Published by Commons Clinic. [Web version](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/articles/choosing-physical-therapist/) Reviewer names are abbreviated. Patient reviews describe individual experiences. Review counts describe source records, not unique patients or clinical outcomes; the acquired snapshot may not include complete platform histories. Clinical education and patient accounts do not replace a consultation. Physical therapy # How to choose a physical therapist for your goals The right physical therapist understands what you want to do, measures where you are starting, and helps you use a plan outside the clinic. Ask about experience, progress, and the practical details of visits. Published by Commons Clinic · Updated October 20, 2026 · 4 min read [Questions to ask ↓](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/articles/choosing-physical-therapist/#consultation-questions) [Patient experiences ↓](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/articles/choosing-physical-therapist/#patient-experiences) In this guide 1. [Start with the activity you want back](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/articles/choosing-physical-therapist/#guide-section-1) 2. [Check relevant experience and a license](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/articles/choosing-physical-therapist/#guide-section-2) 3. [Expect an assessment that connects to function](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/articles/choosing-physical-therapist/#guide-section-3) 4. [Ask what happens between visits](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/articles/choosing-physical-therapist/#guide-section-4) 5. [Make progress and communication visible](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/articles/choosing-physical-therapist/#guide-section-5) 6. [Meet our physical therapy team](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/articles/choosing-physical-therapist/#guide-section-6) 7. [Understand what a specialist credential tells you](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/articles/choosing-physical-therapist/#guide-section-7) 8. [Ask to see the starting point and the goal](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/articles/choosing-physical-therapist/#guide-section-8) [Go to your consultation questions ↓](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/articles/choosing-physical-therapist/#consultation-questions) ## Start with the activity you want back A therapist needs more than the name of a body part. Explain what has become difficult and what you would like to do more comfortably or confidently. That might mean walking to work, lifting a child, returning to running, or moving after an operation. If a physician has given you restrictions, bring them. A goal tied to your day makes it easier to ask whether the therapist’s experience and the proposed approach match your needs. ## Check relevant experience and a license The American Physical Therapy Association recommends choosing a licensed physical therapist and asking whether they regularly work with your condition or people with similar needs. Ask about the experience relevant to your particular goal, rather than assuming one extra credential answers every question. Also ask who performs the evaluation, who sees you at later visits, and how the clinic keeps your plan consistent. Clear answers about roles help you understand what care you are arranging. Sources: [American Physical Therapy Association: Choosing Your Physical Therapist](https://www.choosept.com/why-physical-therapy/choosing-your-physical-therapist) ## Expect an assessment that connects to function APTA’s preparation guidance describes an evaluation that can include your history, symptoms, strength, mobility, balance, walking, or functional tasks depending on your situation. Ask the therapist what they want to measure at the start and how those measures connect to your goal. Tell them what makes symptoms better or worse and what you have already tried. If an activity feels difficult or unsafe to attempt, say so before doing it. The assessment should help explain a plan, not just produce a list of exercises. Sources: [American Physical Therapy Association: Preparing for Your Visit](https://www.choosept.com/why-physical-therapy/prepare) ## Ask what happens between visits A useful conversation includes what you will do at home and how you will know you are doing it correctly. Ask for a demonstration, then try the movement with the therapist watching. Confirm the starting amount, the frequency, and what response should lead you to pause or contact the team. If the program needs equipment, space, or time you do not have, discuss an alternative. The most sophisticated plan is not useful if you cannot carry it out in your actual routine. ## Make progress and communication visible Choose a task or measure to revisit, and ask when the therapist expects to reassess it. Ask what would prompt a change in approach or a discussion with your physician. If you are recovering from surgery, confirm how restrictions and progress are communicated. Practical questions about appointment length, availability, costs, and insurance visits also belong here. If the schedule will be difficult, address it at the outset so you understand what can reasonably be done within those constraints. ## Meet our physical therapy team At Commons Clinic, Brett Pugh’s focus includes movement analysis, strength testing, gait and running analysis, exercise planning, and return to sport. Mina Sidarous is a licensed physical therapist based in Long Beach. Their profiles below provide more detail about their backgrounds. Patient experiences can help you learn how people felt supported, but your assessment determines the appropriate plan. Bring the activity you want back and ask the therapist how the evaluation and next steps will help you work toward it. ## Understand what a specialist credential tells you APTA’s specialist directory provides a way to verify board-certified physical therapist specialists. A credential can help you ask about training, but your next question should be about experience with your particular problem and goals. Ask who will perform your assessment, who will guide subsequent visits, and how questions reach that person between sessions. If you have surgery restrictions or a complicated medical history, ask how these are reviewed before treatment begins. Match the visit arrangement to the support you need rather than choosing on a credential alone. Sources: [Directory of Board-Certified Physical Therapist Specialists](https://specialization.apta.org/FindaSpecialist/) ## Ask to see the starting point and the goal APTA practice guidance describes a baseline assessment and functional goals developed with the patient. In a first visit, ask which findings will be measured again and what improvement would mean in your day. 'Walk around the block' becomes more useful when distance, assistance, and symptom limits are discussed. Tell the therapist what would make the program hard to follow, including travel or equipment. Agree on when the plan is reviewed and how our physician and therapist will communicate if progress differs from expectations. Sources: [Documentation: Initial Examination and Evaluation](https://www.apta.org/your-practice/documentation/defensible-documentation/elements-within-the-patientclient-management-model/initial-examination) Make the most of your visit ## Questions to bring to your consultation Choose the questions that matter most to you. Bring them along, and ask us to explain anything that is unclear. - Do you regularly treat people with my condition and goals? - Who will evaluate me and see me at later visits? - Which starting measures will help us track progress? - What is the purpose of each part of the program? - What should I do at home, and how will we check my technique? - Which response to exercise should make me contact you? - How will you communicate with my physician? - What visit schedule, costs, and insurance limits should I plan for? - How does your experience with this condition relate to the activity I want back? - Which baseline measures will we repeat to evaluate progress? - Who will coordinate with my physician if restrictions or symptoms change? ## Sources & further reading - [American Physical Therapy Association: Choosing Your Physical Therapist](https://www.choosept.com/why-physical-therapy/choosing-your-physical-therapist) - [American Physical Therapy Association: Preparing for Your Visit](https://www.choosept.com/why-physical-therapy/prepare) - [Directory of Board-Certified Physical Therapist Specialists](https://specialization.apta.org/FindaSpecialist/) American Physical Therapy Association; American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties - [Documentation: Initial Examination and Evaluation](https://www.apta.org/your-practice/documentation/defensible-documentation/elements-within-the-patientclient-management-model/initial-examination) American Physical Therapy Association We use these medical sources to help explain your options and prepare you for a conversation with our team. Our guides feature our own clinicians; patient reviews describe individual experiences. [Read as Markdown](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/articles/choosing-physical-therapist/index.md) Meet our team ## People behind your care. [**Brett Pugh, PT, DPT** Licensed Physical Therapist](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/physicians/brett-pugh-pt-dpt/) [More about Brett Pugh ↗](https://commonsclinic.com/physicians/brett-pugh-pt-dpt/) [**Mina Sidarous, PT** Licensed Physical Therapist](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/physicians/mina-sidarous-pt/) [More about Mina Sidarous ↗](https://commonsclinic.com/physicians/mina-sidarous-pt/) Explore our clinicians, then talk with us about your symptoms, goals, and the care you need. Patient experiences ## Experiences, *in their words.* Hear from patients about our clinicians, the conversations they had, and the support they received. Excerpt > Knowledgeable and friendly Physical Therapist. N. B. Rating: 5/5 · Source: Google · Date: September 12, 2026 [Reviewer’s Google activity](https://www.google.com/maps/contrib/105367596984569706993/place/ChIJC7Md4zy7woARHntayl0pcvM) Source link type: reviewer place Attributed clinician: Brett Pugh, PT, DPT On the care experience: a personable manner Excerpt > Very personable, thorough and pleasant to talk with! C. Behan Rating: 5/5 · Source: Google · Date: August 12, 2026 [Reviewer’s Google activity](https://www.google.com/maps/contrib/102211386619323322475/place/ChIJC7Md4zy7woARHntayl0pcvM) Source link type: reviewer place Attributed clinician: Brett Pugh, PT, DPT On the care experience: The reviewer reports a personable and thorough encounter with Brett Pugh; there is no diagnosis-specific outcome claim. Excerpt > Brett is so careful and thoughtful about the exercises he gives to me. S. Kahan Rating: 5/5 · Source: Google · Date: June 3, 2025 [Reviewer’s Google activity](https://www.google.com/maps/contrib/105776820943006156689/place/ChIJC7Md4zy7woARHntayl0pcvM) Source link type: reviewer place Attributed clinician: Brett Pugh, PT, DPT On exercises. Excerpt > Brett is an excellent professional physical therapist. E. Batrshin Rating: 5/5 · Source: Google · Date: June 3, 2025 [Reviewer’s Google activity](https://www.google.com/maps/contrib/107889550666370375979/place/ChIJC7Md4zy7woARHntayl0pcvM) Source link type: reviewer place Attributed clinician: Brett Pugh, PT, DPT On physical therapist. Excerpt > Brett is an excellent therapist. A. Adelson Rating: 5/5 · Source: Google · Date: June 3, 2025 [Reviewer’s Google activity](https://www.google.com/maps/contrib/113897123258983530247/place/ChIJC7Md4zy7woARHntayl0pcvM) Source link type: reviewer place Attributed clinician: Brett Pugh, PT, DPT On therapist. Excerpt > He has excellent bedside manner and couldn’t ask for a better therapist so thank you, Brett M. Drake Rating: 5/5 · Source: Google · Date: March 18, 2025 [Reviewer’s Google activity](https://www.google.com/maps/contrib/112550465671801126570/place/ChIJC7Md4zy7woARHntayl0pcvM) Source link type: reviewer place Attributed clinician: Brett Pugh, PT, DPT On therapist. Keep exploring ## Your next *good question.* More guidance to help you understand your options and plan your next step. Sports medicine ### [Choosing a sports medicine physician for your injury and goals](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/articles/choosing-a-sports-medicine-physician/) The right fit combines relevant expertise, a clear explanation and a plan for the activity you want to regain. [Read the guide](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/articles/choosing-a-sports-medicine-physician/) Spine ### [How to choose a spine surgeon who fits your needs](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/articles/choosing-spine-surgeon/) The right match combines relevant experience, sound reasoning, and a conversation you can follow. Start with your problem and goals, then compare how each surgeon explains the options. [Read the guide](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/articles/choosing-spine-surgeon/) Choosing your care ### [Who is the best orthopedic physician for your problem? Start with fit](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/articles/choosing-orthopedic-physician-best-fit/) The right orthopedic physician starts with your problem, your goals, and a clear explanation of the choices. Use expertise, communication, and access together when making your decision. [Read the guide](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/articles/choosing-orthopedic-physician-best-fit/) Meet the clinicians ## Explore your *next conversation.* [![Brett Pugh, PT, DPT](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/assets/brett-pugh-pt-dpt.png)](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/physicians/brett-pugh-pt-dpt/) Licensed Physical Therapist ### [Brett Pugh, PT, DPT](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/physicians/brett-pugh-pt-dpt/) Santa Monica [Meet Brett Pugh](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/physicians/brett-pugh-pt-dpt/) [![Mina Sidarous, PT](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/assets/mina-sidarous-pt.png)](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/physicians/mina-sidarous-pt/) Licensed Physical Therapist ### [Mina Sidarous, PT](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/physicians/mina-sidarous-pt/) Long Beach – Douglas Park [Meet Mina Sidarous](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/physicians/mina-sidarous-pt/) ## Publisher & attribution Commons Clinic Reviews is operated by Commons Clinic. 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