FAQ

At our East Austin clinic, physical therapy does not require a referral in Texas. Texas law allows direct access, so you can book with Dr. Shelley Hardin. If imaging or a specialist is needed, we’ll coordinate it to keep your rehabilitation services moving forward without delays.

Our East Austin clinic welcomes new patients with a Free 30‑minute PT Consultation, virtual or in-person, to discuss goals. Ready to begin treatment? Schedule a 75‑minute Initial Assessment for movement testing, goal setting, and your first rehabilitation session.

At our East Austin PT clinic, your Initial Assessment includes movement analysis, goal-setting, and your first treatment. Techniques may include manual therapy, dry needling, or targeted exercise to address the root cause of pain and create a customized recovery plan.

Physical therapy sessions at our East Austin clinic are unhurried. Consultations last 30 minutes, while Initial Assessments and follow-ups run 75 minutes to allow for manual therapy hands-on techniques, corrective exercise, and education so you leave confident in your home program and recovery plan.

Patients of our East Austin clinic find virtual physical therapy effective for education, guided exercise, and plan updates. Dr. Hardin uses video assessments to coach form and adjust programs. In-person visits are best for manual therapy or dry needling.

Commonly treated issues include back pain, neck pain, shoulder pain, hip and knee injuries, post-surgical rehab, tendon issues, and mobility limitations in our East Austin clinic. We help athletes, active adults, and desk workers restore movement, prevent injuries, and improve performance.

Mild therapeutic soreness can occur as your body adapts, but pain is not the goal. Our approach to rehabilitation services focuses on safe, progressive loading and teaching you ways to manage symptoms between visits.

At The Grappler’s PT & Pilates in Austin, manual therapy is combined with corrective exercise for lasting, functional results. Massage focuses on relaxation, while manual therapy is a clinical, hands-on approach to improve joint mobility and tissue health.

Yes. Dry needling is performed with sterile needles to release tight muscles and calm trigger points. It’s safe, evidence-based, and used for chronic tension, sports injuries, and stubborn movement restrictions. Always optional and fully explained before treatment.

BFR training uses specialized cuffs to limit circulation during low-load exercise. This helps build strength and muscle when heavy lifting isn’t possible, making it ideal for post-surgery recovery and other rehabilitation services at our Austin physical therapy clinic.

Many patients at our East Austin clinic notice changes in 1–3 visits; lasting improvement typically takes 4–8+ weeks, depending on your condition and consistency. Dr. Hardin designs every orthopedic physical therapy program for sustainable results, not quick but temporary fixes.

Wear athletic clothing and shoes for freedom of movement. Bring any imaging, surgical instructions, or prior exercise programs. Staying hydrated is encouraged—especially important in Austin’s heat.

This depends on your injury and recovery stage. We'll work together to create a plan that maintains your activity level without a significant setback by modifying intensity and volume as needed. Whether you're preparing for a BJJ competition or wanting to stay active in your favorite physical activities, we'll find the right balance for you.

As a middle-aged PT and competitive athlete, I understand the demands of maintaining an active lifestyle. My approach combines traditional physical therapy with advanced techniques like dry needling and blood flow restriction training, plus authentic Pilates, creating a comprehensive system for both injury recovery and performance enhancement. Whether you're a BJJ athlete, weekend warrior, or someone committed to staying active, we'll develop a plan that supports your goals.