Skip to page content
The Centers for Advanced Orthopaedics OrthoMaryland

Main Navigation

  • AboutExpand About section
    • Shared Purpose
    • History
    • Careers
  • ProvidersExpand Providers section
    Find a provider
    or
    or
    View all providers→
  • SpecialtiesExpand Specialties section
    • Arthritis Care
    • Foot & Ankle
    • Hand, Wrist & Elbow
    • Joint Replacement
    • Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation
    • Spine Care
    • Sports Medicine
  • ServicesExpand Services section
    • OrthoMarylandNOW Walk-in Orthopaedics
    • Occupational Therapy
    • Physical Therapy
    • Workers' Compensation
    • Independent Medical Evaluation (IME)
    • Chiropractic
  • LocationsExpand Locations section
    or
    or
    View all locations→
  • For PatientsExpand For Patients section
    • Patient Portal
    • About Your Visit
    • Billing & Insurance
    • Frequently Asked Questions
    • Surgery Locations
    • Testimonials
    • Notices
    • Medical Record Request
  • For Physicians
Explore Office Locations
    • Abingdon
    • Baltimore at Quarry Lake
    • Lutherville
    • Owings Mills
    • Abingdon
    • Baltimore at Quarry Lake
    • Lutherville
    • Owings Mills
Abingdon
Address
3401 Box Hill Corporate Center Drive Suite 120 Abingdon, Maryland 21009
Opening Hours
Mon-Fri: 8:00 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Sat: 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Contact Numbers
Phone
(410) 377-8900
More Details
Abingdon
Address
3401 Box Hill Corporate Drive Suite 120 Abingdon, Maryland 21009
Opening Hours
Mon – Fri: 8 a.m. – 7:30 p.m. Sat: 8 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Opening January 24, 2025
Contact Numbers
Phone
(410) 377-8900
More Details
Baltimore at Quarry Lake
Address
2700 Quarry Lake Drive Suite 300 Baltimore, Maryland 21209
Opening Hours
APPOINTMENTS: Monday - Friday: 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. ......... WALK-IN CARE: Monday - Friday: 8:00 a.m. - 7:30 p.m. Sat & Sun: 8:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Contact Numbers
Phone
(410) 377-8900
Fax
(410) 377-0576
More Details
Baltimore at Quarry Lake
Address
2700 Quarry Lake Drive Suite 320 Baltimore, Maryland 21209
Opening Hours
BY APPOINTMENT ONLY Mon – Thu: 7 a.m. – 7 p.m. Friday: 7 a.m. – 5 p.m. Saturday: 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Contact Numbers
Phone
(410) 377-3484
Fax
(410) 377-0576
More Details
Lutherville
Address
1312 Bellona Ave. Suite 302 Lutherville, Maryland 21093
Opening Hours
APPOINTMENTS: Monday - Friday: 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. ......... WALK-IN CARE: Monday - Friday: 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Contact Numbers
Phone
(410) 377-8900
Fax
(410) 377-0576
More Details
Lutherville
Address
1312 Bellona Ave. Suite 302 Lutherville, Maryland 21093
Opening Hours
Mon – Fri: 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Contact Numbers
Phone
(410) 377-3484
Fax
(410) 377-0576
More Details
Owings Mills
Address
4 Park Center Court Suite 102 Owings Mills, Maryland 21117
Opening Hours
Our physician office is currently being remodeled – new and improved coming Fall of 2025
Contact Numbers
Phone
(410) 377-8900
Fax
(410) 377-0576
More Details
Owings Mills
Address
4 Park Center Court Suite 200 Owings Mills, Maryland 21117
Opening Hours
BY APPOINTMENT ONLY: Mon – Thu: 7 a.m. – 7 p.m. Friday: 7 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Contact Numbers
Phone
(410) 377-3484
Fax
(410) 356-2617
More Details
(410) 377-8900 (410) 377-8900 Call us today!
Make Appointment Make an Appointment Schedule Here
Pay My Bill Pay My Bill Make Payment Here
Walk-in Care Walk-in Care OrthoMarylandNOW
Home
Main Navigation
  • About
    • Shared Purpose
    • History
    • Careers
  • Providers
    • Jason P. Brokaw, M.D.
    • David P. Buchalter, M.D.
    • Robert Dolitsky, M.D.
    • Steven Friedman, M.D.
    • Lisa J. Grant, M.D.
    • Beatrice Grasu, M.D.
    • Yonah Heller, M.D.
    • David Jacobs, M.D.
    • Peter Jay, M.D.
    • Robert Riederman, M.D.
    • Richard M. Smith, M.D.
    • Barry Waldman, M.D.
    • Ian Weiner, M.D.
    • Chad Zooker, M.D.
    • Michelle E. Auster, PA-C
    • Ivona Banham, PA-C
    • Frank Delosso, PA-C
    • Meagan Fernandez, PA-C
    • Ariana Karnado, PA-C
    • Maureen Maximo, PA-C
    • Christel Mercado Bonneville, PA-C
    • Jenny Pederson, PA-C
    • Brady Perrott, PA-C
    • Colin Rainey, PA-C
    • Kevin Rainey, PA-C
    • Nicole Shinsky, PA-C
    • Jennifer Tawil, PA-C
    • Krystin Trego, PA-C
    • Jessica Vogelsong, PA-C
    • Daniel Akkerman, DPT
    • Jeremy Alter, DScPT
    • Niesha Ambush, PTA
    • John Beck, PTA
    • Audrey Bershak, PT
    • Michael Bershak, PT
    • Elizabeth Calabrese, PT
    • Ross Dubin, DC
    • Bren Eichelberger, DPT
    • Corey Glanzer, OT
    • R. Steve Grant, II, DPT
    • Melisa Hoffman, DPT
    • Karen James, OTR, CHT
    • Gary Kassimir, PT, MS, CHT
    • Lindsay Kehring, DPT
    • Miranda Klein, PTA
    • Diana Richardson, MPT
    • Kristy Sanders, DPT
    • Khruzette Santa Clara, DPT
    • Dan Segar, PTA
    • Steven Shinsky, DPT
    • Jennifer Stavrakis, MS, OTR/L
    • Esther Thomas, PT
    • Amanda Wallace, PTA
    • Patrick Wallace, PT
    • Kristin Wilhelmsen, MSPT
  • Specialties
    • Arthritis Care
    • Foot & Ankle
    • Hand, Wrist & Elbow
    • Joint Replacement
    • Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation
    • Spine Care
    • Sports Medicine
  • Services
    • OrthoMarylandNOW Walk-in Orthopaedics
    • Occupational Therapy
    • Physical Therapy
    • Workers' Compensation
    • Independent Medical Evaluation (IME)
    • Chiropractic
  • Locations
    • Abingdon
    • Baltimore at Quarry Lake
    • Lutherville
    • Owings Mills
    • Abingdon Physical Therapy
    • Baltimore at Quarry Lake Physical Therapy
    • Lutherville Physical Therapy
    • Owings Mills Physical Therapy
  • For Patients
    • Patient Portal
    • About Your Visit
    • Billing & Insurance
    • Frequently Asked Questions
    • Surgery Locations
    • Testimonials
    • Notices
    • Medical Record Request
  • For Physicians
Follow Us
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • LinkedIn
  • Instagram
  • YouTube
Page Content
November 3, 2019

What to Expect from Physical Therapy

Melisa Hoffman, DPT: Director of Rehabilitation

Woman in Physical TherapyHow does physical therapy work? Do I need a doctor’s referral?

Physical therapy is often recommended by doctors to assist patients with pain, weakness, and limited range of motion. While a referral is not always required to see a physical therapist, patients are typically referred to therapy by their primary care doctor or orthopedic specialist.

Will my insurance cover physical therapy?

In most cases, insurance companies will cover physical therapy. However, they may require a prescription from a health care provider.

Does physical therapy hurt?

Physical therapy CAN be painful or uncomfortable since you are working to increase limited range of motion or strengthen weakened muscles that have been avoided or neglected. However, the benefits of physical therapy outweigh its challenges and can lead you to a better quality of life.

What’s the difference between good pain and bad pain?

Generally, this will depend on your diagnosis. There may be certain conditions, such as sciatica, where you may want to avoid a certain level of pain. There are other injuries, such as frozen shoulder, in which case you may be encouraged to push through that line of pain. Be sure to speak with your therapist about what you should expect based on your specific diagnosis—and don’t be afraid to speak up if you feel the pain is too much.

What will I do in physical therapy?

The goal of PT is to improve your overall ability to function. This involves a wide range of activities and exercises that can be used to help improve your range of motion, muscle strength, balance, and gait. These activities may include the use of stability balls, resistance bands, exercise machines, stimulation devices, etc.

How long does physical therapy normally last?

An average therapy session usually lasts about an hour.

What should I wear to physical therapy?

We recommend comfortable clothing and footwear, as if you were going for a good walk around the neighborhood or park.

Are there home exercises and how often should I do them?

Your physical therapist will typically give you a home exercise program with specific instructions. Do your exercises regularly. The more often you do them, the faster you’ll reach your goal.

Keep in mind, everyone’s situation is different. What works for some, may not work for others. Your condition, medical history, and many more factors will play a role in building a successful therapy program. Be sure to talk with your physical therapist about what is best for YOUR body!

The Centers for Advanced Orthopaedics is redefining the way musculoskeletal care is delivered across the region with locations throughout Maryland, DC, Virginia and Pennsylvania.

Learn More

The Centers for Advanced Orthopaedics
  • Non-Discrimination Policy
  • Privacy Policy
  • Disclaimer
  • Billing Disclosures

Find us on:

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • LinkedIn
  • Instagram
  • YouTube
Site Map
  • About
  • Providers
  • Specialties
  • Services
  • Locations
  • For Patients
  • For Physicians
Copyright © 2025 The Centers for Advanced Orthopaedics
Site by Piszko

We may use third-party services like Google Analytics to analyze how people interact with www.orthomaryland.net or to provide additional functionality to you. These services will be able to see limited information about your device and/or internet connection, such as your IP address, and may set cookies in your browser. No personal or health information is collected or transmitted by www.orthomaryland.net.