Back & Neck Rehabilitation
Spine-focused rehab built on movement, strength, and honest expectations — not passive fixes.
What it is
Back and neck pain are the most common reasons people see a physical therapist, and the most mythologized. Most spine pain is not caused by damage that needs protecting — it responds to graded movement, strengthening, and getting the fear out of the equation.
Our spine care follows the evidence: active treatment first, hands-on techniques as an assist rather than the main event, and objective tracking so you can watch tolerance and capacity come back visit by visit.
Who it helps
- Acute or chronic low back pain
- Neck pain and whiplash-associated disorders
- Sciatica and radiating leg or arm pain
- Herniated disc and degenerative disc symptoms
- Postural pain from sustained desk or driving positions
Anyone whose back or neck limits work, sleep, lifting, or peace of mind — including people who have been told their MRI looks bad. Imaging findings and pain correlate far less than most people fear, and we treat the person, not the picture.
How we assess
Movement-based examination, symptom behavior mapping, red-flag screening, baseline range and strength measures, and a validated outcome index (such as the Oswestry or Neck Disability Index) so progress has a number.
What treatment looks like
Graded exercise progression, manual therapy for short-term symptom relief, specific strengthening for the trunk and hips or neck and shoulder girdle, and a return plan for the activities that matter — lifting, sport, long drives, a full workday.
Evidence & limitations
Clinical guidelines worldwide put active, exercise-based care first for most back and neck pain. What the evidence does not support: passive-only treatment plans, fear-based rest, or promises of quick fixes for long-standing pain. Recovery timelines vary, and chronic pain often improves substantially without disappearing entirely — we will be straight with you about both.
Questions, answered
Should I get an MRI first?
Usually not. Guidelines reserve early imaging for specific warning signs, which we screen for at evaluation. Disc and arthritis findings are common in pain-free people, and starting therapy is not delayed by the absence of a scan.
Is it safe to exercise with a herniated disc?
In most cases, yes — graded, progressive loading is part of standard care, and we adjust the entry point to your symptoms. Your plan is built from your evaluation, not a generic protocol.
What about whiplash after a car accident?
Early, gentle, active care beats collars and rest. We treat whiplash within our auto-injury program, which adds the documentation and no-fault coordination that accident claims need.
Where it's available
Coming soon Sterling Heights, MI — 44056 Mound Rd, Suite 103. Opening February 2027; services are provided by Michigan-licensed physical therapists.
Insurance considerations
Skilled physical therapy is a standard benefit under Medicare, commercial plans, Michigan auto no-fault, and workers' compensation; coverage always depends on your specific plan and medical necessity. We verify your benefits before your first visit — see Insurance & coverage.
Related: Back pain · Neck pain & whiplash · Sciatica · Auto accident rehab
Opening February 2027
Join the waitlist to be first in line — or, for physicians, attorneys, and employers, reach out now and we'll have your workflow ready before the doors open.
Request an evaluation