How do I know if physical therapy can help my condition?

If you're experiencing pain, stiffness, reduced mobility, or recovering from surgery or injury, physical therapy can likely help. We treat everything from acute injuries to chronic conditions like arthritis, back pain, neck pain, and post-surgical recovery. During your consultation, we'll assess your specific condition and create a personalized treatment plan just for you. Bottom line: If pain is limiting your daily activities, we can help.

Do you accept my insurance?

Yes! We accept most major insurance plans including Blue Cross Blue Shield, Aetna, Cigna, Medicare, Horizon BCBS, UnitedHealthcare, and many more. We'll verify your benefits before your first visit and explain exactly what's covered. No surprise bills!

How long will my treatment take?

Most patients see significant improvement within 2-4 weeks, with full recovery typically taking 6-12 weeks. However, every case is different. Factors that affect recovery time include severity of your condition, how long you've had the problem, your overall health and fitness level, and your commitment to the treatment plan. We'll give you a realistic timeline during your first visit.

What should I expect during my first visit?

Your first visit includes: comprehensive evaluation (45–60 minutes), movement and strength assessment, pain level evaluation, personalized treatment plan creation, insurance verification and explanation, and your first treatment session. You'll leave knowing exactly what's wrong, how we'll fix it, and when you can expect to feel better.

Do I need a doctor's referral?

New Jersey allows direct access to physical therapy, so NO referral is needed for most conditions. You can schedule directly with us and start treatment immediately. Exception: Some insurance plans may require a referral for coverage. We'll check your specific benefits and help you get any necessary referrals if needed.

Will I need surgery or medications?

In most cases, NO! Our goal is to help you avoid surgery and reduce dependence on pain medications through proven, non-invasive treatments. We use advanced manual therapy techniques, shockwave therapy, targeted exercise programs, and movement re-education. Many patients who were told they needed surgery have avoided it completely with our treatment.

How quickly can I get an appointment?

Same day appointments are often available! We understand that pain doesn't wait for convenient times. We offer same day appointments for urgent cases, evening appointments until 7 PM, Saturday appointments, and flexible scheduling to fit your life. Call (973) 689-7123 and we'll get you in as soon as possible.

What makes Spectrum Therapeutics different from other PT clinics?

Three key differences: One-on-one attention – You'll always work with a licensed therapist, never an aide. Advanced technology – We use cutting-edge treatments like shockwave therapy. Proven results – 25+ years of experience with over 10,000 successful recoveries. We don't just treat symptoms – we fix the root cause so your pain doesn't come back.

Is Shockwave Therapy covered by insurance?

No, shockwave therapy is not covered by insurance. However, we offer affordable out-of-pocket pricing and treatment packages to make it accessible for everyone. Simple pricing with no surprises.

How fast will I feel results from Shockwave Therapy?

Most patients feel noticeable relief after just 1–3 sessions. For lasting results, 4–6 sessions are typically recommended depending on your condition. Fast relief with long-term healing.

Frozen Shoulder in 2025: Causes and Faster Recovery Tips

Frozen Shoulder in 2025: Why It Drags On—and How to Thaw It Faster

Dr. Rob Letizia PT, DPT

Frozen Shoulder Recovery: Expert Physical Therapy in Wayne, NJ

By Dr. Rob Letizia • Spectrum Therapeutics • Updated May 2025

You reach overhead to grab a mug and your shoulder locks, painfully stuck halfway. That stiff, aching pattern—known as frozen shoulder or adhesive capsulitis—can linger for a year or more if you follow the wrong advice. This guide strips away myths, explains what really speeds recovery, and shows when (or if) injections or surgery make sense.

Quick Facts

2–5% of adults develop frozen shoulder, most often between ages 40–60.
The condition unfolds in three stages—Freezing, Frozen, Thawing—and can last 6–24 months if untreated.
Targeted movement plus joint-capsule stretching can cut recovery time by 50% compared with "wait-and-see."

Why Online Tips Seem to Clash

Different stages, different rules: What helps in the painful Freezing stage (gentle mobility, load control) can backfire later, and vice-versa.
Generic exercise sheets: Many web PDFs recycle the same three stretches—often too mild to remodel the tight capsule.
Old surgical bias: Capsule-release surgery used to be the default; newer studies show most people regain full motion with structured rehab and, if needed, image-guided injections.

What People Are Googling—and What It Means for You

1. "Frozen Shoulder Stages"

Freezing (Weeks 1-12): sharp pain, motion shrinking.
Frozen (Months 3-9): pain eases but stiffness peaks.
Thawing (Months 9-18): motion gradually returns.
Takeaway: Match your exercise intensity to the stage you're in.

2. "Best Exercises for Frozen Shoulder"

Top protocols now blend long-hold end-range stretches (60-second doorway external rotation, overhead pulleys) with isometrics to calm pain. Two daily "mobility meals" beat one marathon session.

3. "Hydrodilatation Injection"

Also called capsular distension, this ultrasound-guided injection uses saline + steroid to gently stretch the tight capsule. Studies in 2025 show faster motion gains than steroid-only shots, especially when followed by same-day stretching.

Your 4-Step Plan to Thaw a Frozen Shoulder

Confirm the diagnosis. An X-ray rules out arthritis; ultrasound checks for rotator-cuff tears.
Stage-specific exercise program (12 weeks).
- Weeks 1-4 (Freezing): pain-free pendulums, table slides.
- Weeks 5-8 (Frozen): long-hold doorway stretch, towel pulleys 2× daily.
- Weeks 9-12 (Early Thaw): weighted wand flexion, isometric external rotation.
Add hydrodilatation if motion stalls. Combine the injection with supervised stretching the same week for best gains.
Re-test strength and function. Aim for ≥ 90% reach overhead and hand-behind-back compared with the other arm before full return to sport.

At Spectrum Therapeutics, our comprehensive shoulder rehabilitation program is specifically designed to guide you through each stage of frozen shoulder recovery with precision and expertise.

Four Things Your Surgeon Might Skip Over

Hidden Point	Why It Matters
Capsule release can re-tighten	Without aggressive post-op stretching, scar tissue reforms within weeks.
Manipulation risks fracture	Forceful under-anesthesia moves can crack the upper humerus in osteoporotic patients.
Diabetes slows healing	Frozen shoulder is 2-4× more common in diabetics; tight glucose control speeds thawing.
Night pain often needs medication	Short courses of NSAIDs or low-dose gabapentin improve sleep, allowing better rehab.

Why Spectrum Therapeutics Gets Results

Shoulder-specific force plates measure capsular stiffness in degrees, not guesses.
On-site ultrasound-guided injections for precise hydrodilatation when needed.
Stage-matched exercise dosing—we progress intensity every week, not every month.

Dr. Rob Letizia's 25+ years of expertise in manual therapy techniques ensures you receive the most advanced, evidence-based treatment available in Wayne, NJ. Our targeted approach has helped hundreds of patients restore full shoulder function without surgery.

FAQ—Quick Answers

"How long will this really last?"

With stage-matched rehab and, if needed, hydrodilatation, most patients regain near-normal motion in 4-6 months instead of the typical 12-18.

"Will I ever lift overhead again?"

Yes. Consistent end-range stretching plus strength work restores full overhead reach in 90% of cases.

"Do I need an MRI?"

Usually not. Clinical tests and simple imaging rule out most other problems; MRI is reserved for suspected cuff tears or labral injuries.

Stuck Shoulder? Get Moving Again

Book a 20-minute shoulder consult at our Wayne, NJ clinic—no guesswork, just a science-backed plan to thaw your motion.

Ready to restore your shoulder mobility? Call us at (973) 689-7123 today!

Don't wait 18 months; start thawing today.

Learn more about what to expect as a new patient and discover why Spectrum Therapeutics is Wayne's trusted choice for frozen shoulder recovery.

Spectrum Therapeutics of NJ - Physical Therapy

Expert Care • Proven Results • Personalized Treatment
Wayne, NJ | (973) 689-7123

Back to blog