PHYSICAL THERAPY | CHARLESTON, SC
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Questions we hear a lot, answered for you.
Do I need a referral to see a physical therapist in South Carolina?
No. South Carolina allows direct access to physical therapy, so you can start here without seeing anyone else first. You can call and book an evaluation without ever stepping foot in another doctor's office.
Do you accept insurance for physical therapy in Mount Pleasant, SC?
No — ALTR Performance is out-of-network by design. That's what makes the hour-long, one-on-one, same-doctor-every-visit model possible. Insurance-based clinics have to run three or four patients at once to stay solvent, which is why you get twenty minutes and an aide. We'll give you documentation to submit to your insurer for out-of-network reimbursement if your plan offers it, and we'll tell you honestly on the call whether that's likely to be worth your time.
How much does it cost?
We'll go through pricing on the call, along with how many visits a case like yours usually takes, so you're looking at a real number rather than a rate. No surprises and no packages you didn't ask about. Sessions range based on treatment type and phase of care — we'll give you a realistic cost range for your specific situation.
How long before I feel better?
Most people notice something change in the first visit — not a cure, a signal. Beyond that it depends entirely on what's driving the problem and how long it's been going on. We'll give you a realistic timeline on the call rather than a number designed to get you in the door.
What makes this different from the PT I've already tried?
Every session is a full hour, one-on-one, with the same Doctor of Physical Therapy. No aides, no rotating staff, no sheet of exercises handed to you while someone works with two other people. You also get direct access to your PT between visits, so a question on a Tuesday doesn't wait until your next appointment. And the plan gets adjusted based on what's actually working — not just handed to you as a template.
How many visits will I need?
That depends entirely on what's driving the problem, how long it's been going on, and what your goals are. We'll give you a realistic estimate on the call and adjust it after the evaluation based on what we find. No contract, no package you didn't ask for, and no "you have to commit to eight sessions." We price per visit.
What if physical therapy isn't what I need?
We'll tell you. If what's going on needs imaging, a specialist, or something outside our scope, you'll hear that directly — on the call if we can tell that early, or at your evaluation. We'd rather point you to the right person than keep you on the schedule. That's not a sales objection, it's how we work.
What should I bring to my first appointment?
Bring your ID and insurance card (for documentation we'll give you), and wear something you can move in — shorts and a t-shirt is fine. If you have any recent imaging (X-rays, MRI, ultrasound), bring those too. That's it. No paperwork packet, no forty-minute intake form.
Can we do telehealth or remote sessions?
The initial evaluation has to be in person so we can assess how you move and test your strength, mobility, and movement quality properly. After that, direct-access check-ins can happen by video if you're out of town or prefer it, but most people find the in-person sessions are where the real progress happens. We'll talk through what makes sense for your schedule on the call.
What happens if I need to cancel or reschedule?
Life happens. We ask for 24 hours' notice if you can give it, and we won't charge you a cancellation fee if you're above that window. Last-minute cancellations do get charged, because we hold that time for you — we can't open it back up to someone else two hours before your appointment. We're flexible on rescheduling as long as you give us a heads-up.
Can you bill my HSA or FSA?
Yes. We provide itemized documentation so your HSA or FSA can process reimbursement. Bring your card information and account details on your first visit or let us know ahead of time so we can help with the process.
Can I get a referral to a specialist if I need one?
Absolutely. If the evaluation turns up something that needs a surgeon, a rheumatologist, imaging, or any other specialty, we'll provide a clear referral and documentation of what we found. We have solid relationships with the orthopedic surgeons, sports medicine doctors, and other specialists in the area, so we'll point you to someone who actually knows what they're doing.
What's your cancellation and refund policy?
We charge for the visit you booked. If you need to reschedule before 24 hours, we don't charge. If it's 24 hours or less, we do — it's time we can't fill. We don't do refunds for completed visits, but your documentation always comes with you and you can take it to another provider if you need to.
Will my progress slow down after I stop coming in?
That depends on what you do with what you've learned. If you stick with the program and stay consistent, no — you've actually built the capacity to maintain it. If you stop completely, the deconditioning shows up within a few weeks, same as any other training. That's why we build programs you can run on your own time at your own gym, and why monthly check-ins are part of the prevention model — so the progress holds.