Back Pain Physical Therapy in Salt Lake City
Back pain is one of the most common reasons people walk through our doors — and one of the most treatable. Whether it's a sharp twinge from lifting, a dull ache that won't quit after long days at a desk, or pain shooting down your leg, most back problems we see respond well to physical therapy. And in Utah, you don't need a doctor's referral or an MRI to get started. You can come straight to us.
At Craft Physical Therapy, back pain treatment looks different from the typical clinic experience. You get a full hour, one-on-one, with your physical therapist — every visit. No aides, no double-booking, no 15-minute conveyor belt. Just hands-on care and a plan built around the life you want to get back to.
Back Conditions We Treat
- Herniated and bulging discs — including pain, numbness, or weakness radiating into the leg
- Sciatica — shooting pain down the back of the leg
- Muscle strains and ligament sprains — from lifting, sport, or awkward movements
- Chronic low back pain and stiffness — including pain that hasn't responded to rest or generic exercise handouts
- Postural back pain — from desk work, driving, and long days on your feet
- Post-surgical rehab — after microdiscectomy, laminectomy, or spinal fusion
Not sure whether your back pain is right for PT? That's exactly what the evaluation is for. We're trained to screen for red flags and will refer you to the right physician if something looks like it needs medical management first.
Our 1-on-1 Approach to Back Pain
Most clinics treat back pain with 15 minutes of a therapist's time and a sheet of generic exercises. We don't.
Your full hour is spent entirely with your doctor of physical therapy. Treatment typically combines hands-on manual therapy — spinal mobilization, soft tissue work — with targeted, progressive exercise designed for your specific diagnosis and goals. Weekend hiker? Desk worker training for a marathon? New parent who can't pick up their kid without wincing? Your plan reflects your life, not a protocol.
Because we're cash-based, there's no insurance company dictating how many visits you get or what we're allowed to do. Your plan is based on what your back actually needs.
What to Expect at Your First Visit
- A thorough evaluation. We dig into your history, how the pain behaves, and what you've already tried. Then we assess your movement, strength, and flexibility to pinpoint what's driving the problem.
- A clear diagnosis in plain English. You'll leave understanding what's going on and why — no jargon, no shrug.
- Hands-on treatment on day one. We don't do evaluation-only first visits. You'll get treated at your first appointment.
- A straightforward plan. How many visits we expect, what each phase looks like, and what it'll cost — $160 per full-hour session, no surprises.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a referral for back pain physical therapy in Utah?
No. Utah's direct access laws allow doctors of physical therapy to evaluate and treat you without a physician referral. You can book directly with us.
How many sessions will I need?
It depends on the diagnosis, but most uncomplicated back pain cases improve significantly within 6–10 visits. We'll give you an honest estimate at your first appointment — and re-evaluate if progress stalls.
Do you take insurance?
We're out-of-network with all insurance plans, which is what lets us give you a full hour of 1-on-1 care. We provide a super-bill you can submit for out-of-network reimbursement, and HSA/FSA cards are accepted. Many patients find the math works out once they factor in copays, visit limits, and the quality difference.
Should I get an MRI before starting PT?
Usually not. For most back pain, clinical guidelines recommend starting with conservative care like PT first. If your presentation suggests imaging is warranted, we'll tell you — and refer you appropriately.
What if my back pain turns out to be something serious?
We're trained in differential diagnosis and screen every patient for red flags. If something doesn't look like a PT-appropriate problem, we'll refer you to the right physician rather than treat something we shouldn't.
Get Back to Your Life — Book Your First Visit
Don't just wait it out. Get a full hour of 1-on-1, hands-on care from a doctor of physical therapy — no referral needed, $160 per session.
- RxFit-Holladay: 4540 S Highland Dr, Salt Lake City, UT 84117 (inside RxFit–Holladay)
- Ute Crossfit: 633 E 3300 S, Suite B, Salt Lake City, UT 84106 (inside Ute CrossFit)
- 801-210-2523 7am-7pm, Monday-Saturday