ChoosePT as Primary Care
Move Better, Feel Better: Why Your Physical Therapist Should Be Your First Choice for Muscle, Joint, and Movement Care
*PT as Primary Care details - please scroll down*
Physical Therapy Is Primary Care in Utah
If you're dealing with pain, stiffness, weakness, or just want to stay active and injury-free—your physical therapist (PT) is now recognized as a primary care provider for all things movement. That means you can go directly to a PT for evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment without needing to see another provider first.
Why Choose PT as Your First Point of Care?
Experts in Movement and Musculoskeletal Health
Physical therapists are the most qualified healthcare professionals when it comes to understanding how your body moves. We specialize in diagnosing and treating:
- Back and neck pain
- Knee, shoulder, and joint problems
- Sports and overuse injuries
- Balance and mobility issues
- Chronic pain
- Movement limitations due to age or injury
More Time with You, Focused on You
Unlike many traditional healthcare settings, PTs spend **significantly more time with each patient**. You’re not rushed in and out. We take the time to understand your goals, provide hands-on care, and develop a customized treatment plan that puts you back in control of your health.
Early Access = Faster Recovery
About 1 in 3 visits to a primary care doctor are for muscle, joint, or movement-related problems. Most of these patients are referred to a PT anyway. By starting with your PT, you skip the extra appointments and delays—getting help faster and more affordably.
Cost-Effective Care
PT-first care reduces unnecessary imaging, prescriptions, and specialist referrals. Multiple studies show that early access to physical therapy leads to **fewer doctor visits, lower healthcare costs**, and better long-term outcomes.
Prevention, Not Just Treatment
Even if you’re not injured, your PT can help you move better, prevent future problems, and stay active for life. Whether you’re training for a race, recovering from surgery, or just want to play with your kids without pain, we’ve got you covered.
When Should You See a PT?
- You’re in pain when moving or exercising
- You’re recovering from surgery or an injury
- You’re having trouble with balance or walking
- You want to avoid surgery or reduce medication use
- You want a professional plan to get stronger, healthier, or more active
ChoosePT Today
Your health doesn’t have to wait. Your movement matters.
Start with your PT - your first stop for expert care, faster recovery, and a better quality of life.
Find a PT clinic near you
ChoosePT as Primary Care Competition
ChoosePT as Primary Care: A Public Challenge to Move More
Get active. Share the message. Win prizes.
Join us this September to raise awareness about physical therapy as the first point of care for musculoskeletal health.
How to Participate
- Pick Up a Sticker
- Visit a participating PT clinic near you and grab your ChoosePT sticker.
- Snap Your Selfies (September 1–30)
- Post two selfies on social media:
- One in front of a local PT clinic
- One while doing a healthy activity such as:
- Hiking, biking, or rock climbing
- Practicing yoga, running, or walking your dog
- Camping, kayaking, or gardening
- Playing sports, visiting parks, or attending fitness classes
- Post two selfies on social media:
- Post to Social Media
- Use the hashtag #ChoosePTPrimaryCare
- Tag @aptautah and your local clinic if applicable
- Four regional winners (Northern, Central, Southern, Eastern Utah) will each receive a $500 Amazon gift card.
- Bonus $100 gift cards will be awarded for:
- Best National Park selfie
- Best State Capitol selfie
- Best group selfie (three or more people)
- Best hiking or camping photo
- Best city or landmark selfie
Awarded to the most active, creative, and community-engaged participant promoting PT as Primary Care. Voted best by APTA Utah board of directors.
Important Notes:
- PT clinic employees are not eligible to win prizes but HIGHLY ENCOURAGED TO PARTICIPATE.
- Participants assume all liability and risk for their safety during activities
Please reach out to APTA Utah on social media for any questions.