Not Sure What's Causing Your Pain?

Many people put off physical therapy because they are not sure what is causing their pain, or because they think they need a diagnosis from another doctor first. The truth is that physical therapists are trained diagnosticians — evaluating movement, identifying dysfunction, and determining the source of pain is a core part of what we do.

In Delaware, you can see a physical therapist directly without a physician referral (this is called direct access)*. If we determine during your evaluation that your condition requires medical workup or imaging, we will refer you to the appropriate provider. But in many cases, we can identify the problem and begin treatment on your first visit.

• What’s Causing My Pain? — Learn about common pain patterns and what they might indicate
• When to See a PT — Signs that physical therapy is the right next step for your symptoms
• Request an Evaluation — Schedule a one-on-one evaluation to find out what’s going on

Your initial evaluation is a one-hour, one-on-one session with a licensed physical therapist. During this visit, your therapist will listen to your story, ask detailed questions about your symptoms, and perform a thorough physical examination including movement testing, strength assessment, and specialized tests to identify the source of your pain.

By the end of your first visit, you will have a clear understanding of what is causing your symptoms, a treatment plan, and — in most cases — some immediate strategies for managing your pain. No referral needed*, no guesswork required.