Frequently Asked Questions:

Where are you located?

Rivergate Physical Therapy is located at 575 Rivergate Lane, Suite 208 in the Rivergate Medical Office Building next to the Animas Surgical Hospital. Our phone number is (970) 259-2547. We also have a satellite office at the Fitness Center @ Dalton Ranch Golf Club on 589 County Road 252.

What are your business hours?

We are open daily Monday through Friday from 8 am to 5 pm (business hours) and 7 am to 6 pm (treatment hours) at Rivergate Medical Office Building and Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 8 am to 5 pm at the Fitness Center @ Dalton Ranch Golf Club.

Why should I see a Physical Therapist instead of personal trainer or chiropractor?
A physical therapist is a health care professional primarily concerned with the correction of impairments and disabilities, an improvement in mobility, functional capacity, and quality of life by using examination, evaluation, diagnosis and physical intervention. In addition, physical therapists work with individuals to prevent the loss of mobility before it occurs by developing fitness and wellness-oriented programs for healthier and more active lifestyles.

Do I need a prescription?
Colorado is a direct access state and you will only need a prescription if your insurance company requires it. Insurance companies base payment for physical therapy on “medical necessity”. That means, it is reasonable to expect that having physical therapy will improve your condition. Each insurance company has their own criteria to determine medical necessity. Some require a referral or prescription from a doctor, some require pre-authorization, some require nothing and patients can “self-refer” to physical therapy. Medicare, Medicaid, Great West, Cover Colorado, Workman’s Compensation and Auto medical claims are just a few companies that require a referral or a doctor’s prescription for physical therapy. We can help to determine if your policy requires one.

What insurance do you accept?
Rivergate Physical Therapy accepts most major insurances. Please call and we will verify your insurance and make sure that you are in network. We bill ALL insurances but we are not contracted or preferred providers with all insurance companies. If we are not “in-network” with your insurance company, you may have reduced benefits. We will also coordinate billing any secondary or tertiary insurance you may have.

Is it necessary to make an appointment or can I just walk in?
Although we do accept walk-in patients on occasion (subject to the therapist’s availability), it is our company’s policy that all of our patients make an appointment before coming in for therapy.

What should I bring in on my first visit?
It all depends on the nature of your treatment. However, we strongly suggest that you bring a change of loose, comfortable clothing (T-shirt, shorts, sweatpants, sneakers, etc.). You should also bring in your prescription from your specialist or doctor and your insurance information. Some insurance companies require you to provide additional information, please call ahead to inquire what you might need. Please fill in patient intake forms on this site and bring them in 10 to 15 minutes prior to your appointment.

What to bring:
• Insurance Card(s)
• Driver’s License
• Doctor’s Prescription and Protocol (if applicable)
• Co-payment (if applicable)
• Claim # and Information (Worker’s Compensation, Automobile Claims, Personal Injury Claims)
• Your Appointment Calendar (for ease in scheduling out your physical therapy sessions)
• If the patient is under 18 years old, a parent/guardian must accompany them to their first appointment.

How long is each session?
It all depends on the nature of your treatment, but a typical session runs approximately 60 to 90 minutes.
How many visits will I need? This is highly variable. You may need one visit or you may need months of care. It depends on your diagnosis, the severity of your impairments, your past medical history, etc. You will be re-evaluated on a monthly basis and when you see your doctor. We will provide you with a progress report with our recommendations.

How many times a week and for how many weeks will I have to come?
Frequency and duration of treatment will be determined by your physician or after the initial evaluation by your therapist. The typical frequency is 2-3 times per week.

How will I handle my problem at home?
Your therapy program will include a home program to be carried out independently. Our therapists use patient-related instruction to educate not only the patient but also families and other care givers.

Will I see only one physical therapist?
You will be evaluated by one of our licensed and highly trained physical therapists and he/she will also treat you during subsequent visits. Unlike some clinics, where you see someone different each visit, we feel it is very important to develop a one-on-one relationship with you to maintain continuity of care. Since only one physical therapist knows your problems best, he/she is the one that will be working closely with you to speed your recovery.
Each of our physical therapist has their own unique treatment style and skills. If you will benefit from seeing more than one physical therapist, the initial physical therapist will recommend that you see one in the same clinic who has a skill that you will benefit from. For example, if a patient needs trigger point Dry needling and massage. You will be set up with the physical therapist that is best trained for the job. We encourage you to try seeing different physical therapist as they have unique skills and ways of treating patients. We will honor your preference.

What is the best way to choose a physical therapist clinic?
These are some things you may consider:
• The therapist should be licensed in the state of Colorado.
• The first visit should include a thorough medical history and physical examination before any treatment is rendered.
• The patient goals should be discussed in detail during the first visit.
• Care should include a variety of techniques which might include hands-on techniques, soft tissue work, therapeutic exercises and in some cases heat, cold, electrical stimulation or ultrasound.
• Do they have a service that can address your problem?
• Do they take your insurance or are they willing to work with you if they are not a preferred provider?
• They should be conveniently located. Since sitting and driving often aggravate orthopedic problems, there should be a very good reason for you to drive a long distance for rehabilitation.
• What are the hours of operation?
• A physical therapist will initial start the treatment. A physical therapy assistant will often help provide the treatment or help with therapeutic exercises.
• Can you briefly interview the therapist before the first visit?
• Ask your physician, family, and friends who they would recommend?

Will my physical therapy session be painful?
For many patients, one of the primary objectives is pain relief. This is frequently accomplished with hands-on techniques, and modalities such as ultrasound, electrical stimulation, and/or heat or cold therapy. Movement often provides pain relief as well. Your physical therapist will provide you with the appropriate exercises not only for pain relief but to recover range of motion, strength, and endurance. In some cases, physical therapy techniques can be painful. For example, recovering knee range of motion after total knee replacement or shoulder range of motion after shoulder surgery may be painful. Your physical therapist will utilize a variety of techniques to help maximize your treatment goals. It is important that you communicate the intensity, frequency, and duration of pain to your therapist. Without this information, it is difficult for the therapist to adjust your treatment plan. Often, your doctor will prescribe pain medication to help control your pain to allow your physical therapist to help you gain range of motion and flexibility with less pain.

What happens if my problem or pain returns? Flare ups are not uncommon. If you have a flare up (exacerbation), give us a call. We may suggest you come back to see us, return to your doctor, or simply modify your daily activities or exercise routine. We will help guide you through your flare up.

Will I get a massage at physical therapy?
Massage may be part of your treatment. Rehabilitation specialists are trained in a variety of techniques that may help with your recovery. Deep tissue techniques may be part of the rehabilitative process. Massage is used for three reasons typically – to facilitate venous return from a swollen area, to relax a tight muscle, or to relieve pain.

Are the physical therapists licensed? At Rivergate Physical Therapy, all of our physical therapists and physical therapy assistants are licensed with the State of Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA).