1
Do you accept insurance?
At this time, Krista Armstrong Physical Therapy does not accept insurance. Dr. Krista prioritizes patient and family care over the limitations and restrictions of insurance. We realize your time as a family is incredibly important and valuable. That is why we strongly believe in providing comprehensive therapy services that are unique to your child's needs. Home exercise/activity programs should fit into your routine and not be another item on your long to-do list. Our goal is to help your child reach their goals efficiently and as effectively as possible. I will provide you with a detailed receipt that you can submit to your insurance for possible reimbursement. I strongly recommend checking with your insurance company to see if they will reimburse you for services prior to your visit if this is important. If cost is a challenge, please reach out and let's have a discussion!
2
What forms of payment do you accept?
Currently, we accept cash, credit/debit card, or check. I also accept HSA cards. Payment is due at time of service.
3
Do I need a referral?
NYS allows anyone to seek physical therapy services without a referral for 10 visits or up to 30 days (whichever comes first). After that we will need to reach out to your pediatrician for a referral.
4
How do I schedule an appointment?
You can either book an appointment online through our online booking site or call (585) 364-0121 to schedule. We do require that anyone who wishes to book an in-home evaluation call and schedule. I list both my in-home and clinic visit availability on my booking site. If you don't see an appointment time that works well with your schedule, please reach out to me directly! I try to make every effort to accommodate families when possible.
5
What to expect during my first visit?
You can expect a full, comprehensive evaluation. It is highly recommended that you complete intake paperwork prior to your appointment so that Dr. Krista has all of the necessary and important information needed to focus on your baby or child. In the beginning, Dr. Krista will conduct an interview with you (parent/guardian) to learn more about your family, your concerns, and ask any additional follow-up questions related to the intake form. Then she will conduct an evaluation, looking at your baby or child’s range of motion, flexibility, strength of muscles, quality of movement in a variety of positions, and developmental milestones. This portion of the evaluation will include clinical observation and specific tests to best assess your baby or child's skills and needs. After a thorough evaluation, she will discuss her findings and create goals that suit your family's needs/concerns. Dr. Krista will create a comprehensive treatment plan (if needed) and detailed home program that works with your family routine.
6
What is the difference between a traditional physical therapy evaluation versus milestone movement screen?
A traditional physical therapy evaluation will consist of a detailed parent interview, hands-on, whole-body assessment, and comprehensive treatment plan/home program. This will typically involve follow-up visits. A milestone movement screen is a one-time consultation to assess a specific gross motor milestone (rolling, sitting, crawling, etc.). It can also be used for families struggling with tummy time and would benefit from strategies to utilize at home or for those who would like a few developmentally appropriate exercises and activities to facilitate optimal development.
7
Do I need to be a patient (current/past) in order to participate in group classes/events?
You do not have to be a current or past patient to participate in any group class or event. Everyone is welcome to sign up and attend. Look for upcoming classes on this site or my instagram account, @kristaarmstrongdpt.
8
How often will I need to come/How long can I expect therapy treatment to last?
This is very individualized and dependent upon the reason for seeking out physical therapy services. After your baby's or child's evaluation, we will determine the frequency and duration that best fits your family's goals and schedule. Visits can range from once a week to biweekly. Some families prefer follow ups in 3-4 weeks. A family who chooses a milestone movement screen typically will not have a follow up visit as this serves as a one-time consultation.
9
How is pediatric physical therapy different from traditional adult physical therapy?
Pediatric physical therapy focuses on the whole body versus a specific joint or body part, looking at specific movement patterns within developmental milestones. When looking at a gross motor milestone a pediatric physical therapist will look at a child's strength, flexibility, range of motion, coordination, and quality of movement. Interventions may include manual techniques, but a lot of interventions will be play-based. It might look like your baby or child is not doing anything, but your therapist is carefully selecting activities to facilitate or inhibit specific muscles. The goal is to achieve independence and freedom of movement without discomfort. We strongly believe that pediatric physical therapy during the first few years of life can be highly proactive and effective at preventing movement challenges later in life.
10
What types of things can you help with?
Below are some common things I help with (but not limited to):
-Torticollis
-Plagiocephaly (flat head syndrome)
-Any musculoskeletal asymmetry before 12 months of age: having a preference for moving their body to one side or using one side of their body
-Delayed Milestones: rolling back to belly or belly to back, sitting independently, crawling, and walking.
-Toileting Challenges: constipation, daytime incontinence, enuresis (bedwetting)
-Container Baby Syndrome
-Premature birth-meeting milestones and any difficulties relating to musculoskeletal system
-Difficulty with Tummy Time
-Any musculoskeletal challenges relating to coordination, balance, motor planning, strength, and flexibility
Not sure if physical therapy can help? Give the office a call and get more information!
11
I already requested an evaluation through the Early Intervention Program...can I still see you for help?
Absolutely! I highly recommend seeking care or answers to your questions as soon as possible, especially if you have a long wait. We can meet for a single session to develop a solid home activity program or you can work with me up until you transition to the early intervention system (if needed).