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.

Knee pain can come from several sources including patellar tendon irritation, meniscus issues, ligament strain, joint stiffness, cartilage irritation, muscle imbalance, or poor hip/ankle mechanics that overload the knee. A physical therapist’s job is to identify your specific driver so treatment can be targeted and effective.

Knee pain is considered more serious if you experience locking, catching, swelling that keeps returning, instability or giving way, numbness, difficulty walking, or rapid worsening of symptoms. Even mild knee pain benefits from early evaluation to prevent chronic dysfunction.

Gentle movement is usually better than complete rest. Staying active helps maintain joint mobility, reduce stiffness, and keep the surrounding muscles working. A physical therapist will show you which movements are safe and which ones may temporarily aggravate irritated knee tissues.

Yes. Chronic knee pain often persists because the underlying issues—movement patterns, hip/ankle mobility restrictions, tendon overload, or strength imbalances—were never corrected. Physical therapy addresses these root causes so even long-standing knee pain can improve.

Absolutely. Some knee pain is influenced by referred symptoms from the hip or lower back, as well as nerve irritation. Physical therapy restores mobility, improves mechanics, reduces inflammation, and helps you move without flare-ups.

Untreated knee pain can lead to chronic stiffness, reduced strength, worsening tendon or cartilage irritation, and recurrent flare-ups with activities like squatting, walking, or lifting. Early treatment restores healthy mechanics and prevents long-term problems.