Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) for Superior Physical Therapy

1. What is physical therapy, and how can it help me?

Physical therapy is a natural, non-invasive approach to relieving pain, improving mobility, and restoring function. At Superior Physical Therapy in Traverse City, we specialize in drug-free treatments to address the root cause of your issues, helping you return to daily activities, work, or outdoor adventures like hiking and skiing without medications, injections, or surgery.

2. Do I need a doctor's referral to start physical therapy at Superior Physical Therapy?

No! Michigan is a direct access state, so you can schedule an appointment directly with us without a physician referral. We'll perform a thorough evaluation and coordinate with your doctor if necessary for seamless care.

3. What makes Superior Physical Therapy different from other clinics in Traverse City?

We use the exclusive Superior Method, based on Applied Functional Science. This whole-body approach assesses movement patterns to identify and treat the true root cause of pain—not just symptoms. Combined with hands-on manual therapy, it delivers faster, lasting natural relief compared to traditional methods that often rely on meds or temporary fixes.

4. What conditions do you treat?

We specialize in chronic back/neck/shoulder pain, sports injuries, post-surgical rehabilitation, knee/hip issues, headaches, balance problems, arthritis, and more. Our full-body focus is ideal for active Northern Michigan lifestyles, including running, golfing, skiing, and hiking injuries.

5. What is the Superior Method?

The Superior Method combines cutting-edge Applied Functional Science with personalized manual therapy and corrective exercises. We evaluate your entire body to uncover hidden movement dysfunctions causing pain, providing natural, lasting results without drugs or surgery.

6. What should I expect during my first visit?

Your initial session (about 40 minutes) includes a comprehensive full-body movement assessment, discussion of your goals and history, and a customized treatment plan. You'll receive one-on-one care with your therapist, starting with gentle techniques to build comfort and progress.

7. How long are treatment sessions, and how many will I need?

Sessions typically last 40 minutes and are one-on-one. Most patients see significant improvement in 6–12 visits over 4–8 weeks, depending on your condition. We focus on efficient, effective care to get you pain-free quickly.

8. Will physical therapy be painful?

Our treatments are gentle and patient-centered. You might feel mild soreness (like after a workout) as your body adapts, but we always prioritize comfort and adjust based on your feedback. Pain relief is our goal—not causing more discomfort.

9. Do you offer advanced techniques like dry needling

Yes! We provide dry needling to release trigger points, along with manual therapy, Class IV laser (if applicable), and functional exercises for faster natural recovery.

10. Will I need to do exercises at home?

Absolutely—a personalized home exercise program is key to reinforcing progress, preventing re-injury, and maintaining results. We'll provide simple instructions, videos, or handouts tailored to your needs.

11. Does Superior Physical Therapy accept insurance?

Yes, we accept most major plans, including Medicare, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Priority Health, and others. We also offer affordable self-pay options. Call us for a free benefits check—we'll verify your coverage.

12. What if I don't have insurance or am out-of-network?

We provide transparent self-pay rates and flexible payment plans to make high-quality care accessible. Contact us for details on our hassle-free options.

13. Can you help with chronic pain without medication or surgery?

Yes—this is our specialty! Conditions like chronic back pain often stem from whole-body movement issues. Our drug-free approach eliminates root causes for lasting relief, helping many Traverse City patients avoid invasive options.

14. Is your therapy suitable for athletes or active individuals?

Definitely! We offer sports injury rehab, performance enhancement, and injury prevention programs focused on functional movements to get you back to running, skiing, golfing, or whatever you love in Northern Michigan.

15. Do you treat post-surgical patients?

Yes, we provide safe, progressive rehabilitation after hip, knee, shoulder, or spine surgery, using gentle manual therapy and exercises to restore strength and mobility faster.

16. What about balance issues, dizziness, or fall prevention?

We offer vestibular rehabilitation and balance training to address dizziness, vertigo, and fall risks, improving confidence in daily movement—especially important for older adults.

17. How do I schedule an appointment?

Call (231) 944-6541, book online via our website, or message us. We offer flexible scheduling and often have same-week availability.

18. What should I wear or bring to my appointment?

Wear comfortable, loose clothing that allows movement (e.g., shorts for leg issues). Bring any referral (if you have one), insurance card, and a list of medications or prior treatments.

19. Where is your clinic located?

We're conveniently located in Traverse City—visit our contact page for the full address, map, and directions.

20. Why choose Superior Physical Therapy for my care?

Patients choose us for personalized, one-on-one attention, natural lasting results, and a welcoming team dedicated to your success. Read our patient testimonials to see how we've helped locals live pain-free and active.