Public/Consumers

Physical therapy is a healthcare profession that helps people improve movement, reduce pain, restore function, and maintain independence. Licensed physical therapists evaluate and treat individuals of all ages who are recovering from injury or surgery, managing chronic conditions, or experiencing problems with movement, balance, strength, or mobility. 
Treatment is based on a thorough evaluation and is tailored to each patient’s condition and goals. A physical therapist may use therapeutic exercise, manual therapy, balance training, gait training, pain management techniques, patient education, and home exercise programs to support recovery and improve function. 

A physical therapist, or PT, is a licensed healthcare professional who evaluates movement problems, identifies the cause of pain or functional limitations, and develops a plan of care. Physical therapists make clinical decisions, establish treatment goals, and adjust treatment based on a patient’s progress. 

Physical therapists complete a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from an accredited program and must pass the National Physical Therapy Examination before becoming licensed in Nevada.

A physical therapist assistant, or PTA, is a licensed healthcare professional who works as part of the physical therapy team. PTAs carry out treatment interventions planned by the physical therapist, assist patients with therapeutic exercise, monitor progress, and report changes to the supervising physical therapist.

In Nevada, PTAs practice under the direction and supervision of a licensed physical therapist. Physical therapist assistants complete an accredited PTA education program and must pass the examination required for licensure.

The physical therapist evaluates the patient, creates the plan of care, and makes clinical decisions. The physical therapist assistant helps carry out the treatment plan under supervision. Both PTs and PTAs are important members of the care team, but their roles are not the same.

The Nevada Physical Therapy Board protects consumers by licensing qualified providers and regulating physical therapy practice in Nevada. The Board also investigates complaints and takes disciplinary action when necessary to help ensure that the public receives safe, ethical, and competent care.

Consumers can use this website to verify a license, learn about the Board’s role, review disciplinary information, and understand how to file a complaint. If you have concerns about a provider’s conduct or whether a licensee is properly licensed, this is the place to start.

Before receiving care, consumers should confirm that a physical therapist or physical therapist assistant holds a current Nevada license. The Board provides a public license verification system that allows users to search by name, city, and license type.

If you believe a licensee has acted unprofessionally or violated Nevada law, you may file a complaint with the Board. The complaint process is intended to help the Board review concerns related to care, conduct, or compliance with state law.

Physical therapists and physical therapist assistants are expected to maintain professional boundaries at all times. Patients have the right to receive respectful care in a setting that protects dignity, privacy, and trust.

Sexual behavior, comments, or conduct of any kind that is inappropriate is never acceptable. If a patient feels uncomfortable with the way care is being delivered, or believes a boundary has been crossed, that concern should be reported to the Board.

When choosing a physical therapist, start by verifying the provider’s license and making sure the therapist has experience treating your condition. You should also feel comfortable asking questions about the treatment plan, expected outcomes, and how progress will be measured.

A good physical therapist should explain your condition clearly, involve you in treatment decisions, and respect your goals. You should feel heard, informed, and treated with professionalism throughout your care.

In many cases, Nevada residents may seek evaluation and treatment from a licensed physical therapist without first obtaining a physician referral. This is known as direct access.

Some insurance plans may still require a referral before they will pay for physical therapy services, so patients should check with their insurance carrier before beginning treatment. If a condition is outside the scope of physical therapy or requires additional medical care, the therapist should refer the patient to the appropriate provider.

In many cases, no referral is required to see a physical therapist in Nevada. However, your insurance plan may have its own coverage requirements.

Your first appointment typically includes a discussion of your symptoms, medical history, and goals, followed by an evaluation of your movement, strength, flexibility, balance, and function. The physical therapist then explains the findings and develops a plan of care.

You can verify a physical therapist or physical therapist assistant through the Nevada Physical Therapy Board’s public license verification system.

If you believe a provider acted unprofessionally or violated Nevada law, you may file a complaint with the Board for review.

Physical therapy focuses on movement, strength, balance, endurance, and mobility. Occupational therapy focuses on helping people perform daily activities such as dressing, bathing, cooking, writing, and working.

Physical therapy may help people recovering from surgery, managing sports or work injuries, dealing with back, neck, or joint pain, living with arthritis, or experiencing balance or mobility problems. It can also support patients with neurological conditions, age-related limitations, and pediatric developmental concerns.