Many P.T.'s in Oregon are licensed to treat without referral. This designation, called "direct access", means you can receive treatment from a qualified physical therapist for up to 30 days without a physicians referral.

To become certified for direct access, your therapist has completed an 18-hour medical screening course, passed an examination and completed a required number of continuing education hours. This certification is renewed every three years. There is also legislation being introduced to eliminate the 30 day restriction, as physical therapists are the only ancillary providers who have this requirement, and yet are equally or more qualified than other non-physician providers.

Your physical therapist has been thoroughly trained to evaluate and treat disorders and injuries of the movement systems which include your muscles, joints, nervous system and connective tissues. Ask if your therapist is certified to practice without referral and call to set up your first appointment. At the time of your first visit, your therapist will help you decide on the course of action to best recover from your injury, and is trained to refer you to a physician if there are indicators that your condition is beyond a straight forward strain. If you have questions, you can always call our physical therapy clinic, and one of our therapists can speak with you and guide you in the appropriate direction.

We'd be delighted to answer your questions, so feel free to email us or come on in! We're currently offering a free screening and we'd love for you to take us up on it!