Frequently Asked Questions

We want to ensure that your Myofascial Release (MFR) treatment is as effective and comfortable as possible. To help you get the most out of your session, please follow these guidelines:

Please arrive early for your appointment to allow time to locate the office, use the restroom, get settled, and ensure your treatment begins on schedule.

To ensure a timely and efficient visit, we ask that you complete the Ocean MFR Intake Form prior to your appointment. This allows our practitioner to review the reason for your visit and tailor the session to your needs. If you arrive without the completed form, you will need to fill it out during your appointment time, which may take away from your treatment.

For maximum effectiveness, it's important to wear loose-fitting clothing that allows for direct contact with the skin during your session. Preferred clothing includes:

• Bathing suits
• Tank tops
• Sports bras
• Shorts

The therapist can work around your clothing, but please be aware that tight or restrictive clothes may limit access to certain areas of the body, reducing the effectiveness of the treatment.

Avoid Lotions or oils. To facilitate the best hands-on contact, please do not wear lotions or oils before your session. Lotions can make the skin slippery, which can interfere with the therapist’s ability to effectively perform the Myofascial Release technique.

To support your body in fully benefiting from the Myofascial Release (MFR) treatment, it's important to follow a few post-session guidelines. Here’s how you can help optimize healing, reduce discomfort, and enhance your recovery:

1. Hydrate: After your MFR session, it’s crucial to drink plenty of water. Hydration helps replenish the fascial system, which can become temporarily dehydrated during treatment. Drinking water aids in:

• Rehydrating the fascia for improved flexibility and tissue repair
• Increasing blood flow and circulation, which accelerates healing
• Supporting symptom relief by flushing out toxins released during the treatment

2. Rest and Recover: While light activity like walking and gentle stretching is fine, it’s recommended that you avoid strenuous activities or sports events for 24 to 48 hours after your MFR session. During this time, your body may still be recalibrating, and intense physical exertion could interfere with the healing process. Give your body the time it needs to adjust and recover fully. This period of rest will help maximize the benefits of your treatment.

3. Expect a possible healing crisis: For some individuals, the healing process can cause temporary discomfort or a worsening of symptoms in the first 1-3 days after treatment. This is referred to as a "healing crisis". It is a normal part of the recovery process as your body works to release stuck tension, toxins, and emotional baggage that may have accumulated in the fascia.

If you experience any of the following, don’t be alarmed:

• Increased pain or discomfort (this should subside after a few days)
• Fatigue or mild flu-like symptoms
• Emotional or physical release (emotions may surface as the body heals)

These reactions typically subside as the body adjusts to the changes and healing begins to take place. If you have concerns or if symptoms persist, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us.  Please click "The Healing Theory" for more information. 

4. Listen to your body: Remember to be kind to yourself after your treatment. If you feel discomfort or fatigue, rest, drink water, and engage in gentle activities that help you feel balanced. The MFR process is designed to help you heal on a deep level, and each person's recovery may look slightly different.

At Ocean Myofascial Release, we are committed to providing the best possible care to our clients. To ensure transparency, here is an overview of our payment policies, insurance information, and procedures for reimbursement.

In California, physical therapists can evaluate and treat patients without a medical referral for wellness and fitness purposes or for an initial physical therapy evaluation. This means you can see us directly for Myofascial Release (MFR) and other physical therapy services without needing a physician's referral.

Ocean Myofascial Release is an out-of-network provider, which means we do not participate with any insurance panels. This includes the following types of insurance:

• Private Insurance: We do not bill insurance directly. Payment for services is due at the time of treatment, and we provide a superbill (a detailed invoice) that clients can submit to their insurance company for potential reimbursement. However, we cannot guarantee reimbursement from your insurance provider.

• Medicare/Medicaid: We do not accept Medicare or Medicaid. If either of these is your primary insurance, you will not receive coverage or reimbursement for services. You will be responsible for the full payment of services, and you will not be able to submit your receipts to Medicare or any secondary insurance for reimbursement.

• Auto Claim Patients: We do not participate in auto accident claims, and we do not bill auto insurance providers. All payments must be made directly by the client.

• Workers' Compensation: We do not accept Workers’ Compensation insurance. Clients covered by Workers’ Comp will need to pay for services in full.

• Personal Injury Patients: We do not accept personal injury insurance or claims related to personal injury accidents.

While we do not bill insurance directly, we can provide a superbill upon request. A superbill is a detailed invoice that outlines the services you received for the condition being treated. This can be submitted to your insurance company for potential reimbursement. Please note that reimbursement is not guaranteed, and the process is at the discretion of your insurance company.

• Payment is due at the time of service. We accept various forms of payment, including:
  • Cash
  • Check
  • Credit/Debit Cards
  • FSA/HSA accounts

You will be responsible for full payment before or after your treatment.

While a physician’s referral is not required for Myofascial Release therapy in California, we recommend obtaining a prescription or note from your healthcare provider if you plan to submit a claim to your insurance company. A prescription detailing your condition and the need for therapy may assist with reimbursement and is especially useful if you are seeking insurance reimbursement.

• Private insurance: Out-of-network, no direct billing.
• Medicare/Medicaid: No participation.
• Auto Claims: Not accepted.
• Workers' Compensation: Not accepted.
• Personal Injury: Not accepted.

The best way to ensure full reimbursement when using a Health Savings Account (HSA) or Flexible Spending Account (FSA) for out-of-network physical therapy services involves these essential steps:

1. Obtain a Physician’s Referral
   Schedule an appointment with your primary care physician or specialist to request a referral for physical therapy. Ensure the referral includes a valid ICD-10 diagnosis code, which confirms the medical necessity of the treatment.
2. Request a Detailed Superbill
   After each physical therapy session, ask your provider for a superbill (a detailed receipt). Includes: The provider’s name, address, and Tax Identification Number (TIN). Client’s name and date of birth. Dates of service. CPT (Current Procedural Terminology) codes for services provided. The total amount charged for each service. 
3. Complete the Correct Claims Form
   Many HSA and FSA administrators require a specific reimbursement claim form. Visit your account provider’s website to download the form, and complete it carefully and accurately.
4. Attach Supporting Documents: A copy of the superbill. A copy of the physician’s referral with the ICD-10 code. Any additional documentation required by your HSA/FSA administrator
5. Verify Eligibility
   Before submitting your claim, confirm with your HSA/FSA provider that physical therapy is an eligible expense. Check for any additional documentation requirements, reimbursement limits, or exclusions.
6. Submit and Follow Up
   Submit your completed claim form and supporting documents promptly via your HSA/FSA portal, mail, or other submission methods specified by your provider. Retain copies of all submissions for your records and follow up to confirm the claim has been received and processed.