frequently asked questions

No, you don’t need a prescription or referral to see a physical therapist in California. Direct access laws allow you to receive treatment for up to 12 visits or 45 days (e.g., twice a week for six weeks) without a doctor’s approval. However, if you need more than 12 visits, further medical evaluation, or out-of-network insurance reimbursement, a referral may be required. Feel free to call or book a free consultation with any questions.

After discussing your symptoms, the therapist will conduct a physical examination. This usually includes a neuromusculoskeletal assessment, which looks at your body movement, posture, core strength, coordination, and the flexibility of your joints and fascia, along with checking your reflexes and nervous system. The therapist might also perform a cranial scan, an important part of the fascial counterstrain technique. This hands-on method helps identify motion restrictions and tender points in your head. The findings can indicate where the main issue lies, which tender points to address, and which body system is affected.

The session will also include hands-on treatment to begin addressing your needs.

By the end of the appointment, we’ll develop a personalized plan of care tailored to your goals, including recommendations for the frequency and duration of follow-up visits.

If there is a substantial amount of inflammation released, you may experience soreness or even mild flu-like symptoms and/or increased fatigue the next day, which will subside within 24-48 hours. See “What Can I Do TO Support My Recovery” below.

Your initial visit will be 75 to 90 minutes, giving us plenty of time for a thorough evaluation and hands-on treatment. For follow-up appointments, you can choose between 60 or 90 minutes—whichever feels right for you. Some patients prefer shorter sessions, while others benefit from extra time.

The number of sessions needed varies based on your condition's complexity and severity. Many patients find relief in 4 to 8 sessions, but more complex cases may need longer treatment. Since healing varies per individual, predicting exact sessions is challenging.

Please wear comfortable, loose-fitting, or exercise clothing (heavy clothing and thick or bulky waist bands makes it difficult to palpate or feel through (female clients should avoid wearing underwire bras, if possible). Treatment can nearly always be done over clothing but in certain cirmcumstances, working directly on the skin makes for a more effective release.

Fascial Counterstrain is a gentle and generally pain-free form of manual therapy. It is highly unlikely that any aspect of the treatment will cause pain. As your therapist, I’m very conscientious about sensitive tissues and always prioritize your comfort. I move slowly and carefully during treatment to avoid irritating any sensitive areas, ensuring that the process is as comfortable and effective as possible.

Yes, Fascial Counterstrain is particularly effective for treating chronic pain. This technique targets not only dysfunctional tissues but also the neural systems that often perpetuate chronic pain. By gently releasing tension and reducing inflammation, Fascial Counterstrain helps restore normal function and provides lasting relief. Many patients with chronic pain have found significant improvement with this approach.

To speed up your recovery, there are a few simple but important steps to follow after your session. First, try to drink at least 48 oz of water following a Fascial Counterstrain treatment. This helps flush out toxins that may have been released during the session and supports your body’s natural healing process.

While you’re not “fragile” after treatment, it's best to avoid heavy lifting, strenuous workouts, and other intense physical activity for at least 2 days to allow your body time to fully respond to the treatment.

If you’ve been given a home program, please be sure to follow the recommendations. These exercises are designed to complement the work done during your session and help reinforce the healing process. By engaging in mindful activities, you’ll be less likely to return to non-optimal movement patterns that may have contributed to the issue you’re addressing. Your active participation in the healing process will make a big difference in your recovery.

Additionally, it's helpful to be mindful of your diet, especially when it comes to sugar. High sugar intake can promote inflammation in the body, which may hinder the healing process and affect fascial health. Keeping sugar levels in check, along with proper hydration and movement, will support your body’s ability to heal and maintain healthy fascia.

Stress and lifestyle can have a significant impact on both pain and healing. When you experience stress, your body releases certain pro-inflammatory cytokines, which are chemicals that promote inflammation. This can intensify pain and slow the healing process. (source)

Additionally, focusing excessively on pain can create a cycle that perpetuates stress, leading to further increases in these inflammatory cytokines. This cycle can hinder the body's natural healing processes and exacerbate pain. (source)

We are an out-of-network (fee-for-service)provider and, as such, do not bill health insurers for coverage of services provided. All fees are due at the time of service. We will provide a complete Superbill to accompany your claims to your insurance provider for reimbursement. Feel free to call with any questions about reimbursement or paying for services.

Before your first appointment, verify your out-of-network benefits, deductibles, and out-of-pocket maximums. If your insurance provides out-of-network benefits,

• Reimbursement rates and amounts applied toward your deductible vary significantly from plan to plan. When discussing this with your insurance company, ask about reimbursement for “out-of-network physical therapy” services sent through a self-claim.

Our appointment fees are listed on the booking page. Please visit the link for detailed pricing information.

We accept all major credit cards, HSA/FSA cards, cash, and/or checks.

Appointments can be scheduled or rescheduled through our online booking platform — Jane App. Once you are logged in to your account you can adjust the date, time, and duration of your appointment at your convenience.

We require 48 hours' notice for cancellations. Late cancellations or missed appointments incur a 50% fee, and after two missed visits, the full fee is charged.

If you are trying to cancel your appointment inside the 48 hour window please call or text the therapist at (415) 325-2453.

Yes, I offer telehealth visits, primarily for initial consultations and follow-up appointments. These sessions can be useful for discussing progress, adjusting treatment plans, and providing guidance on self-care and therapeutic exercises.

Please contact us to book this treatment.

ph: (415) 325-2453
email: admin@calyxpt.com