How Long Does Physical Therapy Take?

time taken in recovery

Why One Session a Week Can Be Enough at Allegiance PT

If you’re considering physical therapy, you’re probably asking yourself:
“How long is this going to take?”

It’s a fair question. When you’re in pain or recovering from an injury, the idea of spending months in therapy several times a week can feel overwhelming. At Allegiance Physical Therapy in Foxborough, we hear this concern often and here’s the good news: our approach is different.

Because we are a cash-based clinic, we structure our care in a way that allows for fewer visits, more one-on-one time, and faster results.

How We’re Different from Traditional Physical Therapy

In many insurance-driven clinics, patients are scheduled 2–3 times per week for short visits. This is often necessary to meet insurance requirements, but it’s not always what leads to the best results.

At Allegiance PT, we do things differently:

  • Only 1 session per week is usually all it takes.
  • Each session is a full 60 minutes with your therapist.
  • We can cover hands-on treatment, corrective exercises, education, and progressions all in one visit.
  • You leave with a clear, customized home plan to keep improving between sessions.

This approach means more efficiency, less time in the clinic, and faster overall healing.

Not Every Injury is the Same

Every person heals at a different pace. A mild ankle sprain is not the same as recovering from a rotator cuff repair. Some people want to get back to casual exercise, while others are training for sports.

Here’s a rough breakdown of what recovery might look like:

Type of ConditionEstimated Duration
Mild strain or sprain2–4 weeks
Back or neck pain4–8 weeks
Post-surgical rehab (ACL, shoulder, etc.)3–6 months
Chronic pain or arthritisOngoing maintenance
Sports injuries4–12 weeks

The difference with us is that you won’t need to be in the clinic three times a week to get there. With focused, one-hour visits once per week, plus consistency at home, patients often heal quicker and more completely.

Why One Session Per Week Works

Spending an uninterrupted hour with your therapist means we can:

  • Address the root cause of your problem, not just the symptoms
  • Provide extensive hands-on care that often isn’t possible in insurance-based models
  • Teach and practice corrective exercises until you feel confident doing them on your own
  • Design a home program that’s realistic and effective for you

Instead of splitting your care into multiple short sessions, we accomplish more in one visit — giving your body time to recover, adapt, and respond before your next appointment.

A Typical Recovery Journey at Allegiance PT

Here’s what your plan may look like with our once-a-week model:

  • Weeks 1–3: Reduce Pain & Restore Movement
    Hands-on therapy and gentle exercises to calm things down and get you moving.
  • Weeks 3–6: Build Strength & Confidence
    Targeted training to restore mobility, strength, and control.
  • Weeks 6–12: Functional Training
    More advanced exercises and sport-specific or activity-specific movements.
  • Beyond 12 Weeks: Return to Full Activity
    At this point, many clients are fully back to doing what they love, often in fewer visits overall.

Can You Speed Up Your Recovery?

Yes — and with this approach, many patients notice improvements faster than expected. You can help by:

  • Staying consistent with your home program
  • Prioritizing sleep and recovery
  • Keeping open communication with your therapist
  • Maintaining a positive outlook

The combination of weekly, one-hour sessions + your commitment at home creates a powerful formula for healing.

When Does Physical Therapy End?

The short answer: when you’ve met your goals.

That might mean:

  • Returning to your sport or gym routine without pain
  • Completing daily activities with ease
  • Feeling stronger and more confident than before your injury

Because our sessions are longer and more comprehensive, you often reach these milestones sooner than expected and in fewer total visits.

The Bottom Line

So, how long does physical therapy take?
It depends on your injury, your goals, and your consistency. But at Allegiance Physical Therapy, our cash-based, one-hour, once-a-week model means patients often get results faster, with fewer total sessions, and without the burden of multiple weekly appointments.

📞 Call us today or book your appointment online to schedule your evaluation. Let’s create a recovery plan that’s efficient, effective, and built around your life not your insurance company.

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