“Here’s the good news: in New York, you do not need a prescription from a doctor to see a physical therapist. This is known as direct access, and it’s something many parents and athletes still don’t realize.“
- Dr. Alex Sheridan
Physical Therapy: No Prescription Required to Get Started
Summer is one of the busiest seasons for staying active — travel sports, summer leagues, running, beach activities, golf, tennis, and outdoor workouts all place added stress on the body. Every year, we see the same pattern: athletes and active adults waiting too long to address pain. What starts as “just soreness” often turns into a lingering injury that limits activity for the rest of the summer.
Here’s the good news: in New York, you do not need a prescription from a doctor to see a physical therapist. This is known as direct access, and it’s something many athletes and families still don’t realize.
What Does “Direct Access” Mean?
Direct access simply means you can schedule a physical therapy evaluation without first visiting a physician. That matters because:
- Early care helps prevent small problems from becoming major injuries.
- It saves time by skipping unnecessary appointments.
- It can save money by reducing imaging, medications, or delayed treatment.
- Most importantly, it helps athletes and active individuals stay active all summer long.
Instead of waiting weeks while pain worsens, athletes can be evaluated right away by a movement expert trained to identify what’s really causing the issue. At Compass Physical Therapy, we work directly with athletes and families to assess pain, movement patterns, and activity-specific demands so issues can be addressed before they escalate.
Common Summer Injuries
Summer activities place heavy demands on both growing athletes and active adults. Some of the most common problems we see include:
- Shoulder pain in throwing athletes
- Knee pain from running and jumping activities
- Ankle sprains
- Shin splints
- Hip tightness
- Low back pain
- Overuse injuries from increased training or activity
- Muscle strains from returning to activity too quickly.
If you’re noticing:
- Pain after practices or workouts
- Repeated ankle rolls
- Tightness that won’t go away
- Knee pain with stairs or squats
- Shoulder soreness during throwing or swimming
- Lingering discomfort after activity
👉 That’s your cue to get evaluated early.
Physical Therapy Is More Than Rehab
Many people think physical therapy is only for after surgery or serious injury. In reality, it’s also about:
- Injury prevention
- Improving movement quality
- Correcting strength imbalances
- Sport-specific mobility
- Return-to-play testing
- Performance optimization
- Movement screenings
The best athletes aren’t just strong — they move well. Physical therapy identifies asymmetries and faulty movement patterns before they turn into injuries. That’s what shifts PT from being just “reactive” care to a performance tool.
A Parent’s Perspective
As a parent, it’s hard to watch your child play through pain because they don’t want to miss games, tournaments, or summer training. But staying healthy during the season is about more than toughness — it’s about longevity and confidence. Addressing movement issues early helps kids feel stronger, safer, and more capable as they compete.
Who Should Consider Physical Therapy This Summer?
- Middle and high school athletes
- Summer travel athletes
- Runners training for races
- Weekend warriors
- Adults who are increasing their activity during the warmer months
- Anyone dealing with nagging pain that won’t go away
You don’t need to be injured to benefit — you just need a body that moves.
Stay Active All Summer Long
Direct access physical therapy allows athletes and active individuals to take control of their health before pain sidelines them. Whether it’s a quick movement screen, an injury prevention plan, or an evaluation for lingering discomfort, early action makes a difference.
At Compass Physical Therapy, our goal is to help people move better, stay healthy, and perform at their best throughout the summer season. You don’t have to wait for a diagnosis or a prescription. You can start now, stay active, and build a foundation that lasts long after summer ends.
Book your appointment today!
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About the Author
Alex Sheridan
For nearly a decade, Dr. Alex Sheridan has dedicated himself to the world of orthopedics and physical therapy. With almost 10 years of experience in helping individuals overcome pain, regain mobility, and restore function, he saw firsthand how transformative personalized care can be. That passion led him to establish Compass Physical Therapy with a vision to create a practice rooted in individualized attention, functional movement, and real results.
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