Frequently Asked Questions

GetPainFixed is a free resource that helps you understand your pain, find the right exercises, and connect with licensed physical therapists in your area. Our content is written and reviewed by licensed PTs to make sure you're getting reliable, evidence-based information.

Yes, completely free. The quiz takes about 2 minutes and gives you personalized exercise recommendations based on your symptoms, pain location, and activity level. There's no credit card required and no hidden fees.

All of our articles, exercise guides, and condition pages are written or reviewed by licensed physical therapists with clinical experience. Each piece of content includes the author's name, credentials, and a last-updated date so you know exactly who's behind the information.

If your pain is severe, getting worse, or accompanied by symptoms like numbness, tingling, weakness, or loss of bladder or bowel control, you should see a doctor right away. For pain that's been lingering for more than a week or two without improvement, it's a good idea to get it checked out. Our content can help you understand your symptoms, but it's not a replacement for a professional evaluation.

Recovery time depends on the condition, its severity, and how consistently you follow your treatment plan. Many common issues like mild back pain or muscle strains improve within 2-6 weeks with the right exercises. More involved conditions like ACL tears or frozen shoulder can take several months. Each of our condition pages includes typical recovery timelines to give you a realistic expectation.

Many PT exercises can be done at home, and that's exactly what our exercise guides are designed for. Home exercises are often a key part of recovery, even when you're also seeing a therapist in person. That said, some conditions need hands-on treatment that can only be done in a clinic. Our content will help you know when home exercises are enough and when it's time to see someone in person.

You should consider seeing a PT in person if your pain isn't improving after a couple of weeks of home exercises, if you're recovering from surgery, if you need hands-on manual therapy, or if you're unsure about your diagnosis. A physical therapist can provide a thorough evaluation and create a treatment plan specific to your body and goals.

In most U.S. states, you can see a physical therapist without a doctor's referral through what's called 'direct access.' Some states have limitations on the number of visits or types of treatment allowed without a referral. Check our insurance and payment page for more details, or contact your insurance provider to understand your specific coverage.

Yes. Every article, exercise guide, and condition page is reviewed by at least one licensed physical therapist before publication. We follow evidence-based guidelines and reference peer-reviewed research. When we update existing content, it goes through the same review process.

Stop the exercise immediately. Some mild discomfort is normal when starting a new routine, but sharp pain, increased swelling, or worsening symptoms are signs to back off. If pain continues after stopping, consult a healthcare provider. Our exercise guides include tips on what's normal and what's not so you can exercise safely.

No. We do not sell your personal information to anyone. When you take the quiz or fill out a form, your data is used only to provide recommendations and improve our services. You can read our full privacy policy for all the details.

We review and update our content on a regular schedule, typically every 6-12 months or sooner if new research changes best practices. Every page shows a 'last updated' date so you can see how current the information is.