Before Your Visit

Texas allows for direct access to physical therapy services without the need of a prescription from a referring provider, saving you time and money. If you are in pain and have limited function, don’t delay starting PT. Let us help you begin your path to recovery! If we feel your condition needs further attention, we will recommend you see your physician, or a specialist, that can further evaluate you.
Some insurance companies may require a referral for reimbursement, but we can assist with that process. In Texas, you can continue care with your physical therapist for up to 10 consecutive business days, at which point you must obtain a signature from a physician on the physical therapy plan of care.

Acupuncture and dry needling share the use of thin needles, but they are completely different practices. Acupuncture is rooted in traditional Chinese medicine and aims to balance the body’s energy flow (Chi) by inserting needles into specific Acupuncture points. Dry needling, on the other hand, focuses on treating muscular pain and trigger points. The goal of trigger point dry needling is to release the tension in restricted tissues by inserting a needle into these tissues. While both techniques involve needles, their underlying philosophies and goals differ greatly.

In California, patients have the right to seek treatment from a licensed physical therapist without a prescription or referral from a physician. Treatment can continue for a period of up to 45 calendar days or 12 visits, whichever occurs first, after which time the patient must obtain a prescription from a Medical Doctor (or other equivalent professional). This means that a patient can come to IPA Physio OC for an evaluation/assessment, and begin a course of treatment, without a doctor’s referral. For reimbursement, some insurance plans require a medical doctor’s prescription.

Yes! Any of our physical therapists who have a certification in dry needling are able to apply dry needling interventions when indicated to help you recover faster.

We do not use ART specifically at IPA Physio Dallas. However, there are some similarities between Functional Manual Therapy® and ART. If you have been told that you would benefit from ART, or have benefited from ART in the past, FMT will help take you to the next level.