Aches & Pains? Why Physical Therapy Could Be The Best First Step
If you're dealing with a new injury, lingering soreness, or pain that just won't quit, your first instinct might be to reach for pain medication. Or maybe your primary reaction is to schedule an appointment with your primary care provider to get a referral to a specialist. Or maybe you’re ignoring it, figuring it’ll resolve itself before you can get in to see someone.
Maybe you have had an appointment and been told that prescription meds or even surgery are your next step. But what if there’s another option that’s faster, less invasive, and even more effective in the long run?
Physical therapy (PT) isn’t just for recovery after surgery or care for older adults. As a first step, it can significantly relieve pain, restore mobility, and even prevent the need for invasive procedures or long-term medication.
Keep reading to learn why PT is often the smartest place to start, and how you can get care quickly and easily.
Key takeaways:
Physical therapy is often an excellent first step for addressing pain and musculoskeletal injuries.
It addresses the root cause of symptoms rather than masking symptoms.
Early PT could help you avoid unnecessary medications, invasive, costly procedures, and long recovery times.
Thanks to direct access laws, you can often start PT without a referral.
Some conditions that could benefit from PT as a first-line treatment are back, neck, and joint pain, sports injuries like achilles tendinitis, and work-related injuries like pain from standing or lifting.
Should I See a Physical Therapist First?
In many situations, PT can be a powerful first-line treatment. Here’s why:
It Targets the Root Cause (Not Just the Symptoms)
Physical therapists are trained to identify and address the underlying causes of pain and dysfunction, such as:
Joint disorders
Muscle weakness
Movement patterns that put strain on the body
This targeted approach often means faster, longer-lasting relief instead of just masking symptoms with medication.
It Can Reduce Your Need for Medications
Because PT helps treat pain at its source, it can reduce your reliance on pain medications like opioids, which come with real risks (such as side effects, tolerance, and addiction).
In fact, one study of 150,000 insurance claims found that patients who started with PT as a first step for pain and injuries were 89% less likely to receive an opioid prescription.
By focusing on movement, strength, and long-term function, PT offers a safer, more sustainable path to relief.
It Quickly Improves Mobility, Function, and Even Well-Being
By improving mobility, coordination, and overall function, PT can help you get back to your daily routine with ease–and fast. Research has linked starting PT early to speedier recovery, especially if begun within 24-72 hours after an injury.
That means PT could help you get back to work, exercising, and other daily activities much more quickly. Plus, studies show you’ll be less likely to need surgery, injections, or long-term medications down the road.
And boosting physical function has benefits that go beyond the body. Many people report feeling more energetic, more independent, and less stressed as their mobility improves. This can translate to a greater sense of overall well-being.
It’s Non-Invasive, and Can Sometimes Prevent Surgery
Research shows that for many conditions, physical therapy can be as effective or even more effective than surgery–and without the risks, downtime, or complications. This is especially true for issues like:
Spinal stenosis (narrowing of the spine that puts pressure on nerves)
Knee osteoarthritis
Rotator cuff injury (pain and weakness in the muscles surrounding the shoulder)
According to one study, patients who chose PT first were:
28% less likely to need advanced imaging
15% less likely to visit the emergency room
If it turns out that you do need surgery, starting PT beforehand can still improve strength, mobility, and the health of your tissues, leading to:
Fewer complications
Better outcomes
A smoother, shorter recovery
It’s Cost-Effective and More Convenient
Because starting with PT can minimize unnecessary imaging, procedures, and specialist visits, it could save you hundreds–potentially even thousands–of dollars in out-of-pocket expenses.
And when you go directly to a physical therapist, you can avoid paying multiple copays. There’s no need to see a primary care provider first in many states.
Even better: Nice Healthcare members get virtual physical therapy visits right through the app.
Do I Need a Referral for Physical Therapy?
Thanks to recent “direct access” laws, you can often start working with a physical therapist without a referral from your primary care provider.
However, some states have limits on how long you can receive treatment without a referral. For example, if you’re in Nice Healthcare’s home state of Minnesota, you can get up to 90 days of treatment without one.
Some insurance plans may still require prior authorization. For the most accurate details, check with your benefits manager or insurance provider to confirm your coverage.
And visit the American Physical Therapy Association’s website for a breakdown of direct access laws in your state.
Common Clinical Reasons for Physical Therapy
Many people start PT for everyday issues like nagging pain, stiffness, or limited movement that just won’t go away. Here are some of the most common symptoms that can benefit from PT as a first step:
Back or neck pain that interferes with daily activities
Joint pain or stiffness in the knees, hips, shoulders, or other joints
Plantar fasciitis, sprains, or strains from overuse
Sports injuries, such as ankle sprains, rotator cuff injuries, runner’s knee, tennis elbow, and shin splints
Repetitive stress or work-related injuries like carpal tunnel syndrome, tendonitis, or pain from standing or lifting
Balance or mobility issues
Preventive care to stay active and avoid future injuries
Whether your discomfort just started or has been building over time, PT can help you uncover the root cause and get you moving in the right direction again.
What Does Physical Therapy Involve?
PT is a movement-based approach to treating pain, boosting mobility, and helping your body function at its best. Depending on your needs and goals, your PT plan may include:
Guided exercises to strengthen muscles, improve flexibility, and support joint function
Pain management strategies like stretching, muscle activation, and activity modification
Mobility and balance training to reduce fall risk and improve daily movement
Postural and body mechanics education to prevent injury and relieve strain and overuse
At Nice, all PT takes place virtually with a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) who tailors your care to fit your goals, lifestyle, and daily routine, helping you make fast, real progress that lasts.
Start Your Physical Therapy Journey with Nice
PT isn’t just for injury recovery. It’s often one of the smartest first steps you can take to relieve pain, prevent future injury, and stay active in everyday life.
And with Nice Healthcare, getting started couldn’t be easier. You can schedule a virtual PT session directly through the Nice Healthcare app–no referral needed.
A DPT will assess your condition, talk through your goals, and create a personalized plan that works for your unique situation. If you’re already working with a Nice clinician, they can also refer you to PT as part of your care.
And best of all? If you're a Nice Healthcare member, physical therapy is included.
From chronic back pain and joint discomfort to mobility issues and even pelvic health concerns, our therapists provide expert, one-on-one care through convenient virtual visits. You'll receive targeted exercises, education, and regular check-ins–plus adjustments to your plan as your needs evolve.
To get started, download the Nice Healthcare app and schedule your virtual PT session. We're here to help you take that first step toward feeling better, faster.
If you’re unsure whether you have access to Nice Healthcare, check with your benefits manager.