Frequently Asked Questions

Do you accept insurance?

My Pelvic Therapy is a cash-based physical therapy business. We are not contracted with any private insurance or Medicare. However, you may request an itemized bill for each session to submit to your insurance if you have out-of-network benefits and would like to pursue reimbursement. Being a cash-based practice allows me the flexibility to offer you exactly what services you need and deserve, such as spending an entire hour with you every session, instead of your care being dictated by arbitrary restrictions often imposed by insurance companies.



What is Telehealth Physical Therapy?

Telehealth Physical Therapy is physical therapy services provided over a secure video technology platform, rather than in person. The service provided is the same, in that I will interview you in detail to get a full picture of the problem(s) you are having, ask you to do a few simple movements to help assess your problem, and then create an individualized program of exercises and strategies tailored just for you.



What do I need to get started?

An email address, an internet connection, and a device with a microphone and camera that connects to the internet (e.g., phone, iPad, laptop, desktop computer) is all you need. It's that simple.



Don't you need to see me in person for Physical Therapy?

The keys to an effective PT experience are a detailed interview and assessment to drill down to the core of the problem, and an individualized exercise program addressing these findings. Telehealth physical therapy lends itself well to both. If at any time during our sessions I determine you would be better served by a therapist in person, I will immediately help transition your therapy to a qualified PT in your area.



How do I make an appointment with you?

It's easy! Click any "Book a Session" button on the website, or click here; choose an appointment type from the drop-down menu, and the appointment day and time that works best for you. (You will be asked to make a quick profile with thera-LINK the first time you request an appointment.) That's it!



How many appointments will I need?

While this may depend on the severity and complexity of your problem(s), most patients meet their goals within 5 visits, spread out over 6-8 weeks. We will discuss my specific recommendations for you during our initial visit, following your detailed evaluation.



How long is each appointment?

Each appointment is a full hour, except for our free 15-minute consultation.



Do I need a prescription or referral from my doctor to see you?

IL, CA and NJ are all "direct access" states for physical therapy. This means that you do not need a prescription or referral to begin care with a physical therapist. In order to provide you with the best care possible, I will keep your physician or other health care provider of your choice "in the loop" by providing them with a detailed report following your first visit.



I'm not tech-savvy; will I be able to do this?

Yes! Our video partner thera-LINK makes it easy: 1. At the time of our scheduled appointment, click on the "Log In!" button in your email from thera-LINK and log into your account. 2. Click the "Join" button. This will bring you to my virtual waiting room, where you can pay for our session and wait for me to join you. 3. I will join at our appointment time to start our session. You can do this!



How do I pay for a session?

You can conveniently pay for your session by credit card when you log in at our appointment time.



Is our physical therapy session private?

Yes! I use a service called thera-LINK to provide secure, HIPAA-compliant videoconferencing, so you can be assured your treatment is private. In fact, your telehealth treatment is potentially more private than in-person treatment, as there will be no other clients present as there would be in a busy outpatient physical therapy clinic. HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996) is a law that provides data privacy and security provisions for safeguarding medical information. In other words, your personal health information is safe with thera-LINK, and with me.



Can I have someone with me during the appointment?

Of course! I will ensure the privacy of your personal health information on my end, and it is up to you to decide who, if anyone, is present during your physical therapy sessions on your end.



What types of problems do you treat?

Virtually any musculoskeletal problem! I've been a physical therapist for over 30 years and have experience with a wide range of problems. That being said, I am a pelvic therapy specialist, specializing in the treatment of issues related to the pelvis, including all pelvic floor issues for both women and men, pregnancy-related musculoskeletal pain, postpartum pain and weakness, core weakness, and back and hip pain. Unsure if I'm the right person for your problem? Email me or call me at 224-255-7678 and ask!



Do you communicate with my doctor?

Absolutely! I will send your doctor or other healthcare practitioner a detailed report following our first session. I will also contact your physician if at any time I feel you need medical attention or if physical therapy is not indicated.



What is thera-LINK?

thera-LINK is the HIPAA-compliant online platform that I use to allow us to connect via secure video for our physical therapy sessions.



What can I expect at my first appointment?

The goal of our first appointment is to get laser-focused on what your musculoskeletal problems/challenges are and to come up with an effective plan to address them. Our first session has 3 parts: 1. I will be asking you a lot of detailed questions to discover your symptoms and their potential causes. 2. I will ask you to do some simple movements so I can assess things such as your strength, range of motion, balance, and movement patterns. 3. I will teach you some strategies and exercises to allow you to immediately get started on addressing your complaints.



Shouldn't I see a urologist or urogynocologist for my bladder problem?

If you are experiencing significant bladder symptoms for the first time, or if you have symptoms consistent with a urinary tract infection, such as urinary frequency, painful or burning urination, cloudy urine or bladder pain, be sure to see your physician first. She or he will be able to discuss with you whether pelvic physical therapy is indicated for you.



Do you see patients in states other than IL, CA, and FL?

Physical therapists must be licensed in the states in which their patients are located, and currently I am able to provide telehealth in the states of IL, CA, and FL. This means that in order for me to treat you, you must physically be in one of these states. If you do not currently live in IL, CA or FL, please sign up here to join our email list to be the first to know when a new state is added, and to receive articles covering a variety of pelvic issues, including effective strategies to address those issues.



How much does each session cost?

Please see our Services page for a breakdown of cost for each service, including our FREE 15-minute consultation.



What should I wear for our online physical therapy sessions?

Please wear comfortable clothing that allows you to move easily. Try to avoid baggy clothing, as this may hinder my ability to evaluate how you move. Rest assured that despite this being pelvic physical therapy, you will remain fully clothed and comfortable at all times.