"Thanks for the kindness and patience you have shown me… and for helping me live more happily in my body."
A.B., Federal employee
"Thank you so much for your help…My back is back to normal and I have no pain. I feel so much better-You did miracles."
J.S., Psychologist
"Thank you for everything you have put into helping me, caring for me and teaching me. You have had an enormous positive impact on my life and have influenced me to take better care of myself and even to change my perspective on life. Wow, it's a lot and it's all true."
D.R., Law Student
"My back and the ‘sciatica' down the left leg seems to be better. I am grateful. I continue to feel that the Alexander method has been very helpful."
T.R.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Do I need to be referred by my doctor?
- Will my insurance pay for treatment?
- What information do I need to bring with me to my first visit?
- What should I wear?
- How long is each visit?
- What should I expect during my initial visit?
- How many times a week and for how many weeks will I have to come?
- How will I handle my problems at home?
- How do I know if physical therapy is right for me?
- How can the Alexander Technique help me?
- What is the difference between physical therapy and Alexander lessons?
- What should I expect in an Alexander Technique lesson?
Do I need to be referred by my doctor?
The law in Washington DC allows you to see a physical therapist for evaluation and treatment without a physician's referral or prescription. Some health insurance companies may require a doctor's referral, so please check with your carrier before attending your first appointment.
Will my insurance pay for treatment?
Most health plans cover our services. You will receive two copies of a standard insurance receipt that has all necessary information so you can file a claim with your insurance company for reimbursement. In order to provide a high level of medical care, Washington Health & Healing, Inc. does not participate directly with any insurance plans. Some health plans require pre-certification (also known as prior authorization) for physical therapy services. You are responsible for obtaining this authorization; however, please let us know if you have any questions. Washington Health & Healing, Inc. is not enrolled in the Medicare program.
What information do I need to bring with me to my first visit?
If your doctor has given you a referral, please bring that with you, along with any written reports of any relevant x-rays, MRIs, or any other tests.
What should I wear?
Please have available loose, comfortable clothing and refrain from wearing any perfume or fragrance to your appointment.
How long is each visit?
An initial visit for evaluation and lesson or treatment is approximately 75 minutes. Subsequent visits are approximately 50 minutes.
What should I expect during my initial visit?
For physical therapy, your first visit will include a thorough physical therapy assessment and treatment. For Alexander Technique students, it will include a brief assessment and initial Alexander Technique lesson. It's important to note that we only see one person at a time, so you will be guaranteed our complete attention during your visit.
How many times a week and for how many weeks will I have to come?
Most people come one or two times weekly. The number of weeks varies and is dependent on your own individual situation.
How will I handle my problem at home?
An individualized home program will be suggested.
How do I know if physical therapy is right for me?
Physical therapists specialize in the assessment and treatment of pain, injuries, posture and general problems with movement. Anyone that wants to improve their health and overall well being can benefit from physical therapy.
How can the Alexander Technique help me?
By taking lessons in the Alexander Technique, you learn how to redirect your body in such as way that you move with greater power, ease, balance and flexibility. The Alexander Technique student learns the skills to change habitual movement patterns that may be interfering with ease or contributing to your injury or illness.
What is the difference between physical therapy and Alexander lessons?
The Alexander Technique is different because rather than being a patient, you participate as a student- learning a profound life skill that helps you recover and maintain poise and ease in any situation. F.M. Alexander discovered how to improve our breathing and our movement with conscious thinking. The Alexander Technique is consistent with the basic neurophysiology of how the body is designed and is capable of changing.
What should I expect in an Alexander Technique lesson?
In an Alexander Technique lesson, the student is guided through everyday movements such as sitting, getting in and out of a chair, walking with verbal instructions and hands on guidance. Some time may also be spent on the floor or on a table with verbal and guided movement to facilitate an experience of ease, balance and greater coordination.