The Complete Guide to Physical Therapy in Bismarck–Mandan: What to Expect at Unbound PT

DR Retzer
Dr. Jacob Retzer
October 13, 2025

Living with pain, limited mobility, or lingering injuries can deeply affect your quality of life. Whether you're recovering from surgery, dealing with chronic discomfort, or simply trying to move better and live more actively, physical therapy offers a path forward. In a growing and active community like Bismarck–Mandan, more people are turning to physical therapy as a proactive solution to restore function and regain confidence in their bodies.

At Unbound PT, we believe in delivering care that’s centered around you — not your insurance company. With a personalized, one-on-one approach and a focus on long-term outcomes, we help you get back to the life you love with fewer limitations and more freedom.

Meet Unbound PT: A Modern Approach to Physical Therapy

Unbound PT was founded with a simple but powerful goal: to provide individualized, high-quality care without the constraints of traditional insurance models. Located right here in Bismarck, ND, our clinic serves the entire Bismarck–Mandan community with an emphasis on one-on-one attention and personalized treatment plans.

Our approach is rooted in building real relationships with our clients. From your first visit onward, you’ll work directly with a licensed Doctor of Physical Therapy — no hand-offs to techs or assistants. We prioritize education, movement, and performance to help you build strength, reduce pain, and prevent future injuries.

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Our clinic is equipped with everything you need to succeed, from advanced manual therapy tools to performance-focused equipment. But what sets us apart isn’t just our tools — it’s our commitment to treating the whole person, not just the symptoms.

Common Conditions We Treat at Unbound PT

Physical therapy can help with far more than post-surgical rehab. At Unbound PT, we treat a wide range of conditions that affect people of all ages and activity levels. Here are some of the most common concerns we help address:

  • Back and neck pain
  • Joint pain (shoulders, hips, knees, ankles)
  • Sports injuries and athletic performance limitations
  • Post-operative rehabilitation
  • Chronic pain and mobility issues
  • Balance and fall prevention
  • Pelvic floor dysfunction
  • Headaches and TMJ-related pain

No matter your condition, our goal is to identify the root cause of your issue and create a treatment plan that addresses your unique needs. We’re not interested in short-term fixes — we focus on building lasting change.

Our Cash-Based Model: How It Works and Why It Benefits You

At Unbound PT, we operate on a cash-based model. This means we work directly for you — not insurance companies. You pay us directly for the care you receive, and in return, you get a more flexible, transparent, and effective treatment experience.

Here’s why more people in Bismarck–Mandan are choosing this model:

  • More time with your therapist: Each session is 1-on-1 and tailored specifically to you.
  • No insurance limitations: We’re not restricted by arbitrary visit limits or diagnostic codes.
  • Transparent pricing: You know exactly what you’re paying for — no surprise bills or denials.
  • Faster results: Without red tape, we can focus fully on your recovery, which often means fewer visits and faster outcomes.

Cash-based care allows us to put your goals front and center. It also empowers you to make informed decisions about your health, without interference from third-party payers.

What to Expect During Your First Physical Therapy Visit

Your first session at Unbound PT is all about understanding your body, your goals, and the path forward. We begin with a detailed movement assessment and take the time to learn about your lifestyle, activity level, and any challenges you're facing.

You can expect the following during your initial appointment:

  • A thorough discussion of your medical and movement history
  • Full-body movement screening and functional tests
  • Hands-on treatment (if appropriate)
  • Education on your condition and what’s contributing to your symptoms
  • A clear plan for moving forward — including your next steps

We’ll also provide you with customized exercises you can do at home to start making progress right away. Most importantly, you’ll walk away knowing exactly what to expect in your recovery journey and how we’ll work together to get you there.

Personalized Treatment Plans Designed for Long-Term Results

Every person is different — and that’s exactly how we treat you. At Unbound PT, no two treatment plans are the same. Instead of following a generic rehab protocol, we tailor every session to your unique needs and goals.

Your treatment plan may include a combination of:

  • Manual therapy and hands-on techniques
  • Strength training and mobility work
  • Neuromuscular re-education
  • Postural and movement retraining
  • Sport-specific performance programming
  • Pain management strategies

As you progress, your plan evolves with you. Our focus is always on building strength, enhancing mobility, and giving you the tools to stay healthy long after your time in the clinic ends.

Frequently Asked Questions About Physical Therapy

Do I need a referral to start physical therapy at Unbound PT?
No referral is required. North Dakota allows direct access to physical therapy, meaning you can book an appointment with us without seeing a physician first.

How long is each session?
Most sessions are 60 minutes of uninterrupted 1-on-1 care with your physical therapist.

How many sessions will I need?
That depends on your goals and condition. Some people see improvements in just a few visits, while others benefit from a longer treatment plan. We’ll provide a clear recommendation after your initial evaluation.

What should I wear?
Wear comfortable, athletic clothing that allows you to move easily.

Do you accept insurance?
We are a cash-based clinic, which means we do not bill insurance directly. However, we can provide a superbill upon request that you may choose to submit to your insurance provider for potential out-of-network reimbursement.

Why Choose Unbound PT in Bismarck–Mandan?

We understand you have options when it comes to physical therapy in Bismarck–Mandan. Here’s what makes Unbound PT different:

  • 1-on-1 care, every time — You’ll never be passed off to an assistant.
  • Holistic, functional approach — We treat the whole person, not just the injury.
  • Cash-based freedom — No red tape, no delays, no watered-down care.
  • Experienced, passionate providers — Our team is dedicated to your long-term success.
  • A welcoming, supportive environment — We want you to feel empowered and heard.

Our clients come to us when they’re tired of quick fixes and cookie-cutter care. They stay with us because they see results — and because they feel truly supported along the way.

Getting Started: Booking Your First Appointment

If you're ready to move better, feel stronger, and live life on your terms, Unbound PT is here to help. Getting started is easy:

  1. Visit our website: www.unboundphysicaltherapy.com
  2. Head to our Contact Page to request an appointment
  3. Or give us a call — we’re happy to answer any questions you may have

We offer flexible scheduling and are committed to making your first visit as seamless as possible.

Conclusion: Your Health Journey Begins with Unbound PT

Your body has the ability to heal, grow, and perform — sometimes it just needs the right guidance. At Unbound PT, we’re here to provide that guidance with compassion, expertise, and a commitment to your unique goals.

Whether you’re recovering from an injury, managing chronic pain, or simply striving for better movement, we’re ready to help you take the next step.

Choose personalized care. Choose lasting results. Choose Unbound PT in Bismarck–Mandan.