Frequently Asked Questions

Physical therapy (PT) is a healthcare specialty that helps people improve movement, manage pain, and restore function after injury, illness, or surgery. Our licensed therapists use evidence-based techniques — including manual therapy, therapeutic exercise, and modalities — to create personalized plans that help you return to the activities you love, often without surgery or long-term medication.

In New York State, patients have direct access to physical therapy for up to 30 days without a physician referral. After that period, a referral is required to continue treatment. Some insurance plans may require a referral from the start — we recommend calling us or your insurance provider to confirm before your first visit.

We treat a wide range of conditions including:

• Back and neck pain, sciatica, herniated discs
• Sports injuries — sprains, strains, ACL tears
• Post-surgical rehabilitation (joint replacements, rotator cuff)
• Neurological conditions — stroke, Parkinson's, MS
• Pediatric and geriatric conditions
• physical therapy, balance disorders, arthritis, and more

Initial evaluation sessions typically last 60 minutes. Follow-up treatment sessions generally run 45 to 60 minutes, depending on the complexity of your condition and the treatments being performed. Your therapist will discuss the expected session length during your first visit.

Yes. All of our physical therapists hold active New York State licenses and have completed accredited Doctoral or Master's programs in physical therapy. Many hold additional specialty certifications such as OCS (Orthopedic Clinical Specialist), SCS (Sports Clinical Specialist), and CSCS. You can view each therapist's credentials on our Doctors page.

You can book an appointment three ways: online using our Call Us tool (available 24/7), by calling us at (718) 914-1199 during office hours, or by emailing info@newhorizonstherapy.com. We typically confirm within one business day and can often accommodate same-week appointments.

Please bring:

• Photo ID and insurance card(s)
• Doctor's referral or prescription (if required by your insurer)
• Any relevant imaging reports (X-rays, MRI, CT scans)
• List of current medications
• Completed intake forms (we'll email these to you beforehand)
• Comfortable, loose-fitting clothing appropriate for the area being treated

Absolutely. You are welcome to request a specific therapist when booking. We encourage you to review our Doctors page to find a therapist whose specialty and availability matches your needs. If your preferred therapist is unavailable, we can place you on a waitlist or suggest a similarly qualified colleague.

We ask that you provide at least 24 hours' notice if you need to cancel or reschedule. Cancellations made with less than 24 hours' notice may be subject to a late-cancellation fee. We understand that emergencies happen — please call us as soon as possible and we will do our best to accommodate you.

Yes, we offer HIPAA-compliant telehealth sessions for appropriate cases, including initial consultations, follow-up check-ins, and home exercise program guidance. Telehealth PT is particularly useful for patients with mobility limitations or those who live far from our clinic. Please ask our front desk about availability and insurance coverage for virtual sessions.

We accept most major insurance plans including BlueCross BlueShield, Aetna, United Healthcare, Cigna, Humana, Medicare, Medicaid, Anthem, Tricare, Oxford Health, EmblemHealth, and Workers' Compensation. Visit our Insurance page for a full list or call us to verify your specific plan.

Call the member services number on the back of your insurance card and ask about your outpatient physical therapy benefits. Key questions to ask:

• Do I need a referral or prior authorization?
• What is my deductible, and has it been met?
• What is my co-pay or co-insurance for PT?
• How many visits are covered per calendar year?
• Is New Horizons Therapy & Wellness in-network?

Our billing team is also happy to assist with benefit verification — just bring your insurance card to your first visit.

If you do not have insurance coverage, or if your plan does not include PT, we offer competitive self-pay rates. We also offer flexible payment plans to make care accessible. Please speak with our front desk team to discuss options before your first visit.

Yes. We submit claims directly to your insurance company. You are responsible for any co-pays, co-insurance, or deductible amounts at the time of service. If your claim is denied or requires additional documentation, our billing team will work with you and your insurer to resolve it promptly.

Physical therapy should not be excessively painful. You may experience mild soreness — similar to what you'd feel after a workout — particularly after your first few sessions. This is a normal sign that your muscles and tissues are responding to treatment. Our therapists work within your comfort level and will continually adjust your program. Please always communicate any discomfort so we can modify your treatment accordingly.

The number of sessions varies based on your diagnosis, severity, goals, and how quickly your body responds. A simple sprain may resolve in 4–6 visits, while post-surgical rehabilitation could require 12–24 sessions over several months. After your initial evaluation, your therapist will provide an estimated plan of care including frequency and duration of treatment.

Our therapists are trained in a broad range of techniques:

• Manual therapy — joint mobilization, soft tissue mobilization, myofascial release
• Therapeutic exercise — strengthening, stretching, neuromuscular re-education
• Dry needling and trigger point therapy
• Ultrasound, electrical stimulation (TENS/NMES), and heat/cold therapy
• Kinesio taping and sports taping
• Balance and vestibular rehabilitation
• Aquatic therapy (by referral)

Yes — your home exercise program (HEP) is a critical part of your recovery. Your therapist will design a customized HEP and teach you each exercise before you leave. Consistent practice between sessions significantly accelerates your progress and helps prevent re-injury. We use a patient app to deliver illustrated exercise instructions you can access on any device.

We accept cash, personal checks, and all major credit and debit cards (Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover). We also accept HSA (Health Savings Account) and FSA (Flexible Spending Account) cards. Payment is due at the time of service for co-pays and self-pay balances.

Yes. We believe cost should not be a barrier to care. We offer interest-free monthly payment plans for balances over a certain threshold. Please speak confidentially with our billing coordinator — we will work with you to find an arrangement that fits your budget. Financial hardship programs may also be available on a case-by-case basis.

Self-pay rates depend on the type and duration of service. Initial evaluations and follow-up treatment sessions are priced competitively compared to area clinics. Please call us at (718) 914-1199 or email our billing department for our current self-pay fee schedule. We are committed to transparent, upfront pricing.

After your insurance processes the claim (typically within 30–60 days of service), any remaining patient responsibility will be billed to you by mail or email. You will receive an Explanation of Benefits (EOB) from your insurer separately. If you have questions about a bill, our billing team is available Monday–Friday 9 AM–5 PM.

Progress is measured through regular re-assessments using objective tools — range-of-motion measurements, strength testing, functional movement screens, and patient-reported outcome questionnaires. Your therapist will review your progress at regular intervals (typically every 4–6 visits) and update your treatment plan accordingly. You should also notice improvements in pain levels, daily function, and ability to perform activities.

Recovery is a partnership. To get the best results:

• Attend all scheduled sessions consistently
• Complete your home exercise program as instructed
• Stay hydrated and maintain a nutritious diet
• Get adequate sleep — recovery happens during rest
• Communicate openly with your therapist about pain levels and changes
• Avoid activities that aggravate your condition unless cleared
• Ask questions — understanding your condition empowers recovery

Many patients notice improvement within the first 2–3 sessions. For acute injuries or recent post-surgical cases, improvement can come quickly. Chronic conditions or complex neurological issues may require several weeks before significant change is felt. Your therapist will set realistic expectations based on your specific diagnosis and health history from day one.

When you complete your formal plan of care, your therapist will provide a discharge summary with a long-term maintenance exercise program to prevent recurrence. We offer wellness and maintenance sessions on an as-needed basis. Many patients return for periodic "tune-up" visits or to address new issues. Our goal is to be your lifelong movement health partner.

Returning to sport or strenuous activity is a key goal for many of our patients. Your therapist will use functional testing and sport-specific assessments to determine when it is safe to return. We use evidence-based return-to-sport criteria and work closely with your physician or orthopedic surgeon to ensure a safe and complete recovery.