- Does insurance cover The Egoscue technique?
The Egoscue technique is considered a non-medical approach. At Pain Free
Performance the service may be performed by a licensed physical therapist;
however, since this method is NOT part of the educational process for physical
therapy and is NOT part of the licensure requirements it cannot be billed by the
owners of Pain Free Performance. That being said, some insurances choose to pay
for services such as massage therapy and a variety of complimentary services. We
have had several clients that have chosen to send their invoice to their
individual insurance companies and some have received coverage for the service.
- What would I expect on the first visit?
The initial visit is a 2 hour session working one on one with a certified
Egoscue Postural Alignment Specialist. The first visit includes an extensive
health history and a detailed postural and functional assessment. Photos are
taken so you can actually SEE the skeletal position of your body. Your gait is analyzed and various movements are performed to evaluate your
specific limitations. An individualized program is designed by your therapist
for you to perform at home on a daily basis. Programs vary in length to fit your
lifestyle. The average length of a home program is 20 minutes. You will receive
pictures of the exercises /positions with a detailed description of how to
perform each one. The key to the Egoscue Method is the SEQUENCE of the exercise
and CONSISTENCY of performing them.
- What would I expect on a follow up session?
Return visits are typically scheduled every 2 weeks and are 1 hour in
length. The average client returns for 4 to 5 additional sessions over the
course of 3 months. Each follow up session includes a
reassessment of posture, gait and movement. This allows us to determine the
changes in the body from the initial home program. Based on this reassessment, a
new exercise menu will be designed for you to allow you to progress.
- How are these exercises different from the ones I received in physical therapy?
The key difference is that the Egoscue technique addresses the entire body. In
addition, we utilize resting positions combined with gentle repetitions to
activate or stimulate individual muscles in a very specific position and in a
specific sequence. This allows a gradual re-education of the body so that
restoration of alignment and movement occurs without excessive effort or force
being applied.
- Is there any "hands on" treatment involved in the Egoscue method?
The Egoscue technique is designed to provide you with the "tools" to make permanent
changes in the body. This is not something that requires a "hands on" approach because
we work with the model of "give what the body will take" and allow each person's response
to guide the next step.
- Do I have to do these exercises for the rest of my life?
Most people find that if they commit to at least 20 min./day for 3 months, they will
experience a significant change in alignment and function. The Egoscue technique has a
95% success rate. After the 3 month timeframe, a majority of clients chose to continue
with a daily routine because of the continued benefits that they notice as a result.
Our clients describe that they "look forward" to these exercises because they make their
body feel so much better.
- What do I wear for a session?
Most individuals wear shorts and a T-shirt/ tank top. We will look at your shoes and offer
guidance but most session are without shoes.
- Do I need special equipment for my home program?
Minimal props are used and while some people chose to purchase a mat and yoga
blocks or a strap, this is not required.
- Do you accept credit cards for payment?
At this time, we are only able to accept check or cash. Payment plans are available
if the need exists.
- What if I live a distance away and cannot come every 2 weeks?
We have worked with clients from all over the country. Some clients come to our
clinic every 6 months and have several programs that they alternate in between
their sessions. After the initial session, we can offer guidance utilizing
technology.
- Will I have to stop my current exercise routine?
The majority of the time, we encourage you to continue with a current program as
long as it is not causing more pain while being performed. At times, we will
have you stop weight training in the initial 2 week phase so that you can
maximize the changes in alignment. If you work on strengthening muscles when the
joints are not in alignment, you basically are strengthening your dysfunction.
Our job is to help you "get straight" and then guide you to strengthen. Most
cardiovascular exercise is encouraged during your progression of work with
Egoscue.