Frequently Asked Questions
WHAT’S DIFFERENT ABOUT PAIN FREE PERFORMANCE FROM CHIROPRACTIC OR PHYSICAL THERAPY?
The key difference is that our Postural Alignment Specialists certified by Egoscue University will address the entire body rather than just the symptoms. 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 alignment and movement are restored without excessive effort or force being applied. This is not “hands on” treatment that we do to you. You create the lasting change in your body!
HOW LONG BEFORE I FEEL RESULTS?
Most often, clients feel a real difference at the initial session. The exercises that are prescribed will realign the body and relieve pain. However, that is just the beginning of the process. The key is to re-train postural muscles to keep your body in the newly aligned position, without thinking about it. Doing the exercises every day over a period of time is creating the muscle memory that will carry you into a permanent pain free lifestyle.
WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT ON THE FIRST VISIT?
The initial visit is a two-hour session working one on one with an experienced Postural Alignment Specialist certified by Egoscue University. This visit includes gathering an extensive health history and performing a detailed postural and functional assessment. Photos are taken to reveal the skeletal position of the 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 every day. You will receive pictures of the exercises and positions with detailed directions. The key is the sequence and consistency of the exercises.
WHAT HAPPENS AT FOLLOW-UP SESSIONS?
Typically, you will come back for re-evaluation one week after your first visit. Continued follow up sessions are one hour in length and are scheduled every one to two weeks depending on individual progress. The average client returns for 6 to 12 follow up sessions. Each follow up session includes a reassessment of posture, gait and movement. Your therapist determines the changes in the body from the previous home program. Based on these findings, a new exercise menu will be designed to enable your progress. For out-of-towners or if you can’t make it in due to weather, we also offer SKYPE and FaceTime sessions!
DO YOU OFFER APPOINTMENTS VIA SKYPE OR FACETIME?
Yes, we offer sessions via Skype or FaceTime for your convenience. It can be done anywhere you are, using your computer, mobile phone, or tablet! A virtual appointment is a great way to see us for your session when traveling, living abroad, or if you live in a different state. Even for local clients, if the weather is bad or you would rather connect in the comfort of your home or office, a virtual appointment is a great alternative to keep you out of pain. The Postural Alignment exercises work best with consistency to provide new stimulus for our ever-changing bodies. Virtual Pain Free Performance appointments allow you to be consistent with your therapy to feel your best, no matter where you are!
DO I HAVE TO DO THESE EXERCISES FOR THE REST OF MY LIFE?
The exercises utilized by Pain Free Performance Postural Alignment Specialists certified by Egoscue University have a 94% success rate! Most people find that if they commit to about twenty minutes a day for three months, they will experience a significant change in alignment and function. After the initial timeframe, most clients choose to continue with a daily routine because of the benefits that they notice and many say that they look forward to their program because it makes them feel so much better!
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 initially so that you can maximize the changes in alignment. If you work on strengthening muscles when the joints are not in alignment, you 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 Pain Free Performance.
WILL MY INSURANCE COVER POSTURAL THERAPY?
Postural Alignment is considered by most insurance companies to be a non-medical approach and Pain Free Performance cannot bill insurance companies directly. However, many insurance plans now cover non-traditional therapies such as massage, acupuncture and Postural Alignment. We will provide you with paid invoice receipts and encourage you to submit these to your insurance plan in the event that the service might be reimbursed. Also, consider using your flexible spending account or HSA.
DO YOU ACCEPT CREDIT CARDS?
Yes! We accept VISA, Master Card, AMEX, and Discover. We are also happy to accept a personal check or cash.
Serving the Charlottesville and Albemarle County area. Our Posture Alignment Therapists are graduates of Egoscue University.
