A physical therapist (PT) is a licensed healthcare provider who treats pain, injuries, and movement problems by improving how the body moves and functions. Physical therapists help patients reduce pain, restore mobility, build strength, and return to daily activities, work, or sport. 

During an evaluation, a PT assesses posture, joint mobility, muscle strength, balance, coordination, and movement patterns. Based on these findings, they create a personalized treatment plan that may include therapeutic exercise, hands-on manual therapy, movement retraining, and education. Research shows that active, exercise-based physical therapy is one of the most effective treatments for musculoskeletal pain and long-term recovery. 

Physical therapy treats a wide range of musculoskeletal, neurological, and movement-related conditions. Common reasons people seek physical therapy include back pain, neck pain, shoulder pain, knee pain, hip pain, sports injuries, and post-surgical rehabilitation. 

Physical therapy is also effective for arthritis, tendon injuries, balance problems, overuse injuries, and chronic pain. In addition, PT is often used to improve strength, coordination, and mobility for neurological conditions such as stroke, Parkinson’s disease, and multiple sclerosis. Clinical guidelines support physical therapy as a first-line treatment for many conditions, often reducing the need for imaging, medications, or surgery. 

Your first physical therapy visit begins with a detailed evaluation. Your physical therapist will review your symptoms, medical history, activity level, and goals. This is followed by a physical exam that may include strength testing, flexibility, joint mobility, posture, balance, and functional movement assessments. 

After the evaluation, your therapist explains what is contributing to your pain or movement limitations and outlines a customized treatment plan. Many first visits also include initial treatment or guided exercises. This evaluation-based approach is supported by clinical research and is essential for effective, safe physical therapy care. 

Physical therapy should not cause sharp or severe pain. Some temporary discomfort or muscle soreness can be normal, especially when addressing stiffness, weakness, or long-standing pain. This is similar to soreness experienced when starting a new exercise program. 

Physical therapists closely monitor your response to treatment and adjust care as needed. Research supports a pain-informed, progressive approach to rehabilitation, which helps improve recovery while reducing the risk of reinjury. 

Physical Therapy Initial Visit and Follow-up Visits are 45 mintues. Initial visits include a comprehensive assessment and treatment planning. Follow-up visits focus on progressing exercises, hands-on treatment, reassessment, and education. 

The total number of sessions depends on your condition, goals, and how consistently exercises are performed outside of visits. Studies consistently show that adherence to home exercise programs improves outcomes and speeds recovery. 

In most cases, yes. Physical therapy is commonly covered by private insurance plans and Medicare when it is medically necessary.

Coverage depends on your specific plan. You may have:

• A co-pay or coinsurance
• A deductible that must be met first
• A limit on the number of visits
• A referral or prior authorization requirement

Every plan is different. That’s why we offer a free insurance verification before your first appointment. Our team will review your physical therapy benefits so you know your coverage, estimated out-of-pocket costs, and any requirements ahead of time.

The majority of our Physical Therapists are in network with Kaiser PPO, Premera, Regence, HMA, BCBS, UHC, Cigna and more. We encourage you to verify your insurance to learn your specific plan.