Frequently Asked Questions

Table of Contents

• What should I expect from a virtual visit?
• What makes The Refuge different from other PT clinics?
• Do you take my insurance?
• What forms of payment do you take?

What is pelvic floor PT?

Much like other forms of physical therapy, pelvic floor PT works with muscles, tendons, ligaments, joints, and nerves, taking into consideration systemic patterns of movement, diet, hormones, sleep, and mental-social wellbeing—it simply includes and addresses the parts in your undercarriage. We treat the P’s: Pee, Poo, Pain, Pleasure, Prenatal, Postpartum, Prostates, Perineum, and other Private Part Problems.

What can pelvic floor PT treat?

Everybody has a pelvis and stuff that attaches to it, and sometimes that stuff is injured or goes haywire and could use a helping hand getting right again. For a list of conditions we treat, check out our What We Treat page.

What happens during treatment?

During the treatment time, we find strategies to work with your body, including:

• Finding workarounds for your limitations
• Improving strength, coordination, and balance through exercises
• Stretching
• Biofeedback
• Manual therapies/mobilizations
• Nervous system desensitization and retraining
• Modifying routines and techniques
• Modalities such as cupping, electrical stimulation, thermal and topical treatments, taping, and splinting

Therapies can include internal treatments of muscles and tissues via relevant orifices when indicated, but meaningful change and progress can often be achieved with external treatment as well.

Do you work with things other than the pelvic floor?

Dr. Paserpskis is trained to incorporate treatment for/address issues with breathing, general orthopedic and neurological issues, vertigo, and various forms of chronic pain, and stays up-to-date on post-COVID and long COVID considerations.

Where do you practice?

Dr. Paserpskis is licensed to practice physical therapy in Arkansas and Oklahoma. The Refuge is located in Fort Smith, Arkansas. At this time, The Refuge can provide in-home treatment within a 15-mile radius of our home office, including Alma, Van Buren, Fort Smith, Roland, Spiro, Greenwood, and Barling. Appointments outside of that radius will require an extra fee in consideration of additional time and distance. We can also provide virtual sessions through our patient portal, PTEverywhere, excluding initial evaluations.

Do I need a referral from a doctor?

You do not! In Arkansas, we have direct access, meaning that you can choose your PT provider and arrange your own care. In Oklahoma, you can be evaluated and receive 30 days of PT treatment before a referral is required to continue.

Even though we don’t require a referral, we are happy to collaborate and work with your physicians and other care providers to get the best outcomes for you!

Dr. Kinje is Deaf? How does that work?

Yes, Dr. Kinje was born Deaf. She does not sign, but instead reads lips, using context cues, body language, and sound vibrations, as well as other context cues. In clinical practice, masking can prove challenging, so The Refuge provides windowed masks to allow lip reading during your session. For more informations, check out this article Dr. Kinje wrote for the Academy of Pelvic Health on Deafness as a Physical Therapist.

What are your COVID-19 precautions?

Using direct access means you won’t be in a crowded waiting room or gym, minimizing your exposure risk. Dr. Kinje is up-to-date on the latest COVID-19 vaccines as of January 2024, and requests that everyone wear a mask during evaluations and treatment sessions. If you or someone in your household has COVID-19 or has tested positive within the last two weeks, Dr. Paserpskis will wear full PPE during your visit. Additionally, we have the option to convert in-person visits to telehealth visits.

What should I expect from my first visit?

Your first visit is a fact-finding mission! Most of the first visit will consist of detailed questions about your problems, activities, history, and patterns. Too much information is better than not enough when trying to find the various culprits, but you should never feel obligated to share anything you aren’t comfortable with.

A physical evaluation to assess posture, movement, and hip and back involvement is common. For some conditions, the best information can be gathered from a pelvic (vaginal or rectal) examination, but these will only be performed with your full consent and participation. Most frequently, this component is not part of the first visit to ensure your comfort and consent.

We welcome the presence of any support people you choose to bring with you for your appointment. If you will never feel comfortable with an internal exam, there are many other facets and strategies we can use to help.

Do I need to do anything to prepare for an in-home visit?

Nope! You don’t need to shave, or clean your house, or anything else. The only space needed is enough to set up a portable treatment table. In fact, if activities around the house tend to increase your symptoms, leaving them undone specifically so you can strategize techniques and practice them is a great idea!

What should I expect from a virtual visit?

At your appointment time, you will connect via the patient portal in PTEverywhere, and Dr. Kinje will join you virtually with video and audio. Dr. Kinje uses a transcription service during virtual visits to enhance her communication. In virtual sessions, we review strategies, modifications, exercises, and stretches. You will never be asked to undress or show your genitalia on camera.

What makes The Refuge different from other PT providers?

At The Refuge, you receive one-on-one dedicated time with Dr. Paserpskis for the duration of your session. Our clinic is set up to maximize safety and comfort. Dr. Paserpskis has training in the sensitive and personal issues surrounding pelvic, bowel, bladder, and sexual health. Here, you’re more than just a patient—you’re a unique individual whose health and concerns are of the utmost importance.

Do you take my insurance?

We are covered by out-of-network physical therapy benefits, and can provide you with a bill you can give to your insurance carrier for direct reimbursement. Unfortunately, we cannot take Medicare or Medicaid at this time.

What forms of payment do you take?

We take all major credit and debit cards, cash, and HSA cards/checks.