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.

Patient performing Phalen’s Test for carpal tunnel under guidance of physical therapist.

Is That Tingling in Your Hands Carpal Tunnel? Here's What I Tell My Patients

Dr. Rob Letizia PT, DPT

Look, I get it. You're halfway through your workday and your hands are doing that weird tingly thing again. Maybe it's worse at night. Maybe you've been ignoring it for weeks (or months, no judgment). And now you're Googling "carpal tunnel symptoms" at 11 PM because you finally decided to figure out what's going on.

So let me walk you through what I do with patients who come into my clinic with the same concerns.

The Quick Test I Use in My Office

There's this test called Phalen's Test that we use all the time. Honestly, some of my patients call it the "prayer test" because of how you position your hands, but I sometimes joke and call it the "failing test" when people's symptoms light up during it.

Here's what you do:

Press the backs of your hands together, fingers pointing down toward the floor. Now lift your elbows up until they're about shoulder height. Hold that position for 30 seconds to a minute.

What happens? If your fingers start tingling, going numb, or you get that uncomfortable "pins and needles" feeling, there's a decent chance the median nerve running through your wrist is getting squeezed. That's basically what carpal tunnel syndrome is, compression of that nerve.

Not everyone gets symptoms during the test, though. Some people only notice it at night or during specific activities. That's normal too.

What Actually Helps When It Acts Up

Okay, so let's say you just did the test and yep, things got tingly. What now?

Try this stretch (it's basically the opposite position of the test):

Take your affected hand and use your other hand to gently pull your fingers back. Straighten your elbow at the same time. You should feel a stretch running from your wrist up through your forearm. Hold it for maybe 5-10 seconds, then release.

Word of warning: Don't go too aggressive with this. You're trying to give the nerve some breathing room, not yank it like you're starting a lawnmower. If it hurts, back off.

I usually have patients do this a few times throughout the day, especially if they've been typing for hours or doing repetitive hand stuff.

The Night Splint Thing Everyone Asks About

People always ask me: "Do those wrist braces actually work?"

Short answer: Yeah, they can help, especially at night.

Here's why. A lot of us sleep curled up, and when you do that, your wrists bend forward. That position squeezes the median nerve for hours while you're sleeping. A night splint keeps your wrist straight, which takes the pressure off.

You don't need anything fancy. Just a basic wrist brace from the pharmacy that keeps things neutral. Wear it to bed. See if you wake up with less numbness or pain.

Some people hate sleeping in them. That's fine. Try it for a week and see if it makes a difference. If it doesn't help or you can't stand it, we can try other things.

When You Should Actually See Someone

Real talk: if this is new and mild, these home strategies might be all you need. But if your symptoms are getting worse, if you're dropping things, if your hand feels weak, or if it's been going on for months, don't just keep Googling. Come see someone like me (or any licensed PT or doctor who knows their stuff).

Carpal tunnel doesn't always go away on its own, and waiting too long can make it harder to treat. I've seen people put it off until they need surgery when we probably could've fixed it with some nerve glides and ergonomic changes six months earlier.

Bottom Line

Carpal tunnel is annoying, but it's also really common and very treatable. Do the test. Try the stretch. Consider a night splint. Pay attention to what makes it better or worse.

And if you need help figuring this out or you're just tired of dealing with it, that's literally what we do.

Need actual hands-on help with your wrist pain?

I'm Dr. Rob Letizia, and I run Spectrum Therapeutic of NJ in Wayne. We specialize in this kind of thing, nerve issues, hand and wrist pain, getting people back to work and life without constant tingling and discomfort.

Spectrum Therapeutic of NJ
601 Hamburg Turnpike, Suite 103
Wayne, NJ 07470

(973) 689-7123
spectrum@spectrumtherapynj.com
spectrumtherapynj.com

Call us or shoot us an email. Let's get your hands feeling normal again.

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