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.

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.

Balance issues can come from inner ear dysfunction (vestibular problems), neck stiffness, vision changes, nerve irritation, poor lower-body strength, medication side effects, or movement patterns that affect stability. A physical therapist’s job is to identify your specific driver so treatment can be targeted and effective.

Balance issues are more serious if you experience sudden dizziness, severe vertigo, slurred speech, numbness, fainting, worsening headaches, or difficulty walking. Even mild unsteadiness deserves early evaluation, as it increases fall risk and limits daily function.

In most cases, gentle movement is better than rest. Staying active helps the brain and vestibular system recalibrate. A physical therapist will guide you on safe, controlled movements while helping you avoid positions that aggravate dizziness.

Yes. Chronic balance problems often persist because the underlying issues—vestibular dysfunction, strength deficits, poor gaze stability, or reduced joint awareness—were never properly addressed. Physical therapy targets these root causes so even long-standing imbalance can improve.

Absolutely. Vestibular rehabilitation is one of the most effective treatments for dizziness, vertigo, unsteadiness, and gaze instability. PT can reduce symptoms quickly and help your system return to normal function.

Without treatment, balance problems can worsen over time, increasing the risk of falls, limiting independence, and making activities like walking, turning the head, or exercising more difficult. Early treatment improves confidence, safety, and daily function.