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.

Elbow pain can come from tendon irritation (like tennis elbow or golfer’s elbow), joint stiffness, ligament strain, nerve irritation, overuse from gripping or lifting, or poor shoulder/wrist mechanics that overload the elbow. A physical therapist’s job is to identify your specific driver so treatment can be targeted and effective.

Elbow pain is more serious if you experience sharp catching, significant weakness, numbness/tingling down the arm, trouble gripping objects, swelling, or pain that worsens quickly. Even mild symptoms benefit from early evaluation to prevent chronic tendon irritation.

Complete rest usually slows recovery. Gentle, guided movement helps restore blood flow and calm irritated tissues. A physical therapist will show you safe strengthening and mobility exercises while helping you avoid gripping or lifting patterns that aggravate the elbow.

Yes. Chronic elbow pain often persists because the underlying issues—tendon overload, poor mechanics, shoulder weakness, or wrist stiffness—were never corrected. Physical therapy addresses these root causes so even long-standing elbow pain can improve.

Absolutely. Conditions like radial nerve irritation, ulnar nerve irritation, and referred pain from the neck often create elbow or forearm symptoms. Physical therapy restores mobility, reduces nerve tension, improves mechanics, and helps prevent flare-ups.

Untreated elbow pain can progress into chronic tendon degeneration, persistent weakness, reduced grip strength, and recurring flare-ups with workouts or daily tasks. Early treatment restores healthy mechanics and prevents long-term dysfunction.