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113 verified Physical Therapists in Raleigh, NC
Zocdoc verifies all providers before they can appear in Zocdoc search results. Every provider that appears in search is open to new patients.
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Availability last updated 04/03/2026
Availability last updated 04/03/2026
Physical Therapist (Virtual)
5.00
·3 reviews
Watha, NC
Accepting new patients · Offers video visits · Highly recommended ·
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Cali Pyzdrowski, PT, DPT, is a dedicated MovementX physical therapist serving Spring Lake, NC, and surrounding areas. As both a CrossFit coach and competitor, Cali specializes in working with athletes, helping them move better, feel stronger, and live pain-free. Her passion for movement extends beyo...Click to read more
Physical Therapist (Virtual)
5.00
·9 reviews
Very good visit working on my foot and doing different exercises. by MFClick to read more
Watha, NC
Accepts Aetna, BlueCross BlueShield, Cigna + 13 more
Accepting new patients · Offers video visits · Highly recommended · Excellent wait time ·
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Colin was born and raised in upstate New York (Canandaigua, NY). He attended Nazareth College of Rochester, where he played on the Men’s Basketball and Volleyball teams. After graduating in 2018 with a Doctorate in Physical Therapy, Colin moved to the Carolinas for a couple of years before relocatin...Click to read more
Nephrologist (Virtual)
Watha, NC
Accepting new patients · 25+ years of experience · Offers video visits ·
Geriatrician (Virtual)
Watha, NC
Accepts Aetna, Cigna, UnitedHealthcare + 8 more
Accepting new patients · 25+ years of experience · Offers video visits · Expertise in underactive thyroid + 9 more ·
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Dr. Abayomi Osunkoya has been in medical practice for over twenty years. He relocated to Jacksonville, NC in 2001 after extensive private practice experience in the New York and New Jersey areas and established East Carolina Medical Associates. His areas of interests include comprehensive quality c...Click to read more
Sports Medicine Specialist (Virtual)
4.66
·662 reviews
Quick and to the point. Friendly doctor, highly recommended! - Aug 2, 2021 by Olivia B.Click to read more
Watha, NC
Accepts Aetna, BlueCross BlueShield, Medicare + 56 more
Accepting new patients · Offers video visits ·
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Dr. Griffin is a board-certified Internal Medicine physician who practices concussion medicine, sports medicine, and non-surgical orthopedics. He treats a range of conditions including: sprains/strains, concussion, arthritis and disorders of the joints, and sports related injuries including injuries...Click to read more
Chiropractor (Virtual)
Watha, NC
Accepting new patients · Offers video visits ·
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?? Cutting-Edge Chiropractic Care for Modern Recovery At our clinic, we combine advanced therapeutic technology with expert clinical training to deliver results that go beyond traditional chiropractic care. Our approach is rooted in innovation, precision, and a deep commitment to helping every patie...Click to read more
Family Nurse Practitioner (Virtual)
Watha, NC
Accepts Aetna, BlueCross BlueShield, Cigna + 27 more
Accepting new patients · Offers video visits ·
Physician Assistant (Orthopedics) (Virtual)
Winston-Salem, NC
Accepts Aetna, BlueCross BlueShield, Cigna + 41 more
Accepting new patients · Offers video visits · Expertise in upper respiratory infection (uri) + 1 more ·
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Caitlin Sheppard is part of CoreLife Novant Health, a specialized medical practice dedicated to helping patients with a BMI above 25 achieve sustainable weight loss and improve overall health through a comprehensive, evidence based approach. CoreLife integrates medical oversight, nutrition, exercise...Click to read more
Geriatrician (Virtual)
Jacksonville, NC
Accepts Aetna, Cigna, UnitedHealthcare + 8 more
Accepting new patients · 25+ years of experience · Offers video visits · Expertise in underactive thyroid + 9 more ·
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Dr. Abayomi Osunkoya has been in medical practice for over twenty years. He relocated to Jacksonville, NC in 2001 after extensive private practice experience in the New York and New Jersey areas and established East Carolina Medical Associates. His areas of interests include comprehensive quality c...Click to read more
Chiropractor (Virtual)
Charlotte, NC
Accepting new patients · Offers video visits ·
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?? Cutting-Edge Chiropractic Care for Modern Recovery At our clinic, we combine advanced therapeutic technology with expert clinical training to deliver results that go beyond traditional chiropractic care. Our approach is rooted in innovation, precision, and a deep commitment to helping every patie...Click to read more
Chiropractor (Virtual)
Waxhaw, NC
Accepts Aetna, BlueCross BlueShield, Cigna + 2 more
Accepting new patients · Offers video visits · Expertise in lower back pain ·
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Founder of Carolinas Chiropractic and Spinal Rehab Dr. Kyle B. Jones is a nationally recognized chiropractic physician and founder of Carolinas Chiropractic and Spinal Rehab, proudly serving the greater Charlotte and Union County area since 2009. A graduate of Logan University in St. Louis, MO, Dr. ...Click to read more
Internist (Virtual)
5.00
·12 reviews
Fantastic bedside manner. Listens and is patient. by RWClick to read more
Watha, NC
Accepting new patients · Offers video visits · Highly recommended · Excellent wait time ·
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Standard appointment fee is $250 for new visits, with medically complex visits ranging from $350 to $400. Standard follow-up appointment fee is $125. I am a board-certified Infectious Disease Specialist, Internist, and Critical Care Medicine Specialist with prior experience as a nocturnist and ho...Click to read more
Next available: tomorrow
Family Psychiatric & Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (Virtual)
5.00
·9 reviews
I felt very comfortable about talking about m health issues. I got so very great information on how to handle my issues. I as treated with respect and the faculty was very clean. by TCClick to read more
Watha, NC
Accepts Aetna, BlueCross BlueShield, Cigna + 25 more
Accepting new patients · Offers video visits · Highly recommended · Excellent wait time ·
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Intake forms must be completed before your appointment. Ms. Alendre McGhee is a skilled family nurse practitioner at Ingenious Health & Wellness in Englewood, OH. She provides healthcare to the wider community through both in-person and video consultations. Ms. McGhee earned her Doctorate in Family...Click to read more
Physical Therapist (Virtual)
5.00
·5 reviews
Very proffessional, Very happy with my progress. Would highly recommend. by NAClick to read more
Leland, NC
Accepting new patients · Offers video visits · Highly recommended · Excellent wait time ·
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My name is Gerard “Jerry” Desmond and I am the Executive Director with Recovery Physical Therapy at our Flatiron office in Manhattan. If you are unfamiliar with me as a physical therapy practitioner, I have been in the field for 35 years. I dabbled at making a living as a carpenter, in clerical wor...Click to read more
Next available: today
Physical Therapist
5.00
·1 review
Would recommend - Jan 5, 2023 by Sherri C.Click to read more
2.5 mi · 5708 Finsbury Court, Raleigh, NC 27609
Accepts Medicare, UnitedHealthcare + 3 more
Accepting new patients · Highly recommended · Excellent wait time ·
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With more than 20 years of experience as an integrated medicine practitioner, Nancy is licensed in North Carolina as an Acupuncturist and Physical Therapist. She has a Master?s Degree in Acupuncture from the Maryland Institute of Integrative Health in Columbia, Maryland, and actively speaks on the b...Click to read more
Physician Assistant
5.00
·1 review
I have seen Seth several times and had great visits. The one visit that was exceptional was when he removed a toenail that had been giving me touble for years. I thought I had to see a podiarist for that procedure and had procastinated. Seth took care of it with ease. Thanks Seth! by GIClick to read more
1 mi · 2913 Wake Forest Rd, Raleigh, NC 27609
Accepts Aetna, BlueCross BlueShield, Cigna + 13 more
Accepting new patients · Highly recommended · Excellent wait time · Expertise in acute skin infection ·
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Outside the office, Seth stays busy as an entrepreneur of his own Mosquito Mike Franchise. He also has numerous hobbies, including hiking, riding his motorcycle, fishing, reading, chess, and he is even getting his pilot's license! Seth earned his Master’s in Physician Assistant Studies from Gannon U...Click to read more
Family Physician (Virtual)
5.00
·11 reviews
It’s wonderful by KJClick to read more
Watha, NC
Accepting new patients · Offers video visits · Highly recommended · Excellent wait time ·
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Rates: $200 per visit We do not prescribe controlled substances, Accutane, or medical abortion services. Concierge membership starts at $250/month for unlimited telemedicine visits and concierge benefits. Billed annually upfront.****** Board-certified family medicine physician and founder of ...Click to read more
Nurse Practitioner (Virtual)
5.00
·1 review
Probably one of the most kind I have ever met and truly listen to what I had to say and I really believe she loves and cares for patients - Aug 2, 2025 by Jessica B.Click to read more
Hickory, NC
Accepts Cigna
Accepting new patients · Offers video visits · Highly recommended · Excellent wait time ·
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Ms. Taylor Grant is a skilled nurse practitioner based in Hickory, NC. She practices at LA Healthcare & Associates, PLLC, and offers in-person and virtual consultations. With strong clinical skills in diagnosis, treatment, and preventive medicine, Ms. Grant collaborates effectively with healthcare ...Click to read more
Other providers
Availability last updated 04/03/2026
Availability last updated 04/03/2026
Physical Therapist
5588.5 mi · 3830 Blue Ridge Rd, Raleigh, NC 27612
Accepting new patients ·
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Kala Hall, PTA is a Physical Therapist in Raleigh, NC. Their offices are located in 4108 Grand Manor Ct 105, Raleigh, NC and 3830 Blue Ridge Rd, Raleigh, NC.Click to read more
Physical Therapist
5588.5 mi · 3830 Blue Ridge Rd, Raleigh, NC 27612
Accepting new patients ·
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Kristen Brininger, PTA is a Physical Therapist in Knightdale, NC and Raleigh, NC. Their offices are located in 403 Laurens Way, Knightdale, NC and 3830 Blue Ridge Rd, Raleigh, NC.Click to read more
Physical Therapist
5588.5 mi · 3830 Blue Ridge Rd, Raleigh, NC 27612
Accepting new patients ·
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Kimberly Skelton, PTA is a Physical Therapist in Raleigh, NC. Their office is located in 3830 Blue Ridge Rd, Raleigh, NC.Click to read more
Physical Therapist
5588.5 mi · 4701 Creedmoor Rd, 107, Raleigh, NC 27612
Accepts UnitedHealthcare + 3 more
Accepting new patients ·
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Alan Tomczykowski, PT is a Physical Therapist in Cary, NC and Raleigh, NC. Their offices are located in 981 High House Rd 100, Cary, NC and 4701 Creedmoor Rd 107, Raleigh, NC.Click to read more
Physical Therapist
5588.5 mi · 4701 Creedmoor Rd, 107, Raleigh, NC 27612
Accepting new patients ·
Read bio
Kelley Larkin, PT is a Physical Therapist in Wake Forest, NC, Raleigh, NC and Apex, NC. Their offices are located in 3150 Rogers Rd 216, Wake Forest, NC, 4701 Creedmoor Rd 107, Raleigh, NC and 1460 Chapel Ridge Rd 150, Apex, NC.Click to read more
Physical Therapist
5588.5 mi · 4801 Edwards Mill Rd, Raleigh, NC 27612
Accepting new patients ·
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Jessica Eddins, PTA is a Physical Therapist in Raleigh, NC. Their office is located in 4801 Edwards Mill Rd, Raleigh, NC.Click to read more
Physical Therapist
5588.5 mi · 2031 Smallwood Dr, Raleigh, NC 27605
Accepting new patients ·
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Katherine Virgin, DPT is a Physical Therapist in Mebane, NC, Raleigh, NC and Cary, NC. Their offices are located in 906 Mebane Oaks Rd, Mebane, NC, 2310 Bale St 100, Raleigh, NC and 248 Grande Heights Dr, Cary, NC.Click to read more
Physical Therapist
5588.5 mi · 1025 Bullard Ct, Raleigh, NC 27615
Accepts Aetna, Cigna, UnitedHealthcare + 3 more
Accepting new patients ·
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Sheryl Duke, PT is a Physical Therapist in Raleigh, NC. Their offices are located in 10223 Bushveld Ln, Raleigh, NC, 1025 Bullard Ct, Raleigh, NC and 2709 Blue Ridge Rd 200, Raleigh, NC.Click to read more
Physical Therapist
5588.5 mi · 401 N West St, 121, Raleigh, NC 27603
Accepting new patients ·
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Abigail Douek, PT is a Physical Therapist in Raleigh, NC. Their office is located in 401 N West St 121, Raleigh, NC.Click to read more
Physical Therapist
5588.5 mi · 16 W Jones St, Raleigh, NC 27601
Accepting new patients ·
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Lorraine Burquist, PTA is a Physical Therapist in Raleigh, NC. Their office is located in 16 W Jones St, Raleigh, NC.Click to read more
Physical Therapist
5588.5 mi · 3001 Spring Forest Rd, Raleigh, NC 27616
Accepting new patients ·
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Jocelyn Thomas, PTA is a Physical Therapist in Raleigh, NC. Their office is located in 3001 Spring Forest Rd, Raleigh, NC.Click to read more
Physical Therapist
5588.5 mi · 3001 Spring Forest Rd, Raleigh, NC 27616
Accepting new patients ·
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Lauren Pacis, PT is a Physical Therapist in Raleigh, NC, Angier, NC and Clayton, NC. Their offices are located in 3001 Spring Forest Rd, Raleigh, NC, 250 Crosscreek Ln, Angier, NC and 145 Dairy Rd, Clayton, NC.Click to read more
Physical Therapist
5588.5 mi · 3001 Spring Forest Rd, Raleigh, NC 27616
Accepting new patients ·
Read bio
Alisa Dunn, PT is a Physical Therapist in Raleigh, NC. Their office is located in 3001 Spring Forest Rd, Raleigh, NC.Click to read more
Physical Therapist
5588.5 mi · 3001 Spring Forest Rd, Raleigh, NC 27616
Accepting new patients ·
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India Tilley, PTA is a Physical Therapist in Raleigh, NC and Charlotte, NC. Their offices are located in 3001 Spring Forest Rd, Raleigh, NC and 5101 Prosperity Church Rd, Charlotte, NC.Click to read more
Physical Therapist
5588.5 mi · 3001 Spring Forest Rd, Raleigh, NC 27616
Accepting new patients ·
Read bio
Nicholas Pisano, PTARD is a Physical Therapist in Raleigh, NC. Their offices are located in 3001 Spring Forest Rd, Raleigh, NC and 5301 Creedmoor Rd, Raleigh, NC.Click to read more
Physical Therapist
5588.5 mi · 3001 Spring Forest Rd, Raleigh, NC 27616
Accepting new patients ·
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Ashley Flournoy, PTA is a Physical Therapist in Raleigh, NC and Burlington, NC. Their offices are located in 3001 Spring Forest Rd, Raleigh, NC and 2680 S Mebane St, Burlington, NC.Click to read more
Physical Therapist
5588.5 mi · 3001 Spring Forest Rd, Raleigh, NC 27616
Accepting new patients ·
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Harriet Harris, LPTA is a Physical Therapist in Raleigh, NC. Their office is located in 3001 Spring Forest Rd, Raleigh, NC.Click to read more
Physical Therapist
5588.5 mi · 3001 Spring Forest Rd, Raleigh, NC 27616
Accepting new patients ·
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Ralph O'Harrow, PTA is a Physical Therapist in Raleigh, NC. Their office is located in 3001 Spring Forest Rd, Raleigh, NC.Click to read more
Physical Therapist
5588.5 mi · 3001 Spring Forest Rd, Raleigh, NC 27616
Accepting new patients ·
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Primo Betanio, PT is a Physical Therapist in Raleigh, NC. Their office is located in 3001 Spring Forest Rd, Raleigh, NC.Click to read more
Physical Therapist
5588.5 mi · 3001 Spring Forest Rd, Raleigh, NC 27616
Accepting new patients ·
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Anne Pridgen, PT is a Physical Therapist in Raleigh, NC. Their office is located in 3001 Spring Forest Rd, Raleigh, NC.Click to read more
Physical Therapist
5588.5 mi · 3001 Spring Forest Rd, Raleigh, NC 27616
Accepting new patients ·
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Danielle Hinnant, PTA is a Physical Therapist in Raleigh, NC and Wake Forest, NC. Their offices are located in 3001 Spring Forest Rd, Raleigh, NC and 1151 S Main St, Wake Forest, NC.Click to read more
Physical Therapist
5588.5 mi · 3001 Spring Forest Rd, Raleigh, NC 27616
Accepting new patients ·
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Bridgett Webster, PTA is a Physical Therapist in Raleigh, NC and Dunn, NC. Their offices are located in 3001 Spring Forest Rd, Raleigh, NC and 312 Saints St, Dunn, NC.Click to read more
Physical Therapist
5588.5 mi · 3001 Spring Forest Rd, Raleigh, NC 27616
Accepting new patients ·
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Laura Cole, LPTA is a Physical Therapist in Raleigh, NC. Their office is located in 3001 Spring Forest Rd, Raleigh, NC.Click to read more
Physical Therapist
5588.5 mi · 3001 Spring Forest Rd, Raleigh, NC 27616
Accepting new patients ·
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Lisa Lisson, PT is a Physical Therapist in Raleigh, NC and Morrisville, NC. Their offices are located in 3001 Spring Forest Rd, Raleigh, NC and 1995 NW Cary Pkwy, Morrisville, NC.Click to read more
Physical Therapist
5588.5 mi · 3001 Spring Forest Rd, Raleigh, NC 27616
Accepting new patients ·
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Jennifer Mungen, PT is a Physical Therapist in Raleigh, NC and Salisbury, NC. Their offices are located in 3001 Spring Forest Rd, Raleigh, NC and 548 White Oaks Dr 301, Salisbury, NC.Click to read more
Physical Therapist
5588.5 mi · 3001 Spring Forest Rd, Raleigh, NC 27616
Accepting new patients ·
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Jenna Benjamin, PT is a Physical Therapist in Raleigh, NC. Their offices are located in 3001 Spring Forest Rd, Raleigh, NC and 10810 Sandy Oak Ln, Raleigh, NC.Click to read more
Physical Therapist
5588.5 mi · 3001 Spring Forest Rd, Raleigh, NC 27616
Accepting new patients ·
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Jeff Larsen, PTA is a Physical Therapist in Raleigh, NC. Their offices are located in 3001 Spring Forest Rd, Raleigh, NC and 7700 Brandywood Ct, Raleigh, NC.Click to read more
Physical Therapist
5588.5 mi · 3001 Spring Forest Rd, Raleigh, NC 27616
Accepting new patients ·
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Jennie Chaves, PTA is a Physical Therapist in Raleigh, NC. Their office is located in 3001 Spring Forest Rd, Raleigh, NC.Click to read more
Physical Therapist
5588.5 mi · 3001 Spring Forest Rd, Raleigh, NC 27616
Accepting new patients ·
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Lorie Wood, PTA is a Physical Therapist in Raleigh, NC. Their office is located in 3001 Spring Forest Rd, Raleigh, NC.Click to read more
Physical Therapist
5588.5 mi · 3001 Spring Forest Rd, Raleigh, NC 27616
Accepting new patients ·
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Kimberly Wilhelm, PTA is a Physical Therapist in Raleigh, NC. Their office is located in 3001 Spring Forest Rd, Raleigh, NC.Click to read more
Physical Therapist
5588.5 mi · 3001 Spring Forest Rd, Raleigh, NC 27616
Accepting new patients ·
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Annabel Descheene, PTA is a Physical Therapist in Raleigh, NC. Their office is located in 3001 Spring Forest Rd, Raleigh, NC.Click to read more
Physical Therapist
5588.5 mi · 3001 Spring Forest Rd, Raleigh, NC 27616
Accepting new patients ·
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Laura Langenbach, PT is a Physical Therapist in Raleigh, NC. Their office is located in 3001 Spring Forest Rd, Raleigh, NC.Click to read more
Physical Therapist
5588.5 mi · 3001 Spring Forest Rd, Raleigh, NC 27616
Accepting new patients ·
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Joanna Arcari, PTA is a Physical Therapist in Raleigh, NC. Their office is located in 3001 Spring Forest Rd, Raleigh, NC.Click to read more
Calendar Check
1-3 days

Average time it takes to be seen by a provider

Doctor
100k

Verified providers with a 4.8 average rating

Primary Care Physician
15+ years

In the business of finding quality care for patients

Patients trust Zocdoc
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Frequently asked questions

How can I make a same-day appointment with a Physical Therapist in Raleigh?

On average, patients who use Zocdoc can search for a Physical Therapist in Raleigh, book an appointment, and see the Physical Therapist within 24 hours. Same-day appointments are often available, you can search for real-time availability of Physical Therapists in Raleigh who accept your insurance and make an appointment online.


How can I find a Raleigh Physical Therapist who takes my insurance?

Zocdoc lets you search specifically for a Raleigh Physical Therapist who takes your insurance. Just choose your carrier and plan from the drop-down menu at the top of the page. If you’re not sure which plan you have, you can use Zocdoc’s insurance checker to find out.


How can I book an appointment online with a Physical Therapist in Raleigh?

Zocdoc is a free online service that helps patients find Physical Therapists in Raleigh and book appointments instantly. You can search for Raleigh Physical Therapists by symptom or visit reason. Then, choose your insurance plan. Based on that information, you’ll see a list of providers who meet your search criteria, along with their available appointment slots.


How can I find a female Physical Therapist in Raleigh?

When you search for Raleigh Physical Therapists on Zocdoc, you can filter your results by gender, in addition to other criteria. That way, you’ll only see Physical Therapists in Raleigh who match your preferences.


How can I find a Raleigh Physical Therapist who sees patients after hours?

On Zocdoc, you can search specifically for Raleigh Physical Therapists with availability after 5 p.m.


How can I find a top-rated Physical Therapist in Raleigh?

You can use Zocdoc to find Physical Therapists in Raleigh who are highly rated by other patients. These ratings are based on verified reviews submitted by real patients. Every time a patient completes an appointment booked on Zocdoc, they’re invited to review their experience. Each review must comply with Zocdoc’s guidelines.


How can I find a video visit with a Physical Therapist online in Raleigh?

Physical Therapists in Raleigh on Zocdoc who see patients through online video visits will have a purple video icon on their profiles. You can also filter your search results to show only Physical Therapists who offer video visits.


Are video visits with a Physical Therapist online covered by my insurance?

Most insurers provide coverage for video visits at the same cost as in-person visits. You can search on Zocdoc specifically for Physical Therapists in Raleigh who accept your insurance for video visits by selecting your carrier and plan from the drop-down menu at the top of the page. We recommend you check with your insurance carrier directly to confirm your coverage and out of pocket costs for video visits.


How can I find a Physical Therapist in Raleigh who sees patients in the morning or evening?

Zocdoc lets you search specifically for a Physical Therapist who has appointments available before 10:00 am, or after 5:00 pm. Just choose the special hours filter at the top of our search page.


How can I find a Physical Therapist in Raleigh who sees patients during the weekend?

Zocdoc let's you see real-time availability for Physical Therapists in Raleigh. Many Physical Therapists offer appointments on Saturdays and Sundays.


What is physical therapy?


Physical therapy helps recovery from injuries, illnesses, and conditions. It involves exercise, stretching, manual techniques, special equipment, and more to help restore physical function and reduce pain. Physical therapy can treat musculoskeletal problems such as back pain, arthritis, and sports injuries. It can also help in post-operative recovery.


Who is a physical therapist?


A physical therapist (PT) is a medical professional who helps patients regain function after an illness or injury. They treat patients of all ages. Physical therapists use various techniques to assist their patients' recovery. These may include exercises, stretching, massage, and electrical stimulation. They also prescribe patients crutches, canes, and other assistive devices. In addition to aiding patients to recover from injuries, PTs can also help prevent injuries from occurring in the first place. They do this by working with people to improve their flexibility and strength. This can help lower the risk of falling down and other accidents.


Education and training of physical therapists in the US


A physical therapist candidate should earn a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree from a program accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education. A DPT program generally lasts three years. Students attain proficiency and experience in areas such as:

  • Biology
  • Exercise physiology
  • Cellular histology
  • Kinesiology
  • Anatomy
  • Biomechanics
  • Neuroscience
  • Pathology
  • Pharmacology
  • Sociology
  • Behavioral sciences
  • Evidence-based practice
  • Clinical reasoning


Many DPT programs can require students to have a bachelor's degree. Some programs offer students a three-plus-three program in which they can take undergraduate physical therapy courses for three years before advancing to a professional DPT program for three years. DPT programs also allow high school graduates direct entry into a guaranteed admissions program after they complete undergraduate requirements.


Typically, DPT programs consist of 80% classroom and lab work and 20% clinical experience. Students complete their final clinical experience over 27 weeks. Licensees can apply for clinical residency and fellowship programs to gain additional knowledge and experience. 


What are some specialties of physical therapy?


PTs can specialize in a variety of fields beyond their basic skills. They can do this by meeting specific requirements of the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties. Here are nine types of physical therapy specialties:

  1. Pediatrics: Pediatric physical therapists work with children, addressing developmental delays, scoliosis, cerebral palsy, cystic fibrosis, and brain injuries. They work in rehabilitation facilities, schools, outpatient centers, and even at the patient's home. Educating families about caring for their children is also part of their role.
  2. Geriatrics: With the aging of the baby boomer generation, geriatric physical therapy is growing. These therapists help elderly patients manage conditions like osteoporosis, arthritis, and joint stiffness. They aim to maintain the physical health and mobility of seniors and may also assist in cases of progressive diseases like Parkinson's or Alzheimer's.
  3. Sports: Sports physical therapists focus on rehabilitating athletes who have sustained injuries, such as concussions, ACL tears, or muscle strains. They use various techniques, including stretching, strengthening, and hydrotherapy, to help athletes return to peak performance and prevent further injuries.
  4. Women's health: Specialists in women's health treat conditions like pelvic pain, osteoporosis, and lymphedema. They also provide prenatal and postnatal care, considering the unique musculoskeletal needs of women throughout their lives, from athletes to older individuals.
  5. Clinical electrophysiology: Clinical electrophysiology involves electrotherapy and wound management. It uses electromyography to assess muscle and nerve health and employs electrical stimulation to aid wound healing, improve circulation, and reduce pain. Commonly treated wounds include diabetic ulcers, post-surgical incisions, and lacerations.
  6. Cardiovascular and pulmonary: In this specialty, physical therapists offer cardiac rehabilitation to heart patients and pulmonary rehabilitation for those with conditions like COPD or cystic fibrosis. They focus on reducing stress, improving endurance, and providing long-term management education.
  7. Neurology: Neurological physical therapists treat patients with nervous and spinal system disorders, including multiple sclerosis, brain or spinal cord injuries, and neuropathy. Their goal is to improve balance, coordination, sensations, and movement through various therapies.
  8. Orthopedics: Orthopedic physical therapists specialize in conditions affecting ligaments, tendons, bones, muscles, and joints. They work with patients who have joint replacements, arthritis, fractures, or muscle and ligament injuries, using techniques like stretching, exercise, and electrical muscle stimulation.
  9. Oncology: Physical therapists in oncology focus on patients diagnosed with cancer or recovering from it. They help manage cancer-related symptoms like muscle weakness, pain, and loss of endurance through exercise, electrical stimulation, massage, and other therapies.


What are some conditions treated using physical therapy?


Physical therapy can treat several conditions. These include:

  • Arthritis
  • Sprains and strains
  • Back pain
  • Joint pain
  • Muscular dystrophy
  • Cancer
  • Chronic fatigue syndrome
  • Ankle sprain
  • Multiple sclerosis
  • Neuropathy
  • Osteoporosis
  • Parkinson's disease
  • Tendonitis
  • Stroke rehabilitation
  • Huntington's disease


What should one expect from the first physical therapy session?


Most people have their first physical therapy session after an injury or surgery. During your first session with a physical therapist near you, they will:

  • Take a thorough health history to understand your current condition and how it developed. This helps them create a special individualized treatment plan for you.
  • Perform a detailed examination to assess the mobility of your joints, strength, balance, and endurance. This will help them identify any movement impairments contributing to your pain or disability.
  • Educate you about your condition and what you can do to manage it. This may include advice on exercises, posture, and lifestyle changes.
  • Develop a treatment plan with specific goals for you to achieve. Treatment may consist of hands-on techniques to reduce pain and improve range of motion and exercises to improve strength and flexibility.


What should you do after physical therapy?


After physical therapy, there are a few things patients can do to continue their progress and prevent further injury:

  • Following the home exercise program prescribed by the physical therapist is crucial. This will help maintain the progress made during therapy and help prevent further deterioration.
  • Patients should continue to use proper body mechanics when performing everyday activities. This means using good posture and lifting techniques to avoid strain on the body.
  • Listening to the body and being aware of any new or worsening symptoms is essential.


If pain or other symptoms occur, it is vital to call the doctor or physical therapist for guidance on managing them.


How to find a physical therapist near you in Raleigh, North Carolina?


Finding a physical therapist in Raleigh, North Carolina, is a simple process with Zocdoc. To find the best-rated physical therapists near you, just visit the Zocdoc website and enter your location, preferred date, insurance plan, and the healthcare provider you wish to seek (physical therapists, in this instance). You can further filter your search by gender, hospital affiliations, languages spoken, and whether or not a provider treats children.


You can also learn critical information about healthcare providers before booking appointments. Click on their dedicated profiles to read about their education, expertise, experience, practice name, board certification, awards, and recognitions. Further, you can also read the reviews and ratings of past patients to get to know a provider better. 


Booking appointments with a physical therapist near you on Zocdoc is simple, secure, and 100% free!


Statistics about arthritis in North Carolina and the US


As of 2022, 27.3% of adults in North Carolina had arthritis. About 8.3% of adults aged 18-44 had arthritis. Moreover, approximately 31% of females and 23.4% of males had arthritis in North Carolina.


Around one-quarter of American adults, about 58.5 million people, have doctor-diagnosed arthritis. Women are more likely to experience this condition than men, at 23.5% and 18.1%, respectively. People with poorer health conditions were found to be more prone to arthritis than those with excellent/very good health (40.5% vs. 15.4%). However, physical activity benefitted those meeting exercise recommendations and had a lower prevalence of arthritis (18.1%) than the insufficiently active or inactive group (23.1% and 23.6%, respectively). 


Sources


WebMD

Stanford Medicine

Verywellhealth

America’s Health Rankings

Centers for Disease and Control Prevention

The College of St. Scholastica


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