Physical Therapy - FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is physical therapy?

A: Physical therapy is a form of rehabilitation that focuses on assessing human movement as it relates to activities of daily life, walking, running and recreation in order to determine strengths and weaknesses so one can recover for injury, surgery, and movement dysfunction. A physical therapist measures the functions of joints, muscles, and nerves in order to prescribe a treatment plan to reach therapeutic goals.

Q: What is unique about Physical Therapy at Balance Gym & SomaFit in Washington DC?

A: We provide one-on-one and hands-on therapy by licensed physical therapists. Located inside two fitness centers and a spa, we take a multi-disciplinary approach with personal trainers, massage therapists, and Pilates, yoga, spinning, and fitness instructors to help patients meet their goals quickly and safely.

Q: What type of conditions are treated?

A: We treat dysfunctions of the musculoskeletal system. These include, but are not limited to:

• Post-operative orthopedic surgeries
• Spinal pain
  • radiculopathies
  • muscle spasm
  • spinal instability
  • disc and joint dysfunctions
  • SI dysfunctions

• Shoulder Pain
  • rotator cuff strain/tears
  • impingement
  • separations
  • tendonitis

• Tennis and Golfers elbow

• Hip/Groin
  • bursitis
  • acetabular tears
  • Iliotibial Friction syndrome
  • Piriformis syndrome
  • Pubic dysfunctions

• Knee
  • ligamentous strains/tears
  • patellofemoral pain syndrome
  • patellar and quad tendon tears
  • Bursitis

• Foot and Ankle
  • Sprains and fracture
  • Achilles tendonitis
  • Plantar fascitis
  • Bunionectomy
  • Arch collapse

Q: What services are provided?

A: We provide the following services:

• Joint Mobilizations
• Soft Tissue Release
• Kinesiotaping and joint taping techniques
• Nerve desensitization
• Therapeutic Exercise
• Muscle activation techniques
• Functional Movement Screening
• Return to Sport Programs and sport specific training
• Gait analysis
• Pilates based rehabilitation
• Educational Lecture Series

Q: What do I do after I have completed physical therapy and want to start exercising again?

A: We don't believe that you must stop all activity while in the rehabilitative stage. At Balance Gym and SomaFit, you are surrounded by fitness experts and massage therapists – we want you to participate in all that you can the moment you begin physical therapy.

When our therapists believe you are ready to transition away from rehab services, they will complete a Functional Movement Screen on you and determine a comprehensive fitness program that is right for you. Since we treat you where you can work out, we are always available for any questions and modifications necessary while you meet your fitness goals.

Q: Do I need a referral for physical therapy?

A: In the District of Columbia you do not need a physician referral. If you have Medicare, referrals are still required. You need to check with your insurance company concerning their policy on referrals.

Q: What forms of payment are accepted?

A: SomaFit/Balance Gym is a fee for service facility. We require all payments to be made in full at the end of each session. You are provided with all the information needed and can submit your invoices for reimbursement.

Please forward any questions to Lauren Polivka, Director of Physical Therapy at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or call any of our three locations.