Reclaim Strength, Flexibility, and Control with Expert Physical Therapy in Manhattan

At New York Sports & Joints Orthopedic Specialists, our physical therapists design personalized treatment plans to meet your unique goals—whether you're recovering from surgery, managing chronic pain, or aiming to improve performance. Using hands-on techniques, targeted exercises, and movement education, we help you restore function and move with confidence.

What Is Physical Therapy?

Physical therapy is a vital part of healthcare designed to help individuals recover from injuries, manage chronic conditions, and restore functional movement. Whether you're healing after surgery, coping with persistent pain, or improving strength and mobility, physical therapy provides a structured path to better health.

Licensed physical therapists use evidence-based techniques such as:

  • Targeted therapeutic exercises
  • Hands-on manual therapy
  • Stretching routines
  • Heat and cold therapy
  • Ultrasound treatments
  • Electrical stimulation


At your first appointment, your NY Sports & Joint therapist will evaluate your condition and create a personalized treatment plan tailored to your goals. They’ll guide your progress and adjust your care as needed.

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Physical therapy supports people of all ages and is commonly used to treat:

  • Sports injuries
  • Post-surgical recovery
  • Arthritis and joint stiffness
  • Back and neck pain
  • Neurological disorders


In addition to hands-on treatment, your therapist will educate you on proper movement and injury prevention strategies. With consistent effort, physical therapy helps reduce pain, increase mobility, and enhance your quality of life.

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Types of Physical Therapy: Specialized Care for Every Need

Physical therapy is not one-size-fits-all. At NY Sports & Joints, we offer several focused approaches tailored to your diagnosis, age, and goals:

  • Orthopedic Physical Therapy: Treats injuries and conditions of the bones, joints, muscles, and ligaments, especially after surgery or trauma.
  • Neurological Physical Therapy: Designed for individuals with neurological conditions such as stroke, spinal cord injury, or Parkinson’s disease. Therapy focuses on improving movement, coordination, and independence.
  • Cardiopulmonary Physical Therapy: Helps manage heart and lung conditions with endurance training, breathing techniques, and cardiovascular conditioning.
  • Pediatric Physical Therapy: Supports children with developmental delays, genetic disorders, or injuries through age-appropriate therapies that enhance motor skills.
  • Sports Physical Therapy: Aimed at injury prevention and performance optimization for athletes at all levels.
  • Geriatric Physical Therapy: Focuses on the unique needs of older adults, including balance, strength, and managing chronic conditions like arthritis and osteoporosis.
  • Vestibular Rehabilitation: Addresses dizziness and balance disorders related to inner ear dysfunction.
  • Women’s Health Physical Therapy: Specializes in pelvic floor therapy, postpartum recovery, and other women-specific concerns.
  • Hand Therapy: Targets injuries and conditions affecting the hands, wrists, and upper extremities.
  • Aquatic Therapy: Uses water-based exercise to reduce joint stress while improving strength and mobility.

Each type of therapy is grounded in evidence-based care and tailored to support your recovery, function, and lifestyle goals.

What to Expect During Your First Physical Therapy Visit

Your initial appointment begins with a detailed evaluation. Your physical therapist will review your medical history, including past injuries or surgeries, and discuss your current symptoms, pain levels, and mobility challenges.

A thorough physical assessment will follow, focusing on:

  • Range of motion
  • Muscle strength
  • Flexibility
  • Balance
  • Posture
  • Walking pattern (gait)

Your Personalized Treatment Plan

After your initial evaluation, your physical therapist will design a customized treatment plan tailored to your diagnosis, functional level, and personal goals. This plan will account for your lifestyle, work demands, and recovery objectives.

Your plan may include:

  • Therapeutic exercise programs
  • Hands-on manual therapy
  • Modalities such as heat, cold, or electrical stimulation
  • Instruction in proper body mechanics and movement strategies

Your therapist will walk you through the plan, explain what to expect, and outline realistic milestones. Progress will be tracked using measurable outcomes such as pain levels, range of motion, strength, and function, ensuring your care evolves as you improve.

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Learn More About Our Treatment Techniques and Modalities

Manual Therapy Techniques

Manual therapy uses skilled, hands-on techniques to improve mobility and relieve pain. Your therapist may apply:

  • Joint mobilization to increase range of motion and reduce stiffness
  • Soft tissue massage to relax muscles and improve circulation
  • Myofascial release to target connective tissues and ease chronic tension
  • Stretching techniques to promote flexibility and prevent future injury

These techniques are beneficial for conditions like neck pain, low back stiffness, and sports injuries, and are always tailored to your comfort and recovery goals.

Therapeutic Exercises

Exercise is central to your recovery. Your therapist will develop a program that includes:

  • Strength training with weights, resistance bands, or bodyweight exercises
  • Flexibility exercises to restore range of motion and ease tightness
  • Balance and coordination training for fall prevention and athletic performance
  • Aerobic conditioning to boost endurance and cardiovascular health

Each movement is guided with expert supervision, progressing at a pace that supports healing and functional gains.

Electrotherapy and Ultrasound

We incorporate advanced modalities to enhance results:

  • TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation) to manage pain
  • Electrical muscle stimulation to rebuild strength and improve blood flow
  • Ultrasound therapy to reduce inflammation and promote deep tissue healing

When beneficial, these therapies are integrated into your treatment plan and customized to your diagnosis and response to care.

Why Trust NY Sports & Joints for Manhattan Physical Therapy?

Using advanced equipment and proven, evidence-based techniques, we focus on restoring function, relieving pain, and preventing future injury. Your treatment plan is designed with your goals—from returning to work or sport to simply moving with confidence again.

We collaborate closely with your referring physician to ensure continuity of care and a seamless recovery experience. In our supportive environment, your success is our shared mission.

Take control of your recovery—schedule your consultation today.

Physical Therapy FAQs

How does physical therapy help with injury recovery?

What’s the difference between physical therapy and occupational therapy?

Is physical therapy covered by insurance?

Do I need a referral for physical therapy?

When should I consider physical therapy?

How does physical therapy help with injury recovery?

Physical therapy supports recovery using targeted exercises, manual techniques, and heat or cold therapy to reduce pain, improve mobility, and restore function. Each treatment plan is personalized to promote healing based on the type and severity of your injury.

What’s the difference between physical therapy and occupational therapy?

Physical therapy focuses on improving movement and reducing pain, while occupational therapy helps patients with daily tasks and fine motor skills. PT enhances physical function; OT supports independence in everyday life.

Is physical therapy covered by insurance?

Most insurance plans include physical therapy benefits, but coverage varies. Contact your insurance provider to understand your specific benefits and any potential out-of-pocket expenses.

Do I need a referral for physical therapy?

Referral requirements depend on your state and insurance plan. Some states allow direct access, while others require a physician referral. Always check your policy or local regulations.

When should I consider physical therapy?

You may need physical therapy if you’re experiencing ongoing pain, limited mobility, balance problems, or recovering from an injury or surgery. If you're unsure, speak with your healthcare provider to determine if PT is appropriate for you.

Schedule Your Appointment Have Confidence in Your Future

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