As of August 2023, no referral is needed for a physical therapy evaluation.

Cash-based physical therapy can be beneficial for several reasons: direct access to personalized care without insurance restrictions, the ability to tailor treatment to their specific needs, and the convenience of avoiding pre-authorization processes. Cash-pay physical therapy can also lead to a speedier recovery. Waiting for authorization from insurance companies can take days or even a week, which is not ideal for continuity of care. By bypassing insurance-related administrative processes and wait times, private pay physical therapy can expedite the rehabilitation process, allowing patients to achieve faster recovery times and return to their normal activities, work, or sports sooner.

Here’s what you can expect at your first appointment: You can make the most of your visit to the clinic by filling out the new patient intake paperwork at home prior to your appointment. If you haven’t filled out your form yet, just give yourself 15-20 minutes before your appointment to fill them out. Expect your appointment to last approximately one hour. The initial evaluation will include a discussion of your medical history, education about your treatment, an external exam if needed, an orthopedic assessment, and a conversation about your home program.

Be ready to move frequently during your first physical therapy session. Therefore, select clothing that allows for easy movement. Many people prefer to wear workout clothes.

Patients often experience some muscle soreness during the first few weeks of physical therapy. This is because they are exercising and stretching parts of the body that aren't accustomed to the activity.