Post-surgery rehab. Rotator cuff tear. Knee that's been bothering you since that weekend hiking trip six months ago. PT works when you actually do it - which means finding a therapist you trust, not just whoever's in-network closest to your house.
Good physical therapists spend real time with you - not 5 minutes of hands-on and 45 minutes on a stationary bike. They assess your movement patterns, explain why something hurts and what's causing it, and give you homework you can actually do. They also adjust based on how you're responding, not just running a generic 12-session protocol.
Initial evaluations run $150-$250 without insurance. Most plans cover PT with a copay after a physician referral. Ask if the PT is doing direct care or will be handing you off to aides and assistants - that's common at high-volume clinics and you're getting a worse product. Red flag: anyone who won't give you a realistic timeline or measurable goals for your treatment.