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.

Wrist and hand pain can come from tendon irritation, joint stiffness, carpal tunnel syndrome, ligament strain, overuse from gripping or lifting, nerve compression, or movement mechanics that overload the wrist and hand. A physical therapist’s job is to identify your specific driver so treatment can be targeted and effective.

Symptoms are more serious if you notice numbness or tingling in the fingers, sharp catching, visible swelling, weakness when gripping, dropping objects unexpectedly, or symptoms that worsen quickly. Even mild wrist or hand pain deserves early evaluation to prevent chronic irritation.

Complete rest rarely leads to long-term improvement. Gentle movement helps reduce stiffness and improves blood flow. A physical therapist will guide you on safe mobility, strengthening, and ergonomic strategies—while helping you avoid motions that compress or overload irritated tissues.

Without proper treatment, wrist and hand pain can progress into chronic tendon degeneration, persistent numbness or tingling, grip weakness, reduced mobility, and difficulty performing everyday tasks. Early treatment restores healthy mechanics and prevents long-term dysfunction.