In 1979, the State of Maryland enacted direct access legislation, granting patients full, unrestricted access to a physical therapists. This legislation allows patients to bypass the extra appointment and cost of initially having to see a physician.

 

Sometimes a patient may need further diagnosis or treatment. Physical therapists are trained in differential diagnosis, enabling them to assess when additional diagnostic procedures or treatment modalities are necessary. While instances do arise where further intervention is warranted, many musculoskeletal injuries and associated pain, such as ligament sprains and muscle strains, can often improve through physical therapy alone, without the need for supplementary care. ​​