FAQs
What is Synergy Therapeutic Group?
We are a therapist-owned, independent, out-patient clinic providing highly specialized physical therapy and occupational therapy services to patients from children to seniors.
What is the meaning of “synergy” in your name?
The noun “synergy” is commonly used in such sciences as physics and chemistry to define the interaction of multiple elements in a system that produces an effect greater the sum of what could be produced by each individual element acting alone.
That is how we look at our team of health professionals. We work individually, but we consult and share knowledge with each other. The effect, we know from experience, is that our team together is more powerful and effective than if we all worked separately.
We also love the origin of the word “synergy.” It comes from the Greek word “synergia” meaning “working together.”
That is one aspect of our choice of synergy in our name, and there are two others.
We also extend the meaning to move further than our own team to include the synergy between the patient, the therapist and the referring physician.
When we all work together, we can achieve a higher level of wellness for our clients.
Finally, we seek synergy in the human body, a condition achievable when all parts of the body work with each other, the way they are intended.
What makes your clinic distinctive from others?
Everything we do is designed to bring hope to our patients of all ages, many of whom are despairing that they will ever truly enjoy their lives again.
We are focused on results. Using the latest state-of-the-art techniques we offer drug-free relief and healing for a variety of injuries and conditions.
Where are you located?
We operate three clinics to better serve you in a neighborhood close to you.
The clinics are in Carbondale and Du Quoin.
Check “Contact Us” for full addresses and contact information.
What are your regular hours of operation, and what if my work doesn’t align with them?
We are open Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
We will do what we can to accommodate when possible.
Will my insurance cover my visit?
Your insurance is a contract between you, your employer and your insurance company. We are not a party to that contract. If you have any questions regarding coverage, please contact your insurance company.
If you choose, we can assist you in finding your answer. We are here to help you in any way possible.
What is covered depends on the type of insurance you carry. We should be able to tell you by the end of your first appointment.
All co-payments for any physical or occupational therapy of any age group are due at sign-in/check-in prior to your treatment.
Do your clinics have a specialty?
Yes. While we treat a number of conditions and injuries, we specialize in shoulder rehabilitation, chronic and acute pain, back pain, fibromyalgia, vestibular rehabilitation and pediatrics emphasizing on sensory integration.
What types of payment do you accept?
We accept most major insurances including Medicare, as well as cash, personal checks, Visa and MasterCard and CareCredit.
Personal checks returned for non-sufficient funds will have an additional fee of $25.
How long is each physical/occupational therapy visit?
Most appointments will last 45 to 60 minutes, depending on your condition.
What do I need to bring to my physical/occupational therapy appointment?
Please bring your health insurance card, a prescription/referral from your physician, any form of photo identification, your current x-ray or MRI report if available, a list of all current medications you take including prescribed and over-the counter, a list of any questions you have for your therapist, and co-payment/deductible if any. Depending on the diagnosis, you may also wish to wear loose-fitting clothes or bring shorts and a t-shirt.
What can I expect from my therapy?
Once you’re initial evaluation is complete, your therapist will discuss your goals for therapy and the regimen necessary to achieve these goals. Your therapist will then develop a treatment plan that will include the number of weeks you may need to come to therapy, as well as the number of visits per week. As therapy progresses, you will be given a Home Exercise Program (a number of exercises to do at home in addition to those done at the clinic). For you to achieve and maintain maximum recovery in an optimal time, you must follow the prescribed Home Exercise Program.
When do I schedule my therapy appointments?
You can contact our office (s) at 1-866-495-0086.
For specific offices, call:
Carbondale: 618-529-4360
DuQuoin: 618-542-8950
If your doctor’s office contacts us, we will call you to schedule your appointment. Emergency/next day appointments are always available.
To make your initial registration process go faster, you can download the patient forms on our website (See New Patient Center), fill them out and bring them with you.
What if I need to cancel my appointment?
We require 24 hour notice of appointment cancellation. If an appointment is cancelled after the 24 hour mark, there will be a $25 fee assessed at the patients expense.
What if I am late for an appointment?
It’s important to come to your appointment on time! If you are more than 15 minutes late your appointment may be rescheduled. Allowing patients to come late for appointments can compromise the care of others. We provide the best care to everyone!
For any questions about billing, treatment or other services please call:
- Toll-free : 866-495-0086
- Carbondale Office : 618-529-4360
- DuQuoin Office : 618-542-8950
How should I prepare for my first appointment?
Please have your prescription and insurance card available when you call. This will allow us to verify your insurance benefits and provide you with an estimate of coverage.
To bring/keep in mind on your first visit:
- In case of an automobile accident or worker’s compensation claim, bring any case manager or insurance adjuster contact names, phone numbers, and claim number.
- A prescription (if needed) for occupational therapy from your referring physician, ARNP, or PA.
- Insurance information (we will make a copy of your card).
- Please arrive 45 minutes early to complete any remaining paperwork, so you can maximize your time in your evaluation.
- Please wear comfortable clothing that allows easy access to your problem areas.
- Print out the patient forms, fill them out, and bring them with you. If you are unable to do this, please allow for extra time to fill these out upon your arrival.
What should I wear for my appointments?
Dress comfortably in clothes that allow easy access for the therapist to examine your problem areas.
For treatments, loose-fitting clothes that are comfortable for gentle exercises and supportive sneakers are often good choices to wear.
What will payment look like?
Your insurance benefits will be determined before your second visit, and you will be informed of what, if any, payment is necessary on that date.
We accept cash, check, debit card, and credit card. We are happy to discuss payment plan options as well. It is our policy that payment is made at the time of service.
Do you take my insurance?
In most cases, insurance will cover a good portion, if not all, of your treatment costs. We understand navigating insurance can be confusing, so Synergy Therapeutic Group will be happy to assist in contacting your insurance company and determining your coverage based on your policy.
For more information, visit our insurance plan page, and please do not hesitate to contact our Carbondale or DuQuoin, IL physical therapy office. We do offer different payment options for your convenience.
What if you don’t take my insurance/I don’t have insurance?
For patients who do not have insurance, we offer a discounted fee, due at the time of service.
How can I schedule an appointment?
Our scheduling is easy and we offer two convenient southern IL locations in Carbondale and DuQuoin, IL and appointment times for you. We have morning and evening appointments available to meet the demands of your busy schedule. Call us today at one of our offices or click here to request an appointment.
What conditions can be treated with physical therapy?
Rest assured, our therapists are well trained to evaluate and treat your condition.
Our physical therapists have graduated from accredited physical therapy programs and are state-licensed. Depending on the university, the physical therapy program is either a master’s or doctorate level degree.
Physical therapists have years of university-level training in anatomy, physiology, kinesiology (the study of joint movement), neurology, and many of the other medical sciences. You’re in good hands!
Will I find pain relief with physical therapy?
You sure can! Everyone can benefit from physical therapy. By working with you and your doctor, we can discuss your options and help determine if physical therapy will be the right choice for you. Call us today at one of our offices to discuss your current condition or click here to request an appointment now.
Why is physical therapy the best treatment option?
Our clinics in Carbondale and DuQuoin, IL prides themselves on providing a positive, encouraging environment with well-trained, friendly staff. We are confident in our ability to help you reach your goals and live a pain-free life.
You have the right to receive physical therapy at any facility you choose. At Synergy Therapeutic Group, you will receive the highest quality care while achieving the results you are in search of.
How long do PT sessions last?
Although all patients are different, typically, the first session lasts for 1 hour 15 minutes. Each session after that may be 53-60 minutes.
The amount of time will be based on your specific needs, and our therapist will discuss this with you. You will most likely see your therapist once or twice per week, to begin with, and as you progress through treatment, your sessions will be more spread out.
What will my treatments look like?
With physical therapy, it’s important to know that the overall goal is to restore pain-free mobility and function and to prevent the injury or pain from recurring.
Our physical therapists evaluate your movement patterns, identify the cause of your pain, and work to manage or eliminate it.
Physical therapists are trained medical experts when it comes to musculoskeletal and neurological conditions. They work closely with physicians to make sure that your treatment plan is as efficient and effective as possible. Physical therapy is a medical, hands-on approach to relieving pain and restoring function.
While every patient’s condition and pain are unique, our physical therapist will use a variety of gentle hands-on techniques, exercises, and equipment to relieve pain quickly and restore your function to optimum levels.
Will my treatments be uncomfortable?
Good communication with our therapist will help minimize any discomfort. We want you on your way to quick pain relief and back to normal activities.
Physical therapy is not meant to hurt, but to relieve pain! There is a chance, however, as you restore your mobility that your pain levels will fluctuate. You might experience some temporary soreness from using muscles that are weakened or recovering.
Rest assured that this is a normal response to physical therapy treatment and not a cause for concern.
When will I notice pain relief?
Each patient’s diagnosis is different, so together with your referring physician, our therapist will develop a plan of care that is right for you.
Your plan of care and number of visits will be determined during your first visit and explained to you by our physical therapist.
If I want to continue with PT sessions after my pain is gone, can I do so?
Yes, once you have completed your therapy sessions, your therapist will review your at-home continuing therapy program.
We can also make arrangements to meet you at your gym to work with you on determining what equipment may be beneficial, and what exercises would be helpful in your continued recovery.