Enhanced Accessibility to Physical Therapy Services Now Available for Patients in Virginia

We’re proud to share important updates that will benefit your journey to better musculoskeletal health. As of July 1, 2023, the landscape of access to Physical Therapy services in Virginia has evolved positively.

Gone are the days when you needed a physician’s referral to access Physical Therapy services and Trigger Point Dry Needling treatments in Virginia. This transformative change means you can now consider Physical Therapy as your first line of defense for musculoskeletal pain and injuries.

Under the previous Virginia Law, Physical Therapy services without a proper referral were limited to 60 days, and all Trigger Point Dry Needling required a physician’s referral. Beyond this period, a physician’s approval was necessary to continue Physical Therapy services. With the recent legislative shift, patients can now connect with licensed Physical Therapists in Virginia more conveniently and at an earlier stage. The previous 60-day restriction on Physical Therapy services no longer applies. Research has demonstrated that when patients commence Physical Therapy care promptly, they may achieve better outcomes, leading to reduced medical costs compared to scenarios where a physician’s visit is a prerequisite.

It’s important to note that the provisions related to direct access, effective from July 1, 2023, pertain to existing direct access patients and those evaluated on or after this date. This change marks the elimination of the 60-day treatment window without a referral for all patients.

For those who initiated their Physical Therapy through direct access before July 1, 2023, we understand you might have questions about Trigger Point Dry Needling. In the past, patients seeking dry needling treatments were required to obtain a referral from a doctor or practitioner before receiving the treatment from a Physical Therapist.
However, the landscape has transformed as of July 1, 2023. We’re delighted to inform you that patients seeking dry needling treatments no longer need a doctor or practitioner referral to receive these treatments from our skilled Physical Therapists.

These changes represent a significant step forward in enhancing your access to quality Physical Therapy care.

We are here to support you in your journey toward improved musculoskeletal health. Please remember that the rules surrounding Direct Access to Physical Therapy services are determined by each State Board of Medicine, and the specifics might differ based on individual state legislation.
If you have any questions or would like to schedule an appointment, feel free to reach out to us. We’re dedicated to providing premium care and guidance on your path to better well-being.