In most cases, no. Most states allows for "Direct Access," meaning you can come directly to a physical therapist for an evaluation and treatment without seeing a doctor first. This gets you on the road to recovery faster. However, if you are using insurance there are some specific plans that do have requirements regarding signatures or referrals. If your insurance has specific requirements, we will let you know before your first visit.  (Medicare does NOT require a referral to get started with therapy).

During your first visit, you'll undergo a comprehensive evaluation. We'll discuss your medical history, assess your current condition, and perform a physical examination. This helps us understand your specific needs and goals. Based on this information, we'll develop a personalized treatment plan tailored to your unique situation. You'll also have the opportunity to ask any questions and discuss any concerns you might have about your treatment.

Low back pain can come from many sources including joint irritation, disc issues, muscle strain, stenosis, nerve irritation (like sciatica), or movement dysfunction. A physical therapist’s job is to identify your specific driver so treatment can be targeted and effective.

Seek care quickly if you experience pain that radiates below the knee, numbness/tingling, weakness, bowel or bladder changes, or pain that does not improve with rest. Even if your symptoms aren’t serious, early evaluation prevents small problems from becoming chronic issues.

Research shows that gentle movement is usually better than rest. Staying active helps reduce stiffness, improve blood flow, and speed up healing. Your PT will show you exactly what movements are safe—and which ones to temporarily avoid.

Yes. Chronic low back pain often persists because the underlying movement, strength, or coordination issues were never addressed. Our approach focuses on identifying root causes—not just treating symptoms—so even long-standing pain can improve.

Absolutely. Sciatica is often caused by nerve irritation related to mobility issues, disc mechanics, or muscular imbalance. Physical therapy restores mobility, reduces nerve tension, and teaches you how to avoid flare-ups.

Yes. When appropriate, we use manual therapy techniques like joint mobilization, soft-tissue work, dry needling, and directional loading strategies. These help decrease pain quickly so you can move more easily and progress into strengthening.

In many cases, yes. Most pain improves with the right combination of movement correction, strength training, and hands-on care. We’ll also tell you honestly if imaging or a surgical consult is appropriate.

Yes. One of our main goals is education. You’ll understand exactly what is causing your pain, why it’s happening, and how to fix it. Knowing the root cause reduces fear and speeds up recovery.

If pain limits your workouts, daily activities, sleep, or quality of life—even slightly—PT is the right next step. A short evaluation can determine exactly what’s going on and what your fastest path forward looks like.

Untreated low back pain can worsen over time, leading to recurring flare-ups, stiffness, nerve symptoms, and decreased mobility. Early treatment prevents chronic issues and helps you avoid unnecessary costs or procedures.