Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1 - Are there free consultations?
Yes we do! Please call our office at (626) 576-0591 during our business hours to schedule an appointment with one of our friendly receptionists.

Q2 - Do you take my insurance?
We are contracted to accept most PPO insurance plans, Worker’s Compensation, and Medicare Insurance. We do not accept HMOs or MediCal. Please call our office at (626) 576-0591 for FREE insurance verification and to check what your insurance will cover for physical therapy.

Q3 - When are your business hours?
Our clinic is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Q4 - Do you have parking?
Free parking is available in our parking lot next to the building. Street parking is also available in front of the building on Raymond Avenue.

Q5 - Do you have translations for Spanish, etc.?
Yes, if you need translation in different language (other than English) during your physical therapy treatment, please inquire at (626) 576-0591. We have staff who can offer translations in Spanish (Español).

Q6 - Do I need a prescription from my doctor to see you?
A prescription or referral is not required for a consultation. You can schedule a free consultation by making an appointment at (626) 576-0591. Additional appointments after the free consultation may require a doctor’s prescription or diagnosis.

Q7 - My doctor referred me elsewhere. Can I go to you instead?
Absolutely! You have a choice where you go to for physical therapy. Ethically and legally, you do not have to go where your doctor refers you. However, a doctor’s prescription or diagnosis for physical therapy is needed to receive treatment. To schedule appointments please call our office Mon-Fri, 8:00AM-5:30PM at (626) 576-0591.

Q8 - Will I have the same physical therapist throughout my treatment?
Yes, we try to keep patients with the same physical therapist, however, if the therapist is not available then patients have the option of setting their appointment with another physical therapist.

Q9 - How long has your office been in business?
Yonemoto Physical Therapy is a private physical therapy practice that was opened by Sheila Yonemoto in 1982. We proudly serve the Alhambra, South Pasadena, Pasadena, San Marino, San Gabriel, and Los Angeles area.

Q10 - What should I wear to physical therapy?
Comfortable, non-constricting clothing and shoes. We also have rooms available to change into clothing at our office if you would like to bring clothes with you.

Q11 - How long are the appointments?

• Your First Visit = 1 - 1.25 hours
  • 15-20 minutes. Fill out forms and check-in at the front desk. Please come 15-30 minutes before your scheduled appointment if you are filling out forms at our office.
  • 45 minutes. Evaluation and treatment with the physical therapist.
• The Rest of Your Visits = 30 minutes – 1 hour
  • 10-15 minutes. Check-in, make co-payments, etc.
  • 30 minutes or 45 minutes. Depending on what your insurance will cover, you will either have 30 minutes or 45 minutes treatment time.
  • Your physical therapist will work with your doctor to determine the appropriate duration and frequency for your treatment plan.

Q12 - Are all physical therapists licensed?
Yes, our physical therapists have received degrees from an accredited institution and they are licensed to work in the state of California.

Q13 - Why try Physical Therapy first?
The goals of physical therapy are to restore the normal motion, flexibility, and strength in muscles and joints to get them to move as freely as possible. As a result, patients not only function better but they also have reduced pain and discomfort.

Q14 - I have a muscle injury and it hurts! Is there anything you can recommend that I do before my physical therapy appointment tomorrow?
Follow whatever instructions your doctor gave you. Most muscle injuries can also benefit from R.I.C.E., a modality recommended by physicians, physical therapists, athletic trainers, and chiropractors.

• R = Rest, stop movement of the injured area.
• I = Icing, apply an icepack or cold pack with a towel wrapped around it to the affected area for 10-15 minutes. Do not apply ice pack/cold pack directly to skin.
• C = Compression, wrap a bandage around the area to limit swelling. Do not wrap it too tight. If you experience numbness, increased pain, tingling, or swelling in the area below the bandage, loosen the bandage.
• E = Elevation, place the injured area higher to reduce inflammation and swelling. This can be done while sitting, and ice can be applied to the area.

Q15 - My first appointment is tomorrow. What should I bring?

• Doctor’s prescription for physical therapy (required for treatment)
• Picture ID (ex: driver’s license)
• Insurance information
• Copayment if needed
• Relevant medical documents
• Your calendar (to make appointments)
• Comfortable clothes and shoes
• (Recommended if you don’t want to arrive 30 minutes before appointment time)
  Patient forms completely filled out and signed.

Q16 - What is the difference between manual therapy and massage therapy?
Manual therapy pays more attention to biomechanical and structural functioning than massage therapy.  It is a clinical approach a physical therapist uses during treatment. Manual therapy employs skilled, specific hands-on techniques including manipulation and mobilization in order to:

• Diagnose and treat soft tissues and joint structures to decrease pain
• Increase range of motion (ROM) and relaxation
• Reduce or eliminate soft tissue inflammation
• Increase flexibility, function, and movement
• Improve tissue repair, stability

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