FAQ (Frequently asked questions)

We are happy to answer any questions you might have, but below are a few that come up on a regular basis.

- Will treatment be covered by my insurance? What will I have to pay?
- Do I need to be referred by my doctor? Does the referral need to specify 'Lighthouse Physical Therapy?'
- What information do I need to bring with me to my first visit?
- What should I wear?
- How long is each visit?
- How often will I need to go for treatment?
- What is the difference between a 'PT' and a 'PTA?'
- Is this 'energy work?'
- Do you provide special services for women?
- How many clients does each therapist see at one time?
- How is physical therapy at Lighthouse Physical Therapy different from other rehab centers?
- What is 'IMT?'
- What kinds of injuries and problems do you treat?
- What types of treatment do you perform?
- How much training do Lighthouse therapists have?




Will treatment be covered by my insurance? What will I have to pay?

Yes. Although our approach may be different from traditional Physical Therapy we operate under Physical Therapy guidelines. All of our Therapists are licensed in the State of NH and our office accepts most major medical insurances. Coverage and requirements can vary widely, but the vast majority of insurance plans have allowances for Physical Therapy. How many visits are allowed, co-pays for each visit, and deductibles depend on your insurance plan and will need to be individually verified. You can find out your benefits from your insurance company by calling the toll free number usually located on the back of your insurance card. Our front office staff can also help you determine this information and set-up payment appropriately.



Do I need to be referred by my doctor? Does the referral need to specify 'Lighthouse Physical Therapy?'

In New Hampshire, there is "direct access" for physical therapy services, meaning that a referral is not required. However, some insurance policies do require a physician referral before they will pay for physical therapy. Please check with your policy's guidelines to be sure.



What information do I need to bring with me to my first visit?

Please be prepared to give a thorough medical history including all major injuries, illnesses, medications, and surgeries, even if they seem unrelated to your current injuries or complaints. This information will help your therapist determine if there are any underlying problems from your past medical history which might affect your treatment plan. Also, please bring the results of any relevant medical tests including x-ray and MRI reports, nerve conduction tests, or anything else which provides specific information about your problems. These are not required, but may be helpful. Lastly, have available your insurance information including a current health insurance card.



What should I wear?

Please wear comfortable clothing you can move in. Athletic clothes are not generally required, but street clothes which allow you to bend and flex without restriction is helpful. Skirts and dresses are sometimes difficult to work with if you are asked to move in such a way that requires the legs to move independently.



How long is each visit?

All treatment sessions are scheduled for 45 to 50 minutes.



How often will I need to go for treatment?

This varies depending on individual needs, resources, and scheduling. Most clients are seen 1 or 2 times each week. In general, more acute or severe injuries benefit from a greater frequency, up to 3 times per week. More long standing issues will change more slowly and can benefit from more time between sessions. As people improve, we generally begin decreasing the frequency of visits until we are sure improvements will maintain.



What is the difference between a 'PT' and a 'PTA?'

PT stands for Physical Therapist and represents an individual with at least a Bachelors degree in Physical Therapy and are licensed to practice physical therapy. Under that license, they are allowed to evaluate clients, develop treatment plans, and provide treatment to carry out those treatment plans.

PTA is an acronym for Physical Therapy Assistant. PTA's have a minimum of an Associates Degree in PTA education and are qualified to carry out physical therapy treatments following a plan directed by a physical therapist.



Is this 'energy work?'

No. And yes. IMT's basis is as a structural approach that addresses biomechanics and physiology. Treatment techniques are designed to change pressures within and flexibility of different tissues through the application of very specific forces. However, being a holistic approach, there is recognition of more esoteric anatomy. Concepts from Aryuvedic medicine, Traditional Chinese Medicine, and other non-allopathic methods are incorporated if appropriate to the individual treatment.



Do you provide special services for women?

Yes. We have several staff members who specialize in women"s health issues such as incontinence of urine and feces, urinary urgency, pelvic pain, and pregnancy induced problems. The structural soft tissue releases combined with retraining/strengthening exercises help women's issues to resolve.



How many patients does each therapist see at one time?

At Lighthouse Physical Therapy, LLC, each therapist is scheduled to see one patient at a time so we can provide the best care possible with complete focus on each client's needs. This also works much better for the specific hands on manual therapy treatments that we utilize.



How is physical therapy at Lighthouse Physical Therapy different from other rehab centers?

Physical therapy at Lighthouse is about individualized care. We recognize that no two people have the same build, character, and personal history. Every "lower back pain" and every "shoulder strain" has its own unique factors. We thoroughly evaluate each person's problems and develop specialized treatment plans to help you reach your goals. We integrate soft tissue techniques that release and mobilize structural restrictions so that the patient can have a greater potential for movement. By reducing or eliminating restrictions in the bodies' bones, nerves, organs, and blood vessels, then the brain's protection mechanism can decrease and thus the capacity for movement is restored. Then by incorporating exercises and neuromuscular retraining, we are able to get the body to realize it can move in a more normal pattern again which then helps the patient to achieve greater function.



What is 'IMT?'

IMT stands for Integrative Manual Therapy, the approach we use most to assess and treat. Please see our section on Manual Therapy for more information.



What kinds of injuries and problems do you treat?

We see a variety of problems, literally from head to toe, and all age groups -- our therapists have treated newborns up to ninety six years (but aren't against treating older!). Our unique approach allows us to treat fragile clients and medical problems through athletes preparing for competition. Here is a list of some of the diagnoses we have treated:

  • Low back pain and sacral disorders
  • Autoimmune problems: including Fibromyalgia, Rheumatoid Arthritis, etc.
  • Lymph edema
  • Lyme disease
  • Migraines and headaches
  • Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
  • Leaky Gut Syndrome
  • Autism and ADD
  • Asthma
  • Facial paralysis and Bell's Palsy
  • Nerve injuries and impingements
  • Herniated discs
  • Joint derangements and dysfunctions
  • Radiculopathy and neuropathy
  • Incontinence, urinary urgency, and pelvic pain
  • Osteoarthritis
  • Strokes (CVA's) and head injuries (TBI's)
  • Motor Vehicle Accidents
  • Shoulder Impingement




What types of treatment do you perform?

We use many different treatments at Lighthouse Physical Therapy including:

  • Craniosacral Therapy
  • Myofascial Release
  • Lymph Drainage
  • Neural Tension Techniques
  • Muscle Energy Techniques
  • Visceral Mobilization
  • Strain and Counterstrain
  • Mechanical Link
  • Emotional Release
  • Osseous Release and Compressions


We use the following modalities:

  • Iontophoresis
  • Ultrasound
  • Electrical Stimulation
  • Kinesio-taping
  • Custom Orthotics




How much training do Lighthouse therapists have?

The therapists at Lighthouse Physical Therapy, LLC each have between five and fifteen years of physical therapy experience along with many years of manual therapy training. In addition to their academic schooling to become a PT or PTA, our therapists attend a minimum of four continuing education seminars a year to continually expand their skills and learn new and advanced treatment techniques.