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.

Shoulder pain can come from several sources including rotator cuff irritation, labral issues, bursitis, tendon overload, joint stiffness (like frozen shoulder), poor mechanics during lifting, or nerve irritation from the neck. A physical therapist’s job is to identify your specific driver so treatment can be targeted and effective.

Total rest rarely helps shoulder pain. Gentle, guided movement keeps the joint healthy and reduces stiffness. A physical therapist will show you safe mobility and strengthening exercises—and help you avoid positions that overload irritated tissues while your shoulder heals.

Yes. Chronic shoulder pain often persists because the underlying issues—rotator cuff weakness, poor scapular control, joint stiffness, or compensation patterns—were never corrected. Physical therapy addresses these root causes so even long-standing shoulder pain can improve.

Absolutely. Many shoulder issues involve nerve irritation or referred pain from the neck. Physical therapy improves shoulder mechanics, decreases inflammation, restores mobility, and reduces pressure on irritated nerves so symptoms calm down quickly.

Untreated shoulder pain can lead to chronic stiffness, rotator cuff irritation, decreased strength, limited mobility overhead, and recurring flare-ups during workouts or daily tasks. Early treatment restores proper mechanics and prevents long-term degeneration.