Are you in pain? Call a physical therapist first!
The best kept secret in the rehabilitation world – many people do not realize that you can see your physical therapist with or without a referral from a doctor.
Arizona is classified as an “unrestricted access” state. This allows complete access to physical therapy services without a prescription, with no visit limit. You can call us today and have an evaluation of your condition.
Click here to learn more about direct access to physical therapy.
Click here to decide which Petersen location is right for you!
Physical Therapy Services | What Can We Help You With?
Why Physical Therapy?
The purpose of physical therapy is to ultimately optimize your function by relieving pain in joints/muscles, improving the strength, flexibility, and mobility of tissue. If you’ve got pain or dysfunction somewhere in your body, we can help!
Physical therapy is one of the least invasive forms of treatment for pain and joint/muscle dysfunction. It has a proven track record of providing results where other treatment options have failed.
Many times our patients are surprised when their pain begins to vanish, because often they have been dealing with the pain a long time and didn’t expect the answer to be so simple.
![](https://petersenpt.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/Overuse-Injury-1024x684.jpeg)
Recent Videos, News, and Articles
![A physical therapist working on a patient's shoulder.](https://petersenpt.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/physical-therapist-working-on-patients-shoulder-300x175.jpg)
![Jeffrey Petersen, PT, MOMT](https://petersenpt.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/Jeff-Petersen-150x150.jpg)
A PT’s Tips on How to Choose a Physical Therapist
As we’ve mentioned many times on our site, we’ve had the pleasure of working with and meeting hundreds of physical therapists over the last 40
![A patient having his knee examined by a bad physical therapist.](https://petersenpt.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/patient-with-bad-physical-therapist-300x200.jpg)
![Jeffrey Petersen, PT, MOMT](https://petersenpt.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/Jeff-Petersen-150x150.jpg)
5 Signs of a Bad Physical Therapist
Over many years, we’ve worked with many physical therapists and heard from thousands of patients regarding their experiences with physical therapists, bad and good. Though
![A good physical therapist working with a patient on their shoulder mobility.](https://petersenpt.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/good-physical-therapist-with-patient-300x200.jpg)
![Jeffrey Petersen, PT, MOMT](https://petersenpt.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/Jeff-Petersen-150x150.jpg)
4 Signs of a Good Physical Therapist
Over the last 40 years in our physical therapy practice, we’ve met and worked with hundreds of different physical therapists. Many of them are excellent
![A runner with plantar fasciitis.](https://petersenpt.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/runner-with-plantar-fasciitis-300x200.jpg)
![Jeffrey Petersen, PT, MOMT](https://petersenpt.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/Jeff-Petersen-150x150.jpg)
Plantar Fasciitis: What causes it, and how to fix it
Whether you’ve developed plantar fasciitis in the last week or you’ve suffered from it for years, you know the struggle to maintain a daily quality
![Athletes playing football.](https://petersenpt.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/football-athletes-300x200.jpg)
![Jeremy Wachter](https://petersenpt.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/PPT-Logo-Transparent-Background-150x150.png)
The 5 Greatest Benefits of Physical Therapy for Athletes
We all know that in athletics, every little advantage counts. We’re always working to gain that competitive edge. What if we told you that something
![A woman experiencing shoulder pain.](https://petersenpt.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/shoulder-pain-300x225.jpg)
![Jeffrey Petersen, PT, MOMT](https://petersenpt.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/Jeff-Petersen-150x150.jpg)
When to See a Physical Therapist: Top 3 signs
We all know some of the obvious signs that it’s time to see a physical therapist: major sports injuries, recoveries from major surgeries, chronic pain
How Does It Work?
Upon your first call, we will ask you a few quick questions and then schedule you for an evaluation. This is an appointment with one of our therapists in the Petersen Physical Therapy location of your choice (Tempe, Maricopa, Mesa, East Mesa).
From here, treatment goals and a plan will be established with you, including agreed upon frequency and duration. Each appointment will build on the strengthening, flexibility, and mobility work established in the previous appointment.
You will be given exercises to do at home to maintain your progress as you continue your therapy. The importance of the “home exercise program” (HEP) is to provide you with the tools and knowledge to maintain your success outside of therapy.
Our therapists will take a hands on approach through utilizing individualized treatment methods. This is to promote mobility, function, and pain relief. All treatments are performed with your fully informed consent. Your therapist will take great care to explain the rationale for each treatment.
As you improve, we will help you monitor your progress all the way through discharge. Petersen Physical Therapy’s aim is to set you up for success and help you continue with managing your condition using your exercises.