Physical Therapy

Whether an injury or health condition affects your ability to move comfortably, physical therapy can help you. PT can improve mobility, eliminate pain, help postpone or avoid surgery, optimize recovery after surgery and prevent future injuries.

Access

To see a UHS physical therapist, you need a healthcare provider’s referral, which is similar to a prescription. Students can obtain referrals from UHS providers or from an off-campus provider while faculty and staff need to obtain a referral from an off-campus provider. Fax referrals to 512-232-7918.

You do not have to have insurance to use physical therapy services, but it is recommended. Charges apply.

What to Expect

During your first visit, the physical therapist will review your medical history, speak with you about your symptoms and diagnosis, and perform a physical evaluation. Your therapist may measure your strength, range of motion, flexibility and evaluate your gait, posture, balance and coordination. The provider will work with you to develop your treatment plan and goals to address your individual needs.

What happens at subsequent visits depends on your individual treatment plan. Often, the patient learns and practices exercises to improve strength, balance and flexibility. The therapist may apply one of several therapeutic modalities (procedures or treatments) such as warm or cold packs, electrical stimulation, ultrasounds and hands on treatments such as joint and soft-tissue mobilization and stretching techniques. You may be given homework, which can include exercises or activities to do between visits to build upon and sustain progress toward your goal.

Wear or bring comfortable clothing that permits movement such as exercise clothing or a T-shirt and shorts. Wear closed-toed athletic shoes. No flip-flops or sandals, please.

Sensitive Health Exams and Procedures

UHS utilizes chaperones for all sensitive physical examinations, including breast, genital, rectum and adjacent areas, and sensitive ultrasounds. Patients can request a chaperone at any time. For more information view the Patient Guide to Sensitive Health Exams (PDF).