You can be seen by a physical therapist 1st in all 50 states. A prescription or referral for physical therapy is usually not required for you to be treated. Some states do require a visit with a physician first, so be sure to check with your physical therapist before making an appointment.

You will have a thorough evaluation and be prescribed a specific treatment plan which is designed to address the problems responsible for your pain and symptoms and help you return to an active life as soon as possible.

Physical Therapy is not a "quick fix" and you should expect to put in some work, however many people do feel relief within their 1st few visits. Most people experience a change or significant difference within 3 to 5 treatments and we typically have work to do even once your pain and symptoms have subsided because our goal is to help you become stronger and more resilient to this ever happening again.

It is impossible to predict the exact number of visits you will need as everyone's individual challenges are unique.

Many physical therapists teach patients how to treat themselves at home using self-treatment techniques, modified yoga poses, activity modification strategies and corrective exercise. You will receive a personalized treatment program for treatment and long term prevention of your condition so you can stay fite, healthy, and mobile without needing more pain medications, injections or surgery.

The good news is many practices offer virtual visits! Yes, there are some conditions where being seen in-person will be helpful.

During your initial call or visit, your physical therapist will make recommendations and give you a prescription based specifically on your needs and what's going on with your body. This may include a mix of in-person visits and video visits or either all in-person or all video. Please feel free to discuss any concerns with your therapist at your initial visit.

For physical therapy patients, it is important to have access to visibly examine, palpate and treat your body, muscles and tissues directly. Please bring with you a pair of loose comfortable shorts and female patients should bring a sleeveless shirt, tank top, or swim suit top to change into when you arrive.

The length and duration of your treatments will be individualized and based on the evaluation you receive with your physical therapist. Patients are seen for anywhere from 3-12 weeks sometimes more, 1-3 times per week and treatments may last from 30-60 minutes. Your specific treatment plan will be determined by your physical therapist.

That’s OK. Sometimes problems do not fully resolve, or there was something out of our control that triggered it to return. Manytimes, our problem seems to be back but after being seen by your therapist, we know it’s just a flare up which is typical.

If it is a more serious issue or needs further medical investigation, your physical therapist will know.

If you are in doubt, contact your physical therapist directly and let them know what you are experiencing, feeling and how long it’s been a problem. They will know exactly what you need.

Healing is not an event, it is a process. After physical therapy you may have a complete resolution of your issue. Quite often, once you are finished with physical therapy you will continue modifying your routines and exercises and progressively returning to your full level of activity.

Sometimes you may experience a flare up or recurrence of your condition, or you may feel something new happening. That’s exactly when you should get back in touch with your physical therapist.

Often, once your physical therapy treatment plan is complete, people feel even better than before and feel even stronger. There is a lot of variability in the human experience and your body is incredibly resilient. Be sure you share your goals and desires with your physical therapist so that they can ensure you return to the activities that mean the most to you.