First Visit Guide

Starting PT should be
simple, not stressful.

Here's everything you need to know before your first appointment — from insurance to what to wear. No surprises.

How to Get Started

Four steps to your first visit.

1

Request an appointment

Call us at (662) 714-3122 or fill out the online booking form. Tell us your primary concern and a few preferred times. We'll call you back within one business day to confirm.

No referral needed — Florida law allows direct access to PT.

2

We verify your insurance

Before your first visit, we call your insurance company and verify your physical therapy benefits — deductible status, copay, visit limits, and pre-authorization requirements. We report back to you so you know your out-of-pocket cost before you arrive.

Zero charge for this. We do it as a standard part of onboarding.

3

Complete intake paperwork

We'll send you a short intake form to complete before your first visit. It covers your medical history, current symptoms, medications, and goals. Takes about 10 minutes. Completing it ahead of time means your first appointment is focused on you — not paperwork.

4

Your initial evaluation

Your first appointment is a thorough evaluation — typically 60 minutes. Your therapist will review your history, conduct a physical assessment, discuss your goals, and often begin treatment in the same session. You'll leave with a clear plan and a home exercise program.

Before You Arrive

What to bring.

  • Photo ID (driver's license or state ID)
  • Insurance card(s) — primary and secondary if applicable
  • Physician's referral or prescription — only if your insurance requires one (we'll tell you if it does)
  • List of current medications
  • Any relevant imaging (X-rays, MRI reports) if you have them
  • Surgical reports if you're post-op
  • Completed intake paperwork (we'll send it ahead of time)

Day of Your Visit

What to wear.

  • Comfortable, loose-fitting clothing that allows easy movement
  • Shorts if treating a knee, hip, or lower leg
  • Tank top or loose shirt if treating a shoulder or neck
  • Sneakers or athletic shoes — flip flops make balance work difficult
  • Arrive 10 minutes early if it's your first visit

Your session will include movement, exercise, and hands-on work — dress accordingly. You won't need to change into a gown.

Common Questions

New patient FAQ.

Do I need a referral from my doctor?

No. Florida is a direct access state, which means you can come directly to us without a physician referral. However, some insurance plans still require one before they'll cover PT — we'll check your specific plan when we verify your benefits and let you know exactly what's needed.

How long is the first appointment?

Your initial evaluation is typically 60 minutes. Follow-up visits are usually 45–60 minutes. Because we do one-on-one care, your therapist is with you the entire time — not bouncing between patients.

How many visits will I need?

It depends on your condition, severity, and how well you respond to treatment. A straightforward muscle strain may resolve in 4–6 visits. Post-surgical rehab or neurological conditions often require more. We'll give you an honest estimate after your evaluation and update it as we progress.

Will PT hurt?

Some discomfort is normal — especially with hands-on work and therapeutic exercise. But pain that's sharp, shooting, or lasting well beyond the session is a signal we're going too hard or too fast. We calibrate intensity constantly and check in with you throughout. "Good sore" is expected; sharp pain is not acceptable.

Can I continue PT if I'm having surgery?

Pre-operative PT ("prehab") has strong evidence for improving post-surgical outcomes. We'll work with your surgeon's timeline and transition directly into your post-op protocol as soon as you're cleared. Continuity of care with the same therapist makes a meaningful difference.

What if my insurance doesn't cover PT?

We offer competitive self-pay rates and can discuss payment options. Call us at (662) 714-3122 — we'll find a way to make treatment accessible. We believe cost shouldn't be the barrier between you and recovery.

Do you treat children and seniors?

Yes. We see patients across the full age spectrum — from pediatric sports injuries to fall prevention and neurological rehab for older adults. Every plan is adapted to the patient's age, fitness level, and goals.

You're Ready

Take the first step
toward feeling better.