Frequently Asked Questions

  • The State of California defines a physical therapist as, “a licensed health care professional who evaluates a patient's physical status, establishes a plan of care and goals, then administers treatments to promote optimal health. Physical therapists seek to relieve pain, improve the body's movement and function, maintain cardiopulmonary function, and limit disabilities resulting from injury or disease.” 

    This means that physical therapists are movement specialists who are experts in evaluating and treating the root cause of why you are in pain through the use of hands-on and exercise-based techniques, and the ability to send you to a different healthcare provider if necessary. 

    Some orthopedic-related aspects that I can help with:

    • Pre and post operative care

    • Acute and chronic pain

    • Muscle strains and ligament sprains

    • Tendinopathies/tendon pain

    • Run analyses

    • Fitness or running programming 

    • General fitness or desire to learn how to become stronger.

  • Derek Lam PT and Performance is an out-of-network provider. We operate as a cash-based physical therapy clinic that does not accept insurance, thereby placing the decision-making process back in the hands of the physical therapist and the patient.

    All pricing is transparent up front so patients can expect no additional hidden charges. 

    My clinic is happy to provide you with a superbill that you can submit to your insurance company for reimbursement.

  • Insurance usually places a visit limit on physical therapy care. There is no limit to how many visits a patient can have in a cash-based setting.

    You can expect 1-on-1 care with me for 60 minutes without being seen at the same time as another patient or handed off to an aide. 

    There are no limits on what is being treated. An out of network provider has freedom to treat multiple injuries or areas of the body as needed. 

    Follow-up visits can be scheduled within a week or two of your initial evaluation instead of having to wait several weeks for a second visit.

    The frequency of visits is usually 1x/week instead of 2-3 times a week. 

  • Under California law, you may receive direct physical therapy services from a physical therapist licensed by the Physical Therapy Board of California for up to 45 calendar days or 12 visits, whichever comes first. After this period, a physical therapist may continue providing you with physical therapy services only if they receive approval from a licensed physician and surgeon.

  • PT: This stands for an individual who is a licensed physical therapist. 

    DPT: This stands for the actual Doctorate of Physical Therapy degree. To become a DPT, an individual has to complete a bachelors degree and then complete a 3 year doctorate degree program.

    FAAOMPT: This stands for a Fellow of the American Academy of Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapy. This individual has passed a post-physical therapy school program that includes over 500 hours of classroom training and 440 hours of one-on-one mentoring. 

    • When you are treated by a “Fellow” you are working with a physical therapist who has demonstrated advanced clinical problem solving skills specific to musculoskeletal injuries. They are trained in advanced joint and soft tissue techniques and have the skills to determine if a hands-on approach is required in your treatment. 

    CSCS: This means that the individual is a certified strength and conditioning specialist under the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA). This individual has passed the accrediting exam and can provide strength training advice and some nutritional advice. 

  • Yes, my clinic accepts HSA and FSA cards.

  • Your first visit will be 60 minutes long that starts with a detailed history and discussion of goals. I will then perform a full physical assessment consisting of posture analysis, strength testing, endurance, movement patterns and balance.

    Time will be spent discussing the findings, as well as my recommendations and expectations for your plan of care.

    Initial exercises will be reviewed at the end as time permits. 

  • You can expect to spend 60 minutes, one-on-one with me. Your treatment may include manual therapy techniques such as joint mobilization and soft tissue mobilization that is reinforced with strength training and neuromuscular re-education. 

  • Please wear clothes that allow for easy movement and comfort.

    Showers, changing areas, and a water filling station are available at our facility.

  • Yes, we have a small parking lot located behind our building. There is also metered street parking available.