ATI Physical Therapy is a chain of clinics where you receive treatment for injury, pain, or movement problems

ATI Physical Therapy is a for-profit company that operates physical therapy clinics across the United States. You go to one of their locations to work with a licensed physical therapist on exercises, stretches, manual therapy, and other treatments designed to reduce pain, restore movement, or help you recover after surgery or injury. ATI does not provide occupational therapy directly — if you need both physical and occupational therapy, you would typically receive them at different locations or through different providers, though some clinics may have partnerships with occupational therapy services nearby.

ATI clinics are staffed by physical therapists (PTs) and physical therapist assistants (PTAs). A physical therapist has a doctoral degree and a state license. A physical therapist assistant has an associate degree and works under the supervision of a PT. When you arrive for your first visit, the PT will assess your condition, discuss your goals, and create a treatment plan. You then attend sessions — usually one to three times per week — where you perform exercises and receive hands-on treatment.

ATI operates more than 900 clinics in 28 states as of 2024, though this number changes as the company expands or closes locations. You can find a clinic near you through their website by entering your zip code. Treatment at ATI is not free; you pay through insurance, out-of-pocket fees, or a combination of both.

Key Takeaways

  • ATI Physical Therapy is a private clinic chain where licensed physical therapists treat pain, injury, and movement problems through exercise and manual therapy.
  • Your first visit includes an assessment and the creation of a treatment plan; ongoing sessions typically occur one to three times per week.
  • You pay for ATI services through insurance coverage, out-of-pocket payment, or both — the cost depends on your insurance plan and the clinic's fee schedule.
  • ATI does not provide occupational therapy; if you need both services, you will need to arrange occupational therapy through a separate provider.
  • You do not need a referral from a doctor to see a physical therapist in most states, though some insurance plans require one before they will cover the cost.

How to find an ATI clinic and schedule your first visit

ATI clinics are located in 28 states, concentrated in the Southeast, Midwest, and parts of the West. You can search for a clinic by zip code on ATI's website. When you find a location, you can call to schedule an appointment or, at some clinics, book online through their scheduling system.

You do not need a doctor's referral to see a physical therapist in most states — this is called direct access. However, your insurance plan may require a referral before it will cover your visits. Before you schedule, contact your insurance company or check your plan documents to see whether a referral is needed. If it is, you will need to ask your primary care doctor or another physician to send one to the clinic.

When you call to schedule, the clinic will ask for basic information: your name, contact details, insurance information, and a brief description of your condition or injury. Some clinics will ask you to arrive 15 minutes early to fill out intake paperwork. Bring your insurance card and a photo ID to your first appointment.

What happens during your first physical therapy session at ATI

Your first visit is longer than follow-up visits — typically 60 minutes instead of 30 to 45 minutes. The physical therapist will ask detailed questions about your injury or condition, your medical history, your current pain level, and what activities are difficult for you. They will perform tests to measure your range of motion, strength, balance, and how you move. This assessment helps them understand what is limiting you and what the treatment should focus on.

After the assessment, the PT will explain what they found and discuss your goals — for example, returning to work, playing a sport, or straightforward reducing pain. Together, you will create a treatment plan that outlines how many visits you may need, what you will work on during each session, and what exercises you will do at home. The PT will also discuss what you can expect to pay and whether your insurance will cover the visits.

At the end of your first visit, you may begin treatment — usually gentle exercises or manual therapy — or the PT may wait until your second visit to start. This depends on your condition and how you are feeling.

Types of treatment you may receive at ATI

Physical therapy at ATI typically includes several types of treatment, often combined in a single session. Therapeutic exercise is the core of most plans: you perform movements designed to strengthen weak muscles, improve flexibility, or restore normal movement patterns. The PT may use resistance bands, weights, machines, or your own body weight. Manual therapy includes hands-on techniques such as massage, joint mobilization (moving a joint through its range of motion), or stretching performed by the therapist.

Modalities are machines or devices used to reduce pain or swelling. These may include ice or heat, ultrasound, electrical stimulation, or compression. Not all clinics use all modalities, and some PTs rely more heavily on exercise and manual therapy than on machines.

Your PT may also teach you body mechanics — how to move, lift, or sit in ways that protect your injured area and prevent future injury. If you have balance problems, you may work on balance training. If you are recovering from surgery, your plan will follow the typical healing timeline for that surgery.

How much ATI physical therapy costs and what insurance covers

The cost of physical therapy at ATI varies by location, by the type of treatment you receive, and by your insurance plan. ATI is an in-network provider for many major insurance plans, which means your insurance company has negotiated a rate with the clinic. If you have insurance, you will typically pay a copay per visit (often $20 to $50, though this varies) or a coinsurance percentage (for example, 20% of the cost after you meet your deductible).

If you do not have insurance or your plan does not cover physical therapy, you will pay the clinic's full fee. This is called the cash rate or self-pay rate. ATI's cash rates vary by clinic and by treatment type, but typically range from $75 to $150 per visit, though some clinics may charge more. Ask the clinic for their cash rate before your first visit so you know what to expect.

Most insurance plans cover physical therapy, but the number of visits they will pay for may be limited. Some plans cover a set number of visits per year (for example, 30 visits), while others require the PT to request approval for additional visits. The clinic will help you understand your coverage and will submit claims to your insurance on your behalf. You are responsible for any copays or coinsurance at each visit.

How long treatment typically lasts and what to expect

The length of physical therapy depends on your condition, how severe it is, and how quickly you progress. Some people recover in four to six weeks; others need three to six months or longer. Your PT will give you an estimate at your first visit, but this may change as you progress. If you are not improving as expected, your PT may adjust your plan or discuss whether you need additional imaging or a referral back to your doctor.

You will typically attend sessions one to three times per week. Between sessions, your PT will give you exercises to do at home — usually 5 to 15 minutes per day. Doing your home exercises is important; people who follow their home program tend to recover faster than those who only do exercises during clinic visits.

As you improve, your PT may gradually reduce the frequency of your visits. For example, you might start with three visits per week, then move to two per week, then one per week as you get stronger and more independent. Eventually, you will be discharged from therapy when you have reached your goals or when your PT determines that further visits are unlikely to help.

ATI physical therapy compared to other physical therapy providers

ATI is one of many physical therapy providers in the United States. Other options include independent physical therapy clinics (often run by one or a few PTs), hospital-based physical therapy departments, and clinics run by other large chains. The main differences are size, location, and sometimes cost.

Large chains like ATI typically have many locations, which can make scheduling convenient if you need to switch clinics. They often have standardized treatment protocols and may use more technology or machines. Independent clinics may offer more personalized attention or longer sessions, but may have fewer locations or longer wait times. Hospital-based clinics may be convenient if you are already receiving care at that hospital, but may have higher costs.

Insurance coverage is usually similar across providers — most accept major insurance plans. The main factor in choosing a provider is often location and availability. If ATI has a clinic near you with open appointments, it may be the most practical choice. If not, an independent clinic or another chain may work better for your schedule.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a doctor's referral to see a physical therapist at ATI?

In most states, you do not need a referral — you can schedule directly. However, your insurance plan may require one before it will cover your visits. Check your plan documents or call your insurance company before scheduling to find out whether a referral is needed.

What if I do not have insurance?

You can still receive physical therapy at ATI by paying out of pocket. Ask the clinic for their cash rate before your first visit. Some clinics offer payment plans if the cost is high. You may also ask whether the clinic offers any discounts for uninsured patients.

Can I switch to a different physical therapist if I do not like mine?

Yes. If you are not comfortable with your PT or do not feel you are making progress, you can ask to work with a different therapist at the same clinic or switch to a different clinic entirely. Tell the clinic staff about your concerns; they may be able to match you with another PT.

How do I know if physical therapy is working?

Your PT will measure your progress using tests of strength, range of motion, and function — for example, how far you can walk or how much weight you can lift. You should also notice improvements in your daily life, such as less pain or being able to do activities you could not do before. If you are not improving after four to six weeks, discuss this with your PT.

What happens if my insurance runs out of visits before I am done with therapy?

Your PT can request additional visits from your insurance company, which is called an authorization request. If your insurance denies the request, you can continue therapy by paying out of pocket, or you can stop and try again later. Your PT will discuss your options with you.