This is one of the most common questions people ask when pain, stiffness, or movement issues start to interfere with daily life.
The short answer: it depends on where you live.
Understanding the rules in your state can help you get care sooner.
Spooner has clinics in both Arizona and Texas, and each state has different guidelines for starting physical or occupational therapy.
How do I see a Physical or Occupational Therapist in Arizona?
Arizona is a direct access state. This means you can schedule an appointment with a physical or occupational therapist without a doctor’s referral.
If pain, stiffness, or movement limitations are affecting your day-to-day life, there’s no need to wait to see another provider first. You can contact your local clinic or schedule online to get started right away.
How do I see a Physical or Occupational Therapist in Texas?
Texas also allows direct access—but with an important distinction.
Under current Texas law, you can see a physical or occupational therapist without a referral for up to three weeks. If care is needed beyond that point, a doctor’s referral is required to continue treatment.
This allows you to begin addressing your concerns right away while giving you time to schedule a visit with a physician if your symptoms aren’t resolved within those first three weeks.
What If I Live Outside Arizona or Texas?
Referral rules vary by state. The American Physical Therapy Association maintains an up-to-date direct access map showing where a referral is required and where you can start care right away.
Getting Started at Spooner: Complimentary Movement Assessment
We offer a complimentary movement assessment to help you determine if physical or occupational therapy is right for you—it’s a great first step when pain, movement issues, or limitations start affecting your daily life.
A movement assessment is a 15–20 minute consultation with one of our licensed movement specialists. During the assessment:
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You’ll talk through your concerns and symptoms.
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Your therapist will observe how you move.
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They’ll also assess your comfort and movement patterns.
After the assessment, your therapist will suggest options to address your concerns and work with you to create a plan that helps you return to moving and feeling better while doing the things you love.
This assessment is a free way to get professional insight into what’s going on with your body and how therapy might help—no referral and no cost required.
Our Team of Experts
Navigating healthcare can feel confusing—especially when you’re in pain or unsure where to start. At Spooner, our goal is to make the process clear and straightforward.
From your first visit, licensed physical and occupational therapists take the time to listen, evaluate how you move, and explain what they’re seeing in clear, understandable terms. You’ll leave with a better understanding of what’s going on and what your options are.
Our front office teams are also here to help guide you through scheduling, insurance, and payment questions so you know what to expect as you move forward.
Please note: If you do not qualify for physical or occupational therapy through insurance, Spooner offers competitive cash-pay rates and memberships. Contact your local clinic for details.
Finding a Spooner Clinic
Spooner has 28 clinics across Arizona and Texas—26 locations in Arizona and 2 in Texas—making it easy to find care close to home.
Explore Spooner clinic locations
Getting started is simple:
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Contact a Spooner clinic by phone, schedule online, or stop by in person
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Meet with a licensed physical or occupational therapist for an initial assessment
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Review findings and discuss next steps for your personalized plan
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Begin care or receive guidance on additional medical follow-up if needed
Ready to take the next step?
Schedule an appointment at a Spooner clinic near you or stop by to get started.