FAQS

Common questions, honest answers.

Can't find what you're looking for? Call or text us at (952) 933-1150 and we'll answer directly.

Headaches & Migraines

Yes. Many headaches start with tight muscles in the neck, shoulders, and upper back. Gliding cupping massage is a great way to ease that tension and the head and neck discomfort it can cause.

Yes, for many patients. Tension headaches and cervicogenic headaches (headaches that start in the neck) often respond very well to combined PT and therapeutic massage. We treat the headaches by treating the muscular and postural patterns that keep triggering them. Many patients see fewer and less severe headaches within a few weeks of consistent care.

Not necessarily. Migraine is a real neurological condition. What we are saying is that for many people diagnosed with migraines, there is a musculoskeletal contributor (neck tension, posture, jaw or shoulder tension) that makes the migraines worse and more frequent. Addressing that contributor often makes a meaningful difference even when the underlying migraine condition stays the same.

That is a conversation to have with the provider who prescribed it. Wellspring does not manage migraine medication. Many patients continue their existing migraine care while also working with us on the musculoskeletal side. The two approaches often complement each other.

We do not manage primary migraine as a neurological condition, sudden severe headaches that need urgent evaluation, headaches caused by other underlying medical conditions, or post-concussion headaches as a primary diagnosis. If your headaches do not fit our scope, we will tell you honestly at your first visit and help point you in the right direction.

Some patients notice meaningful improvement within the first few weeks of consistent care. Chronic and complex cases take longer. At your first visit, your care team will give you a realistic estimate based on your specific situation and history.

No. You do not need imaging before your first visit. If imaging would be helpful to clarify your diagnosis, your nurse practitioner can order it as part of your care.

Getting Started

No referral is needed. Minnesota is a direct access state, which means you can come to Wellspring without a referral from your doctor. You can call, text, or book a free consultation online and we will take it from there.

The easiest way is to book a free consultation online. You can also call or text us at (952) 933-1150. Same-day and next-day appointments are usually available.

The free consultation is a 60-minute visit where we listen to your history, ask about what you have tried before, and get a sense of what is going on. There is no obligation and no hard sell. At the end we will tell you honestly whether we think we are the right fit for you and what a care plan might look like.

In most cases we can get you in same day or next day. If you call or text us at (952) 933-1150 we will find the first available time that works for you.

Yes. We are currently accepting new patients for physical therapy, nurse practitioner care, therapeutic massage, and SoftWave therapy. Book a free consultation to get started.

Wellspring Health Center is located in Eden Prairie, MN. We serve patients from Eden Prairie, Minnetonka, Chanhassen, Chaska, Shakopee, and the surrounding southwest metro area.

About Our Approach

Most PT clinics have one provider type using one approach. At Wellspring, your nurse practitioner, physical therapy team, and massage therapists work together on your case. They share findings, build one shared plan, and stay in communication throughout your care. That coordination is what produces better outcomes for people who have tried other things without lasting results.

Possibly, yes. Traditional PT often addresses one part of the problem. At Wellspring, our team looks at everything together, including root causes that a single provider may have missed. A free consultation is the best way to find out if we are a good fit for where you are right now.

It means your nurse practitioner, physical therapist, and massage therapist review your case together, not in silos. They communicate between your visits. If something is not working, the team adjusts the plan rather than waiting for a scheduled check-in. Your appointments are one hour, not 30 minutes. And you work through every exercise with your PT team, not on your own.

Yes. We look at the whole picture, not just the spot that hurts. That means evaluating structural issues, soft tissue tension, medical contributors, and how pain is affecting your daily life. We do not believe in treating symptoms while ignoring causes.

It depends on your condition and how long it has been going on. Some patients notice meaningful improvement within the first few visits. Others with more complex or long-standing pain take longer. At your first visit we will give you a realistic expectation based on your specific situation, not a generic timeline.

No. We work with you through every exercise. Your PT team monitors your form, tracks your response, and adjusts in real time. You will not leave with a handout and be told to figure it out on your own. That said, some patients do progress to a home maintenance program once their treatment is complete, which is a sign of success, not abandonment.

Physical therapy is not meant to hurt. It is meant to relieve pain. That said, as your body begins to move and recover, you may feel some temporary soreness in muscles that are working harder than they have in a while. This is normal and typically short-lived. Good communication with your therapist helps manage any discomfort along the way.

Conditions We Help With

We treat back, neck, joint, and muscle pain, whether it started recently or has been ongoing. This includes back and sciatica pain, neck pain, shoulder pain, hip and knee pain, elbow, wrist, and hand pain, foot and ankle pain, headaches and migraines, chronic pain, degenerative disc disease, joint pain and arthritis, work injuries, auto accident injuries, posture and ergonomic pain, and post-surgery recovery.

Yes. We treat auto accident injuries and work with no-fault insurance. If you have been in an accident and are dealing with neck, back, or soft tissue pain, contact us as soon as possible. Getting care started early typically leads to better outcomes.

Yes. We treat work injuries and can work with workers’ compensation claims. If you have been injured on the job and are dealing with pain that is affecting your ability to work, we can help. Contact us to discuss your situation and we will walk you through the process.

Yes. Pre-surgery preparation, sometimes called prehab, can meaningfully improve your outcomes after surgery. Strengthening the muscles around a joint before an operation helps your body recover faster afterward. We can work with you in the weeks leading up to a planned procedure.

Yes. Post-surgery recovery is one of the conditions we treat. Our team will coordinate with your surgical team and build a recovery plan that addresses pain management, range of motion, and rebuilding strength. The hands-on approach means you are not just following a protocol on your own.

Yes. Chronic pain is one of the conditions we see most often. Many of our patients have been managing pain for months or years before they find us. Our team takes a root-cause approach, which means we are not just managing symptoms. We are trying to understand what is driving the pain and address that directly.

Wellspring does not manage neurological conditions directly. However, many patients with conditions like MS or Parkinson’s experience back, neck, joint, or muscle pain as a result. Our team can treat those musculoskeletal symptoms even if we are not managing the underlying condition. If you are unsure whether we are the right fit, a free consultation is the best way to find out.

TMJ is outside our scope of practice. We recommend seeing a specialist who focuses on jaw disorders. If you have neck or shoulder pain alongside your TMJ symptoms, that part of the picture may be something we can help with.

Insurance and Pricing

Yes. We accept most major insurance plans for physical therapy and nurse practitioner services. We verify your benefits before your first visit so you know what to expect before any billable services occur. Visit our Insurance and Pricing page for a full list of accepted plans.

In most cases, therapeutic massage is not covered by standard health insurance plans. However, it may be covered if you have been in an auto accident and are using no-fault coverage. We will help you understand your specific situation when you book.

SoftWave therapy is typically not covered by standard health insurance. It is a self-pay service. We will discuss pricing with you during your consultation and can provide an itemized estimate before you commit to anything.

We offer affordable self-pay options for patients with high deductibles, limited coverage, or no insurance. These will be reviewed with you during your free consultation so you can make an informed decision with no surprises.

We see patients without insurance. Self-pay options are available and will be discussed at your free consultation. We believe cost should not be a barrier to finding out whether we can help you.

When you book your first appointment, we contact your insurance company before your visit to verify your benefits. We review the details with you so you know your out-of-pocket responsibility before any treatment begins. No surprises.

We accept most major insurance plans, cash, check, debit cards, and credit cards. For patients with out-of-pocket balances, we offer affordable payment plan options. Payment is due at the time of service unless prior arrangements have been made.

Your First Visit

Bring your insurance card so we can verify your benefits. If you have already seen another provider for this issue and have a referral or prescription, bring that too. If you were in an auto accident or have a workers’ compensation claim, bring your claim number and any adjuster contact information. Arrive 15 minutes early if you have not already completed your intake forms online.

Your first visit typically lasts between one hour and one and a half hours. This allows time for a thorough consultation, a review of your history, and the start of your care plan. Follow-up appointments are typically one hour.

Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing that allows your therapist to access the area being treated. If you are coming for hip, knee, or leg treatment, shorts are helpful. For shoulder or neck treatment, a tank top or loose shirt works well. We have changing rooms if needed.

Your first visit starts with a thorough consultation. We listen to your full history, including what you have tried before and what has or has not worked. By the end of the visit, you will have a clear understanding of what to expect going forward.

Your first visit is a free consultation where we take the time to really understand what is going on. We listen to your full history, ask about what you have tried, and explain what we are seeing. In some cases, your nurse practitioner may begin your evaluation or take X-rays at the same visit. Treatment typically begins at your next appointment, once your care team has reviewed everything and built a plan around your specific situation. You will leave your first visit knowing exactly what to expect.

We have online intake forms you can complete before your visit at wellspring-hc.com/new-patients/. Completing them in advance saves time and helps your care team prepare before you walk in. If you cannot complete them ahead of time, arrive 15 minutes early.

Our Services

Wellspring offers four core services: physical therapy, nurse practitioner care, therapeutic massage, and SoftWave therapy. These services are designed to work together as part of one coordinated care plan, not as separate standalone offerings.

SoftWave is a non-invasive tissue regeneration therapy that uses acoustic wave technology to stimulate your body’s natural healing response. It is used for chronic pain conditions, tendon issues, and areas where traditional treatment has plateaued. There are no injections, no surgery, and no downtime. Patients often notice results within a few sessions.

Yes. You can book therapeutic massage as a standalone service. Many patients start with massage and later add PT or NP care as part of a broader plan. If you are not sure what you need, a free consultation is the best starting point.

It depends on your condition, how long it has been going on, and how your body responds to treatment. At your first visit, your care team will give you a realistic estimate based on your specific situation.

Yes. Once you have completed your initial treatment plan, your therapist will review your options. Some patients transition to a wellness massage program. Others move to a home program. Your therapist will recommend what makes sense based on your progress and goals.

Physical Therapy

Many PT clinics use one provider with one approach. At Wellspring, your PT team works alongside a nurse practitioner and massage therapist who share information and coordinate your care. Your appointments are one hour, not 30 minutes. And we work with you through every exercise rather than handing you a list.

No. We work with you through every exercise. Your PT team monitors your form, tracks your response, and adjusts in real time. Some patients do progress to a home maintenance program once treatment is complete, which is a sign of success.

One hour. This allows time for hands-on manual therapy, targeted exercise, and real-time adjustments. Follow-up appointments are also one hour.

No. Minnesota is a direct access state. You can come to Wellspring without a referral from your doctor.

Nurse Practitioner Care

Yes. Your nurse practitioner can order X-rays and other diagnostic testing when it would be helpful to clarify your diagnosis or guide your treatment plan.

Trigger point injections are targeted injections into tight, painful muscle knots that are contributing to your pain. Your NP may recommend them when appropriate as part of your broader care plan. They are not a standalone service.

Not necessarily at every visit, but your NP stays involved throughout your care with regular progress check-ins. They communicate with your PT and massage therapist between visits to ensure your plan stays on track.

Your nurse practitioner is the medical anchor of your care team. They conduct thorough evaluations, order diagnostic testing when needed, and ensure that nothing clinically relevant is being missed. Having an NP on your team means your physical therapy treatment is grounded in a solid medical picture from the start.

Back & Sciatica Pain

Back pain stays in your back. Sciatica sends pain, tingling, or numbness down through your buttock, leg, or foot, following the path of the sciatic nerve. You can have both at the same time. A thorough evaluation at your first visit will clarify exactly what is going on and what is driving it.

Yes, in most cases. Sciatica is very often caused by compression or irritation of the sciatic nerve, which physical therapy can directly address by correcting the muscle imbalances and movement patterns that create that compression. Many patients experience significant improvement within a few weeks of consistent care.

That is one of the most common things we hear. Recurring back pain usually means the underlying cause has not been fully addressed, only the flare-up. Our team takes a root-cause approach, which means we look at the structural, muscular, and medical contributors together. Many patients who come to us after years of recurring pain find lasting relief with this approach.

No. You do not need imaging before your first visit. If imaging would be helpful to clarify your diagnosis, your nurse practitioner can order it as part of your care.

Some patients notice meaningful improvement within the first few visits. Chronic or more complex cases take longer. At your first visit, your care team will give you a realistic estimate based on your specific situation and history.

Post-surgical back patients are welcome at Wellspring. We work with your surgical team and build a recovery plan appropriate for your procedure and timeline. Many post-surgical patients benefit significantly from hands-on PT and soft tissue work that supports the healing process.

Neck Pain

Most neck pain is musculoskeletal and treatable without surgery or medication. Pain that comes with arm weakness, numbness, loss of bladder or bowel control, or pain after a major fall or accident should be evaluated quickly. At your first visit, your nurse practitioner can help determine whether anything more urgent needs attention.

Yes, in most cases. Recurring neck pain is usually driven by posture, muscle imbalances, and movement patterns that have not been corrected. Physical therapy addresses those drivers directly. Many patients experience significant improvement within a few weeks of consistent care.

Yes. Tension headaches and cervicogenic headaches (headaches that originate in the neck) often respond very well to combined PT and therapeutic massage. We treat the headaches by treating the neck. Many patients notice their headaches reduce in frequency and intensity within a few weeks.

No. You do not need imaging before your first visit. If imaging would be helpful to clarify your diagnosis, your nurse practitioner can order it as part of your care.

Some patients notice meaningful improvement within the first few visits. Chronic or more complex cases take longer. At your first visit, your care team will give you a realistic estimate based on your specific situation and history.

No. We work with you through every exercise. Your PT team monitors your form, tracks your response, and adjusts in real time. You will not leave with a handout and be told to figure it out on your own. That said, some patients do progress to a home maintenance program once their treatment is complete, which is a sign of success, not abandonment.

Posture & Ergonomic Pain

No. Many patients with desk-driven pain see significant improvement once the underlying strength, mobility, and movement patterns are addressed. The desk does not have to be the problem. Most patients can keep their job and the same workstation and still feel meaningfully better.

Stretching and a standing desk help some people, but they rarely solve the issue on their own. The missing pieces for most patients are targeted strength work, hands-on mobility for stiff joints and muscles, and movement retraining. That is the work team-based PT is designed to do.

Sometimes yes, sometimes no. Even a well-set-up workstation can cause pain if the body is not strong enough to hold good positioning for long stretches. We will look at how your workstation is set up and tell you if changes there would help, but most of the work happens in the body itself.

Most patients with posture-driven pain see meaningful improvement within several weeks of consistent care. Patients who have been dealing with the issue for years take longer. At your first visit, your care team will give you a realistic estimate based on your specific situation.

No. We work with you through every exercise. Your PT team monitors your form, tracks your response, and adjusts in real time. You will not leave with a handout and be told to figure it out on your own. That said, some patients do progress to a home maintenance program once their treatment is complete, which is a sign of success, not abandonment.

No. You do not need imaging before your first visit. If imaging would be helpful to clarify your diagnosis, your nurse practitioner can order it as part of your care.

Work Injury Rehab

Yes. We work with workers compensation insurance and document evaluation and treatment in a way that supports your claim. We can verify your benefits before treatment begins. Our Insurance & Pricing page covers the specifics of accepted plans.

Referral requirements vary by employer and insurance carrier. Some workers comp claims require a referral from the treating physician, and others do not. We can help you figure out what your specific claim needs.

Yes. Many work-related pain patterns build up over time without a specific incident or claim. We treat work-related pain whether or not workers comp is involved. Care can be billed through standard health insurance or self-pay.

Two ways. First, we coordinate across three providers (nurse practitioner, physical therapist, and massage therapist) on one plan, which addresses pieces other clinics often miss. Second, we treat to the demands of your job, not just to symptom resolution. The goal is full readiness for the work you do.

If you are on a workers comp claim, your treating providers communicate with the workers comp carrier and sometimes your employer about your work status. We handle that communication carefully and only share what is required for your claim. Anything beyond that stays between you and your care team.

No. You do not need imaging before your first visit. If imaging would be helpful to clarify your diagnosis, your nurse practitioner can order it as part of your care.

Shoulder Pain

Rotator cuff issues range from mild irritation to partial tears to full tears. A thorough evaluation at your first visit will help clarify what is going on. Your nurse practitioner can order imaging if needed. Many rotator cuff injuries respond very well to physical therapy and do not require surgery.

Most shoulder pain does not require surgery. Even many partial rotator cuff tears, frozen shoulder cases, and impingement issues respond well to conservative team-based care. Your evaluation will help determine whether your shoulder is a good candidate for PT or whether a surgical opinion makes sense. We will tell you honestly either way.

Yes. Post-surgical shoulder recovery is one of the most common reasons patients come to Wellspring. We work with your surgical timeline and protocols and build a recovery plan that supports the healing process. Hands-on PT combined with therapeutic massage often produces faster, more complete recovery than home exercise alone.

Yes. Frozen shoulder responds best to a coordinated approach: gentle joint mobilization, progressive movement work, and soft tissue care to address the tension that builds around the joint. It takes patience. Most patients see meaningful improvement over a few months of consistent care.

Usually yes. Your PT team will help you adjust your training so you do not aggravate the shoulder while it is healing. Continuing to move and stay active is almost always better than complete rest. We will help you figure out what to keep, what to modify, and what to pause for a short while.

No. You do not need imaging before your first visit. If imaging would be helpful to clarify your diagnosis, your nurse practitioner can order it as part of your care.

Hip & Knee Pain

Most hip and knee pain does not require surgery, even when there is arthritis or wear-and-tear changes on imaging. Many patients improve significantly with team-based PT, therapeutic massage, and targeted strength work. Your evaluation will help determine whether your joint is a good candidate for conservative care or whether a surgical opinion makes sense. We will tell you honestly either way.

Yes, physical therapy can absolutely help. Arthritis affects the joint, but the muscles around the joint, the way you move, and how much pain you experience are all things that can change. Many arthritis patients move better, hurt less, and stay active longer with consistent team care. PT does not reverse arthritis, but it does change how arthritis affects your life.

Yes. Post-surgical hip and knee recovery is one of the most common reasons patients come to Wellspring. We work with your surgical timeline and protocols and build a recovery plan that supports the healing process. Hands-on PT combined with therapeutic massage often produces faster, more complete recovery than home exercise alone.

Often, yes. The hip and knee work together as a system, and weakness or tightness in the hip frequently shows up as knee pain. That is why a thorough evaluation looks at both, even if only one hurts. Treating just the painful joint without addressing the joint above or below it is a common reason knee pain comes back.

Usually not. Your PT team will help you figure out what to keep, what to modify, and what to pause briefly. For most runners, continuing to move is a key part of the plan. We will help you adjust your training so you do not aggravate the joint while it is healing.

No. You do not need imaging before your first visit. If imaging would be helpful to clarify your diagnosis, your nurse practitioner can order it as part of your care.

Elbow, Wrist & Hand Pain

Yes, in most cases. Carpal tunnel is driven by compression of the median nerve in the wrist, often combined with tightness through the forearm, shoulder, and neck. Targeted PT, nerve glides, and soft tissue work address those drivers directly. Most patients with carpal tunnel improve significantly without surgery, especially when they get hands-on care before symptoms become severe.

Yes. Chronic tennis elbow can be stubborn, but it is very treatable with the right approach. We combine progressive forearm loading, soft tissue work, and SoftWave therapy when appropriate. Many patients who have been dealing with tennis elbow for six months or longer see meaningful improvement within a few weeks of consistent care.

Sometimes. Splints and braces can help in specific situations, especially at night for carpal tunnel. They are a tool, not a treatment plan. Your PT team will tell you whether bracing fits your case and how to use it without becoming dependent on it.

Numbness is worth getting evaluated, especially if it wakes you up at night, gets worse over time, or comes with weakness. Most causes are musculoskeletal and treatable. Some causes need a more urgent evaluation. Your nurse practitioner can help sort that out at your first visit.

Yes. Post-surgical recovery is one of the more common reasons patients come to Wellspring. We work with your surgical timeline and protocols and build a recovery plan that supports the healing process. Hands-on PT combined with therapeutic massage often produces faster, more complete recovery than home exercise alone.

No. You do not need imaging before your first visit. If imaging would be helpful to clarify your diagnosis, your nurse practitioner can order it as part of your care.

Foot & Ankle Pain

Yes, in most cases. Plantar fasciitis is driven by a combination of plantar fascia tension, calf tightness, and how the foot loads when you walk. Physical therapy directly addresses all three. Combined with therapeutic massage and SoftWave when appropriate, most patients with plantar fasciitis see significant improvement within a few weeks of consistent care.

Yes. Most patients who land here have tried those tools. They help some people but rarely resolve the underlying issue. Hands-on physical therapy, soft tissue work on the calf and plantar fascia, and progressive strengthening produce results that stretching and inserts alone usually cannot. SoftWave therapy is also a strong option for chronic cases.

Sometimes. Footwear matters, and some patients benefit from orthotics. Your PT team will look at your gait and your current shoes and tell you whether changes would help. For many patients, addressing the underlying mechanics through PT means they need less support from inserts over time, not more.

Yes. Lingering issues after an ankle sprain are very common, especially when the original injury was not fully rehabilitated. Chronic ankle instability, recurring sprains, and ongoing pain after an initial injury all respond well to targeted PT and team care.

Some patients notice meaningful improvement within the first few visits. Chronic plantar fasciitis and stubborn tendon issues take longer. At your first visit, your care team will give you a realistic estimate based on your specific situation and history.

No. You do not need imaging before your first visit. If imaging would be helpful to clarify your diagnosis, your nurse practitioner can order it as part of your care.

Joint Pain & Arthritis

Physical therapy can absolutely help. Arthritis affects the joint, but the muscles around the joint, the way you move, and how much pain you experience are all things that can change. Many arthritis patients move better, hurt less, and stay active longer with consistent team care. PT does not reverse arthritis, but it does change how arthritis affects your life.

Many patients with arthritis do not need surgery, even when imaging shows significant changes. Conservative care can often manage pain and preserve function for years. Some joints do reach a point where surgery becomes the right call. Your evaluation will help you understand where you are on that spectrum, and we will tell you honestly.

We do not manage rheumatoid arthritis or other inflammatory arthritis as a primary diagnosis. Those conditions are best managed by a rheumatologist. What we can help with is the musculoskeletal pain, stiffness, and weakness that often comes with inflammatory arthritis. Many patients work with us alongside their rheumatology care.

The right exercise actually protects arthritic joints. Weakness and inactivity tend to make joint pain worse over time, not better. Your PT team will guide you through movement that strengthens the muscles around the joint without aggravating it. The goal is to load the joint in a way it can tolerate and benefit from.

Yes. This is sometimes called prehab. Patients who go into joint replacement surgery stronger tend to recover faster and more completely. We can build a focused pre-surgical plan that targets the specific muscles and movement patterns that matter most for your recovery.

No. You do not need imaging before your first visit. If imaging would be helpful to clarify your diagnosis, your nurse practitioner can order it as part of your care.

Chronic Pain

The single biggest difference is the coordinated team. Most PT clinics put you with one therapist who works on the part that hurts. At Wellspring, your nurse practitioner, physical therapist, and massage therapist all evaluate you and build one shared plan. For chronic pain patients in particular, that coordination is often what was missing in previous care.

We do not manage fibromyalgia as a primary medical diagnosis. What we can help with is the musculoskeletal pain, muscle tension, and movement limitations that come with it. Many fibromyalgia patients see meaningful improvement in pain and function with consistent team-based care, especially when massage and gentle PT are coordinated together.

Sometimes a temporary flare happens early in treatment, especially in patients who have been mostly inactive for a long time. We pace the work to minimize this and adjust based on how your body is responding. The goal is steady progress without setting you back.

No. Chronic pain is real, even when imaging looks normal and a clear diagnosis is hard to pin down. The nervous system, soft tissue, posture, sleep, stress, and movement patterns can all contribute. We treat the parts of that picture that are musculoskeletal and within our scope.

Chronic pain treatment timelines vary. Some patients see meaningful improvement within a few weeks. Others work with us for months. At your first visit, your care team will give you a realistic estimate based on your specific situation and history.

No. You do not need imaging before your first visit. If imaging would be helpful to clarify your diagnosis, your nurse practitioner can order it as part of your care.

Degenerative Disc Disease

Not necessarily. Many people with DDD never need surgery. Conservative care can often manage pain and preserve function for years, in some cases for life. A surgical opinion makes more sense when conservative care has been given a fair trial and significant function or quality of life is still being lost. Your evaluation will help you understand where you are on that spectrum.

Yes. While PT does not change the disc itself, it directly addresses the muscle imbalances, movement patterns, and joint mechanics that turn disc changes into ongoing pain. Many DDD patients see significant improvement in pain and function with consistent team-based care.

Imaging shows structure. Pain is influenced by structure, but also by muscle tension, movement patterns, nerve sensitivity, sleep, and many other factors. Many people with imaging that looks identical to yours have no pain at all. That is not a fluke. It is a real and important fact in modern pain care.

No. Avoiding movement tends to make DDD pain worse, not better. The right exercise, paced and progressed correctly, protects the spine and reduces pain over time. Your PT team will help you figure out what to do, what to modify, and what to skip for now.

Related but not the same. A herniated disc is when part of a disc bulges or extrudes. DDD describes broader degenerative changes over time. Both can cause similar pain and both often respond to the same kind of conservative care. Your evaluation will clarify what is going on with your specific situation.

No. You do not need imaging before your first visit. If imaging would be helpful to clarify your diagnosis, your nurse practitioner can order it as part of your care.

Auto Accident Recovery

No. Many auto accident injuries take days or weeks to fully show up. An evaluation soon after the accident is one of the best things you can do for your recovery, even if your symptoms feel manageable right now. Early care is one of the strongest predictors of full recovery.

Minnesota is a no-fault state, which means your own auto insurance typically covers medical care after an accident, regardless of who was at fault. We work directly with no-fault auto insurance and can verify your benefits before treatment begins. You can read more on our auto accident insurance page.

No. You do not need a referral to be seen at Wellspring after an auto accident. You can call, text, or book a free consultation directly.

Lingering pain weeks or months after a collision is common, and it is treatable. Many patients come to us after they assumed the pain would just go away on its own. We can still make meaningful progress even if the accident was not recent.

Yes. We document your evaluation and treatment in a way that supports your no-fault claim. If your situation involves an attorney, we coordinate with their office on documentation as needed.

No. You do not need imaging before your first visit. Many soft tissue injuries from auto accidents do not show up clearly on imaging anyway. If imaging would be helpful, your nurse practitioner can order it as part of your care.

Auto Accident & No-Fault

No. Minnesota is a no-fault state, which means your own auto insurance covers your medical care regardless of who caused the accident. You do not need to wait for fault determination before getting treatment.

Your Minnesota auto insurance policy generally provides PIP coverage even if the accident occurred in another state, as long as you live in Minnesota and your policy is current. We verify the specifics with your carrier when we set up the claim.

If you do not have auto insurance, but you were a passenger in a covered vehicle, the vehicle’s policy may cover your PIP benefits. If you were a pedestrian or bicyclist hit by a covered vehicle, that driver’s PIP benefits may cover your care. There are several layers to this. We will help you figure it out.

Lingering pain weeks or months after a collision is common, and it is treatable. PIP benefits are time-sensitive but most policies cover treatment that begins within a reasonable window after the accident. We can usually still help, and we will help you understand what your specific policy allows.

No. You do not need a referral for auto accident care at Wellspring. You can call, text, or book a free consultation directly.

If you reach the limit of your PIP benefit, several options exist depending on your situation. Your health insurance may pick up additional care. If you are working with an attorney on a third-party claim, additional medical bills may be recoverable. We will walk you through your options if and when that point is reached.

This is a question to discuss with your auto insurance agent. Under Minnesota law, your insurance carrier cannot non-renew your policy for a no-fault claim alone, but rate impacts can vary. Your agent is the right person to ask about your specific policy.

Post-Surgery Recovery

Yes. Your surgical protocol is the starting point for everything we do. We coordinate with your surgical team, follow their timeline and restrictions, and adjust care if your surgeon updates the plan. We are supporting their work, not overriding it.

It depends on the procedure and what your surgeon recommends. Some surgeries call for rehab within days. Others have a longer protected period first. We can start working with you whenever your surgeon gives the green light, and we are happy to coordinate directly with their office.

Often yes, with appropriate timing. Therapeutic massage is one of the strongest tools for soft tissue tension, compensatory patterns, and scar tissue work. The timing depends on your surgery and surgical protocol. We will coordinate carefully with your timeline.

Yes. Patients sometimes start rehab at one clinic and decide to move to a more coordinated approach. We can pick up where you are, coordinate with your surgical team for any documentation we need, and continue your recovery from there.

Most major medical insurance plans cover post-surgical physical therapy. We can verify your benefits before treatment begins. Our Insurance & Pricing page covers the specifics.

No. You do not need imaging before your first visit. Your surgical records are what we will work from primarily. If additional imaging is needed during your recovery, your nurse practitioner can order it as part of your care.

Pre-Surgery Prep

More time generally helps, but even a few weeks of focused prehab can make a meaningful difference. If you have one to three months before surgery, you have a strong window for prehab. If you have less time, we can still build a focused plan around what will help most in the time available.

Most surgeons strongly support prehab and many recommend it directly. We coordinate with your surgical team so the plan respects their guidance. If your surgeon has specific instructions or restrictions, we work within them.

For some surgeries, the evidence is strong. Joint replacement procedures (knee and hip) and major ligament surgeries (like ACL repair) tend to show the clearest benefit. For other surgeries, prehab can still help, though the difference may be more modest. We will be honest with you about whether prehab is likely to make a meaningful difference for your specific procedure.

Yes. Many of our prehab patients continue care after surgery as part of post-surgical rehab. The transition is seamless because the same team that knows your body before the procedure picks up your recovery on the other side.

Coverage for pre-surgical PT varies by plan and procedure. Most major medical insurance covers PT for an existing musculoskeletal issue, which often qualifies. We can verify your benefits before treatment begins. Our Insurance & Pricing page covers the specifics.

No. You do not need imaging before your first visit. If imaging would be helpful, your nurse practitioner can order it as part of your care.

SoftWave Therapy

Most patients describe it as a strong tapping or pulsing on the skin. It can feel intense in spots where the tissue is particularly reactive, but it is generally well tolerated and does not require any numbing or anesthesia. You can stop or pause anytime during the session.

SoftWave uses unfocused, broad-energy acoustic waves designed specifically for tissue regeneration. It is different from focused or radial shock wave devices used in some other settings. The technology, the device, and the protocols are distinct. Patients who have tried other shock wave treatments often respond differently to SoftWave.

Most patients respond well to a course of five to ten sessions, typically spaced about a week apart. Chronic and stubborn cases may need longer. At your first visit, your provider will give you a realistic estimate based on your specific situation and history.

SoftWave is generally not covered by traditional health insurance and is paid out of pocket. Pricing and package options are reviewed during your free consultation so you can make a fully informed decision before committing to anything.

You can do SoftWave on its own. Many patients use it as a standalone service, especially when they have a specific issue they want targeted directly. We will be honest with you about whether SoftWave alone is the right call or whether combining it with PT or massage would serve you better.

SoftWave is not appropriate for everyone. Patients who are pregnant, have certain heart conditions or pacemakers, have a bleeding disorder, or have an active infection or cancer in the treatment area should not receive SoftWave. Your provider will screen for these factors before your first treatment.

No. You can book SoftWave directly without a referral.

Therapeutic Massage

Yes. You can book therapeutic massage as a standalone service. Many patients start with massage and later add PT or NP care as part of a broader plan. If you are not sure what you need, a free consultation is the best starting point.

In most cases, therapeutic massage is not covered by standard health insurance plans. However, it may be covered at 100% if you have been in an auto accident and are using no-fault PIP coverage, or under workers compensation. Self-pay rates are available.

Sessions are 60 minutes with approximately 50 minutes of hands-on treatment time. Deep tissue and hot stone techniques are included as a standard part of every session at no extra charge.

Still have questions? We're happy to help.

Call or text us at (952) 933-1150 and we'll answer directly. Or book a free consultation and we can walk through your situation in person.

or call and text (952) 933-1150

No referral needed. Same-day and next-day appointments usually available.