iBackCheck Physical Therapy & Chiropractic Services - Frequently Asked Questions
Physical Therapy Services
What should I expect during my first physical therapy visit?
Your first visit will last approximately 45 minutes. During this time, your physical therapist will: - Review your medical history and any referral information (if provided) - Conduct a thorough evaluation of your condition - Discuss your goals and develop a personalized treatment plan - Begin initial treatment and provide guidance on exercises or activities
Do I need a referral to schedule an appointment?
In most cases, no referral is needed thanks to Direct Access. However, if you do have a referral: - Fax it to: 866.881.6769 - Or text a picture to: 763.400.7438 Additionally, please let us know if your injury is related to an auto accident or a workplace injury. If so, we will need: - The claim number - The adjuster’s name and phone number Important: If your visit is related to a work injury, we must receive prior authorization before your first appointment.
What information do I need to provide before my appointment?
To ensure a smooth check-in process, please text the following to 763.400.7438: - Your full name, date of birth, and address - Responsible party’s email address and cell phone number - A photo of the front and back of your insurance card - Policy holder’s name and date of birth
What should I wear to my appointment?
Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing that allows easy movement. Athletic wear is ideal.
Where are your clinic locations and how do I find them?
Elk River Location: - Located inside the Furniture and Things Community Center - Use the entrance closest to the high school - Park in the northeast corner of the parking lot Plymouth Location: - Located in the Plymouth Ice Center - Enter through the back (east side) of the ice arena - Inside the MAP/FHIT training center
How long are appointments?
Each session is approximately 45 minutes.
Chiropractic Services
What should I expect during my first chiropractic visit?
Your first visit will last approximately 45–60 minutes. Each additional visit is typically 20 minutes.
How are chiropractic services billed?
Chiropractic services are majority cash-based as we provide therapies that are not covered by insurance companies. This allows us to treat with no restrictions and provide high-quality care. We accept all major credit cards, and most patients use their HSA or FSA for services rendered. Patients can choose to pay per visit or purchase discounted chiropractic packages.
What types of chiropractic patients do you serve?
We serve two types of patients: 1. Patients that seek services only when needed 2. Patients that use chiropractic care for injury prevention
What information do I need to provide before my appointment?
To ensure a smooth check-in process, please text the following to 763.400.7438: - Your full name, date of birth, and address - Responsible party’s email address and cell phone number
Do you treat auto accident or work-related injuries?
Yes. If your injury is related to an auto accident or a workplace injury, we will need: - The claim number - The adjuster’s name and phone number Important: If your visit is related to a work injury, we must receive prior authorization before your first appointment.
What should I wear to my appointment?
Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing that allows easy movement.
Where are your clinic locations?
Our chiropractic services are offered at the same locations as our physical therapy services: Elk River Location: - Located inside the Furniture and Things Community Center - Use the entrance closest to the high school - Park in the northeast corner of the parking lot Plymouth Location: - Located in the Plymouth Ice Center - Enter through the back (east side) of the ice arena - Inside the MAP/FHIT training center
What is cupping therapy?
What Is Cupping Therapy and How Can It Help You Recover from Injury?
Cupping therapy is a form of soft tissue treatment that uses suction to gently lift the skin and underlying fascia. At iBackCheck Sport Therapy, we often integrate cupping as part of a comprehensive approach to injury recovery—especially for athletes, active individuals, and those dealing with chronic muscle tension or post-injury inflammation.
During treatment, special cups are placed on the skin to create a vacuum effect. This helps increase local blood flow, reduce muscle tightness, and flush out metabolic waste that may be lingering in the tissues. The suction also helps separate layers of fascia and muscle that may have become stuck together due to injury or overuse—improving mobility, reducing pain, and accelerating healing.
Benefits of Cupping for Injury Recovery:
-
Improved circulation to the injured area
-
Reduced muscle tension and spasms
-
Faster removal of waste products and toxins from tissue
-
Enhanced range of motion and flexibility
-
Support for soft tissue healing post-surgery or after trauma
Cupping can be especially effective when combined with chiropractic adjustments, physical therapy, or sports massage. It’s not just about temporary relief—it’s about restoring function and getting you back to doing what you love.
What is Dry Needling?
What Is Dry Needling and How Can It Help You Recover from Injury?
Dry needling is a highly effective soft tissue technique used to relieve muscular pain, reduce inflammation, and restore movement. At iBackCheck Sport Therapy, we use dry needling to target trigger points—tight, irritated muscle knots that can restrict mobility and cause referred pain.
The technique involves inserting a very thin, sterile needle directly into these dysfunctional areas of muscle tissue. This causes a small, controlled micro-injury that triggers the body’s natural healing response. The result? Improved blood flow, release of muscle tension, and reduced nerve irritation.
Benefits of Dry Needling for Injury Recovery:
-
Releases deep muscle tension that hands-on therapy can't always reach
-
Improves range of motion and reduces stiffness
-
Speeds up recovery from acute or chronic injuries
-
Reduces inflammation and helps normalize nerve function
-
Addresses pain at its source, not just the symptoms
Dry needling is especially effective for treating sports injuries, chronic overuse conditions, and postural imbalances. When integrated with chiropractic care and physical therapy, it helps accelerate healing, restore function, and prevent re-injury.
Concussion FAQ
1. What is a concussion?
A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury (TBI) caused by a direct blow to the head, neck, or body that transmits force to the brain. This can lead to a temporary disruption in brain function, even if there is no visible injury or abnormality on standard imaging like CT or MRI scans.
2. What are the common symptoms of a concussion?
-
Headache
-
Dizziness or balance problems
-
Nausea or vomiting
-
Confusion or memory issues
-
Sensitivity to light or noise
-
Fatigue or drowsiness
-
Mood changes (e.g., irritability, sadness, anxiety)
3. How is a concussion diagnosed?
Concussions are diagnosed based on clinical evaluation, including symptom checklists and cognitive assessments. Tools like the SCAT6 (Sports Concussion Assessment Tool) and SCOAT6 (Sports Concussion Office Assessment Tool) are commonly used within 72 hours and up to 30 days post-injury, respectively.
4. What should I do if I suspect a concussion?
-
Stop activity immediately and seek medical attention.
-
Avoid screen time and rest for the first 24–48 hours.
-
Monitor symptoms closely and avoid activities that could lead to another head injury.
5. How is a concussion treated?
-
Initial rest for 24–48 hours.
-
Gradual return to activity under medical supervision, starting with light aerobic exercise.
-
Rehabilitation therapies (vestibular, oculomotor, cognitive) may be recommended if symptoms persist beyond 4 weeks.
-
Avoid alcohol, screen time, and strenuous activity during early recovery.
6. When can someone return to sports or school?
Return should follow a stepwise progression and only occur with the approval of a healthcare provider. The CDC recommends a 6-step return-to-play protocol, starting with light activity and gradually increasing intensity.
7. Can concussions be prevented?
-
Wearing appropriate protective gear (e.g., helmets, mouthguards)
-
Following sport-specific safety rules
-
Engaging in neuromuscular training and proper warm-ups
-
Limiting full-contact practices in youth sport