Conditions We Treat

Utilizing the McKenzie Method and GOATA Movement we effectively treat a wide range of conditions and ailments.

The McKenzie Method and GOATA Movement are distinct movement systems that complement each other in rehabilitation. The McKenzie Method focuses on identifying root causes through targeted movement assessments, tailoring exercise programs based on individual responses. Meanwhile, GOATA Movement utilizes slow-motion video analysis to optimize movement, reducing tension, pressure, and load on the body for enhanced stability and recovery.

Individually remarkable, the McKenzie Method and GOATA Movement become even more potent when used together. Their combined approach accelerates recovery time and streamlines the rehabilitation process, offering patients a smoother journey toward pain relief and improved mobility.

Are You Having Issues With Any of the Following Conditions?

Low Back Pain

At least 80% of the population will experience an episode of low back pain in their lifetime. It is also the number one leading cause of disability in America. Low back pain treatment with the McKenzie Method involves a specialized approach focused on assessing and addressing spinal mechanics to alleviate pain and restore function. Here’s how the McKenzie Method can be applied to manage low back pain:

Assessment: A certified McKenzie therapist conducts a thorough assessment to determine the underlying cause of low back pain. This involves evaluating the patient’s symptoms, movement patterns, posture, and spinal alignment. Through a series of systematic movements and positions, the therapist identifies the specific mechanical problem contributing to the pain.
Classification: Based on the assessment findings, the therapist classifies the patient’s low back pain into one of several subgroups, such as flexion, extension, or lateral shift. This classification guides the selection of appropriate treatment techniques and exercises tailored to the patient’s unique presentation.
Directional Preference: Through the movement assessment, a directional preference is determined in majority of patients, meaning a specific movement or position is identified that provides relief or aggravates symptoms. Once the directional preference is distinguished, therapeutic interventions are focused on promoting movements and positions that alleviate pain and improve function.
Treatment Techniques: Treatment techniques in the McKenzie Method may include specific exercises, manual therapy, patient education, and self-management strategies. Patients are taught therapeutic exercises and movements designed to centralize or reduce their symptoms, as well as methods to prevent recurrence of low back pain.
Progression: As patients progress through treatment, the therapist continually reassesses their symptoms and adjusts the treatment plan accordingly. The goal is to empower patients to take an active role in managing their low back pain and promote long-term self-care and prevention strategies.
Education/Prevention: Education is a key component of the McKenzie Method, as patients learn about the nature of their low back pain, how to recognize and manage symptoms, and strategies for preventing future episodes. This may include advice on proper posture, ergonomic modifications, and lifestyle factors that can impact spinal health.

Overall, the McKenzie Method offers a structured and evidence-based approach to managing low back pain by addressing underlying mechanical issues and empowering patients to play an active role in their recovery. By identifying directional preferences and implementing targeted interventions, patients can experience significant pain relief, improved function, and enhanced quality of life.

Neck Pain

Neck pain is a common condition characterized by discomfort or stiffness in the cervical spine region, which includes the seven vertebrae of the neck. It can be caused by various factors, including muscle strain, poor posture, injury, degenerative changes, or underlying medical conditions. Neck pain may present as a dull ache, sharp or stabbing pain, stiffness, or restricted range of motion. In some cases, neck pain may be accompanied by other symptoms such as headaches, pain radiating to the shoulders, upper back, or arms, or tingling or numbness in the arms or hands. Neck pain can significantly impact daily activities, such as turning the head, driving, or sleeping comfortably.

The McKenzie Method utilizes a systematic assessment process to identify the specific mechanical factors contributing to neck pain. This includes evaluating the patient’s range of motion, postural alignment, and response to specific movements or positions.

Treatment Techniques: Treatment for neck pain using the McKenzie Method typically involves a series of therapeutic exercises and stretches designed to address the identified mechanical issues. These exercises aim to improve spinal mobility, strengthen supportive muscles, and alleviate pressure on the cervical spine.
Patient Education: Education is an integral component of the McKenzie Method, as patients learn about the underlying causes of their neck pain and how specific movements or postures may impact their symptoms. Patients are taught self-management strategies and prescribed exercises to empower them to take an active role in their recovery.
Progression: As patients progress through treatment, the therapist monitors their response to interventions and adjusts the treatment plan accordingly. This may involve modifying exercises, progressing to more advanced techniques, or incorporating additional strategies as needed.

Mechanical Headaches

Mechanical headaches, also known as cervicogenic headaches, are a type of headache that originates from the cervical spine (neck) and is often associated with dysfunction or abnormalities in the neck muscles, joints, or nerves. These headaches typically result from poor posture, muscle tension, neck injuries, or degenerative changes in the cervical spine.

Common characteristics of mechanical headaches include:

Location: Pain is typically localized to the base of the skull, the back of the head, or behind the eyes, and may radiate to the forehead or temples.
Quality: The pain is often described as dull, aching, or pressure-like, rather than throbbing or pulsating like migraine headaches.
Triggers: Mechanical headaches may be triggered or exacerbated by certain neck movements or positions, prolonged sitting or computer work, stress, or poor sleeping posture.
Associated Symptoms: Patients may experience neck stiffness or discomfort, limited range of motion in the neck, and sometimes referred pain or tingling sensations in the shoulders or arms.

Physical therapy treatment for mechanical headaches may include identifying therapeutic exercises to improve flexibility and strength, manual therapy techniques to mobilize stiff joints and release tight muscles, posture correction, and patient education on ergonomics and self-management strategies.

Overall, identifying and addressing the underlying mechanical dysfunctions contributing to mechanical headaches is essential for effective management and long-term relief. Working with a physical therapist knowledgeable in headache management can help individuals develop personalized treatment plans tailored to their specific needs and goals.

Shoulder Pain

Physical therapy for shoulder pain typically involves a comprehensive approach aimed at reducing pain, improving range of motion, restoring strength and function, and preventing recurrence of symptoms.

Shoulder pain is a common issue that can arise from various causes, including:

Rotator Cuff Injuries: The rotator cuff is a group of muscles and tendons that surround the shoulder joint. Injuries to the rotator cuff, such as tears or strains, can result in pain, weakness, and limited range of motion.
Frozen Shoulder (Adhesive Capsulitis): This condition involves stiffness and pain in the shoulder joint, often resulting from inflammation and thickening of the shoulder capsule. It can lead to restricted movement and significant discomfort.
Shoulder Impingement Syndrome: This occurs when the tendons of the rotator cuff become compressed or irritated as they pass through the narrow space between the top of the shoulder blade and the acromion (a bony projection on the shoulder blade). This can cause pain, weakness, and difficulty raising the arm overhead.
Bursitis: Inflammation of the bursa, fluid-filled sacs that cushion the shoulder joint, can cause pain and swelling in the shoulder area.
Arthritis: Osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis affecting the shoulder joint can lead to pain, stiffness, and reduced range of motion.
Instability: Shoulder instability, where the shoulder joint is loose and may dislocate or subluxate (partially dislocate) easily, can cause pain and a feeling of “slipping” in the shoulder.

Overall, physical therapy for shoulder pain is aimed at addressing the underlying causes of pain and dysfunction, restoring optimal shoulder function, and empowering patients to actively participate in their recovery process for long-term success.

Knee Pain

Knee pain afflicts approximately 25% of adults, significantly impeding even the simplest daily tasks such as walking or climbing stairs. This is where the meticulous evaluation process of the McKenzie Method can make a profound difference in alleviating your discomfort. Through this assessment, we aim to pinpoint the underlying source of your symptoms and develop a customized exercise regimen tailored to facilitate your body’s healing process.

Knee pain can stem from a variety of causes, including:

Osteoarthritis: This degenerative condition occurs when the protective cartilage in the knee joint wears down over time, leading to pain, stiffness, and swelling.
Injuries: Traumatic injuries, such as ligament tears (e.g., ACL, MCL, or meniscus tears), tendonitis, bursitis, or fractures, can cause acute or chronic knee pain.
Muscle Imbalances: Weakness or imbalance in the muscles surrounding the knee, particularly the quadriceps, hamstrings, and calf muscles, can contribute to knee pain and instability.
Poor Biomechanics: Issues with gait, alignment, or foot mechanics can place excessive strain on the knee joint, leading to pain and dysfunction.
Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome (Runner’s Knee): This condition involves pain around or behind the kneecap, often exacerbated by activities that involve bending the knee, such as running, squatting, or climbing stairs.

By addressing the underlying mechanical dysfunctions contributing to knee pain, the McKenzie Method offers a structured and evidence-based approach to knee rehabilitation. Through targeted exercises, manual therapy, and education, patients can experience significant pain relief, improved knee function, and enhanced quality of life.

Degenerative Disc Disease

Degenerative disc disease (DDD) is a common condition characterized by the gradual breakdown of intervertebral discs in the spine over time. Despite its name, DDD is not actually a disease but rather a natural part of the aging process. Intervertebral discs act as shock absorbers between the vertebrae, providing cushioning and facilitating movement of the spine. However, with age, these discs can lose hydration, become thinner, and develop small tears or fissures, leading to various symptoms.

Symptoms of degenerative disc disease may include:

Back Pain: Dull, aching pain in the lower back or neck, which may worsen with movement or prolonged sitting or standing.
Radiating Pain: Pain that radiates into the buttocks, thighs, or arms, depending on the location of the affected discs and any associated nerve compression.
Numbness and Tingling: Sensations of numbness, tingling, or weakness in the arms, hands, legs, or feet, indicating nerve involvement.
Decreased Mobility: Stiffness, decreased range of motion, or difficulty bending or twisting, especially in the affected area of the spine.
Muscle Weakness: Weakness or loss of muscle strength, particularly in the arms or legs, if nerves are affected by disc degeneration.

Management of degenerative disc disease typically involves a combination of conservative treatments aimed at alleviating symptoms and improving function.

These may include:

Physical Therapy: Targeted exercises and stretches to improve spinal flexibility, strengthen supportive muscles, and stabilize the spine. Manual therapy techniques, such as massage or spinal manipulation, may also be beneficial.
Activity Modification: Avoiding activities that exacerbate symptoms, maintaining proper posture, and incorporating regular low-impact exercise, such as walking or swimming, to promote spinal health and mobility.
Heat and Cold Therapy: Applying heat or cold packs to the affected area can help alleviate pain, reduce inflammation, and promote relaxation of tense muscles.
Education and Lifestyle Modification: Learning about proper body mechanics, ergonomics, and strategies for managing symptoms can empower individuals to take an active role in their care and prevent further exacerbation of symptoms.

It’s important for individuals experiencing symptoms of degenerative disc disease to consult with a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment plan tailored to their specific needs and goals. With proper management, most individuals with degenerative disc disease can effectively manage their symptoms and maintain a good quality of life.

Sciatica

Sciatica refers to pain that radiates along the path of the sciatic nerve, which branches from your lower back through your hips, buttocks, and down each leg. This condition typically occurs when the sciatic nerve becomes compressed or irritated, often due to a herniated disc, bone spur on the spine, or spinal stenosis (narrowing of the spinal canal).

Symptoms of sciatica may include:

Pain: Sharp, shooting pain that radiates from the lower back or buttocks down the back or side of one leg. The pain may be intermittent or constant and can range from mild to severe.
Numbness and Tingling: Sensations of numbness, tingling, or pins and needles in the affected leg or foot.
Muscle Weakness: Weakness or difficulty moving the leg or foot, particularly when trying to stand up from a seated position or while walking.
Burning or Electric Shock Sensation: Some individuals may experience a burning sensation or electric shock-like pain in the affected leg or foot.

Sciatica symptoms can vary in severity and may worsen with certain activities, such as prolonged sitting, bending, or lifting.

Treatment for sciatica typically focuses on relieving pain and reducing inflammation, as well as addressing the underlying cause of the nerve compression. Through the McKenzie evaluation process, the clinician determines if there is a mechanical component to the symptoms and thus initiates appropriate treatment depending on examination findings. With proper management, most individuals with sciatica can experience significant relief of symptoms and improve their overall quality of life.

Deconditioning

Physical therapy plays a crucial role in addressing deconditioning, a condition characterized by a decline in physical fitness and functional capacity due to prolonged inactivity, illness, or injury. Physical therapists employ a comprehensive approach to deconditioning, focusing on gradually increasing activity levels, restoring strength, flexibility, and endurance, and improving overall functional capacity. Through tailored exercise programs, therapeutic interventions, and education on proper body mechanics and pacing, physical therapists work closely with individuals to rebuild their physical fitness and regain independence in daily activities.

Moreover, physical therapy for deconditioning emphasizes patient education and empowerment, equipping individuals with the knowledge, skills, and tools needed to maintain and sustain improvements in physical fitness and functional capacity over the long term. Physical therapists educate individuals on the importance of regular exercise, proper nutrition, and healthy lifestyle habits to prevent deconditioning and promote overall well-being. By fostering a collaborative partnership between the patient and therapist, physical therapy for deconditioning helps individuals achieve their goals, enhance their quality of life, and regain confidence in their ability to engage in meaningful activities with strength and vitality.

Benefits:

Improved Strength and Endurance: Physical therapy interventions focus on gradually increasing activity levels and implementing targeted exercises to rebuild strength and endurance lost due to prolonged inactivity. Through progressive resistance training, cardiovascular exercises, and functional movements, individuals experience improvements in muscle strength, cardiovascular fitness, and overall stamina.
Enhanced Functional Mobility: Physical therapists design personalized exercise programs aimed at improving functional mobility and restoring independence in daily activities. By targeting specific movement patterns and addressing mobility limitations, individuals regain the ability to perform essential tasks such as walking, climbing stairs, and getting in and out of chairs with greater ease and confidence.
Reduced Risk of Falls and Injuries: Physical therapy interventions for deconditioning include balance training, gait training, and fall prevention strategies to reduce the risk of falls and injuries. By improving balance, coordination, and proprioception, individuals enhance their ability to maintain stability and react appropriately to changes in their environment, thus reducing the likelihood of falls and associated injuries.
Enhanced Quality of Life: Physical therapy for deconditioning focuses on improving overall physical fitness and functional capacity, leading to enhanced quality of life. By regaining strength, endurance, and mobility, individuals experience greater independence, improved mood, and increased participation in social, recreational, and occupational activities, ultimately leading to a more fulfilling and active lifestyle.

Tendonitis

Tendonitis, also known as tendinitis, is a common condition characterized by inflammation, irritation, or degeneration of a tendon, the thick cord that attaches muscle to bone.

Common symptoms of tendonitis include:

Pain location: Tendonitis typically presents with localized pain, often described as a dull ache or tenderness, directly over the affected tendon (typically no larger than the size of a quarter).
Exacerbating Factors: Pain often intensifies with movement of the affected joint or muscle and may escalate during activities that engage the affected tendon. This discomfort can persist during the activity itself or after, sometimes appearing even the following day.
Swelling: Inflammation of the tendon can lead to swelling or puffiness around the affected area. Swelling may be noticeable to the touch and may contribute to stiffness or reduced range of motion in the affected joint.
Weakness: Tendonitis may lead to weakness or decreased strength in the affected muscle, making it difficult to perform activities that require strength or endurance.
Warmth or redness: In some cases, tendonitis may be accompanied by warmth or redness around the affected area, indicating increased blood flow and inflammation. These symptoms are more commonly associated with acute or severe cases of tendonitis and may warrant medical attention.

Physical therapy plays a crucial role in the management and treatment of tendonitis, aiming to reduce pain, improve function, and promote healing. Through a combination of targeted interventions, therapeutic exercises, and manual therapy techniques, physical therapists address the underlying causes of tendonitis and help individuals regain strength, flexibility, and mobility in the affected area.

Hip Pain

Hip pain can arise from various causes and may affect individuals of all ages and activity levels. Common causes of hip pain include the lumbar spine, osteoarthritis, bursitis, tendinitis, muscle strains, and fractures.

According to a 2019 study published in the Journal of Manual & Manipulative Therapy, a significant portion of pain localized to the hip (71%) had a spinal source. Hip pain can have similar pain distributions as a disorder of the lumbar spine. To accurately diagnose hip pain and discern its source, a thorough examination is performed, aiming to differentiate between hip-related issues and those stemming from the spine. This comprehensive assessment helps guide appropriate treatment strategies and ensures targeted management tailored to the specific underlying cause of the patient’s hip pain.

Common Symptoms of Hip Pain:

Pain: Hip pain typically presents as discomfort or aching in the hip joint or surrounding areas. The pain may be sharp or dull and may worsen with movement or weight-bearing activities.
Stiffness: Individuals with hip pain often experience stiffness or reduced range of motion in the hip joint. This stiffness may make it challenging to perform certain activities, such as bending or rotating the hip.
Limited mobility: Hip pain can result in decreased mobility or difficulty walking, standing, or bearing weight on the affected leg. Individuals may notice changes in their gait or have difficulty performing activities of daily living.
Radiating pain: In some cases, hip pain may radiate to other areas of the body, such as the groin, thigh, buttocks, or lower back. This radiating pain may be indicative of underlying conditions in nearby structures or nerve compression in the lumbar spine.
Difficulty with sitting or lying down: Hip pain can make it uncomfortable to sit or lie down for extended periods, especially on the affected side. Individuals may need to shift positions frequently to alleviate pressure on the hip joint and relieve discomfort.

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What Makes Physical Therapy in Motion Different

1-on-1 Plus+ Care

We value your time and effort so you deserve our undivided attention to get the most out of each session. We also offer constant contact. Don’t wait! We encourage communication via our patient message portal to answer questions or tweak your program between visits.

Self Treatment

We believe in empowering you by prescribing specific exercises, helpful postures, and activity modifications that give you the control, not your condition. Often we can identify 1-2 simple movements on day one that will immediately impact your symptoms.

Prevention

Treatment doesn’t stop when you walk out of our office. We train you for a successful transition past our care – for life. We teach you practical ways to prevent recurrence, tips and warning signs for early detection and how to self-treat should they recur.