Physical Therapy Pittsburgh, PA | East Liberty Clinic

If you are searching for physical therapy in Pittsburgh, PA, you want a clinic that provides expert, hands-on care — not a factory-style practice where you spend most of your time with an aide doing exercises alone. At Pittsburgh Physical Medicine in East Liberty, every patient receives one-on-one physical therapy with Dr. Charlie Crockatt, DPT. Here is what you need to know before booking your first appointment.

What Is Physical Therapy and Who Needs It?

Physical therapy is a licensed healthcare profession focused on restoring movement, reducing pain, and preventing re-injury. You may benefit from physical therapy if you have:

• Back pain, neck pain, or sciatica
• A sports injury (sprain, strain, rotator cuff tear, etc.)
• Recovery from a car accident or work injury
• Post-surgical rehabilitation (after orthopedic procedures)
• Chronic musculoskeletal pain not responding to other care

Physical therapy is often the difference between temporary pain relief and a complete, lasting recovery.

Do You Need a Referral for Physical Therapy in Pennsylvania?

Under Pennsylvania's direct access law, you can see a physical therapist for your first 30 days without a physician's referral. After 30 days, a referral is required to continue treatment. This means you can call Pittsburgh Physical Medicine today — without a doctor's note — and begin your recovery immediately.

What Does Physical Therapy at Pittsburgh Physical Medicine Look Like?

Dr. Crockatt's approach is based on manual therapy and active rehabilitation. Your treatment plan may include:

• Manual Therapy — Hands-on joint mobilization and soft tissue techniques to restore movement and reduce pain
• Dry Needling — Targeting active trigger points to relieve muscle tension and pain
• Therapeutic Exercise — Customized strength and mobility exercises to address your specific condition
• Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM) — Breaking up scar tissue and adhesions that limit movement
• Cupping Therapy — Promoting circulation and reducing myofascial restriction

Because we also have chiropractors on staff, your physical therapy can be coordinated with chiropractic care for a comprehensive, integrated treatment approach — without having to travel to multiple clinics.

Physical Therapy Serving Pittsburgh Neighborhoods

Our East Liberty clinic is centrally located and easy to reach from neighborhoods across Pittsburgh's East End:

• Shadyside (0.8 miles) — A short walk or drive from Walnut St and Ellsworth Ave
• Bloomfield (1.1 miles) — Pittsburgh's Little Italy, minutes down Liberty Ave
• Lawrenceville (1.4 miles) — Easy drive from Butler St
• Oakland (2.0 miles) — Convenient for Pitt, CMU, and UPMC staff and students
• Highland Park (1.5 miles) — Your neighborhood PT clinic
• Point Breeze (1.8 miles) — Quick drive down Penn Ave
• Squirrel Hill (2.2 miles) — Off Forbes and Murray Ave
• Regent Square (2.5 miles) — Just a short drive to East Liberty

Does UPMC Cover Physical Therapy in Pittsburgh?

Yes. Pittsburgh Physical Medicine is in-network with UPMC Health Plan, Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield, Aetna, and United Healthcare for physical therapy. The number of covered visits depends on your specific plan and diagnosis. We recommend calling us at (412) 404-8337 with your insurance card so we can verify your PT benefits before your first appointment.

How Soon Can I Get a Physical Therapy Appointment?

We offer same-day and next-day appointments for new physical therapy patients. We understand that being in pain is urgent, and we work to get you in as quickly as possible.

Ready to Start Physical Therapy in Pittsburgh?

Call us at (412) 404-8337 or book online. We are located at 5916 Penn Ave, East Liberty, Pittsburgh PA 15206 — your top-rated physical therapy clinic serving Shadyside, Bloomfield, Lawrenceville, Oakland, and all of Pittsburgh's East End.

See our physical therapy services page for full details on what we treat.