Doctors prescribe physical therapy for a lot of different reasons. Typically, they will also recommend a specific therapist or clinic as well. But do you need to visit this recommended clinic, or can you choose your own PT? In this physical therapy patient education article, we will talk about your options when your physician or surgeon recommends physical therapy.
When Your Doctor Recommends Physical Therapy
Your doctor or surgeon may recommend physical therapy for a wide variety of reasons – from surgery to chronic pain conditions.
When this happens, your physician will likely recommend a specific clinic of therapist to you. Most doctors and surgeons develop relationships with clinics and PTs over the years that they like and trust. The particular therapist they recommend you to will likely be sub-specialized and a great fit for your situation. For example, if you have ankle surgery done to repair your Achilles tendon, your ankle surgeon will recommend you to a therapist who specializes in rehabilitating the ankle and foot. Matching the right physical therapist to the right patient is a crucial aspect of recovery.
Direct Access
But what if you want to choose your own physical therapist? Do you have to go with the PT that your doctor recommends? The short answer is no. In Minnesota, patients have direct access to physical therapy – meaning they can make an appointment even if they don’t have a referral or prescription. So if you have a favorite physical therapist that you know or have seen before, you can make your appointment with them even if your doctor recommends someone else.
Physical Therapy Clinic in the Twin Cities
OrthoRehab Specialists has over two decades of experience providing physical therapy treatment to patients throughout the Twin Cities. Our physical therapists are recognized as experts in the field, with over 600 surgeons and physicians who regularly refer their patients to us for rehabilitation. Don’t have a referral or prescription? Don’t worry about it! We offer direct access to physical therapy for patients in Minnesota, so you can schedule your appointment with or without a referral. Contact us today at one of our Minnesota physical therapy clinics (located in Edina and Minneapolis) to set up your appointment and see what physical therapy can do for you!
PT of Costa Rican National Soccer Team for 2007 World Cup in Victoria, CAN. Clinical Instructor for University of Minnesota Doctor of Physical Therapy Affiliations
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