The Therapist Will Discuss the Following:
- Your medical history
- Your current problems/complaints
- Pain intensity, what aggravates and eases the problem
- How this is impacting your daily activities or your functional limitations
- Your goals with physical therapy
- Medications, tests, and procedures related to your health
The therapist will perform a variety of assessments to understand the symptoms you are experiencing and, just as importantly, to devise a comprehensive program to treat the underlying cause of your problems. A plan is developed with the patient’s input. This includes how many times you should see the therapist per week, how many weeks you will need therapy, home programs, patient education, short-term/long-term goals, and what is expected after discharge from therapy. A patient will go home with handouts/pictures of an individualized Home Exercise Program to help the patient achieve their goals as quickly as possible. This plan is created with input from you, your therapist, and your doctor.
Many physical therapy patients will come to BEST PT after first seeing a General Practitioner and/or Orthopedic Surgeon.
California is a direct-access state, meaning you can receive physical therapy treatment without a prescription from a physician. At your initial evaluation, your Physical Therapist may be able to diagnose your problem. In some cases, your Therapist may refer you to an Orthopedic Surgeon or to another medical office.
We have close relationships with the best physicians in the Bay Area, many of whom lead in their field. If we cannot help you, we will strive to connect you with the medical professionals who can.
Please wear comfortable athletic clothing, as well as athletic shoes and socks, for your Physical Therapy and/or Personal Training appointment.
For your first appointment, please arrive 15 minutes prior to your scheduled appointment. Payment will be collected at the beginning of your appointment.
No Prescription Needed
Direct Access: In Many States You Don’t Need a Prescription to Start Physical Therapy — Choose physical therapy first to eliminate pain, optimize your function and be one step closer to living pain free.
Did you know physical therapy can be the solution to help get you back to doing the things you love? Come see us first, without a prescription in many states, and we can help you recover from different pains, sprains or strains in your joints, back, knees or muscles.
Some states require you to see a physician and get a prescription before seeing one of our physical therapists. However, a prescription is not required in several states where we have clinics. This means you have direct access to physical therapy, without the need for a referral or prescription from your physician. Direct access provides you with an immediate physical therapy option that allows you to start your treatment as soon as possible.
Early intervention of physical therapy can eliminate the need for unnecessary medication, surgery or extensive imaging tests – including X-Rays, MRIs and CT scans. And if you do need to see a specialist, our therapists will refer you to the right healthcare professionals. This ensures that you receive the quality care you need, right from the beginning.
We’re More Than Physical Therapists
We want to help set you on a clear path toward life without pain. Seeing one of our experts first provides you with a personalized plan to reach your health goals and minimize the risk of future injury. We are passionate about exceptional care, and work closely with you throughout your treatment to get you back to the activities you enjoy.
Your initial Physical Therapy appointment will start with a private conversation between you and your therapist. He or she will work with you to assess your medical history and your goals moving forward. Through this assessment, your therapist will analyze your movement patterns (noting imbalances, weaknesses, stability, mobility, stiffness, etc.) and how these movement patterns relate to the cause and/or irritation of your injury.