Skip to main content
Halcy Orthopedics

Physical Therapy in New York

Also known as: PT, Physiotherapy, Rehabilitation Therapy, Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation, Orthopedic Physical Therapy, Physical Rehabilitation

5 min readLast updated: 2026-05-10
Reviewed by Dr. Maya Chen, MD, FAAOS

Physical therapy is a healthcare discipline that uses guided movement, manual techniques, and targeted exercise to restore function and reduce pain after injury, surgery, or in the setting of chronic musculoskeletal conditions. A licensed physical therapist evaluates how a patient moves, identifies impairments in strength, range of motion, balance, or coordination, and designs a progressive program that may include therapeutic exercise, hands-on joint and soft tissue work, and patient education. Sessions often blend in-clinic treatment with a home exercise program so progress continues between visits.

At a Glance

  • Physical therapy aims to relieve pain, restore movement, and strengthen weak or deconditioned muscles after injury, surgery, or chronic musculoskeletal problems[1]
  • Exercise therapy probably reduces pain intensity and improves function for people with chronic low back pain compared with usual care or no treatment[2]
  • Adding physical therapy services for adults in acute and subacute care can improve activity and participation outcomes and reduce hospital length of stay[5]
  • Therapeutic exercise is a core component of physical therapy and can target strength, endurance, flexibility, balance, and neuromuscular control[3]

Overview

Physical therapy is a conservative, non-surgical approach to musculoskeletal care that focuses on restoring movement and reducing pain through guided exercise, manual techniques, and education. Treatment plans are tailored to each person's diagnosis, goals, and stage of recovery, and they often progress from gentle range-of-motion work in the early phase to strength, balance, and sport- or job-specific training later on.

A physical therapy episode of care typically begins with a one-on-one evaluation. The therapist reviews the medical history, observes posture and movement, and performs hands-on tests of strength, flexibility, joint mobility, and neurologic function. Findings from the evaluation are used to set measurable goals and to choose specific interventions, such as therapeutic exercise, manual therapy, neuromuscular re-education, and modalities like heat, cold, or electrical stimulation.

Across many orthopedic and musculoskeletal conditions, physical therapy can reduce pain, improve function, and shorten time to return to activity. Randomized trials and systematic reviews support its use for chronic low back pain, post-surgical rehabilitation, and recovery from common joint and soft tissue injuries. Outcomes generally improve when patients start therapy earlier in the course of an injury and follow through with the prescribed home exercise program.

Physical therapy also has a strong educational and preventive role. Therapists teach patients how to load tissues safely, modify aggravating activities, and use posture and movement strategies that reduce the chance of recurrence. For many people, the long-term goal is independence from ongoing treatment, with the home program and lifestyle adjustments maintaining the gains made in clinic.

What to Expect During Treatment

  1. 1Initial evaluation including medical history, current symptoms, prior imaging or surgeries, and goals
  2. 2Physical examination covering posture, range of motion, strength, flexibility, balance, and neurologic screening
  3. 3Collaborative goal-setting that defines measurable functional targets such as returning to work, sport, or daily activities
  4. 4Development of an individualized treatment plan including frequency, duration, and expected timeline of care
  5. 5Hands-on treatment sessions combining therapeutic exercise, manual therapy, and modalities as appropriate
  6. 6Instruction in a home exercise program with written or video guidance for between-session work
  7. 7Periodic re-assessment to track progress, adjust exercises, and update goals
  8. 8Transition to a long-term self-management plan and, when needed, a return-to-activity or return-to-sport program

How does Physical Therapy work?

  • A physical therapist begins with a comprehensive evaluation, looking at how a patient walks, bends, lifts, and uses the affected area. Tests of joint range, muscle strength, flexibility, balance, and neurologic function help identify which impairments are driving pain or functional loss.
  • Therapeutic exercise is the foundation of most physical therapy programs. Targeted exercises load specific tissues in a controlled way to restore strength, endurance, mobility, and motor control. The program is progressed over time as tolerance and function improve.
  • Manual therapy techniques such as joint mobilization, soft tissue mobilization, and stretching can be used to address restricted joint motion, muscle tightness, and pain. Modalities like heat, ice, ultrasound, or electrical stimulation may be added to help manage pain or facilitate movement, though exercise and education remain the primary drivers of long-term improvement.
  • Education and self-management are central to the way physical therapy works. Patients learn which positions and activities tend to aggravate symptoms, how to modify daily tasks, and how to perform a home exercise program that reinforces in-clinic gains. Over time, the goal is to shift care from the therapist to the patient as confidence and function improve.

When It's Recommended

  • Post-surgical rehabilitation after joint replacement, ligament repair, or spine surgery
  • Acute, subacute, and chronic low back pain
  • Neck pain and cervicogenic headaches
  • Knee, shoulder, hip, and ankle injuries including sprains, strains, and tendinopathy
  • Sports injuries and return-to-sport rehabilitation
  • Osteoarthritis of the knee, hip, and other joints
  • Rotator cuff injuries and frozen shoulder
  • Recovery from fractures after immobilization
  • Balance, gait, and fall-prevention training in older adults
  • Work-related musculoskeletal injuries and ergonomic rehabilitation

Conditions We Treat

Back Pain

Back pain is discomfort or pain occurring in the lower, middle, or upper back that can range from mild to severe. It may result from muscle strain, st...

Recovery & Aftercare

  • Mild muscle soreness in the day or two after a new exercise progression is common and typically resolves on its own
  • Most people feel some improvement in pain or function within the first few weeks of consistent therapy, though full recovery can take longer
  • Following the prescribed home exercise program between visits often has a larger effect on outcomes than in-clinic sessions alone
  • Frequency of visits usually decreases over time as the patient becomes more independent with the program
  • Return to higher-intensity work, sport, or recreational activity is typically staged, beginning with controlled drills before full participation
  • For chronic conditions, long-term maintenance exercises and activity modifications are often used to reduce the chance of flare-ups
  • Communicating new or worsening symptoms to the therapist is important so the plan can be adjusted promptly

Alternative Treatments

  • Medical management with anti-inflammatory or pain medications, when appropriate and prescribed by a physician
  • Chiropractic care or spinal manipulation for select musculoskeletal conditions
  • Acupuncture for chronic pain conditions
  • Massage therapy for soft tissue pain and tension
  • Injection-based treatments such as corticosteroid injections, when indicated
  • Surgical consultation for conditions that have not responded to conservative care

Frequently Asked Questions

Physical therapy is a non-surgical approach to treating pain and movement problems. A licensed physical therapist evaluates how the body moves, identifies impairments in strength, mobility, or coordination, and uses guided exercise, manual techniques, and education to help restore function. Treatment is tailored to each person's diagnosis and goals, whether that is recovering from surgery, healing an injury, or managing a chronic condition.
Physical therapy is generally not painful, but some exercises and stretches can feel challenging or cause mild soreness, especially in the first few sessions. Most people experience temporary muscle soreness similar to what they would feel after a workout. Therapists adjust intensity based on each person's tolerance and communicate throughout the session to keep treatment safe and effective.
Many people notice some improvement in pain or movement within the first few weeks of consistent treatment. Full recovery time depends on the condition, severity, and how closely the home exercise program is followed. Acute injuries often improve over several weeks, while chronic or post-surgical conditions may require several months of progressive care.
A typical course of physical therapy involves one to three sessions per week for several weeks, with the total number tailored to the diagnosis and goals. Frequency usually decreases over time as function improves and the patient becomes more independent with the home program. The therapist re-evaluates progress periodically to adjust the plan.
For many musculoskeletal conditions, physical therapy is considered a first-line, conservative option that can reduce pain and improve function without surgery. Some people are able to delay or avoid surgery with a structured therapy program, while others benefit most from physical therapy combined with other treatments. A physician and physical therapist can help determine what is appropriate for a specific condition.
Physical therapy may need to be delayed or modified for people with unstable fractures, acute deep vein thrombosis, active joint or soft tissue infections, uncontrolled cardiovascular disease, or rapidly progressive neurologic symptoms. People recovering from surgery should have specific precautions reviewed with their surgeon before starting therapy. The therapist screens for these factors at the initial visit and coordinates with the medical team as needed.
Home exercises are usually a core part of physical therapy. The work done between sessions often has a larger impact on recovery than what happens in clinic, because tissues respond to repeated, consistent loading over time. The therapist provides a specific program with written or video guidance and adjusts it as progress is made.
Physical Therapy may not be appropriate for individuals with acute unstable fractures or suspected fractures that have not been evaluated and stabilized or acute deep vein thrombosis until medically cleared for activity. Possible side effects include temporary muscle soreness after new or progressed exercise, similar to delayed onset muscle soreness from a workout, short-term increase in joint or tissue irritation if exercises are progressed faster than tissue tolerance, bruising or tenderness in areas treated with manual therapy or soft tissue techniques. Our team will review your health history to ensure Physical Therapy is safe for you.
Physical Therapy is available at our Manhattan Flagship office (401 Park Avenue South, Suite 800, New York, NY 10016); our Brooklyn Heights office (75 Henry Street, Suite 320, Brooklyn, NY 11201). Contact our office to schedule an appointment at the location most convenient for you.

Your Practitioner

Dr. Maya Chen, MD, FAAOS

Fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon specializing in cartilage preservation and minimally-invasive joint procedures. Dr. Chen treats high-performance athletes and weekend warriors alike, with a focus on returning patients to the activities they love.

Dr. Marcus Rivera, MD

Spine surgeon with subspecialty training in motion-preserving cervical procedures. Dr. Rivera has performed more than 2,000 cervical disc replacements and lectures internationally on navigation-assisted spine surgery.

Dr. Priya Nair, MD

Non-operative sports medicine physician focused on regenerative orthopedic care. Dr. Nair leads the practice's PRP and ultrasound-guided injection programs, and serves as team physician for two NYC-area collegiate athletic departments.

Medically reviewed by Dr. Maya Chen, MD, FAAOS · Last reviewed: 2026-05-11