Forward Physical Therapy
One-on-one physical therapy and dry needling, grounded in whole-body care.
Forward Physical Therapy offers individualized physical therapy for people who want more than symptom chasing. Care is rooted in movement science, pain neuroscience, and nervous system awareness—viewing the body as a whole, connected system rather than a collection of parts.
This work is especially supportive for those living with chronic pain, autoimmune conditions, persistent injuries, or symptoms that haven’t responded to traditional approaches.
The approach
Healing rarely happens in isolation.
At Forward, movement is the entry point—but progress comes from understanding how movement interacts with stress, sleep, nutrition, and nervous system regulation. Pain, stiffness, fatigue, and recurring injuries are often signals from a system that needs support rather than force.
Care is guided by the same philosophy outlined in Grace for the Body: evidence-based, compassionate, and centered on rebuilding trust in your body.
Is this a good fit for you?
This practice may be right for you if you:
- Want one-on-one care with time to be heard
- Prefer a thoughtful, whole-body approach
- Have chronic or long-standing pain
- Live with autoimmune or complex conditions
- Feel like you’ve “tried everything” without lasting results
You do not need a referral or a specific diagnosis to book.
Meet The Therapist
Dr. Kate Stark, PT, DPT, CMTPT/DN
Dr. Kate Stark is a licensed Doctor of Physical Therapy, founder of Forward Strive LLC and Forward Physical Therapy, and author of Grace for the Body. She holds a background in psychology and is certified in dry needling, with advanced training in manual therapy.
She specializes in one-on-one care for individuals with chronic pain, autoimmune conditions, and persistent musculoskeletal issues. Her approach blends evidence-based physical therapy with a whole-body perspective, emphasizing individualized treatment, education, and sustainable movement strategies.
Services & Pricing
All visits are one-on-one, cash-based, and provided by a licensed Doctor of Physical Therapy.
Payment & Policies
- Payment is due at the time of service
- A superbill can be provided upon request for possible out-of-network reimbursement
- 24-hour notice is required for cancellations or rescheduling
Initial Evaluation
60 minutes | In-person or Virtual
$160
Your first visit is a comprehensive, one-on-one evaluation designed to understand how your body is moving, what you’re experiencing, and what may be contributing to your symptoms.
There are two possible directions your evaluation may take, depending on your goals and whether in-person care is appropriate.
A physical therapy–focused evaluation is best for those seeking hands-on, in-person care for pain, injury, or movement limitations. This visit centers on movement assessment and may include manual therapy, dry needling, and targeted movement work, along with a clear plan for ongoing care.
A wellness-focused evaluation offers a broader, whole-body perspective and may be completed in person or virtually. In addition to movement, this approach explores how stress, sleep, nutrition, and daily habits may be influencing pain, tension, fatigue, or healing capacity. You’ll leave with clarity and practical next steps without feeling overwhelmed.
If you’re unsure which approach is right for you, we’ll decide together. Schedule a free virtual consult by emailing starkdpt@gmail.com
Follow-Up Visit
60 minutes | In-person or Virtual
$130
This visit is designed for ongoing physical therapy and wellness care. Sessions are tailored to your presentation and may include manual therapy, dry needling, movement progression, nervous system regulation strategies, and education to support sustainable healing.
The 60-minute in-person visit is appropriate for more complex or persistent pain patterns, treatment involving multiple body regions, or sessions where hands-on care and progression of your plan are a priority. This option allows space for deeper work without feeling rushed.
30 minutes | In-person or Virtual
$70
These visits are designed for targeted, efficient care when goals are clearly defined. The structure of the session depends on your needs and may fall into one of the following treatment focuses.
A focused dry needling session is ideal for addressing one body region and may include manual therapy or movement guidance alongside dry needling. This option works well for maintenance care, flare-ups, or clearly localized symptoms.
A wellness-focused follow-up provides continued support and integration beyond hands-on treatment. These sessions may emphasize movement guidance, stress and nervous system regulation, breathwork, or lifestyle adjustments related to sleep and daily habits.
When more than one body region needs to be addressed, or when treatment requires a broader approach, a 60-minute visit is recommended.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this still physical therapy?
Yes. All services are delivered by a licensed Doctor of Physical Therapy and grounded in evidence-based practice. The difference is the lens—care looks beyond isolated symptoms to the whole system.
Do I need a diagnosis or referral to book an evaluation?
No. An evaluation is appropriate whether you’re managing pain, recovering from injury, or simply want support reconnecting with your body and movement. In South Carolina, you do not need a physician referral to begin physical therapy. You can schedule directly.
Which type of evaluation is right for me?
Schedule a free virtual consultation and let’s figure it out together! We offer a brief phone or video conversation to talk through your concerns, answer questions, and determine whether this style of care is the right fit for you before scheduling an evaluation visit. Send an email to starkdpt@gmail.com to set up your virtual consultation.
Can wellness visits be virtual?
Yes. Wellness evaluations and follow-ups can be completed virtually, making them accessible and flexible while still highly effective.
Do you accept insurance?
Forward Physical Therapy is a self-pay, out-of-network practice. This allows for longer appointments, individualized care, and fewer restrictions. A superbill can be provided for potential out-of-network reimbursement for certain insurances.
What if I’m on Medicare?
Forward Physical Therapy is not a Medicare provider. Medicare beneficiaries are welcome to seek care on a self-pay basis for services not covered by Medicare, such as dry needling and wellness-focused sessions.
Is dry needling available?
Yes. Dry needling is offered as a focused session or integrated into longer visits when appropriate.
Who is this care best suited for?
People with chronic pain, autoimmune conditions, recurring injuries, stress-related tension, or anyone seeking a more thoughtful, whole-body approach to physical therapy.
services and pricing
Forward Physical Therapy is a wellness-based physical therapy practice operated by Forward Strive LLC.