Physical Therapy Equal Access CLinic FREE PHYSICAL THERAPY SERVICES
The Physical Therapy Equal Access Clinic (PT EAC) offers pro bono physical therapy evaluation and treatments for individuals with orthopaedic and neurological diagnoses, especially those with limited insurance coverage. The PT EAC is currently operating through telehealth and in-person appointments scheduled between 5-7pm every Thursday night (excluding University breaks and holidays).
Our Mission
To provide high quality, pro bono physical therapy services to the medically underserved in the Gainesville community. The UF PT EAC serves as a vehicle for Doctor of Physical Therapy students to engage patient problems early in the curriculum, to foster a spirit of humanity and community service, and to develop clinical skills in a peer learning environment.
Who We Are
We are students of UF’s Doctor of Physical Therapy program. We provide treatment under the supervision and guidance of local, licensed Physical Therapists.
“The goal as a professional is to love what you do and to pledge to give back to the community which supports you.” -Christina Link, DPT Student
THANK YOU!
EAC Volunteers
Each week our clinicians utilize their practice and talents to treat patients without insurance coverage, and they mentor our student physical therapists who are developing their clinical skills. Our Physical Therapy Equal Access clinicians create unique opportunities for growth and development for our students and add immense value to the patient experience.
What We Do
UF Physical Therapy Equal Access Clinic offers free physical therapy services to people unable to afford treatment elsewhere. At this time we are only scheduling telehealth appointments every Thursday from 4 – 8 pm (excluding University breaks and holidays) due to COVID-19. No referral is needed. We provide physical therapy evaluation and treatment, and follow-up treatment visits. If other medical management is necessary, we work with the Equal Access Network for further screening and evaluation.
Visit the APTA ChoosePT website for more information on what PTs do.
COVID-19 Information
We are here for you. Learn more about our current services, Telehealth, and general COVID information.
Schedule an Appointment
***Due to COVID-19, the PT EAC is currently only operating through telehealth appointments and scheduled in-person appointments between 4-8 p.m. every Thursday night (excluding University breaks and holidays).***
Please schedule your appointment here.
Normal hours (excluding UF breaks and holidays): Thursday 6-8 p.m. **No one is onsite outside of clinic hours**
These services are available to anyone seeking treatment, and no insurance is needed. Please email ufpteac@gmail.com if you have any questions.
Telehealth available: For rehab and activity promotion, please email ufpteac@gmail.com
Helpful Links
We are here for you. Learn more about our current services, Telehealth, and general COVID information.
Contact Information
Please contact us at ufpteac@gmail.com or (352) 888-4950 for more information. You can also find us on Facebook here.
Services Offered
Orthopedic physical therapy focuses on improving the function of your muscles, bones, joints, tendons, and ligaments. Learn more about how our services can help you.
Orthopedic Services
Why would you seek Orthopedic Physical Therapy?
When your muscles, bones, joints, tendons, and ligaments are not working properly, it hurts to move. You can’t do what you enjoy and your life could be defined by:
- Pain
- Weakness
- Swelling
- Stiffness
- Immobility
Orthopedic physical therapy treatment is focused on helping you build up your strength, flexibility, and range of motion to get you back on your feet and enjoying life again.
Here are some of the conditions we can help you with:
Lower Body Pain: Hips, Knees, Ankles, Feet
KNEE CONDITIONS
- ACL tear
- Knee pain
- Meniscus tear
- Knee replacement
HIP CONDITIONS
- Hip bursitis
- Hip pain
FOOT AND ANKLE CONDITIONS
- Achilles tendon injuries
- Ankle sprain
- Plantar fasciitis
Upper Body Pain: Shoulder, Elbow, Wrists, Hands
ARM, WRIST AND HAND CONDITIONS
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Golfer’s elbow
- Tennis elbow
- Wrist pain
SHOULDER CONDITIONS
- Clavicle fracture
- Frozen shoulder
- Rotator cuff tear
Back Pain: Neck, Middle Back, Low Back
- Degenerative disc disease
- Herniated disc
- Lower back pain
- Scoliosis
- Spinal stenosis
- Torn disc
Additional Equal Access Clinics
Learn more about other Equal Access Clinics Services offered by the University of Florida.
Community REACH
University of Florida Doctor of Physical Therapy students participate in community engagement activities across the curriculum, providing valuable rehabilitation, injury prevention and wellness service. Students develop clinical leadership skills through peer learning while contributing to community needs. Learn more about each REACH group below.
Gator Balance
The Gator Balance promotes fall prevention and wellness while connecting residents with available healthcare in their community through regular participation in balance screening events and patient education.
Learn more at the Gator Balance website.
GaiTOR Challenge
Students assist participants with goals to encourage activity and wellness through walking in a peaceful, relaxed setting. GaiTOR Challenge hosts three season events during the fall, spring, and summer semesters.
Learn more at the GaiTOR Challenge website.
Children on the Go
Children on the Go (COTG) works with children with cognitive and physical disabilities through adaptive gymnastics to enhance social interaction, adjust to sensory demands, and practice motor coordination at Balance 180 Gym, a non-profit gymnastics facility.
Learn more at the COTG website.
Resources
Visit the following link to access helpful information about Gainesville’s community resources.
Equal Access Clinic Resource List
Location
The CVS located 1621 SW 13th St, Gainesville, FL 32608, which is right across from Steak ‘n Shake.
Driving Directions
- From Archer Road, head east to 13th Street
- Turn right on 13th Street
- Head to the intersection of 13th and 16th
- The clinic is located above the CVS.
Parking
Park in the CVS parking lot in the section behind the building away from the main entrance off 13th Street.
The entrance to the clinic is off of 13th Street, across from Steak ‘n Shake. If there is not a greeter at the door, please ring the bell in the call box to be admitted.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need an appointment?
We are currently only doing appointments (no walk-ins) due to the COVID-19 guidelines. Please contact PT EAC at ufpteac@gmail.com to schedule an appointment.
How do I pay for treatment?
You don’t! We are a free clinic, which means you do not need to show proof of any insurance.
Do I need a referral?
Not for the first 30 days. Referral is needed after 4 weeks
In Florida, patients can be treated by a physical therapist without a referral for up to 30 days. After this time, however, you will need a referral from a physician, nurse practitioner, or other licensed medical professional. If you do not have a regular doctor, we suggest you begin trying to find a doctor if your treatment will take more than 30 days. We have information available on how to get set up with a doctor.
Who do we treat?
We are a general physical therapy clinic. We treat everyone in need of therapy, recent injury, postsurgical, preventative care, etc. We are not a specialty clinic, however, we will do our best to provide you the best possible care. Unfortunately, due to special oversight requirements, we are not able to treat pediatric patients. If you believe you have a special consideration we need to be aware about: Please contact us at ufpteac@gmail.com or (352) 888-4950.
*The map below shows the location of the Department of Physical Therapy building, please refer to the above location section for instructions and map to the PT EAC.*