What Is a DPT? Behind Your Kauno Team's Credentials
At Kauno, we believe that knowing who is caring for you builds trust and confidence in your treatment. Each member of our team has followed a unique educational and professional path to develop the skills needed to help you recover, move better and thrive.
Becoming a licensed physical therapist requires extensive education, training and an ongoing commitment to learning.
What it takes to become a physical therapist
To practice as a licensed physical therapist, clinicians must complete:
- A bachelor's degree, typically in a science-related field such as kinesiology or biology
- A Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree, a 3-year graduate-level program
- A national licensing examination
- State licensure requirements
- Clinical rotations across a variety of healthcare settings
- Ongoing continuing education, including coursework, research review, workshops and professional conferences
Many of our clinicians also pursue advanced certifications and specialized training in areas such as orthopedics, strength and conditioning, neurology and concussion rehabilitation. Meet our team.
What do physical therapists actually do?
Physical therapists are movement experts trained to improve quality of life through exercise, hands-on care and education. Our work includes:
- Assessment and diagnosis: evaluating movement patterns, strength, mobility and pain to develop individualized treatment plans
- Manual therapy: hands-on techniques to improve joint mobility, reduce pain and enhance tissue function
- Therapeutic exercise: customized programs to restore function, build strength and reduce future injury risk
- Pain management: strategies to reduce discomfort and improve tolerance to daily activities
- Functional training: helping you return confidently to work, sport and everyday movement
- Patient education: empowering you to understand your condition and manage it independently
- Plan of care management: coordinating care with other medical providers when needed
When should you see a physical therapist?
Physical therapy can help at many stages of injury, recovery and performance, including:
- After surgery
- Acute injuries such as sprains, strains or sudden pain
- Chronic or persistent pain
- Balance and fall-risk concerns
- Neurological conditions
- Pre-surgical preparation ("prehab")
- General mobility or strength limitations
- Sports performance and injury prevention
No referral needed
You don't need a physician's referral to see a physical therapist in California. The state allows direct access to physical therapy, so you can come straight to us when issues arise, whether you're dealing with pain, recovering from injury or working toward performance goals. Our goal is simple: provide thoughtful, evidence-based care that helps you move better and feel confident in your body.
Ready to work with a Doctor of Physical Therapy? Book directly, no referral required.
book a sessionthe takeaway
Licensed physical therapists complete a bachelor's degree, a 3-year Doctor of Physical Therapy program, clinical rotations, a national exam and state licensure, then keep learning through continuing education. In California, you can see one directly without a referral.
Frequently asked questions
What is a DPT?
A Doctor of Physical Therapy degree, a 3-year graduate-level program that licensed physical therapists complete after a bachelor's degree, along with clinical rotations, a national licensing exam and state licensure.
What does a physical therapist do?
Physical therapists assess movement, strength, mobility and pain, then use manual therapy, therapeutic exercise, pain management, functional training and education to help you recover and move better.
When should I see a physical therapist?
After surgery, for acute injuries or persistent pain, for balance or fall-risk concerns, neurological conditions, prehab before surgery, mobility or strength limits, and sports performance and injury prevention.
Do I need a referral for physical therapy in California?
No. California allows direct access to physical therapy, so you can book with a physical therapist without a physician's referral.
