Common Conditions Treated
by Physical Therapists
Physical Therapists are trained to diagnose and treat a wide range of conditions. Here are some of the most common conditions that physical therapists help patients manage:
What to Expect During Your Visit
Understanding what happens during your appointment can help you feel more prepared. Here's what you can typically expect when visiting a physical therapist.
Your First Visit
- Comprehensive discussion of your medical history, current symptoms, pain levels, and functional goals
- Physical examination assessing posture, range of motion, strength, flexibility, balance, and movement patterns
- Observation of gait (walking pattern) and functional movements
- Special tests to identify specific impairments and diagnose your condition
- Palpation (hands-on assessment) of affected areas to identify tender points and tissue restrictions
- Explanation of findings, diagnosis, and prognosis
- Discussion of recommended treatment plan including frequency and duration of visits
- Initial exercises or instructions to begin your home program
- Initial evaluation typically lasts 45-60 minutes
Diagnosis & Testing
- Comprehensive musculoskeletal assessment: Evaluates posture, alignment, joint mobility, and muscle function
- Range of motion testing: Measures joint flexibility using goniometry
- Manual muscle testing: Assesses strength of specific muscle groups
- Special orthopedic tests: Specific maneuvers to identify ligament injuries, nerve involvement, or joint pathology
- Functional movement screening: Observes how you perform activities like squatting, reaching, and walking
- Balance and coordination testing: Assesses stability and fall risk
- Neurological screening: Tests reflexes, sensation, and nerve function when indicated
- Gait analysis: Detailed observation of walking patterns to identify abnormalities
Treatment Options
- Manual therapy: Hands-on techniques including joint mobilization, soft tissue massage, myofascial release, and muscle energy techniques
- Therapeutic exercise: Customized exercises to improve strength, flexibility, endurance, and motor control
- Modalities: Ultrasound, electrical stimulation (TENS/NMES), heat, ice, and mechanical traction for pain relief and healing
- Neuromuscular re-education: Exercises to retrain proper movement patterns and muscle activation
- Gait training: Walking practice with or without assistive devices to normalize movement
- Balance training: Exercises using unstable surfaces, weight shifting, and coordination drills
- Functional training: Practice of daily activities, work tasks, or sport-specific movements
- Patient education: Instruction on your condition, home exercises, injury prevention, and self-management strategies
- Home exercise program: Customized exercises to perform between sessions for optimal outcomes
Tip for Your Visit
Bring a list of current medications, previous test results, and questions you want to ask. Writing down your symptoms—when they occur and what affects them—helps your physical therapist provide accurate diagnosis and effective treatment.
How to Choose the Right Physical Therapist
Finding the right healthcare provider is important for your health and peace of mind. Here are key factors to consider when selecting a physical therapist.
Credentials to Verify
- Valid state physical therapy license (verify through your state's licensing board website)
- Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree from an accredited program
- Passed the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE)
- Board-certified clinical specialist through ABPTS in relevant area (OCS, SCS, NCS, GCS, etc.) for complex conditions
- Additional certifications as relevant: Certified Manual Therapist (CMT), Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS)
- Specialized training in areas like dry needling, vestibular rehabilitation, or pelvic floor therapy if needed for your condition
Important Considerations
- Experience treating your specific condition or injury
- Familiarity with your surgeon's protocols if post-surgical
- Clinic location and convenience for regular visits (typically 2-3 times weekly)
- Available equipment and specialized services
- Accepts your insurance plan and is in-network
- One-on-one treatment time versus use of aides or technicians
- Communication style and ability to explain your condition clearly
- Availability of appointment times that fit your schedule
- Patient reviews and recommendations
- For sports injuries, understanding of your specific athletic demands
Quick Tip
Don't hesitate to schedule consultations with multiple physical therapists before making your decision. The right fit isn't just about credentials—it's also about feeling comfortable and confident in your care.
Cost and Insurance Information
Understanding the costs associated with seeing a physical therapist can help you plan for your healthcare needs.
Average Costs (Without Insurance)
Initial Visit
$100-$300
Follow-up Visit
$75-$200
Common Procedures
Note: These are estimated average costs and can vary based on location, provider, and specific services required.
Insurance Coverage
- Most health insurance plans cover physical therapy when medically necessary
- Typical copays range from $20-$75 per visit, or 10-40% coinsurance after deductible
- Many plans limit covered visits per year (commonly 20-60 visits)
- Prior authorization may be required for some insurance plans
- Some plans require a physician referral for coverage even if your state allows direct access
- Hospital-based PT clinics often charge facility fees in addition to professional fees
- Private practice clinics may offer lower self-pay rates than hospital-based settings
- Verify in-network status before starting treatment to minimize out-of-pocket costs
- Additional visits beyond plan limits may be approved with medical necessity documentation
Medicare Information
Medicare Part B covers medically necessary physical therapy services. You pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount after meeting the Part B deductible. There are therapy caps that can be exceeded with medical necessity documentation. Physical therapist assistants (PTAs) providing services under a PT's supervision are reimbursed at 85% of the PT rate. Medicare requires a physician's order/referral for PT coverage.
Money-Saving Tips
- 1Always verify your physical therapist is in-network before scheduling
- 2Ask about self-pay discounts if you don't have insurance
- 3Inquire about payment plans for expensive procedures
- 4Get prior authorization when required to avoid claim denials
- 5Use FSA or HSA funds for eligible medical expenses
Questions to Ask Your Physical Therapist
Being prepared for your appointment helps you get the most out of your time with your doctor. Here are important questions to consider asking a physical therapist:
What is causing my pain or movement problem, and what is my diagnosis?
How many physical therapy sessions do you estimate I will need, and how often should I come?
What specific exercises and treatments will be included in my plan of care?
What results can I realistically expect from physical therapy?
What should I do at home between sessions to maximize my recovery?
Are there activities I should avoid during my rehabilitation?
How will we measure my progress throughout treatment?
What happens if I'm not improving as expected?
Do you have experience treating my specific condition or working with patients like me?
How do you communicate with my physician or surgeon about my progress?
Pro Tip
Write down your questions before your appointment and bring them with you. Don't hesitate to take notes during your visit or ask for written instructions.
Physical Therapist vs. Other Specialists
Understanding the differences between medical specialists helps you choose the right provider for your needs. Here's how physical therapists compare to similar specialists:
Not sure which specialist you need?
Your primary care physician can help determine the right specialist for your condition and provide a referral if needed.
Sources & References
Information about physical therapists is sourced from peer-reviewed medical literature and the following authoritative organizations:
Last updated: December 2025
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many physical therapy sessions will I need?
The number of physical therapy sessions varies significantly based on your specific condition, its severity, how long you've had it, your overall health, and your treatment goals. Acute injuries or post-surgical rehabilitation typically require 2-3 visits per week for 6-12 weeks. Chronic conditions may require longer treatment periods with less frequent visits. Research shows that patient compliance with home exercise programs significantly affects outcomes and can reduce the total number of visits needed. Your physical therapist will provide an estimated plan of care during your initial evaluation and adjust based on your progress. Many patients see meaningful improvement within 6-8 sessions, though complete recovery may take longer. Some insurance plans limit covered visits, which your PT can discuss with you.
What is the difference between physical therapy and chiropractic care?
Physical therapy and chiropractic care both treat musculoskeletal conditions but use different approaches. Physical therapists focus on movement dysfunction and rehabilitation through therapeutic exercise, manual therapy, and patient education, addressing the underlying causes of pain and dysfunction. Chiropractors primarily focus on spinal alignment and use spinal manipulation (adjustments) as their main treatment technique. Physical therapists emphasize active patient participation through prescribed exercises and home programs designed to create lasting changes in strength, flexibility, and movement patterns. Treatment typically includes a progression of exercises that patients perform independently. Chiropractors often provide more frequent, shorter treatment sessions focused on adjustments. Many patients benefit from both approaches, and the best choice depends on your specific condition and preferences. Physical therapists are the experts for post-surgical rehabilitation, neurological conditions, sports injuries requiring progressive exercise programs, and conditions requiring significant functional retraining.
Do I need a referral from my doctor to see a physical therapist?
In most states, you can see a physical therapist through direct access without a physician referral, though there are some limitations. Direct access laws vary by state regarding evaluation-only or treatment privileges, time limits, and whether the PT must refer to a physician for certain conditions. However, your insurance plan may still require a referral for coverage even if your state allows direct access. Medicare requires a physician's referral for physical therapy coverage. It's best to check both your state's direct access laws and your specific insurance requirements. Even when a referral isn't required, getting one can be beneficial as it ensures your physician is aware of your treatment and can share relevant medical information with your PT.
What should I wear and bring to my physical therapy appointment?
Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing that allows you to move freely and provides access to the area being treated. For lower body conditions, wear shorts or pants that can be rolled up above the knee. For shoulder or neck conditions, wear a tank top or loose shirt. Athletic shoes are appropriate for most conditions involving walking or exercise. Bring your insurance card, photo ID, completed intake paperwork if provided in advance, and any relevant medical records, imaging reports, or physician referrals. If you have a brace, orthotics, or assistive device you use, bring it to your appointment. Arrive 10-15 minutes early for your first visit to complete any remaining paperwork. Write down questions you want to ask and be prepared to describe your symptoms, when they started, what makes them better or worse, and what your goals for therapy are.
Is physical therapy painful?
Physical therapy should not cause excessive pain, though some discomfort during treatment and muscle soreness afterward is normal, similar to starting a new exercise program. Your physical therapist will work within your tolerance levels and can modify techniques if you experience significant pain. Some manual therapy techniques and stretches may cause brief discomfort but should not be unbearable. Therapeutic exercises are progressed gradually to avoid excessive strain. Patients with chronic pain may experience some temporary increase in symptoms as they begin to move more, but this typically decreases as the body adapts. Always communicate with your PT about your pain levels during treatment. The saying 'no pain, no gain' does not apply to rehabilitation. Pain that is sharp, worsening, or lasting more than 24-48 hours after treatment should be reported to your therapist so they can adjust your program accordingly.
Medical Disclaimer
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your physician or qualified health provider with questions about a medical condition. If you have a medical emergency, call 911.
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