Estimated read time: 4-5 minutes
Utah just made history, and it's good news if you've ever had to wait weeks — or even months — to get the care you need.
A new law now recognizes licensed physical therapists as primary care providers for pain, stiffness and mobility issues.
That means you don't have to sit on a referral list or schedule a doctor's visit first. You can go straight to a physical therapist (or PT) and start working on solutions right away.
That's welcome news for the many people living with pain and movement problems. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about one in four Americans deal with these issues. If you're among them, take comfort from the fact that you can now get help faster and avoid unnecessary delays.
Here's what you need to know about the new law — and how it can help you feel better, sooner.
A first-in-the-nation law
Senate Bill 196 makes Utah the first state to legally recognize physical therapy as primary care.
Now, patients can choose a physical therapist as their first stop for issues like back pain, joint stiffness, sprains or balance problems.
Before this change, most people had to see a primary care doctor first, even when they'd eventually end up in physical therapy.
The new law lets you skip that extra step and go straight to the movement specialist. No middle man. No wasted time. Just faster care for the pain you're already dealing with.
Why this is a big deal for Utahns
When it comes to health care access, Utah struggles. In fact, Forbes recently ranked the state worst in the nation for availability of care.
There simply aren't enough providers to meet the growing demand.
That's where this new law makes a big difference.
Research published in PubMed Central shows that about 40% of primary care visits are for musculoskeletal problems — the very issues physical therapists are trained to treat. In many cases, those patients end up getting referred to a physical therapists anyway.
By letting people start with a physical therapist, Senate Bill 196 saves time, eases the burden on overbooked doctors and gets patients the right care faster.
What makes PTs uniquely qualified to help with pain and movement
Not all health care providers are the same. Physical therapists are highly trained professionals licensed to evaluate, diagnose and treat conditions that affect how you move and function.
Instead of simply managing symptoms, physical therapists look for the root cause.
They create personalized plans that often include guided exercise, hands-on techniques and education to help you move with less pain and more confidence.
And unlike a typical rushed appointment, a PT visit usually lasts up to an hour, giving you the time and attention needed to fully address your concerns.
But those are just some of the benefits of working with a PT early on.
Starting with a physical therapist saves time and money
When you start with a physical therapist, you skip the back-and-forth of referrals, tests and doctor visits.
That saves both time and money.
According to a study in BMC Health Services Research, patients with low back pain who received early physical therapy following guidelines cut total medical costs by 60% over two years.
You'll get better results, too
Starting physical therapy early doesn't just save time and money — it can improve your recovery.
A study published in PubMed Central found that patients with low back pain who received early PT were less likely to need surgery, injections or imaging, and they used fewer healthcare services overall.
Early physical therapy can also reduce the risk of long-term opioid use. Research from Stanford University and Duke University found that patients who began physical therapy soon after being diagnosed with shoulder, back or knee pain were seven to 16% less likely to develop long-term opioid dependence — and those who did use opioids took lower doses.
Physical therapy isn't just for rehab
People often think of physical therapy as something you do after surgery or a serious injury. But that's just part of it. physical therapists also help you:
- Prevent injuries before they happen.
- Stay mobile and independent as you age.
- Manage chronic conditions like arthritis or back pain.
- Recover from everyday strains, falls or overuse.
If pain or stiffness is limiting your daily life — even if it seems minor — a physical therapist can often help before it gets worse.
What this means for you
This law doesn't just change Utah's rules — it changes lives.
Easier access to care means less waiting, fewer appointments and faster relief from pain and stiffness.
If you're ready to take control of your movement and health, visit ChoosePT to find a licensed physical therapist near you.
With the right care, you can move better, feel stronger and get back to the activities you love — starting today.
