No Referral Needed: See a Physical Therapist Directly in California and Start Feeling Better Sooner

Did you know that in California, you can see a physical therapist directly — without a doctor’s referral?

That’s right. Whether you’re dealing with nagging back pain, a stiff shoulder, or a post-injury issue that just won’t go away, you don’t have to wait weeks to get help. At Healing Arts Physical Therapy, you can schedule an appointment and start treatment right away — saving you time, money, and unnecessary suffering.

What Is Direct Access

Direct Access means you can go directly to a licensed physical therapist for evaluation and treatment without first seeing a physician. California law allows physical therapists to treat patients for up to 45 days or 12 visits (whichever comes first) without a medical referral.

After that, if further care is needed, we can coordinate with your doctor to keep you progressing safely and effectively.

Why It Matters: Save Time, Money, and Pain

1. No Unnecessary Delays

• Skip the waiting room and avoid multiple doctor visits.

• Start treatment immediately, often within days of injury or symptom onset.

2. Lower Overall Costs

• Direct PT care reduces the need for expensive imaging, unnecessary medications, or specialist referrals.

• Studies show early physical therapy reduces long-term healthcare costs and improves outcomes.

3. Avoid Prolonged Pain or Dysfunction

• Delaying care can lead to worsening symptoms, compensatory injuries, and longer recovery times.

• Early intervention helps you recover faster and more completely.

Why Physical Therapists Should Be Your First Call for Musculoskeletal Pain

Physical therapists are experts in movement, biomechanics, and musculoskeletal conditions. We're trained to:

• Diagnose and treat muscle, joint, and nerve issues

• Provide hands-on care through manual therapy

• Improve mobility and reduce stiffness

• Design customized exercise programs to restore strength and function

• Educate patients on body mechanics, injury prevention, and long-term wellness

We help people with:

• Back, neck, and shoulder pain

• Knee, hip, and foot issues

• Sciatica and nerve pain

• Sports injuries and sprains

• Post-surgical rehab and chronic pain management

You don’t need to live with pain — and you don’t need a referral to start healing.

We Accept Insurance and Cash Pay

At Healing Arts Physical Therapy, we proudly accept:

• Medicare

• Tricare

• Anthem Blue Cross

• Blue Shield of California

• Blue Cross of California

• Workers’ Comp, Auto Insurance, and Personal Injury Liens

We also offer affordable cash-pay options for patients without insurance or those who want fast, direct access to care.

Your Path to Pain-Free Living Starts Here

If you’ve been putting off care because you thought you needed a referral — you don’t. If you’ve been told to “wait and see” — you don’t have to. If you’re tired of hurting — we’re ready to help.

Let Healing Arts PT be your first step toward moving better, feeling better, and getting your life back.

Call us today at (530) 329-8490 to schedule your first appointment — no referral required.