Frequently Asked Questions
Because Your Health Deserves Straight Answers
We know starting physical therapy can come with a lot of questions—so we’ve put together this guide to help you feel informed and confident every step of the way. If you still have questions, don’t hesitate to reach out!
Do you take insurance?
Nope, and here’s why - insurance companies often limit the type, duration, and quality of care you can receive. We believe in giving you what you actually need, for as long as you need, not what an insurance company thinks you need. That being said, some of our patients with private insurance submit a superbill to their insurance for reimbursement. Please reach out with questions about superbills! We know that it can be confusing and we will help you to figure it out!
Why cash-based physical therapy? What does that mean?
Great question! Being a cash-based clinic means that we do not have a contract with any insurance company and therefore we don’t rely on insurance companies to dictate your care. Instead, we work directly with YOU to provide the highest quality treatment without the red tape. No surprise bills, no treatment restrictions—just expert care tailored to YOU.
What conditions do you treat?
We specialize in:
- Pelvic Health: Pregnancy, postpartum recovery, incontinence, constipation, pelvic organ prolapse, pelvic pain, pelvic floor symptoms related to perimenopause or menopause.
- Orthopedics: Sprains, strains, acute or chronic aches and pains, pre/post surgical rehab.
- TMJ Dysfunction: Jaw pain, clicking, headaches, and facial tension.
- Headaches and Migrains: Tension, hormonal, screen time and posture related.
- Running Evaluations: Gait analysis, injury prevention, and performance optimization.
- Nutrition & Women’s Health Coaching: Weight retention, symptoms related to perimenopause/menopause, sleep dysfunction, bowel irregularity and symptoms such as fatigue, brain fog and decreased libido.
Do you offer Dry Needling? By the way…what exactly IS Dry Needling?
YES! Three of our providers offer dry needling as a part of their treatment approach and we love it!
Dry needling is a modality that uses a very thin needle to directly target a myofascial trigger point (a.k.a that pesky knot in your shoulder), stimulating a natural healing response. This helps reset muscle activity, improve blood flow, and reduce inflammation. Additionally, dry needling influences the nervous system, decreasing pain sensitivity and promoting endorphin release. Think of this as rebooting your muscle like you would reboot your computer, so instead of the wheel continuing to spin, the muscle relaxes.
The result? Less pain, improved mobility, and muscles that function the way they’re supposed to—without the knots and tension holding you back!
What other types of treatment do you offer?
- Cupping: For pain relief, muscle recovery, and movement restoration.
- IASTM (Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization): Think scraping, but in a good way!
- Shockwave Therapy: For stubborn pain, tendon injuries, and accelerated healing.
- PEMF (Pulsed Electromagnetic Field): Low-frequency electromagnetic waves to stimulate cellular repair, reduce inflammation, and enhance overall healing. (and one heck of a quick nap)
- Nutrition Counseling: Because what you eat and how you live affects how you feel. Smart eating strategies (think meal or snack prep without the stress), guidance on elimination of certain food types, weight management, macro assessment (fat, protein, fiber, etc), lifestyle modification, gut and hormone testing.
What should I expect on my first visit?
We start with a thorough assessment—not just a quick glance at where it hurts. We look at your movement, strength, posture, and daily habits. Then, we create a customized plan that may include hands-on treatments, corrective exercises, and education to get you feeling your best. Expect to leave with a solid game plan and maybe even a little “homework” (but the fun kind, we promise).
What should I wear?
Comfort is key! Think stretchy, breathable clothing—yoga pants, shorts, or anything you can move freely in. If we’re working on your knee, shoulder, or another specific body part, try to wear something that allows us to access that area. No worries if you forget, we will make it work!
What is health coaching, and how is it different from personal training?
Health coaching is about habit change and long-term wellness. We help you set realistic goals in areas like stress management, sleep, nutrition, and movement—without the guilt or quick-fix mentality. It’s about optimizing your whole lifestyle, not just your workouts.
How long are the sessions?
The Initial Evaluation and most follow up appointments are 60 minutes because we believe in quality over quantity. No rushed treatments here! We do have shorter appointments available if you just need a quick tune up!
Do I need a referral from my doctor?
Nope! Wisconsin is a direct access state which means that you do not need a referral to be seen by a Physical Therapist.
Where are you located?
We’re at 3208 State Road in La Crosse, Wisconsin. Easy parking, zero hassle.
How do I book an appointment?
If you know where you want to start you can schedule online here! If you have any questions give us a call and we will help you find the perfect fit! 608-668-6700
Experience a Pain-Free, Active Life Again
We understand how pain and injuries can disrupt your daily life. At O’Brien Physical Therapy & Wellness, our compassionate experts guide you every step of the way, empowering you to reclaim your health and active lifestyle.
Ready to take the first step towards lasting relief?
Call us now at (608) 668-6700 or easily book your appointment online.