical therapy?

    Physical therapy at Moon Physical Therapy is a safe, effective, hands-on approach to relieving pain and restoring function. Physical therapists in Mililani, and Kailua are medical experts in musculoskeletal and neurological conditions and work closely with physicians. Your physician may even refer you to a physical therapist!

     

    Moon Physical Therapy physical therapists are skilled in evaluating your movement patterns to identify the cause of your pain. Their goal with your treatment is to work to eliminate your pain symptoms entirely.

     

    Since every patient’s condition and pain is unique, the physical therapists at Moon Physical Therapy will use a variety of gentle hands-on techniques, exercises, and possibly even specialized equipment to relieve pain quickly, and restore your function to optimum levels. 

     

    At the end of the day, it’s important to remember that the overall goal of your physical therapy treatment is to restore pain-free mobility and function and to prevent the injury or pain from recurring. Your therapist will always make sure you leave each appointment in better condition than you arrived in!

  • When is the best time to start treatment?

    Typically, treatment should begin as early as possible because it will prevent the condition from worsening or becoming chronic. Seeking treatment early will decrease the length of time you may require therapy and reduces healthcare costs.

  • Does physical therapy hurt?

    Physical therapy is not meant to hurt you, but to relieve your pain. However, it’s imperative to note that as you restore your mobility, there may be times where your pain levels will fluctuate. This is part of the healing and recovery process. You might experience some temporary soreness from using muscles that are weakened or recovering. 

     

    This is a normal response to therapy treatment. Let your therapist know if you’re uncomfortable for any reason! Good communication with your therapist will help minimize any discomfort. We want you on your way to quick pain relief and back to normal activities.

  • What type of treatment will I receive?

    The type of treatment you receive while attending physical therapy will depend on what the physical therapist finds in the Initial Evaluation, as well as ongoing reassessments and re-evaluations. Treatment may consist of aquatic therapy in our Endless Pool or Hydroworx 350, a variety of hands-on joint and soft tissue manual techniques, pain reducing modalities (cold laser therapy, ultrasound, electrical stimulation or traction), biomechanical and postural reeducation, cardiopulmonary rehabilitation, and land-based therapeutic exercises or functional training in sport, work or home related tasks.  Treatments are designed to decrease pain, increase mobility and strength, improve posture and body mechanics, and most importantly, to restore function. Patients will be provided with a home program and are educated in ways to speed recovery, manage symptoms and prevent recurrence of the problem.

  • How long does it take for the treatment to be effective?

    This is highly variable. You may need one visit or you may need months of care depending on your diagnosis, past medical history and severity of your impairments. On average our patients see a significant difference in approximately 8 – 10 sessions, although again it varies according to the individual, compliance with attending treatment sessions, and what patients do at home. If the individual is unable to attend therapy on a regular basis, continues to do things at home to exacerbate the pain, or is non-compliant with the home program, then of course recovery time could take longer.

  • How long does the treatment last?

    The Initial Evaluation is usually 30 minutes to 1 hour. Aquatic and land-based treatment sessions are approximately 1 hour.

  • Can I benefit from physical therapy treatment?

    Moon Physical Therapy will work closely with you and your primary care doctor. We can discuss your options to help determine if physical therapy will be the right choice for you. Call us today to discuss your current condition or click here to request an appointment now.

  • What should I do to come prepared to my first appointment?

    We appreciate due diligence! Please make sure to have your prescription and insurance card available when you call. This will allow us to verify your insurance benefits for you and provide you with an estimate of coverage for your treatment with Moon Physical Therapy.

     

    Please bring the following to your first visit:

     

    • Insurance information (we will make a copy of your card).
    • A prescription (if needed) for physical therapy from your referring physician, ARNP, or PA.
    • In case of an automobile accident or worker’s compensation claim, bring any case manager or insurance adjuster contact names, phone numbers, and claim number.
    • Print out the patient forms provided on our site, fill them out, and bring them with you. If you are unable to do this, please allow for extra time to fill these out upon your arrival.
    • Please wear comfortable clothing that allows easy access to your problem areas.
    • Please arrive 30 minutes early to complete any remaining paperwork, so you can maximize your time in your evaluation.

Questions About Aquatic Therapy

  • What is Aquatic Therapy and how can it benefit me?

    Aquatic therapy by definition is the evidence-based and skilled practice of physical therapy in an aquatic environment by a physical therapist or physical therapist assistant.

    When land-based exercises are difficult to tolerate due to the degree of disability or pain, aquatic therapy offers a gentler environment to rapidly improve mobility, strength, balance, endurance and function.

    Moon Physical Therapy specializes in Aquatic Therapy. We will design an individualized program for your needs utilizing our indoor and private hydrotherapy systems, a state-of-the-art Hydroworx 350 or Endless Pool to speed healing and get you back to what you love doing.

    Our aquatic programs benefit:

    • Chronic Back, Neck, Muscle or Joint Pain
    • Orthopedic or Post-Surgical Injuries – Shoulder, Hip, Knee, Ankle
    • Fibromyalgia, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Multiple Sclerosis, Osteoarthritis, Bursitis, Lupus
    • Cardiopulmonary Conditions, Stroke, Parkinson’s Disease
    • General Weakness or Balance Issues
    • Exercise during Pregnancy
    • Work-Related Injuries
  • Do I have to know how to swim?

    It is not necessary to know how to swim in order to participate in our aquatic therapy program. The maximum depth of our Endless Pool is 4.5 ft and there are grab bars around the perimeter of the pool for your safety. Our Hydroworx 350 has an adjustable water depth option where we are able to quickly add or remove water to attain depths ranging from 1″ to 56” with the touch of a button in order to relieve weight on painful joints or challenge patients and prepare them for progression to exercising on land. A therapist is also available to be in the pool with you if needed.

  • What if I am incontinent?

    Incontinence of the bladder and bowel will limit you from using the pool. You may speak to your therapist for more information.

  • Is Aquatic Therapy like Water Aerobics or Whirlpool treatments?

    Typically, whirlpool is a passive treatment where the patient is either sitting fully in a whirlpool bath or has a limb soaking in it for the reduction of muscle spasm, or if sterile, for wound management.
    Aquatic Therapy is a dynamic treatment in which the patient is engaged with the therapist in active participation.

    Aquatic Physical Therapy is also not Water Aerobics. Aquatic therapy requires the skilled reasoning and decision making of a physical therapist who is knowledgeable in how to use the unique properties of water to enhance rehabilitation and speed recovery.

    The physical therapist works one-on-one with the patient and designs a treatment plan specifically for each patient to work towards achieving functional goals.

    Water aerobics is delivered in a group setting with multiple clients designed to maintain or improve general conditioning and supervised by an individual other than a physical therapist.

Questions About Moon Physical Therapy

  • Where can I find a physical therapist?

    At Moon Physical Therapy, you will receive the highest quality care while achieving the results you deserve.

     

    As a patient you have the right to receive physical therapy at any place you choose, however, we’d absolutely love it if you decided to have treatment with us in Mililani and Kailua! We pride ourselves on providing a warm, positive, encouraging environment with well-trained, friendly staff. We are confident in our ability to help you reach your goals and live a pain-free life.

  • What should I expect on my first visit?

    At the Initial Evaluation, a licensed physical therapist will gather data (history, tests, and measurements, analyze posture/movements) and work with you to clearly understand your concerns and your goals so that you and your therapist can then start putting together your plan of care. You will be provided with a New Patient Folder, which consists of information about our facility and services. Your therapist will determine what type of treatment will be appropriate for your condition and the frequency of your visits so that you may receive optimal benefits. Treatment is rendered on the first visit as appropriate.

  • What should I wear for my treatment sessions?

    We recommend wearing clothing that allows you to exercise comfortably if you are receiving land-based therapy. For aquatic therapy patients, you may wear a swimsuit or whatever is comfortable for you (shirt and shorts) and please bring your own towel.

  • What should I bring to my first physical therapy visit?

    For your first visit, you will need to bring your insurance card or cards, a picture ID, your doctor’s prescription if you have one, and any paperwork, operative, MRI, or X-ray reports you feel are necessary.  Please arrive 30 minutes prior to your scheduled appointment to complete all paperwork used by your therapist to customize your care.

  • Do you treat my condition at your clinic?

    Physical therapists have years of university level training in anatomy, physiology, kinesiology (study of joint movement), neurology, and many of the other medical sciences. 

     

    Our physical therapists at Moon Physical Therapy in Mililani and Kailua have graduated from accredited physical therapy programs and are state licensed. Depending on the university, the physical therapy program is either a masters or doctorate level degree. To make a long story short, you can rest assured that your therapist is well trained to evaluate and treat your specific pain condition.

  • Will my insurance pay for physical therapy and how much will I have to pay?

    Moon Physical Therapy is in-network with almost all major insurance plans. There is no one standard for co-payments, deductibles, or the number of visits allowed. What is or is not covered varies depending on the insurance coverage you have. Please check your coverage with your insurance company. If you require further assistance, our office will gladly assist you in determining your co-payment amount and to verify your coverage.

  • Do I need to see a doctor first?

    For most insurances you will need to see your physician to obtain a prescription prior to receiving physical therapy. For further assistance, please feel free to contact our office if a referral is needed.

  • What if I do not have insurance and would like to pay out-of-pocket?

    One hour of individualized care for telehealth, in-office land-based or aquatic therapy is 125$ (not including tax) or 400$ (not including tax) for 4 one hour sessions. For rates on other services, such as cold laser, and package prices please contact our front office coordinators.

  • What office policies should I be aware of?

    (1) If you need to cancel a scheduled appointment, please call us at least 1 working day in advance. If we are unable to answer your call, please leave a detailed message and we will return your call as soon as possible. Appointments are in high demand and your early cancellation will give another patient the possibility to have access to timely medical care.

    (2) “No shows” or missed appointments without cancelling are discouraged. Multiple missed appointments may result in a discharge from care, with a note to your physician and we reserve the right to charge an administrative fee of $50.00 for each “no show.”

    (3) If you will be late, please call and we’ll see if you will still be able to receive your treatment as scheduled.

    (4) Co-payments (if applicable) are due at the time of service unless arrangements are made with the office manager.

  • I’m feeling better but I still want to continue sessions – is that possible?

    Yes! If you have completed all of your scheduled therapy sessions with your therapist, they will review your continuing home-exercise program. 

     

    We will make sure before you graduate from our program to work with you on determining what equipment may be beneficial, and what exercises would be helpful in your continued recovery.

  • How can I schedule an appointment?

    Moon Physical Therapy’s scheduling is easy and we offer many different appointment times for our patients. We have morning and evening appointments available to meet the demands of your busy schedule. Call us today or request an appointment. We’re excited to see you!