How does physical therapy work?

A PT evaluates your movement, strength, and pain triggers. You receive a personalized plan with exercises, hands-on care when useful, and coaching on daily habits. Progress is tracked and progressed as you improve.

Does physical therapy hurt?

Therapy should stay within a tolerable range. You may feel effort or mild soreness after new activity, but pain should not spike. Plans are adjusted to keep symptoms manageable.

Do I need a referral for PT in Florida?

Florida allows direct access to PT for evaluation and treatment with limits. If a referral is needed for your case or insurance, we will let you know.

What should I wear to PT?

Wear comfortable clothing and shoes that allow you to move. For knee or shoulder care, choose clothing that makes the joint easy to access.

How is PT different from chiropractic care?

PT focuses on exercise therapy, movement training, and joint protection. Chiropractic focuses on joint manipulation. Many people benefit from a coordinated plan that blends both.

Will insurance cover PT?

Coverage varies by plan. Our team can verify your benefits and review any costs before you start.

Understanding Physical Therapy | PT and Chiropractor of Miami, FL

Q: How many sessions will I need?

It depends on your condition and goals. Many people start with 2 to 3 visits per week for a few weeks, then taper as they gain strength and function.

Step 1: The Evaluation

Your first visit is a focused conversation and movement screen. We map your symptoms, review your goals, and test motion, strength, balance, and key movement patterns. We also look at work and training demands so your plan is realistic.

History: how your pain behaves, what helps, what makes it worse.
Movement tests: spine, hips, shoulders, or other joints as needed.
Strength and balance: simple tests that guide your program.
Goal setting: clear milestones that match your life and sport.

Step 2: Your Personalized Plan

Most people start with 2 to 3 visits per week for a few weeks. You also get a short home routine that fits in 10 to 15 minutes per day. As you improve, visits taper and your home plan advances.

Exercise therapy: mobility, strength, and balance work built around your needs.
Education: how to pace activity, adjust posture, and manage flares.
Manual therapy when useful: joint or soft tissue techniques to reduce stiffness and pain.
Options to integrate chiropractic: we coordinate with our Chiropractic Care team when joint restriction is a key factor.

What Treatments Look Like

Exercise First

Mobility drills that target tight or guarded areas.
Strength progressions with clear sets and reps.
Balance and coordination for safer daily movement.

Hands-On Care

Gentle joint and soft tissue techniques to improve motion.
Traction or taping when appropriate for symptom relief.

Symptom Control

Position changes and pacing to calm irritation.
Heat or cold based on your preference and response.

How We Track Progress

Function: can you sit, stand, lift, reach, or walk longer with less pain.
Strength and range: measured improvements session to session.
Symptoms: less frequent or less intense flare ups.
Goal checks: we reassess and update targets every few weeks.

What a Visit Feels Like

Brief check-in on pain, sleep, and activity since last session.
Warm up and mobility work.
Targeted strength and balance with coaching on form.
Hands-on care if it helps your goals.
Wrap up with next steps and a simple home plan.

What Results to Expect

Many people notice early changes within 2 to 4 weeks. Steady, long term gains build over months with consistent work. Results vary by condition, but the basic pattern is the same: reduce irritation, restore motion, build strength, and return to the things you enjoy.

Working through low back or hip pain? See our overview on low back and hip care.

Red flags: seek urgent care for rapidly worsening weakness, new loss of bowel or bladder control, saddle numbness, fever with severe night pain, or a recent major trauma.

Common Questions

Do I need imaging first?

Usually no. We start with a thorough exam. If imaging would change your plan, we coordinate it.

Will I be sore?

You may feel normal workout soreness at first. Pain should not spike. We adjust based on your response.

Can PT help chronic pain?

Often yes. We focus on safe movement, pacing, and strength while addressing sensitive areas step by step.

Physical Therapy in South Beach Miami

We serve Miami Beach, South Beach, and nearby neighborhoods. Same week appointments are often available. Start with Physical Therapy, add Chiropractic Care if needed, or contact us with questions.

Call now: (305) 673-8248