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Patient Questions  /  How many visits?

Starting Physical Therapy

How Many Physical Therapy Visits Will I Need?

It depends on your condition, how long you've had it, your goals and how you respond. Some problems, like BPPV vertigo, can improve in one to a few visits. Others, like recovery after surgery, take several weeks or more. Your therapist will give you an estimate after your evaluation.

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What affects how many visits you need

  • The problem itself. A new, simple problem usually resolves faster than one you've had for years.
  • Your goals. Getting back to walking the dog is different from returning to competitive sport.
  • Surgery. Rehab after surgery follows a longer healing timeline.
  • Your home program. Doing your exercises between visits is one of the biggest factors in how fast you improve.
  • Your general health and activity level.

How the plan works

After your evaluation, your therapist suggests how often to come and for about how long, and sets goals with you. Progress is checked regularly, and the plan changes as you improve. As you get better, visits usually become less frequent, and the aim is always to get you managing on your own.

How physical therapy at ARI can help

At ARI, every visit is one-on-one with a licensed physical therapist, and we'll be clear with you about your plan, your progress and when you're ready to continue on your own.

At ARI Physical Therapy in Bakersfield, every visit is one-on-one and in person with a licensed physical therapist, and our clinic director, Deepa Konnur, PT, MPT, OCS, is a board-certified Orthopedic Certified Specialist. We accept most private insurance plans and Medicare, and we have staff who speak Spanish and Hindi.

No referral needed to start. In California, you can see a physical therapist directly for up to 12 visits or 45 days, whichever comes first. Some insurance plans still require a referral for coverage; call us at (661) 282-8584 and we'll help you check.

Related questions

Ready to feel better?

Talk to a licensed physical therapist at ARI, one-on-one. Request an evaluation and we'll get back to you, usually within one business day.

Request an EvaluationCall (661) 282-8584

This page is general information, not a diagnosis. If you have symptoms, a licensed clinician should evaluate you.

Clinically reviewed by Deepa Konnur, PT, MPT, OCS, board-certified Orthopedic Certified Specialist · Reviewed September 2026