frequent asked questions
we are here to answer your questions
If these do not answer your questions to your satisfaction or if you have any more questions, please do not hesitate to email info@heartandsoletherapymt.com or call 406.702.2779
general
Our clinic offers pediatric services, feeding therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, physical therapy and myofunctional therapy. We also offer pelvic floor therapy for men, women and children.
No, a referral is NOT required to begin therapy services at Heart and Sole. However, some insurance plans may require a referral for coverage, so we recommend checking with your insurance if you have questions.
We see clients of all ages! For pediatric services, the majority of our children we work with are infants, toddlers, and adolescents. Our pelvic health therapy is available to men, women, and children.
We have clinics right next door to each other. Our pediatric clinic is located at 1050 S 24th St West and our pelvic clinic is located at 1040 S 24th St West. If you have any questions before arrival please visit our your first visit page and our contact page
If you already have a referral, you can have that referral faxed to 855.702.2523. Please do not hesitate to call our scheduling team at 406.702.2779 to help guide you in this process. You can schedule by calling our office directly, submitting a request through our website, or asking your provider to send a referral. We’ll guide you through every step.
Our team recommends you download the appropriate age milestone pdf off of our website and/or pelvic floor questionnaire to assess yourself or your child. This starts the conversation with your provider on areas of concern or what support you or your child may need. A referral can be faxed to 855.702.2523. You can schedule by calling our office directly, submitting a request through our website, or asking your provider to send a referral. We’ll guide you through every step.
We accept most major insurance plans, including Medicaid and several private providers. For a full list or to verify your coverage, please contact our office directly.
During your visit, your therapist will conduct an initial evaluation and create a customized therapy plan tailored to you or your child’s needs. Sessions are engaging, goal-oriented, and designed to support long-term growth in a positive environment.
Please have all online intake paperwork submitted before your appointment and bring:
- Insurance card
- Photo ID
- Any relevant medical records or referrals
- Way of payment
Wear comfortable clothing and bring any assistive devices currently used.
Costs vary depending on services, insurance coverage, and plan requirements. We’re happy to provide a cost estimate based on your specific situation — just give us a call.
Hippotherapy services are in the future! Stay tuned for updates on launch dates and enrollment opportunities via our website and social media.
Yes! Heart and Sole Therapy is proud to be a member of the Billings Chamber of Commerce. We’re committed to supporting our local community and fellow businesses. Visit our community page of more ways to connect.
We believe that access to high-quality educational tools should be available to everyone — not just clients. Our free resources empower families and caregivers to support therapy progress at home and in the community.
Signing up helps us track resource use and allows us to follow up with updates, new materials, and tips tailored to your needs. We respect your privacy and never share your information without consent.
pediatrics
Every child develops at their own pace, but there are general guidelines for when children typically reach motor, speech, social, and feeding milestones. If you’re unsure, we offer free professional screenings a couple times per year (stay in the know on our social accounts @heartandsoletherapymt) We offer free milestone checklists on our resources page that you can fill out and bring to your pediatrician to review your concerns.
If you’re noticing delays in movement, speech, feeding, or behavior—or if your child struggles with everyday tasks—an evaluation can help determine if therapy is appropriate, consult with your provider for a referral. Early intervention can make a big difference.
Feeding therapy may be needed if your child:
- Refuses entire food groups
- Struggles with chewing or swallowing
- Gags or vomits frequently during meals
- Has a history of poor weight gain or growth
- Experiences extreme picky eating
An evaluation can help determine if therapy is appropriate, consult with your provider for a referral. Early intervention can make a big difference.
Signs include:
- Frequent choking, gagging, or coughing during meals
- Difficulty accepting age-appropriate foods or textures
- Oral motor delays (e.g., trouble with chewing)
- Mealtime tantrums or refusal to eat
- Dependence on formula, bottles, or a very limited diet
An evaluation can help determine if therapy is appropriate, consult with your provider for a referral. Early intervention can make a big difference.
You’re not alone. Consistent mealtime battles can be emotionally draining. Feeding therapy can help by identifying the root cause (e.g., sensory, oral motor, or behavioral issues) and building strategies for calmer, more successful meals.
Children with sensory processing differences may be overwhelmed by certain textures, smells, or even the sight of food. This can cause strong food aversions, limited diets, or anxiety around eating.
Watch for:
- Limited movement or asymmetry (e.g., always turning head one direction)
- Poor head control
- Trouble latching or feeding
- Delays in rolling, sitting, or reaching
- Excessive fussiness or stiffness
If you’re unsure, an evaluation can help determine if therapy is appropriate, consult with your provider for a referral. If you are needing a second opinion or feel like you are not being heard with your provider, please reach out. Early intervention can make a big difference.
Pediatric physical therapy supports:
- Gross motor development (crawling, walking, running)
- Coordination and balance
- Strength and endurance
- Recovery from injury or surgery
- Diagnoses like cerebral palsy, downs syndrome, torticollis, muscular dystrophy, spina bifida, scoliosis or developmental delays
If you’re unsure, an evaluation can help determine if therapy is appropriate, consult with your provider for a referral. If you are needing a second opinion or feel like you are not being heard with your provider, please reach out. Early intervention can make a big difference.
This specialized therapy helps children with:
- Bedwetting and daytime accidents
- Constipation or painful bowel movements
- Urgency or withholding behaviors
- Pelvic muscle coordination
It’s gentle, age-appropriate, and always respectful of your child’s comfort and privacy.
Use simple, reassuring language like:
“We’re going to see someone who helps kids learn how to listen to their body so going to the bathroom is easier.”
Let them know it’s a safe space and that they’re not alone.
Some children catch up on their own, but many benefit from early support. Waiting can cause other areas (like social skills or learning) to be affected. A speech evaluation can help you decide the best course of action.
Speech refers to how sounds are produced (clarity, stuttering, etc.) vs. Language refers to how children understand and use words (vocabulary, sentences, following directions)
Your child may have one or both types of challenges.
Myofunctional disorders can be caused by:
- Tongue-tie or other oral restrictions
- Prolonged thumb sucking or pacifier use
- Mouth breathing
- Improper swallowing patterns
These issues can affect speech, eating, breathing, and facial development.
Watch for signs like:
- Mouth breathing
- Open-mouth posture at rest
- Tongue thrust
- Difficulty with certain sounds (like “S” or “L”)
- Snoring or poor sleep
We can perform a screening to assess whether myofunctional therapy is appropriate.
Sessions include fun, age-appropriate exercises to strengthen facial and oral muscles, improve posture, and retrain swallowing and breathing habits. Parent involvement and at home exercises are key!
Coverage depends on your plan and diagnosis. We’re happy to verify your benefits and explain any out-of-pocket costs before starting services.
Talk with your provider about an OT referral and evaluation if your child has:
- Trouble with fine motor tasks (writing, buttoning, using utensils)
- Sensory sensitivities or extreme reactions to stimuli
- Delays in self-care skills (dressing, hygiene, etc.)
- Emotional regulation difficulties or frequent meltdowns
OT strengthens the hand and finger muscles, improves coordination, and builds the skills needed for handwriting, self-care, and school tasks — all through play-based, engaging therapy.
Frequency depends on your child’s needs and goals. Some attend 1–2 times per week, while others benefit from short-term consultations or intensive support. We’ll help you find the right schedule during your initial evaluation.
pelvic health
Yes. These symptoms are often related to pelvic floor dysfunction. Therapy can help you regain strength and control through targeted exercises, behavior strategies, and manual techniques. You don’t have to live with leakage — treatment is highly effective.
Absolutely. Our pelvic health therapists are trained to treat pregnancy-related discomfort, including low back pain, pubic symphysis dysfunction, and sacroiliac joint pain. Gentle, pregnancy-safe techniques can improve your comfort and mobility. As well as give you labor prep and talk about postpartum care.
Yes. In fact, pelvic floor therapy during pregnancy can support a healthier, more comfortable pregnancy and smoother postpartum recovery. Our therapists use safe, modified approaches tailored to your trimester and comfort level.
Yes, we provide pelvic floor therapy for men. Our therapist has specialized training to treat issues like pelvic pain, urinary leakage, post-prostatectomy recovery, and other concerns unique to male anatomy.
Internal exams may be recommended as part of a thorough evaluation, but they are always optional and explained fully in advance. We prioritize comfort, informed consent, and clear communication during every session.
Pessary insertion is typically not painful, though you may feel slight pressure. Our therapists or partnering providers take time to ensure proper fit and comfort during the process.
If a pessary causes discomfort, unusual discharge, bleeding, or changes in urination or bowel habits, it may need adjustment. Always follow up with your provider if something feels off — discomfort isn’t normal.
No. While pessaries are often used by postmenopausal women, they can be helpful for younger women too — especially those with pelvic organ prolapse, incontinence, or postpartum issues.
Most insurance plans do cover pessaries and fittings when medically necessary. We recommend checking with your insurance provider for specific details. We’re also happy to help guide you through the process.
Pessary fittings are typically done by a pelvic health therapist, OB/GYN, or urogynecologist. At Heart and Sole Therapy, we can evaluate and work with your provider on whether a pessary may benefit you and connect you with the appropriate provider if needed.
The pelvic floor supports the bladder, uterus, and bowel — and plays a key role in continence, core strength, and sexual function. Weakness or tension can lead to problems, but it’s treatable with the right care.
Common causes include pregnancy, childbirth, aging, heavy lifting, chronic coughing, straining, or even high-impact sports. Hormonal changes and surgery can also affect pelvic floor strength.
Men have a pelvic floor too — and it supports bladder, bowel, and sexual function. Issues like pain, leakage, or erectile dysfunction can be linked to pelvic floor dysfunction and are treatable with therapy.
Yes. While therapy doesn’t directly treat hemorrhoids, it can address underlying issues like constipation, straining, or pressure that may be contributing to them. Better pelvic floor coordination often reduces symptoms.
Yes, you can absolutely attend your appointment while on your period. It’s entirely up to your comfort level. If an internal exam or treatment is planned, you can let your therapist know and we’ll adjust your session if needed. Your menstrual cycle doesn’t interfere with our ability to provide effective care — and you’re not alone; it’s a very common situation.
You can often begin gentle pelvic floor therapy as soon as you’re cleared by your provider — usually around 4 to 6 weeks postpartum. Early support can make a big difference in recovery and long-term wellness.
Everyone is different, but many clients start noticing improvements within 4 to 6 sessions. Consistency with appointments and home exercises plays a big role in how quickly you see progress.
Kegels are helpful — but only if done correctly and for the right reason. Some people actually need to relax their pelvic floor, not strengthen it. A pelvic health therapist can assess your needs and guide you safely.
Yes. Home exercises are an important part of therapy. We’ll teach you exactly what to do, and adjust your program as you progress. The goal is to empower you with tools for long-term pelvic health.