ABA Physical Therapy Associates is a clinic founded in San Mateo in 1986. Many of the therapists have more than 25 years of experience in the field. The clinic is accredited by the Better Business Bureau with an A+ rating. The practice treats orthopedic problems, back pain, neck pain, hip pain, carpel tunnel syndrome, osteoporosis, auto injuries, work-related injuries, sports injuries, and other pain and injuries.
Ace Physical Therapy & Sports Medicine treats patients using manual therapy techniques, therapeutic exercise programs, electrotherapeutic modalities, mechanical lumbar traction, and other techniques. Founded in 1998, the clinic emphasizes treatments for sports injuries and orthopedic issues. Patients have praised Ace Physical Therapy & Sports Medicine for its helpful, fast-working treatments and friendly staff.
Since 2005, Apex Physical Therapy has been providing its services to individuals in San Mateo. It has since expanded its service area to San Carlos and San Francisco. Apex Physical Therapy offers individualized physical therapy treatment programs that include a combination of manual therapy and exercise. Tony Tognetti, its founder, has more than 15 years of experience in treating peripheral musculoskeletal conditions. His clinical interest is in orthopedic sports medicine, with a particular focus on the treatment of shoulder and knee disorders.
Beacon Physical Therapy, Inc. gives rehabilitative services including athletic injury training, postural and ergonomic evaluations, chronic pain, pre- and post-surgical rehabilitation, and performance enhancement. The clinic's one-on-one sessions include manual therapy, postural education, and exercise. The practice won OpenCare's Patients' Choice Award in 2015.
Brady Physical Therapy has been serving the San Francisco area for more than 35 years. The clinic offers industrial programs, back and neck pain treatments, post-surgery rehabilitation, bone and joint treatments, sports medicine, and hand and arm treatments. Patients attest to the practice's professional, encouraging, and supportive staff.
Since 2011, G Sports Physical Therapy, Inc. has cared for San Francisco patients and stayed on top of the latest developments in the field. The practice's physical therapists were selected to be on the Wellness Team for the U.S. Open Golf Championships in 2012, 2013, and 2014. The clinic's physical therapy services include orthopedic and sports rehabilitation, pre- and post-surgery rehabilitation, spinal stabilization training, cryotherapy, and mechanical traction.
Golden Gate Physical Therapy has been serving the San Francisco area since 1991. The practice is a member of the American Physical Therapy Association, the National Strength and Conditioning Association, CityAthletes, and PacWest Athletes. The therapists have experience in neuromuscular and orthopedic evaluations, pre- and post-operative management, chronic pain treatment, geriatric care, and repetitive stress injury.
Kauno is a physical therapy and training provider with two locations in the San Francisco area. The company's team of doctors shortens recovery times for clients who have experienced surgery, pain disorders, and sports injuries. Kauno employs a staff of physical therapists and medical experts who are highly skilled in spinal manipulation therapy and functional range release. The center's specialists are also certified in functional range conditioning and active release techniques.
Move Easy Physical Therapy is a private practice whose therapist has more than 30 years of experience in movement and dance. The practice uses manual therapy, ergonomic problem solving, light therapy, and other techniques to treat its patients. The clinic is a member of the International Association for Dance Medicine & Science and the American Physical Therapy Association.
On the Move Physical Therapy is a facility based in Belmont that practices physical therapy and gives Pilates lessons. The clinic's physical therapy units include treatment and evaluation, athlete or dancer evaluations, and injury consultations. The owner is an active member of the American Physical Therapy Association, the International Association for Dance Medicine and Science, and USA Gymnastics.
Potrero Physical Therapy specializes in customized home exercise programs and musculo-skeletal problems of the spine and extremities. The practice's services include Pilates-based rehabilitation, aquatic physical therapy, manual therapy, home exercise programs, video gait analysis, comprehensive spine care, and personal training. The clinic's owner has worked in the field for more than 20 years.
Red Hawk Physical Therapy has been caring for San Francisco patients since 1994. The practice aims to help patients regain function, restore range of motion, increase strength and endurance, and relieve pain. The clinic practices myofacial release, acupressure, yoga-based exercise, aquatic therapy, joint mobilization, electrical stimulation, and other techniques. Red Hawk Physical Therapy hosts group and one-on-one yoga classes.
Rising Sun Physical Therapy practices general physical therapy, orthopedic rehab, pelvic floor rehab, women's health treatments, cancer rehab, post-surgical rehab, and pain management techniques. The clinic offers wellness programs for infants, mothers, children, and expecting mothers. The founder has more than 30 years of experience in the field. Clients have praised Rising Sun Physical Therapy for its well-organized office and professional, caring staff.
Scarpelli and Associates Physical Therapy won the 2014 San Francisco Outstanding Clinic Award and the 2014 Patient's Choice Award. The San Francisco physical therapy clinic has served the area for more than 30 years. The therapists treat issues including arthritis, scoliosis, headaches, trauma, sprains, muscle contusions, tendon injuries, and sports injuries. Clients say the therapists are smart, kind, and caring.
TherapydiaSF is a network of physical therapy clinics in the San Francisco area. The therapists are trained in PRI, DNS, SFMA, Australian techniques, and other techniques. The practice provides orthotic therapy, runner's therapy, Pilates, fitness screening, group classes, and workplace wellness therapy. Patients have praised the clinic for its knowledgeable, skilled therapists and effective treatments.
Since 1986, Ultrahealth has provided sports physical therapy and training. The San Francisco physical therapy clinic treats injuries in the foot, knee, hip, pelvic region, back, neck, shoulders, elbows, hands, and jaw. The therapists give personal training customized to its clients' needs. Clients have praised Ultrahealth for its professional, skilled staff who care for their clients.
Physical therapy is a medical practice involving therapeutic activities to help patients regain mobility and normal bodily functions. It provides a remedy for the treatment of injuries, medical conditions, and pain management. Physical therapists receive a diagnosis from a physician, identify the appropriate treatment plan, and conduct customized therapy sessions to restore or better physical function.
Physical therapy and occupational therapy retrain the body and mind and play a vital role in improving or maintaining physical functions. Occupational therapy focuses on enhancing fine-motor skills or hand-eye coordination to perform daily activities, such as getting dressed or writing. Physiotherapy concentrates on improving pain, physical deterioration, and range of motion by stimulating blood circulation with targeted exercise.
Physical therapists help relieve pain and improve physical strength and movement to individuals of all ages with injuries or debilitating diseases, whether acute or chronic. They consult with doctors to learn about the patients' needs, evaluate movement dysfunctions, teach patients how to use equipment, and provide treatments, such as massage. Other responsibilities include monitoring progress and altering treatment as necessary.
Physical therapist assistants work under the supervision of physical therapists. Their responsibilities include reporting patient progress and working with individuals of all ages on therapeutic exercises, gait and balance training, and how to use recovery equipment.
Physical therapists are considered doctors of physical therapy and are qualified to use the title "Dr." in front of their name. The biggest difference between them and medical doctors is that PTs use exercises and massage to restore their patients' health, whereas doctors offer treatment using medications and surgeries.
Physical therapists don't perform medical diagnoses. In most cases, doctors perform the medical diagnoses and refer the patient to a physical therapist for rehabilitative treatment. The physical therapist conducts a physical evaluation to pinpoint the nature and extent of the physical damage or impairment and prepares a treatment plan.
Physical therapy usually lasts for 30 to 60 minutes per session. The length and frequency of the sessions depend on the type of therapy and the stage of recovery the patient is in. For injuries, such as muscle sprains, therapy may last for a few weeks, while in more severe cases, such as spinal injury, it may continue for years.
The overall cost of physical therapy depends on the number of sessions prescribed and the duration and type of treatment performed. On average, physical therapy costs between $75 and $150 per session, with patients requiring two to three sessions per week for 12 weeks. Additionally, equipment that is required for rehabilitation, such as hot and cold packs, crutches, exercise balls, and balance boards, may be included as part of the cost of physical therapy.
Many medical insurance service providers cover physical therapy. In some cases, the insurance may offer a co-pay option for medically necessary PT. With medical insurance, patients can pay as much as $20 to $55 per session. Some medical insurance plans, however, limit the number of physical therapy sessions they cover.
Medicare provides coverage for outpatient physical therapy. The plan covers 80% of treatment costs, leaving patients to pay the remaining 20%. Most Medicare plans have an upper limit of $2,110, and in cases where costs exceed this amount, your doctor is required to indicate that the therapy is medically necessary.
Physical therapy involves a lot of movement and exercise, so it's advisable to wear loose, lightweight clothing that doesn't restrict movement. This includes athletic wear, such as t-shirts, gym shorts, yoga or sweat pants, or tank tops. Supportive shoes, such as sneakers, are necessary, so no sandals, heels, or boots.
Compassion, attention to detail, good communication skills, and patience are all qualities necessary for a successful career as a physical therapist. To become licensed, they must meet academic qualifications, including a bachelor's degree and a doctorate in physical therapy. Applicants are then required to pass the National Physical Therapy Examination.
To become a physical therapist, an individual requires a bachelor’s degree in any field related to health sciences. This includes curricula in kinesiology, biomechanics, behavioral sciences, and physiology. The individual must then proceed to a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree, which is accredited by the CAPTE.
An individual becomes a physical therapy assistant by earning an associate's degree in physical therapy assistant. The program is accredited by CAPTE and takes two years to complete. On completing the associate degree program, graduates take a licensure exam administered by NPTE. Applicants who pass the exam are licensed and can practice physical therapy freely in any state.
Cumulatively, an aspiring physical therapist needs to take seven years of college education before becoming licensed. Prospective therapists start with a bachelor’s degree, which takes four years to accomplish, then proceed into a doctorate program, which takes three years to complete. High school students can shorten this duration by taking a Freshman Entry Doctor of Physical Therapy program that takes six years.
Like any other profession, incentives in the physiotherapy industry depend on experience. According to BLS's 2020 report, the entry-level physical therapist made about $63,530, while highly experienced therapists made $126,780. The median pay was $91,010, with the PT’s area of specialization affecting the payment.
The salary of a physical therapist assistant varies, depending on their experience and the employer. Based on BLS reports, in 2020, the median salary for a physical therapist assistant was $59,770 per year, and physical therapist aides making a median pay of $28,450 for the year.
