Connecticut is one of 26 states that allow direct patient access to physical therapy with some provisions. To better understand direct access physical therapy in Connecticut and how you can start taking advantage of its benefits, here’s what you should know.

To practice via direct access for physical therapy in Connecticut, a physical therapist must:

Have a bachelor's degree and practiced physical therapy in Connecticut or elsewhere for at least four out of the most recent six years. Alternatively, they must obtain a master's degree or higher.

Refer a patient receiving direct access physical therapy treatment in Connecticut to an appropriate licensed healthcare provider if, upon examination or reexamination, the therapist determines that the condition for which the patient sought direct access to physical therapy in Connecticut has not objectively demonstrated improvement within a period of 30 consecutive days or at the end of six visits, whichever comes first.

Grade V spinal manipulation and such treatment shall only be performed by a physical therapist in Connecticut who:

Has (1) earned a bachelor's degree prior to January 1, 1998, and practiced physical therapy in Connecticut or elsewhere for at least four out of the most recent six years, or (2) earned a master's degree or higher in physical therapy from an accredited institution of higher education; and

Holds a specialist certification in orthopedic physical therapy from the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA), or who has completed at least 40 hours of coursework in manual therapy—including Grade V spinal manipulation—and can provide proof of such education.

Keep in mind that physical therapists in Connecticut may not diagnose a disease.