Question 1

Do you accept my insurance?

Accepted Answer

Human Function and Performance Physical Therapy operates under the Out-of-Network process for insurance claim filing.  What that means specifically is that we do not accept the terms of insurance companies when deciding what is best for our patients.  How this benefits you is simple.  We are able to see you for 60 minute appointments with absolutely no hand-offs to unlicensed "rehab specialists" or "technicians" and we do not perform time consuming treatments in order to meet insurance requirements for billing.  Rather, we perform only the necessary treatments you need to get better at the hands of a licensed Physical Therapist.
 
Due to our desire to do what is best for patients, and not for billing, we do not agree that patients need to be seen several times a week in order to get the best results.  By being Out-of-Network, we are able to get you better, faster, with less time spent in the clinic. 
 
Finally, given the current insurance climate where most plans utilize a high deductible cost deflection strategy for outpatient services, our method of billing is the most economical and the most effective. This is truly a win-win for patients and Doctors.

*Most people don't realize PT clinics associated with physicians are able to bill a higher rate thus you will go through you deductible faster.  It's best to understand how your insurance works since many people go in thinking they will only pay a co-pay and get stuck with a large bill in the backend.  Here at Human Function and Performance there are no surprises and we will work with you to figure out your best solution!
 
We accept HSA and FSA.
 
To verify your benefits, submit your info here and we will give you a call as quickly as possible.
 
If you have any questions, please feel free to call us at (469) 626-7254.

Question 2

How often will I need to go to PT?

Accepted Answer

Patients are seen for a one-hour evaluation followed by one-hour treatment appointments.  Most patients attend one to two treatments per week while utilizing a detailed home program with exercises videos bases off their condition and progress.  A big benefit you have with Human Function and Performance is the ability to have text/email access to your Physical Therapist.  
 
Our brand of Physical Therapy provides you the opportunity to take control over your health, get to the bottom of your issue and achieve a lasting solution.  Thus we treat both the symptom and the underlying issue all while educating you on it so that you have a better understanding of what's going on, how to address it quickly, and also how to avoid it again in the future.
 
If you have any questions, please feel free to call us at (469) 626-7254.

Question 3

Do I need to see my physician for a referral first?

Accepted Answer

No, the state of Texas has joined the rest of the nation on September 1st, 2019 and granted Direct Access to Physical Therapy.  All you need is to schedule your initial evaluation to get started.
 
For treatment programs that will last longer than 10 business days, a referral is required.  We will work with you to obtain a referral from a physician.  Most conditions won't require greater than this period as people move more into a mobility and performance period specializing in recovery. 
 
If you have any questions, please feel free to call us at (469) 626-7254.

Question 4

How can you help me? (Treatment Approach)

Accepted Answer

The first thing you need to understand is your body is absolutely amazing. It might not feel that way at this very minute, but the human body's ability to recover is remarkable. 
 
Over the course of our lives we adopt certain behaviors that drive how our body is able to move and perform activity. These activities could be as dynamic as running or doing push-ups, or can be as simple as lying down to sleep at night.  Either way, when it hurts, there is a reason.
 
Your brain has one job to do that precedes all others. Survive. When our survival is questioned we will roll out protection mechanisms, such as pain, to prevent further injuring ourselves. Our body can develop some very serious and hard to break compensations to ensure our survival. As your Physical Therapist, it is my job to identify exactly what compensations and mechanisms you have adopted that are present and impacting your symptoms. From there, we can gain an understanding of why you developed them in the first place.
 
Through treatment, we roll back the compensations, and end by getting to the initial dysfunction that started all of the compensations. Because we are all human, we all have the same body parts, similar activities, similar demands, this process is not as complicated as it sounds. At least not for us. With our guidance you can regain access to your athletic, resilient self. You can be free from recurring injury and pain and you can return to the healthy lifestyle you have always wanted.
 
If you have any questions, please feel free to call us at (469) 626-7254.

Question 5

Physicians and other health care providers

Accepted Answer

Referring out is not easy. Not having a perfect understanding of what your patient is going to get, how they are going to be treated, and what outcome they will obtain all make for a tough decision. 
 
Physical therapy, like all medicine, is not a perfect science.  Sure, we know exercise makes many people feel better, we even have pretty good theories as to why.  But what about when it doesn't work? 
 
The truth of the matter is that the human body is an incredibly complex organism that has a few basic needs, and from there can express some incredible variability. Despite this complexity there are a few constants that appear to have strong correlations with how our body feels and performs. 
 
These constants are in regards to how we survive. How we breathe and how we walk. Our bodies have to be able to move relatively symmetrically over each one of our legs in order to alternate respiratory function, spine rotation, and utilize our natural coiling and uncoiling properties. Just like a wind up toy, we are programmed to rotate well to one side (the right side), and we use reflex mechanisms to spring us over the other side. Where we find issues is when we lose the ability to rotate over one hip or the other, and that begins to stress soft tissues throughout our body. 
 
By restoring appropriate rotation of the pelvis over the legs, the rib cage over the pelvis and the spine we can relieve tension, stress and strain throughout the human system. Head to toe. This rehabilitation process does not reverse disease process such as osteoarthritis, degenerative disc disease, or bony abnormalities but what does change, is how the body feels about them. We know these conditions are present is a large population of non-symptomatic people. Why is it painful for some but not others? Pain is a survival mechanism that encourages us to avoid behaviors that produce or could produce injury. We use tension, tightness, and restriction to promote safety. Tension, tightness and restriction are often experienced as pain. Therefore, there is a cycle that is produced. By resolving why the tension, tightness and restriction are present, we can offer our patients the opportunity to feel safe in their bodies. By restoring appropriate function of the pelvis over the legs, rib cage over the pelvis, and spine connecting them all, our patient's bodies will not sense impending injury, and will not need to strain their body to avoid such injury. 
 
Consider this, if you had a broken femoral head on the right side, your body would naturally eliminate rotation over that hip to avoid placing your full weight on the unstable bone. Similarly, right after a patient receives ACL or knee replacement surgery. The quad muscle becomes inhibited by swelling to prevent the joint from full weight bearing. To a lesser degree, many of us do this every day. We limit range of motion in our joints and inhibit muscles to avoid full use of a joint and its soft tissues. This causes more demand on other joints and soft tissues and leads to stress and strain. Why this begins isn't always obvious, but there is a reason. Whether the reason why this cycle begins is identifiable or not, the compensations that arise can be identified and addressed. Therefore, symptoms can be resolved, patients can understand why they are in pain and they can understand what to do about it.
 
This may sound very mechanical, and there is a great deal of objective measuring that guides treatment. However, the nervous system is the main target of our treatments. By restoring appropriate function of the pelvis over the legs, we restore appropriate pelvic floor function. The pelvic floor acts as a trampoline for the thoracic diaphragm to bounce pressure and air into. This promotes normal breathing function. Normal, quiet breathing allows our body to enter a parasympathetic state, and therefore promote adequate rest and recovery. If the pelvis and rib cage do not function normally, the respiratory diaphragm can alter its function to stabilize (restrict motion) at the spine. This helps our bodies remain upright under extreme duress, but also creates an overall feeling of extreme duress known as sympathetic drive. This a key driver in persistent pain. 
 
When the human body accumulates minor stress and injury over time, the body responds. When the body suffers a major stress at one time, the body must also respond. That is why we see these similar patterns of compensation in almost all injuries. Once they are resolved, patients not only feel better, they understand what their body likes to do under stress. They also understand what becomes compromised when this occurs, and most importantly, they understand how to address it.
 
If you are considering sending a patient or client of yours to us, understand that we do not fear monger, we do not eliminate positive behaviors (exercise, massage, activity), we never give opinions on the necessity of treatment that is outside of our scope, and we do not discriminate against patients for any reason. Although we market our services to the active population, we are open to assisting individuals from all walks of life. 
 
We are always looking to learn more about the human system and are open to sharing our knowledge with anyone interested.  If you would like to schedule a phone call or a Lunch and Learn with our Physical Therapist, please email sheldon@humanfunctionandperformance.com

Question 6

How can Physical Therapy help with chronic neck and shoulder tightness?

Accepted Answer

Physical Therapy is an effective way to address chronic tightness in the neck and shoulders through a range of techniques and exercises. At Human Function and Performance, we start with a thorough evaluation of your posture, movement patterns, strength, and mobility to identify the underlying causes of your tightness. This can include poor posture, overuse, muscle imbalances, or even stress.

Once we've identified the root cause, we create a personalized treatment plan that may include manual therapy, such as massage or joint mobilization, stretching and flexibility exercises, and strengthening exercises to improve stability in the affected area. We may also include education on posture, ergonomics, and lifestyle modifications to prevent future tightness or discomfort.

At Human Function and Performance, we believe in empowering our clients through education, customized care, and evidence-based treatment approaches. Our goal is to help you improve your function and performance, so you can live your best life, free from pain and limitations. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you address your chronic neck and shoulder tightness.

Question 7

My knee(s) bother me, why?

Accepted Answer

At some point or another most people's do.  Our quads and hamstrings have a big job to do holding us up against gravity.  Occasionally they become imbalanced to a degree that we experience pain. It is important to understand that your body has an incredible ability to heal itself if put in the right position.   If the diagnosis is osteoarthritis then you are in luck.  Exercise is the best intervention.  The correct exercise will reduce your pain, build self-confidence with your activities and prevent or delay a major surgery.  We are living longer than ever, our activity level needs to match in order to limit the negative effects of aging.

Question 8

What causes my hip to pinch or ache when I run, or even when I'm just sitting?

Accepted Answer

If the front of your hip pinches or "impinges" you likely require pelvis and leg exercises designed to reposition the alignment of your skeletal structure during static and dynamic movement.  A common compensation seen in humans is rotating the hip bones forward while leveraging the hip flexors and low back.  This results in strain at the outside of the hips, reduction of space at the groin and often correlates with low back issues as well. If your are experiencing these symptoms an MRI and a cortisone shot will be a costly, temporary distraction to the movement dysfunction that needs to be addressed.

Question 9

Why do I get sharp shooting pain down the back of my legs?

Accepted Answer

Sciatica? This means pain in your sciatic nerve. There are multiple causes of why your sciatic nerve gets irritated but none of them start with inflammation. Therefore, a cortizone shot is not a solution. It is only a band-aid for a movement dysfunction that you don't need to live with. Appropriately retraining the back, hip and core musculature to move freely will reduce irritation and compression of the sciatic nerve.

Question 10

I have plantar fasciitis, does it take forever to go away?

Accepted Answer

Plantar fasciitis is rarely a symptom of a simple foot dysfunction.  Your feet are your tires, if there is a misalignment you will get abnormal wear.  You likely need specific pelvis and/or core work to move over your feet symmetrically and avoid irritating the bottom of the chain.

Question 11

Why do I seem to go from one injury to the next, never getting a chance to train and perform the way I feel I should be able to?

Accepted Answer

The human body is an amazing system. It constantly seeks to adapt to the imposed demands placed on it. Not all of the adaptations are cooperative with one another. Training for balance is often overlooked, no matter how inclusive your program is. The human body will always seek to be energy efficient and the muscular relationships in your body need guidance to stay on a path of fluid motion and balanced control.

Question 12

I have a different issue that is not on here and wanted to know if you treat it.

Accepted Answer

This list is just a snapshot of the dysfunctions and problems that we successfully resolve for people. If you don't see yourself on this please call us and find out if we can help. The service that we provide is not magic, it is simply well educated and holistic. We treat the entire human body for musculoskeletal dysfunction because your entire body is connected. If we refused to understand one area we would not be as successful as we are.

Question 13

I have been to physical therapy and it did not help.

Accepted Answer

Physical therapy, like any industry, has variability when it comes to strategy and effectiveness. Many clinics believe that people just need to move, and the lack of movement is causing the issue. Having these patients work out in the clinic on their own with guidance from technicians and maybe 10-15 minutes with the doctor will get results in this population. If this doesn't sound like you, say you are already working out, there are other options. Options that seek to understand at a deep biomechanical level what is causing dysfunction and systematically addressing the issue. General exercise may be the answer, but it might also be breath work, neuromuscular pattern training, autonomic nervous system regulation, lifestyle intervention, nutrition counseling, sleep hygiene, or a multitude of other contributing factors. By enabling you to spend all of your treatment time with a doctor, you have the best opportunity for resolving your pain long term here at Human Function and Performance Physical Therapy. This revolutionary service is available right here, in Dallas, Texas.

Question 14

I have a different issue that is not on here.

Accepted Answer

This list is just a snapshot of the dysfunctions and problems that we successfully resolve for people. If you don't see yourself on this please call us and find out if we can help. The service that we provide is not magic, it is simply well educated and holistic. We treat the entire human body for musculoskeletal dysfunction because your entire body is connected. If we refused to understand one area we would not be as successful as we are.

Question 15

My doctor says I might need surgery.

Accepted Answer

While surgery can be the only option for some patients, ex: quickly progressing neurologic symptoms (weakness, loss of sensation, numbness in sensitive areas) it is rare. Too often surgeons go to what they know, and that is slice and dice, send them to rehab. The truth is, surgery does not always improve the outcomes of rehabilitation. In fact, those who elect to not have surgery have the opportunity to attain similar outcomes. So why perform these costly, time-consuming, invasive surgeries? Rotator cuff injuries, hip and knee osteoarthritis, bulging and herniated discs, bone spurs. All of these dysfunctions have positive outcomes with necessary and appropriate movement training. The notion that you can get better without invading your body is something that everyone needs to understand.

Question 16

I seem to go from one injury to the next, never getting a chance to train and perform the way I feel I should be able to."

Accepted Answer

The human body is an amazing system. It constantly seeks to adapt to the imposed demands placed on it. Not all of the adaptations are cooperative with one another. Training for balance is often overlooked, no matter how inclusive your program is. The human body will always seek to be energy efficient and the muscular relationships in your body need guidance to stay on a path of fluid motion and balanced control.

FAQs

We are here to answer any questions you might have regarding Physical Therapy and all things health related.

Do you accept my insurance?

How often will I need to go to PT?

Do I need to see my physician for a referral first?

How can you help me? (Treatment Approach)

Physicians and other health care providers

How can Physical Therapy help with chronic neck and shoulder tightness?

My knee(s) bother me, why?

What causes my hip to pinch or ache when I run, or even when I'm just sitting?

Why do I get sharp shooting pain down the back of my legs?

I have plantar fasciitis, does it take forever to go away?

Why do I seem to go from one injury to the next, never getting a chance to train and perform the way I feel I should be able to?

I have a different issue that is not on here and wanted to know if you treat it.

I have been to physical therapy and it did not help.

I have a different issue that is not on here.

My doctor says I might need surgery.

I seem to go from one injury to the next, never getting a chance to train and perform the way I feel I should be able to."