Move Forward with Confidence
At Synergistic Therapies, we want your first visit to be smooth, comfortable, and empowering. Below you’ll find answers to common questions about preparing for your first appointment and what to expect during your visit.
Before Your First Visit
Arrive a Little Early
Please come about 15 minutes before your appointment to complete paperwork.
Bring the Essentials
A photo ID, any recent X-rays or MRIs (and reports), and your medical history are all helpful.
Payment Info
We are a cash-based clinic. Please bring cash, a check, or a credit card with you. We accept HSA/FSA as a form of payment, provided they are considered qualified medical expenses by your specific plan.
Double-Check Your Appointment
If you booked online, give us a quick call at (253) 778-6221 to confirm.
Dress Comfortably
Choose clothes you can move in. If we’re looking at hips or knees, shorts or loose pants work best.
Jot Down Any Questions
This is your time. Write down anything you’d like to ask.
Think About Your Symptoms
Note what hurts, what makes it worse, how long it’s been going on, and what it’s keeping you from doing.
Stay Hydrated
Bring a water bottle along.
During Your First Visit
Initial Conversation
Your therapist will listen to you, ask about your pain and injury history, and review your medical journey.
Touch & Consent
Because hands-on care is an important part of treatment, your therapist will use touch to assess and address areas of tension or restriction. We’ll always explain what we’re doing, check for your consent, and ensure your comfort throughout the session.
Consult vs Evaluation
There are two options in getting started in your journey of life without limits.
1) Consultation: This is a 30-minute session in which you are able to ask questions to get a more in-depth understanding of Osteopathic Physical Therapy and how you will benefit from this care. There is a charge for this service that may be applied towards any services moving forward.
2) In-depth evaluation of symptoms and possible cause: This is a 90-minute analysis of symptoms and establishment of a plan of care to meet your goals. This session also includes short treatment. Follow-up treatment sessions are 60 minutes.
Movement Evaluation
We’ll gently assess your movement, strength, and coordination to get a full picture of how your body is moving in space and where the “pinch points” are that produce symptoms. Your body is a finely designed machine, designed to move in a synchronized pattern of motion. This is known as the biomechanics of 4 operating platforms. The movement evaluation many times is included in an in-dept evaluation. Following your evaluation, a brief, light treatment may be provided to further assess how your body responds to care.
Personalized Plan
Together, we’ll outline a plan to help you heal and share simple ways you can support recovery between visits.
First-Day Treatment
Following an evaluation, you may receive a light treatment or some take-home exercises on day one. The first evaluation and treatment session is a 90-minute session. Follow-up sessions are 40-60 minutes.
Follow-Up Scheduling
Before you leave, we’ll book your next sessions and share package options that may fit your goals.
Records for Your Doctor
If asked, we may provide treatment notes to your physician or another provider.
Insurance Note
While we’re cash-based, we can provide a superbill you can submit to your insurance for possible reimbursement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you take insurance?
We are a cash-based clinic. Please bring cash or a credit card with you.
How long will my first visit take?
Plan for about an hour. Follow-up sessions usually run 40–60 minutes.
Can OMT help me avoid surgery?
In many cases, yes. OMT focuses on restoring balance, mobility, and proper joint mechanics—often relieving pain and improving function without the need for invasive procedures. While surgery is sometimes necessary, many patients use OMT as a conservative, first-line approach to address dysfunction before exploring surgical options.
How can OMT support surgery preparation or recovery?
OMT can help prepare your body for surgery by improving circulation, reducing tension, and promoting optimal joint alignment. After surgery, it can assist in restoring mobility, easing scar tissue restrictions, and supporting faster, more balanced recovery.
I’ve heard about PRP injections, CBD, or other treatments for joint pain. Do they work?
Many treatments you see marketed—like PRP injections, SoftWave therapy, supplements, CBD, or acupuncture—may provide short-term relief, but they don’t correct the root cause if there’s an underlying biomechanical dysfunction. Healthy joints rely on natural lubrication (synovial fluid), and your body only regenerates this fluid through pain-free movement repeated hundreds of times. Without restoring proper joint mechanics first, no injection, pill, or external therapy can create lasting results. Our focus is on addressing the cause of dysfunction so your body can heal and move the way it’s designed to.
What should I wear?
Anything comfy that allows easy movement. For hip or knee visits, bring shorts or loose pants.
Can I bring my medical records?
Absolutely—imaging and reports give us a clearer picture and help guide your care.
What if I have more questions later?
We’re always here for you. Call us anytime at (253) 778-6221.