Physical Therapy FAQ | Kinetic Edge Physical Therapy
FAQ

Flare ups are not uncommon. If you have a flare up (exacerbation of symptoms), contact us or give us a call at 866-588-0230. We may suggest you come back to see us, return to your doctor, or simply modify your daily activities or exercise routine.

Some patients will need to continue with exercises independently. Some may choose to continue with a gym exercise program like our Medical Fitness Program. Others will complete their rehabilitation and return to normal daily activities. It is important that you communicate your goals with us, so we can develop a customized program for you.

In most cases, no. However, there are certain conditions that are inherently painful and a return to movement can cause a temporary increase in discomfort. Our goal is to make the rehabilitation process as painless as possible while still maximizing your outcomes. Pain can also be an excellent indicator of what to do and what to avoid. Communication with your therapist is crucial. Please speak up and let your therapist know how you are tolerating your treatment and they will indicate if your discomfort is “normal” or if treatment techniques need to be modified. Remember, we can’t optimize your treatment if we don’t know how you’re feeling.

The cost of therapy is determined by your individual insurance plan. Please call or email us with your insurance plan information and we will be happy to verify your insurance benefits and let you know what your cost will be.

Kinetic Edge works with most of the top insurance companies and will gladly bill your insurance for services rendered. If you’re not sure if we accept your insurance, give us a quick call and we’ll verify it for you!
These are the major insurance companies we work with:

  • Coventry
  • Humana
  • Medicaid
  • Medicare
  • Midlands Choice
  • United Healthcare
  • Wellmark

Some of our services and programs, such as our Medical Fitness Program, are not covered by insurance but may be covered by a health savings account (HSA). We do our best to keep you well informed of your financial obligations for the services you receive and will gladly answer any questions you have regarding your insurance coverage.

We ask that you arrive 15 minutes before your first visit if you didn’t already fill out your paperwork online. If you don’t want to come early, you can click here to fill out your paperwork online ahead of time. We dislike paperwork as much as you do, but we want to learn as much as possible to provide you with the best treatment.

Your first visit will last around 50 minutes. During this time, we’ll ask you about your past medical history and your current symptoms. We’ll ask you to go through some basic motions to see where your limitations may be, and this will guide your treatment. We encourage you to wear comfortable, loose fitting clothing and appropriate footwear that will allow you to move freely.

Please make sure to bring your insurance card, driver’s license, and the prescription from your physician if you have one. We will need this information to verify your insurance benefits. If you are under 18, make sure a parent accompanies you to your first visit.

Your initial evaluation will take around 45-60 minutes, and all future visits take approximately 45 minutes. Because we custom-tailor each visit for you, we may schedule you for a shorter or longer period of time based on your individual needs.

Traditional approaches to physical therapy and occupational therapy often feel clinical and remote. The Kinetic Edge approach isn’t traditional; it is highly connected and personal. While it’s important to have the right equipment and science-based methodologies, being able to relate to others is essential. In addition to our advanced training and substantial experience, we are most gratified in our ability to use our profession to develop lifelong, meaningful relationships. Our clients often comment that they don’t feel like patients; they feel like family.

Occupational therapy can benefit a wide variety of children including, but not limited to those struggling with learning, picky eaters, kids having difficulty calming down or staying focused, children with balance and coordination difficulties, and those with delayed fine motor skills.

Kinetic Edge’s occupational therapy team uses evaluation tools to determine what is at the foundation of a child’s struggles. The evaluation assesses sensorimotor development, sensory preferences, reflex integration, and visual perception skills. Activities are selected that are of interest and have meaning for children and that also meet their individual therapeutic goals. Therapy sessions that children perceive as fun, motivating, and playful are essential to the therapeutic process. The OT has specific tasks in mind for children to meet their goals and uses creative ways to achieve these objectives.

Physical therapists are present fulltime in each of our clinic locations. Physical therapists focus on evaluating and treating movement dysfunctions. They are skilled at identifying and correcting the source of the problem, but the physical therapists at Kinetic Edge understand that the location of pain and the source of the problem are not always the same thing. The key to enhancing comfort and performance lies in understanding how the various links in the kinetic chain impact each other, so that you can understand why you’re hurting, as well as what you can do to eliminate it and prevent it from reoccurring.


The occupational therapists at Kinetic Edge are present fulltime in our Ames, Des Moines, Pella, Oskaloosa, and Newton clinics. Occupational therapists specialize in treating patients with hand, wrist, or elbow problems that affect their ability to play, work or perform self-care tasks. They use self-care, work, and play activities to increase independent function, enhance development, achieve maximum independence, and enhance quality of life. Our occupational therapists also specialize in pediatric therapy.

No. Iowa law does not require a referral from or consultation with your physician before you can receive physical therapy or occupational therapy, but Kinetic Edge regularly communicates with your physician to make sure you’re getting the exact care you require. Our therapists have received extensive training in identifying red flags, and, if necessary, they will refer you to your physician. Seeing a therapist first is safe and could save you hundreds of dollars.

Yes. Your health insurance will have physical therapy and occupational therapy benefits, and we are in-network for nearly all health insurance plans. Your financial responsibility will be determined by the specifics of your health insurance plan. Because we know that can be confusing, we offer a complimentary benefits check to help you understand your financial obligations so that you can make an informed decision about your therapy care..

The State of Iowa is a direct access state, so you have the option of seeing a physical therapist or occupational therapist without a physician’s referral. Most insurances do not require a referral, but we would love to help you understand your insurance benefits. Just call and talk to our friendly office assistant who will provide you with a complimentary insurance benefits check. Despite the fact that a referral is seldom needed, we value a team approach to restoring health, and with your permission, we will communicate closely with your doctor to make sure you get the care you need to quickly restore your health.