The Austin Manual Therapy Difference
At our core, we firmly believe in the transformative power of personalized medical care, mindful movement, and lifestyle adjustments. We advocate for a return to fundamentals because we recognize that amidst today’s medical landscape, the prevailing narrative often emphasizes medication, injections, or surgical intervention as the sole solutions. But at Austin Manual Therapy Associates, we’re here to offer an alternative perspective.
We’re firm believers in your body’s innate ability to heal, adapt, and thrive. Our mission is to guide you in unleashing this inherent potential by removing the barriers that obstruct your path to wellness.
Gone are the days of one-size-fits-all approaches and outdated techniques like ice packs, TheraBand, and stationary bikes. Unlike conventional physical therapy practices bound by third-party constraints, our methods are refreshingly distinctive. At Austin Manual Therapy, we’re a private-pay physical therapy and performance center.
Before you balk at the idea of paying out of pocket, let’s shed light on what private-pay physical therapy entails and how it can actually streamline your journey to recovery while optimizing your investment in your health.
Trust us, the results speak for themselves.
Why Private-Pay? Benefits by the Numbers
At Austin Manual Therapy, we refuse to be constrained by limitations, and neither should you – which is why you’re here. Third-party payers often impose restrictions, pressuring for immediate diagnoses, confining treatments, and interfering with the therapy we believe is best for the patient’s progress and goals.
Now, let’s talk about out-of-pocket expenses. Believe it or not, opting for a cash-based model like ours can often result in lower costs for patients like you compared to traditional physical therapy practices.
Let’s illustrate this with a comparison between two 35-year-old men recovering from a torn rotator cuff: Mike, who chooses Austin Manual Therapy’s private-pay route, and Tim, who sticks with the traditional third-party reimbursement track.
Assuming both Mike and Tim have the national average deductible of $1,665 and have opted for conservative care over surgery, they’ll be required to pay out of pocket until they meet their deductible, regardless of whether they’re receiving in-network or private-pay care.
In a standard insurance-based model, rehabilitation for a torn rotator cuff typically requires 4 to 6 months of therapy, with sessions twice a week according to the US National Library of Medicine. However, at Austin Manual Therapy, we typically see patients once a week and provide an extensive home program, allowing them to start working on their recovery independently. With our approach, patients may require 6 to 10 sessions during their plan of care, transitioning quickly from rehabilitation to performance and prevention-focused sessions.
1-on-1 Care
While many clinics have embraced the practice of treating multiple patients simultaneously, we stand firmly against this trend. At our facility, you can expect something different: 100% undivided attention from your physical therapist throughout your entire hour-long appointment.
We refuse to compromise on the quality of care you receive. Instead of dividing our focus among multiple patients, we prioritize giving you the dedicated attention you deserve. This commitment to individualized care sets us apart and ensures that your needs are met with the highest level of attention and expertise.
Time Spent With A Physical Therapist Per Aession
In light of the ongoing trend of insurance companies reducing reimbursement rates for physical therapy services, clinics that accept insurance often find themselves pressured to maintain profitability by seeing a high volume of patients. Unfortunately, this means that your physical therapist may only have 15 to 20 minutes to devote to each patient, as they’re required to see 2 to 3, sometimes even 4 patients in a single hour.
At Austin Manual Therapy, we refuse to compromise on the quality of care. When you schedule a session with us, you can trust that your entire hour-long appointment will be spent one-on-one with your physical therapist.
Bottom line: We prioritize giving you the focused attention and personalized care you deserve, without the constraints imposed by insurance-driven volume requirements.
Same Physical Therapist Every Session
You will never be passed from PT to PT. You will be with the same Doctor of Physical Therapy each session!
Number of Times Patients Have to Come in to the Clinic Per Week
At Austin Manual Therapy, our ultimate objective for every patient is independence. With a Doctor of Physical Therapy guiding you throughout the entire session, we empower you with the knowledge and exercises necessary to take charge of your progress and recovery autonomously. This means you won’t have to rely on us, another physical therapist, chiropractor, or any other external support.
We believe in equipping you with the tools and understanding to manage your own wellness journey effectively. By providing comprehensive education and tailored exercises during your sessions, we ensure that you have the confidence and ability to maintain your well-being long after your time with us has ended.
100% of Your Care Carried Out By Doctors of Physical Therapy
Our team consists of ONLY Doctors of Physical Therapy. We do not use aids or assistants.
Fellowship-Trained Physical Therapists
Did you know that all of our physical therapists have the highest accreditation possible in the field of orthopaedics?
Being a Fellow of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Manual Physical Therapists signifies exceptional expertise and advanced clinical skills in orthopaedic manual therapy, reflecting a commitment to excellence and lifelong learning.
This prestigious fellowship sets us apart by ensuring our therapists provide the highest quality of personalized care, utilizing the latest evidence-based techniques to achieve optimal patient outcomes.
Full Access to Your PT with Same Day Response
Need to ask a question or provide updates between visits? We’ve got you covered! At Austin Manual Therapy, we offer full access to your PT team through email, messaging, and phone calls, as well as the flexibility of next or same-day appointments. Whether you have a pressing concern or simply want to run something by your physical therapist, we’re here to provide prompt assistance.
Rest assured, we prioritize responsiveness. You can count on us to return your call the same day or next day, without exception. Your convenience and peace of mind are always our top priorities.
Physical Therapist That "Talks the Talk"
Have you ever encountered a practitioner who didn’t comprehend your determination to return to the activities you love, and instead advised you to rest or cease those activities altogether? You won’t encounter that attitude here. At Austin Manual Therapy, all our physical therapists not only understand your passion but also empathize with the demands of your sport or activity.
Our team “talks the talk” and intimately understands your drive. Because of this shared understanding, we are uniquely positioned to guide you back to your pursuits. With our firsthand experience and expertise, we know precisely what steps need to be taken to facilitate your return to the activities that bring you joy.
Care Carried Out By Energetic, Passionate Physical Therapists
What many people aren’t aware of is the high burnout rate within the physical therapy profession. Why does this happen? In traditional physical therapy clinics, it’s not unusual for a physical therapist to see between 14 to 20 patients each day, amounting to nearly 100 patients per week!
At Austin Manual Therapy, we prioritize the well-being of our physical therapists as much as we do our patients. By limiting the number of patients our physical therapists see to just 7 to 8 per day, which is almost 65 patients fewer per week compared to the industry standard, we ensure that our team remains energized and passionate throughout the day.
This reduced patient load allows our physical therapists to dedicate more time and attention to each individual, resulting in a higher level of detail and ultimately leading to improved outcomes for you, our valued patient.
Money Back Satisfaction Guarantee
As far as we know, Austin Manual Therapy is the only practice in the area to provide a money-back satisfaction guarantee. Why do we offer this unique benefit? Because in a healthcare system that’s often perceived as broken, we’ve listened to countless patients express frustration over wasted time, energy, and money on treatments that yielded no results. We are determined not to contribute to this cycle.
If you find yourself dissatisfied with any aspect of your appointments with us, we stand by our promise: 100% money back, no questions asked. Your satisfaction is paramount, and we’re committed to ensuring that your experience with us exceeds your expectations.
Cost Efficiency
Many patients hesitate to explore out-of-network options, assuming they’ll incur higher costs. However, in reality, going out-of-network can often be the more cost-effective choice, depending on your insurance plan. Here’s why:
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High Deductibles: Many insurance plans come with high deductibles, meaning you end up paying out of pocket regardless of whether you visit an in-network or out-of-network clinic. In-network clinics often require multiple sessions per week, quickly leading you to hit your deductible. At Austin Manual Therapy, our goal is to limit your visits to just once a week, totaling 6 to 10 sessions, with the aim of ensuring you never hit your deductible.
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Copays: Even if you’ve met your deductible, in-network clinics typically still require copays, which can add up significantly if you’re attending multiple sessions per week. The national copay average is around $50, meaning three sessions a week would cost you $150. Our streamlined approach of one session per week helps you save on these additional expenses.
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Insurance Coverage: Despite being out-of-network, most of our patients receive substantial coverage from their insurance providers—typically ranging from 50 to 80%. We can also show you how to file claims directly to your insurance.
At Austin Manual Therapy, we’re committed to ensuring that cost concerns don’t stand in the way of your access to high-quality care.
Cost Transparency
Rest assured, at Austin Manual Therapy, you’ll never receive a surprise bill months later. Unfortunately, it’s all too common for patients to be blindsided by large bills from clinics that accept insurance. Why does this happen? The complexity of insurance makes it nearly impossible for in-network physical therapy practices to accurately predict the amount covered until they submit the bill. If insurance doesn’t reimburse the full amount, you, the patient, are left responsible for the remaining balance.
We believe in transparency and accountability. By providing upfront clarity on costs and eliminating the guesswork, we ensure that you’re fully informed and won’t face any unexpected financial burdens down the line. Your focus should be on your recovery, not worrying about hidden fees.
Full Body & Holistic Approach
It’s important to recognize that insurance companies often impose restrictions on physical therapists, limiting their ability to treat body parts not specified on the physician’s referral. This constraint can result in cookie-cutter approaches to treatment and severely hinder the therapist’s capacity to adopt a comprehensive, whole-body approach aimed at addressing the root cause of your injury.
At Austin Manual Therapy, we understand the importance of holistic care and the value of treating the body as a interconnected system. By transcending these restrictions, we empower our physical therapists to provide personalized, comprehensive treatment plans that target the underlying issues contributing to your injury. Our approach is centered on addressing the root cause, promoting overall wellness, and restoring your body’s natural balance and function.
Unlimited Number of Sessions
Frequently, insurance companies terminate reimbursement once you, the patient, are deemed to be out of pain and able to resume everyday activities. However, they often fail to extend coverage for return-to-sport rehabilitation, particularly in-network clinics. This unfortunate practice can result in premature discharge of patients, preventing them from fully progressing towards a safe and successful return to their sport.
At Austin Manual Therapy, we recognize the significance of return-to-sport rehabilitation in achieving optimal recovery outcomes. We believe that your journey to full functionality and performance extends beyond mere pain relief and basic activities. That’s why we go above and beyond to provide comprehensive, individualized treatment plans that encompass not only pain management but also sports-specific rehabilitation. By prioritizing your long-term goals and facilitating a safe and effective return to sport, we ensure that you can confidently resume your athletic pursuits with enhanced performance and resilience.
Full Access to a Strength & Conditioning Gym (i.e. Barbells, Dumbbells, Kettlebells, etc...)
At Austin Manual Therapy, we’re proud to introduce cutting-edge rehabilitation techniques that push the boundaries of traditional physical therapy. Get ready to take your rehabilitation journey to the next level, because your physical therapist has access to a fully equipped strength and conditioning gym and intends to leverage it to optimize your recovery.
On the flip side, traditional physical therapy often relies on passive modalities such as ice, heat, ultrasound, and TENS, along with limited exercise progression using basic equipment like TheraBand and stationary bikes. Unfortunately, the hands of many physical therapists are tied due to insurance limitations. Insurance companies often don’t reimburse for innovative therapy techniques, and it can take over a decade for new procedures to become reimbursable. As a result, your care ends up being dictated more by the insurance company’s policies than your physical therapist’s expertise.
At Austin Manual Therapy, we refuse to let insurance constraints hold us back from providing the highest standard of care. By embracing innovative techniques and leveraging our state-of-the-art facilities, we empower our physical therapists to deliver personalized treatment plans tailored to your unique needs, without compromise. Your well-being is our priority, and we’re committed to breaking free from insurance limitations to ensure you receive the innovative care you deserve.
What other people just like you are saying about Austin Manual Therapy in North / Central Austin, TX
The Two Paths Of PT Care
Drive Time
Austin Manual Therapy
8 visits x 10 minutes each way = 160 minutes in the car | 2 hr 33 min
Traditional PT
30 visits x 10 minutes each way = 600 minutes in the car | 10 hrs
Percentage of Your Appointment Time Spent with a Doctor of Physical Therapy
Austin Manual Therapy
100% of the time, 1 hour, 1-on-1 with a Doctor of Physical Therapy.
Traditional PT
15 to 20 minutes, or about 25% of your appointment time.
Quality of Care
Austin Manual Therapy
Austin Manual Therapy incorporates cutting-edge rehab techniques. We hope you’re ready to move because your physical therapist has access to a full strength & conditioning gym and plans to use it.
Your session focus on overall health, fitness, and performance – 100% of you as the patient with a care plan decided by the physical therapist/patient team.
Rehab doesn’t stop and is a continuous process to improve your performance and quality of life. Beyond recovery, you have a 1-on-1 performance physical therapist that will help you avoid unnecessary surgeries, pharmaceuticals, & medical costs.
Traditional PT
Patient spends most of the time on passive modalities (ice, heat, ultrasound, TENS), and weak exercise progression (TheraBand, bike, no gym equipment). Hoping for innovation? Nope.
Because insurance companies do not reimburse for many therapy techniques and it takes 10+ years for a new medical procedure to be reimbursable by insurance, your PT’s hands are tied.
Essentially, your care is decided by the insurance company – not your physical therapist.
Billing
Austin Manual Therapy
You pay upfront or at the end of each session. You know exactly what you are paying for and what that payment includes.
Traditional PT
You may pay a copay or you have to meet your deductible. You may pay your copay but still get a big bill 3 months later. Surprise, surprise?
Overall Cost
Austin Manual Therapy
Our private-pay model is often cheaper than higher deductible plans; especially when you factor in what insurance may or may not reimburse and when you look at the overall cost from longer plans of care.
This doesn’t even begin to account for the value of preventative care – how much would you pay to avoid unnecessary surgery, MRIs, shots, or pain medication?
Traditional PT
Have you met your deductible? If so, you could be all right with $30 copays at each visit… depending on your insurance plan.
But at the end of the day, which route is going to get you the results you’re looking for?
Access
Austin Manual Therapy
Let’s get to know each other. You’ll enjoy full access to your physical therapy team via email, messaging, phone calls, and same or next day appointments. We will always return your call that day or next day. ALWAYS!
Traditional PT
Questions or concerns? You may not get a call back for days. And when you do, it’s from an admin or answering service – not your physical therapist. You can forget about messaging or direct email access.
Want to go straight to the source with an appointment? Fine, but you may have to get on the three-week waiting list.
What to Expect at Your First Appointment
We’re thrilled that you’re ready to schedule an appointment with us at Austin Manual Therapy. We can’t wait to meet you and assist you in reclaiming your optimal movement and well-being. To ensure you have a seamless experience, here’s a rundown of what you can expect during your initial evaluation:
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Attire: We recommend wearing activewear or something comfortable for stretching and movement. Close-toed shoes are ideal for your safety and comfort.
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Personalized Attention: Upon arrival, you’ll be warmly greeted by your dedicated Physical Therapist. Throughout your appointment, you’ll receive one-on-one attention from your therapist. Rest assured, you won’t find yourself abandoned on a stationary bike or left to navigate stretchy bands on your own.
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Comprehensive Assessment: We like to kick off our consultations with a good, old-fashioned conversation. We’ll delve into your injury or limitation, review your performance and medical history, address any questions or concerns you may have, and, most importantly, discuss your goals. Your input is invaluable in shaping your personalized treatment plan.
At Austin Manual Therapy, we prioritize your comfort, engagement, and progress. We’re here to support you every step of the way towards achieving your goals and enhancing your quality of life. We look forward to partnering with you on your wellness journey!
Following our initial discussion, your therapist will seamlessly transition into conducting your evaluation. Throughout this process, we maintain an open dialogue to ensure you understand each step and its significance.
If there are any services that can be performed during your appointment to alleviate pain and discomfort, such as dry needling or soft tissue mobilization, rest assured we will incorporate them into your session.
It’s important to note that the focus of this evaluation is not to rush to a conclusion or diagnosis. Instead, it’s an opportunity for us to get to know each other better and gain deeper insights into your unique needs and goals. By the end of your appointment, you can expect to receive a personalized care plan designed to guide you back to peak performance.
Should you choose to continue working with Austin Manual Therapy, we’ll provide clear explanations regarding the timeline and cost of your treatment plan. We believe in transparency and want you to feel fully informed and empowered every step of the way.
At Austin Manual Therapy, we prioritize your comfort, understanding, and overall well-being. If you have any questions or concerns before your appointment, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us. We’re here to ensure your care experience is as smooth and stress-free as possible.
