Physical Therapy in Detroit
Healing.
Recovery.
Excellence.
Experience the difference that expert physical and occupational therapy can make in your recovery journey.
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Top-Rated Physical Therapy in Detroit
At Rafa Therapies, we don’t just treat pain—we help you take your life back. Our team is led by Dr. Esther James, a Doctor of Physical Therapy with a deep background in movement science and rehab, and Dr. Sam James, a licensed Occupational Therapist with a PhD focused on daily living skills and adaptive strategies. Together, they’ve built a practice rooted in compassion, clinical expertise, and results that actually last.
We offer personalized, evidence-based physical therapy in Detroit that’s designed around you—your goals, your lifestyle, your pace. Whether you’re bouncing back from surgery, dealing with chronic pain, or trying to move past an injury, we use proven methods like dry needling and targeted movement therapy to restore function and reduce pain. More than that, we teach you how to keep moving forward long after the sessions end.
You won’t find cookie-cutter care here. Just real people, real experience, and real progress.
Conditions We Treat
Our Team, Your Wellness
Physical Therapy in Detroit Tailored to You
No two bodies heal the same, even if the injury looks the same on paper. That’s why we don’t do one-size-fits-all care. At Rafa Therapies, our physical therapists take a hands-on, tailored approach from day one. We start by getting to know your body, your goals, and what recovery actually looks like for you.
From there, we build a plan that fits—not just clinically, but personally. You’ll get focused, one-on-one care backed by research and real-world results. And we’ll be with you through it all, supporting every step, stretch, and stride you take.
Our Proven 4-Phase Recovery Program
Pain
In pain and not sure where to start? We’ve got you. At Rafa Therapies, our physical therapy team in Detroit takes the time to listen, figure out what’s really going on, and build a treatment plan that’s actually made for you. One-on-one care, real answers, and a clear path forward.
Prevent
Worried about getting hurt again? We get it. That’s why our physical therapists in Detroit don’t just focus on recovery—they teach you how to stay strong and avoid setbacks. You’ll leave with the tools, knowledge, and confidence to move safely and keep making progress.
Prime
Staying motivated once the pain’s gone can be tough—we know. That’s where we come in. We’ll help you rebuild mobility, flexibility, and strength so you’re not just feeling better, you’re ready for whatever comes next. It’s all about setting you up for success and keeping injuries from coming back.
Perform
Injured and just want to get back to your normal routine? We’ve got you. Our experienced physical therapists create personalized rehab plans that focus on what matters most to you—so you can heal right and get back to doing what you love, faster.
Live Pain-Free with Physical Therapy in Detroit
At Rafa Therapies, we know how pain, injury, or weakness can throw everything off. When even the basics start to feel like a struggle, it’s more than just physical—it can leave you feeling stuck. We’ve seen it. We’ve felt it. And we know how to help you move through it.
Our founders, Dr. Esther James (Doctor of Physical Therapy) and Dr. Sam James (Licensed Occupational Therapist with a PhD in adaptive strategies), built Rafa Therapies on the belief that healing should be personal, not one-size-fits-all. Together, they’ve helped thousands of people regain strength, mobility, and confidence through expert guidance and hands-on, individualized care.
We’re here to get you back to doing what you love. With one-on-one support and real results, you’ll leave every session feeling stronger and more equipped to take on life—pain-free.
You don’t have to live in discomfort. You deserve a body that keeps up with your life. Let’s get you there—together.
Treatments
Cupping
If chronic pain, muscle tension, or inflammation are interfering with your daily life, it’s time to experience the restorative benefits of cupping..
Health and Wellness
Are you feeling overwhelmed by the daily grind? Struggling to find balance in your hectic life? Yearning for a way to boost your..
Occupational Therapy
Has an injury, illness, or disability made everyday tasks feel overwhelming? Are challenges with mobility, cognition, or mental health preventing..
Pelvic Floor Therapy
If you’re struggling with bladder leaks, pelvic pain, or discomfort, you don’t have to live with it. Pregnancy, childbirth, surgery,
Success Stories & Testimonials
Meet Our Team
Our Physical Therapy Programs in Detroit
At Rafa Therapies, physical therapy in Detroit isn’t just about getting you out of pain. It’s about building you back up, stronger than before. We meet you where you are, then guide you toward real, lasting progress—step by step.
Every plan is designed to relieve pain, restore movement, and rebuild strength that actually sticks. We start with hands-on techniques to get your pain under control. Then we move into targeted exercises that fix the imbalances, improve stability, and strengthen the areas that need support.
As you grow stronger, we shift into functional training—helping you move better in everyday life. And when you’re ready, we focus on prevention, giving you the tools and confidence to stay healthy, active, and in charge of your recovery.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I expect during physical therapy sessions?
Physical therapy sessions typically involve an assessment of your condition, manual techniques to improve mobility and flexibility, individualized exercises and activities to help you reach your goals, education on how to prevent further injury or pain, and instruction on proper posture, body mechanics and other lifestyle changes.
Do I need a referral from my doctor before attending Physical Therapy?
What do I need to wear or bring with me?
You should dress in comfortable, loose clothing that allows you to move easily and doesn’t restrict circulation. Depending on your condition, your physical therapist may also recommend special shoes or a brace. You should also bring any paperwork related to your medical history, including x-rays, ultrasounds, and doctor’s notes.
Is there anything I can do before my appointment to prepare?
Yes! Make sure you arrive for your session well-rested so that you can give it your full attention and energy. It is also helpful if you keep track of how much pain medication (if any) you take prior to the appointment so that the physical therapist can adjust the intensity of treatment accordingly.
How long will my physical therapy sessions last?
Sessions typically last 30-60 minutes depending on your condition and the types of techniques used. Your physical therapist will give you an estimate when you first arrive for your appointment.
Are there any exercises I can do at home between appointments to help improve my condition?
Yes! Your physical therapist may provide specific exercise recommendations for you to try in between visits, which will help speed up your recovery and progress faster toward reaching your goals. It’s important to follow these carefully and always check with your PT before starting a new exercise program if you have any questions or concerns.
What if I have questions after my physical therapy session?
Your physical therapist should be available to answer any questions or concerns you may have about your treatment plan before and after each visit. You can also contact the clinic directly for further assistance. We want you to get the most out of every session!
Will insurance cover my physical therapy?
It depends on your insurance plan. Most plans cover some or all of the costs associated with physical therapy, but you should check with your provider to determine coverage and any associated fees.
How often will I need to attend physical therapy sessions?
The frequency of visits will depend on your individual goals and condition, but typically it is recommended that patients attend 2-3 times per week for a minimum of 4-6 weeks in order to maximize results. Your therapist will provide more details during your initial appointment.
How long will it take for me to see results?
Every person’s situation is unique; therefore the amount of time needed to reach goals varies. With commitment and dedication from both you and your physical therapist, you can expect to start seeing results within a few weeks. The more positive lifestyle changes you make, the faster your progress will be!
Will my physical therapist be able to answer any questions I have about my condition?
Yes! Your physical therapist should be available to discuss any concerns or questions you have regarding your condition or treatment plan. Don’t hesitate to bring up any issues that may arise during the course of therapy.
What if I feel too much pain during a session?
If at any time during your physical therapy session you experience increased pain, it’s important to let your therapist know so they can adjust the intensity or technique as necessary. Your therapist will work with you to make sure that treatment is comfortable and effective for you.
How will I know when I no longer need physical therapy?
Your physical therapist should be able to provide guidance on when it is appropriate to stop attending physical therapy sessions based on your progress, goals, and overall health status. It’s important to listen to your therapist and continue with treatment until they feel you are ready to move on.