Restore Strength, Mobility, and Function

Physical therapy is a clinically guided, movement-based treatment that helps patients recover from injury, manage chronic pain, and restore full function through therapeutic exercise, manual therapy, and patient education. Research from NCBI Bookshelf estimates that up to 80% of people will experience low back pain at some point in their lives, with roughly 26% of U.S. adults living with it at any given time. 

At RxWellness Spine & Health, our board-certified clinical team delivers integrated physical therapy, chiropractic care, and rehabilitation, providing patients with a personalized, multidisciplinary path to recovery without surgery or long-term medication.

New to RxWellness? New patient specials may be available — your first visit includes a consultation, examination, and treatment. Book your new patient appointment today!

Key Takeaways

• Physical therapy uses therapeutic exercise, manual therapy, and education to restore movement and reduce pain
• Clinically proven to improve function in chronic low back pain, knee osteoarthritis, neck pain, and more
• Integrates with chiropractic care and rehabilitation as part of RxWellness’s multidisciplinary approach
• Non-surgical, in-office treatment, with most patients returning to normal activity between sessions
• Available at RxWellness locations across Virginia, Maryland, Illinois, and Washington
• Most major insurance plans are accepted at all locations, including Aetna, BCBS, Cigna, and UHC
• Care delivered by our experienced clinical team under board-certified physician oversight

What Is Physical Therapy and How Does It Work?

Physical therapy is a structured, clinician-directed treatment program designed to improve strength, flexibility, balance, and movement while reducing pain and the risk of re-injury. It works by addressing the underlying physical causes of a condition rather than masking symptoms, using evidence-based techniques tailored to each patient’s goals.

• Therapeutic exercise builds muscle strength, endurance, and neuromuscular control to support injured or unstable structures
• Manual therapy techniques, including joint mobilization and soft-tissue work, improve range of motion and reduce pain
• Balance and gait training retrain sensorimotor integration and movement patterns, particularly in post-injury and older adult populations
• Task-specific functional training helps patients return to work, sport, or daily activities they’ve had to avoid
• Patient education addresses posture, body mechanics, activity modification, and self-management strategies

A 2021 clinical practice guideline from the Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy states that exercise, manual therapy, and education are the best treatments for low back pain.

Understanding what physical therapy treats helps you determine whether it’s the right fit for your condition.

What Conditions Does Physical Therapy Treat?

Physical therapy addresses a wide range of conditions affecting the spine, joints, muscles, and nervous system — from acute injuries to chronic pain patterns that haven’t responded to rest or medication alone.

• Chronic low back pain and lumbar spine dysfunction
• Neck pain and cervicogenic headaches
• Knee osteoarthritis and joint degeneration
• Hip osteoarthritis and hip mobility deficits
• Rotator cuff injuries and shoulder pain
• Sciatica and lumbar radiculopathy
• Whiplash-associated disorders and auto accident injuries
• Post-surgical rehabilitation (joint replacement, ligament reconstruction)
• Balance disorders and fall risk in older adults
• Work-related musculoskeletal injuries and repetitive strain conditions

A Cochrane systematic review found that among people with knee osteoarthritis, structured land-based therapeutic exercise provides meaningful short-term improvements in pain and function that are sustained for at least 2–6 months after formal treatment ends.

If any of these conditions describe what you’re experiencing, the next step is understanding what your care at RxWellness will look like.

What Should You Expect During Physical Therapy Treatment?

Physical therapy at RxWellness begins with a thorough evaluation and a personalized care plan — not a generic protocol. Every patient’s program is built around their specific condition, functional goals, and their response to treatment over time.

• Schedule online or call your nearest RxWellness location to book your first appointment
• Your initial visit includes a comprehensive history review and physical assessment — range of motion, strength, balance, gait, and condition-specific testing
• Our clinical team develops a personalized care plan based on your evaluation findings and recovery goals
• Treatment sessions incorporate therapeutic exercise, manual therapy, neuromuscular training, and education — progressing in challenge as you improve
• Home exercise programs are standard, allowing you to continue making progress between in-office visits
• Follow-up visits monitor your response, adjust your program, and transition you toward independent self-management as you recover

Recovery and downtime:

• Most physical therapy sessions involve little to no downtime — patients typically return to normal daily activities the same day
• Mild muscle soreness after early sessions is common and expected as your body adapts to new loading demands
• Symptoms are monitored at each visit; session intensity is adjusted to keep progress on track

If you’re wondering whether physical therapy is appropriate for your situation, the next section covers candidacy.

Who Is a Good Candidate for Physical Therapy?

Physical therapy is appropriate for a broad range of patients — from athletes recovering from sports injuries to older adults managing chronic joint pain or balance problems. The best candidates are those whose symptoms have a movement, strength, or function component that structured rehabilitation can directly address.

Ideal candidates:

• Chronic or recurring low back pain, neck pain, or joint pain that hasn’t resolved with rest
• Recovering from orthopedic surgery such as joint replacement or ligament reconstruction
• Diagnosed with knee or hip osteoarthritis and seeking non-surgical management
• Balance problems, fall risk, or decreased functional mobility — particularly in older adults
• Work-related, sports-related, or auto accident injuries affecting movement or daily function
• Seeking a structured, evidence-based approach that reduces dependence on medication

Who should consult our clinical team first:

• Patients with acute fractures, suspected infection, or progressive neurologic deficits requiring medical evaluation before starting PT
• Those with uncontrolled cardiovascular conditions or serious systemic illness needing stabilization before exercise
• Patients with severe osteoporosis, recent surgical wounds, or conditions requiring modified loading
• Anyone experiencing red-flag symptoms — unexplained weight loss, bowel or bladder dysfunction, saddle anesthesia, or severe night pain — should seek physician evaluation promptly

Our clinical team performs a thorough evaluation at your first visit to confirm physical therapy is appropriate and to design a program that matches your condition and health history.

Not sure if physical therapy is right for you? Our clinical team will evaluate your condition and recommend the best path forward. Schedule your consultation or call your nearest RxWellness location.

Why Choose RxWellness Spine & Health for Physical Therapy?

RxWellness Spine & Health delivers physical therapy as part of a fully integrated, multidisciplinary care model — your rehabilitation works in coordination with chiropractic care, soft-tissue treatment, and physician oversight rather than in isolation.

• 150,000+ patients treated across all RxWellness locations
• 7,500+ five-star reviews from patients across our network
• INC 5000 ranked #1,523 (2025) — three consecutive years of recognition as one of America’s fastest-growing companies
• Nationwide network of clinics across Virginia, Maryland, Illinois, and Washington
• Board-certified clinical team under physician oversight at all locations
• Most major insurance is accepted at all locations
• Same-day and next-day appointments available
• Multidisciplinary care model combining physical therapy, chiropractic, and rehabilitation under one roof

Recovery at RxWellness follows a structured three-phase framework that moves patients from symptom relief through full rehabilitation and long-term wellness.

The RxWellness Three-Phase Care Model

Each phase builds on the last, creating a clear progression from pain reduction to restored function to sustainable health.

• Phase 1 — Relief Care: Reduce pain, inflammation, and acute movement limitations to establish a stable foundation
• Phase 2 — Corrective Care: Rebuild strength, mobility, and neuromuscular control through progressive, goal-oriented rehabilitation
• Phase 3 — Wellness Care: Maintain gains and prevent recurrence through ongoing movement programming and periodic check-ins

Understanding your insurance options is the next step toward getting started.

Does Insurance Cover Physical Therapy at RxWellness?

Yes — most major insurance plans cover physical therapy, and RxWellness accepts a broad set of carriers across all locations.

• Aetna
• Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS)
• Cigna
• UnitedHealthcare (UHC)
• Medicare (accepted at most locations — verify at your specific clinic)
• RxWellness works directly with auto insurance carriers for patients injured in motor vehicle accidents — patients typically pay nothing out of pocket
• Workers’ compensation claims are billed directly to the employer’s carrier at all locations

Call your nearest RxWellness location to verify your specific benefits before your first visit.

Frequently Asked Questions About Physical Therapy

Is physical therapy safe for people with chronic pain or prior injuries?

Yes — physical therapy is one of the safest evidence-based treatments for chronic pain and musculoskeletal injuries. Sessions are individually designed to your condition, with loading and intensity adjusted to keep progress within tolerable limits. Patients with complex histories are evaluated thoroughly before treatment begins so the program reflects their specific health profile.

Does insurance cover physical therapy treatment?

Physical therapy is covered by most major insurance plans, including Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna, UnitedHealthcare, and Medicare at most RxWellness locations. Auto insurance and workers’ compensation are also accepted — patients injured in accidents or at work are typically billed through their respective carriers with no out-of-pocket cost. Contact your nearest RxWellness clinic to confirm your specific coverage.

How long does physical therapy take to work?

Most patients notice meaningful improvements within the first two to four weeks of consistent treatment. However, this varies by condition and severity. Clinical trials for chronic low back pain and knee osteoarthritis typically run six to twelve weeks, with benefits sustained well beyond the formal treatment period. Our clinical team adjusts your program at every visit to keep you progressing.

What should I expect at my first physical therapy appointment at RxWellness?

Your first visit includes a consultation, physical examination, and initial treatment — new patient specials may be available. Your therapist will review your health history, assess movement, strength, range of motion, and balance, and discuss your functional goals. A personalized care plan is developed, and treatment begins the same day.

Who is the best candidate for physical therapy?

Physical therapy works best for patients whose pain, movement limitations, or functional decline have a muscular, joint, or neuromuscular component that structured exercise and manual therapy can directly address. Strong candidates include people with chronic back or neck pain, knee or hip osteoarthritis, post-surgical recovery needs, balance problems, or injuries from accidents or repetitive strain.

Find Lasting Relief with Physical Therapy at RxWellness Spine & Health

Physical therapy is one of the most evidence-supported, non-surgical approaches available for restoring strength, reducing pain, and helping you move and function the way you want to. At RxWellness Spine & Health, it’s delivered as part of a fully integrated care model — non-surgical, personalized, and guided by our experienced clinical team at every stage. 

RxWellness Spine & Health is a nationwide network of integrated chiropractic and wellness clinics, committed to helping every patient reach their highest form of wellness.

Find a RxWellness location near you at rxwellness.net