Frequently Asked Questions About Physical Therapy in Westminster, CO

At All-Star Physical Therapy, we hear the same questions from patients before their first visit — and we want you to have clear, honest answers before you even pick up the phone. If you don’t find what you’re looking for here, call or text us at 303-420-1998 and we’ll be happy to help.

Getting Started

Do I need a referral to see a physical therapist in Colorado?

No. Colorado is a direct access state, which means you can schedule an appointment with a physical therapist without a physician’s referral or prescription. You can call or text our Westminster clinic directly to get started.

One important note: while Colorado law allows direct access, some insurance plans still require a referral before they’ll cover your visits. We’re happy to verify your coverage before your first appointment so there are no surprises.

How do I schedule an appointment at All-Star Physical Therapy?

Call or text us at 303-420-1998, or visit our contact page to request an appointment. We serve patients from Westminster, Arvada, Broomfield, Thornton, Northglenn, and surrounding North Denver communities.

What should I bring to my first physical therapy appointment?

Please bring:

  • A valid photo ID and your insurance card
  • Comfortable clothing that allows you to move freely (athletic wear works well)
  • A list of current medications
  • Any relevant medical records, imaging results, or doctor’s notes related to your condition
  • A referral or prescription if your insurance requires one

For more on what to expect, visit our For Patients page.

What happens during my first visit?

Your first visit is an evaluation. We’ll take time to understand your health history, listen to your goals, and assess your movement, strength, and areas of pain or limitation. From there, we’ll explain what’s contributing to your symptoms and outline a personalized treatment plan built around your specific needs. You’ll leave with a clear picture of what to expect and a path forward designed just for you.

Insurance & Cost

Does insurance cover physical therapy?

Most major insurance plans cover physical therapy under “rehabilitation services.” The specifics — copays, deductibles, and visit limits — vary by plan and provider. We accept most major insurance plans and will help you understand your benefits before treatment begins. Call us at 303-420-1998 and we can verify your coverage.

What if I don’t have insurance or my insurance doesn’t cover physical therapy?

We offer flexible self-pay options for patients without insurance or whose plans don’t cover physical therapy. Contact us to discuss payment options that work for your situation.

Does auto insurance cover physical therapy after a car accident?

Yes, in many cases. If you were injured in a car accident, your auto insurance policy may include personal injury protection (PIP) or medical payments coverage that applies to physical therapy. We work regularly with auto accident patients and can help you understand how your coverage applies. Learn more on our auto accident physical therapy page.

Treatment & What to Expect

How long does a physical therapy session last?

Most sessions at our Westminster clinic run 45 to 60 minutes. Your first visit may take slightly longer to allow time for a thorough evaluation.

How many physical therapy sessions will I need?

It depends on your condition, your goals, and how your body responds to treatment. Some patients see meaningful improvement in just a few sessions. Others with more complex or chronic conditions benefit from ongoing care over several weeks. We’ll give you a realistic timeline after your evaluation and will adjust the plan as you progress. Learn more about our approach to orthopedic rehabilitation and chronic pain management.

Will physical therapy be painful?

Some treatments, especially early in care, may cause mild soreness — similar to how your muscles feel after a workout. This is normal and typically resolves within a day or two. If you experience significant discomfort during a session, let us know immediately. Treatment should feel productive, not punishing.

Do I see the same physical therapist every visit?

Yes. At All-Star Physical Therapy, every session is one-on-one with the same therapist — every time. You’ll never be passed off to an aide or assistant. This continuity of care is one of the reasons our patients see consistent, lasting results. Learn more about our practice.

Will I have exercises to do at home?

Almost certainly. A home exercise program is a key part of your recovery. The work you do between sessions reinforces what happens in the clinic and accelerates progress. We’ll walk you through each exercise and make sure you’re confident with the program before you leave.

Conditions & Services

What conditions does All-Star Physical Therapy treat?

We treat a wide range of musculoskeletal and movement-related conditions, including:

Not sure if we can help with your specific condition? Give us a call — we’re happy to talk it through.

Can physical therapy help me avoid surgery?

In many cases, yes. Physical therapy is often recommended as a first-line treatment before considering surgery for conditions like rotator cuff injuries, knee pain, back pain, and more. Many patients who come to us after being told surgery might be necessary find significant improvement through conservative care. Our orthopedic rehabilitation and manual therapy approaches are designed to restore function without relying on invasive intervention wherever possible.

What is dry needling, and is it the same as acupuncture?

Dry needling and acupuncture both use thin needles, but they’re different practices. Dry needling is grounded in modern anatomy and movement science and is performed by a licensed physical therapist to treat trigger points, muscle tension, and musculoskeletal pain. Acupuncture is rooted in traditional Chinese medicine and follows a different philosophy and methodology. Learn more on our dry needling page.

What is IASTM?

IASTM stands for Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization. It’s a hands-on technique that uses specialized stainless steel instruments to address scar tissue, soft tissue restrictions, and areas of reduced mobility. It’s particularly effective for chronic injuries, post-surgical tissue, and overuse conditions. Our team is trained and experienced in IASTM as part of a comprehensive treatment approach. Learn more about IASTM.

Can physical therapy help with sports injuries?

Yes. We work with athletes of all levels — recreational, competitive, and everything in between. Our sports medicine and performance program addresses everything from acute sports injuries to overuse conditions and post-surgical return-to-sport rehabilitation.

Can physical therapy help with chronic pain?

Yes. Chronic pain responds well to the kind of individualized, hands-on care we provide. Rather than masking symptoms, we work to identify and address the underlying movement dysfunction or tissue restrictions contributing to long-term pain. Visit our chronic pain management page to learn more.

About All-Star Physical Therapy

Where is All-Star Physical Therapy located?

We’re located at 9101 Harlan Street, Suite 225, Westminster, CO 80031 — conveniently accessible from Arvada, Broomfield, Thornton, Northglenn, and Federal Heights. Get directions.

What are your hours?

  • Monday and Wednesday: 7:15 AM – 6:30 PM
  • Tuesday and Thursday: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
  • Friday: 7:15 AM – 1:00 PM
  • Saturday and Sunday: Closed

Who owns and operates All-Star Physical Therapy?

All-Star Physical Therapy is owned and operated by our founder, David Vislosky, M.P.T., who has more than 30 years of experience in orthopedic and sports medicine. Our practice specializes in manual therapy, dry needling, and IASTM for soft tissue treatment — with every patient seen personally by our lead therapist at every visit.

How is All-Star Physical Therapy different from larger PT clinics or chains?

A few things set us apart. Every visit is one-on-one with the same therapist — not a rotating staff of aides or assistants. Treatment plans are built around your specific goals and lifestyle, not a standardized protocol. And as a private, independent practice, we take the time to actually listen. Patients who come to us after experiences at larger clinics often tell us the difference is immediately noticeable. Learn more about our practice.

Ready to get started?

Call or text us at 303-420-1998, or contact us here to schedule your first appointment. We’ll verify your insurance, answer any remaining questions, and get you on the path toward moving better and feeling stronger.