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.

surgery last resort not first option spectrum therapy nj

Why Surgery Should Be Your Last Resort — Not Your First Move

Dr. Rob Letizia PT, DPT

Surgery Isn’t Your First Option — Try Physical Therapy First in Wayne, NJ

If you were told you “need surgery” for knee, shoulder, back, or neck pain, pause and get a movement-based second opinion. Unless there’s a fracture, dislocation, or a complete rupture, most musculoskeletal pain improves with the right plan at Spectrum Therapeutics of NJ in Wayne. Our approach helps many people avoid the OR while getting back to work, sport, and sleep faster.

Why “Surgery First” Often Backfires

Even small procedures create inflammation, scar tissue, and muscle shutdown. If the underlying movement problem isn’t fixed, the pain can return after the post-op window. We start with a full movement exam to find the real driver—stiff hips or thoracic spine stressing your back, poor scapular control irritating a rotator cuff, or weak trunk/hip control overloading the knee.

Common Surgeries That Are Frequently Avoidable

Partial rotator cuff tears often calm with progressive loading and scapular control. Meniscus “clean ups” rarely outperform focused knee rehab. Many cases of radiating leg pain or “degenerative changes” respond to spine-specific care without injections. Before booking an OR, rule these in or out with a targeted plan. Read more in our shoulder and knee service pages: Shoulder Rehabilitation and Knee Therapy, plus our spine program: Lumbar Spine Care.

How Physical Therapy Solves the Root Cause

We blend hands-on treatment to unlock stiff areas, progressive strength for deep stabilizers, and coaching for daily mechanics. That can look like cuff and scap sequencing for overhead work (see our guide: Rotator Cuff Injury Therapy – Wayne, NJ), hip and core control for low back issues (related read: Back Pain Relief – Wayne, NJ), or stepwise loading after flare-ups. For tough, chronic tendinopathy or calcific shoulder pain, we may add Shockwave Therapy to accelerate progress.

When Surgery Does Make Sense

Surgery is appropriate for fractures, full-thickness ruptures with loss of function, severe instability, or true joint collapse. If you’ve completed a focused rehab plan and still have a clear structural problem, we coordinate with your surgeon and guide your post-op recovery so you regain motion and strength quickly. If you’re unsure where you stand, start here: 5 Reasons to Start PT Sooner.

A Quick Pre-Surgery Checklist

Have you had a movement exam, not just imaging. Did you complete several weeks of progressive, symptom-guided rehab. Are daily activities improving, even slightly. Do specific positions or exercises reliably reduce symptoms. If you’re missing any of these, schedule an evaluation before committing to surgery: Physical Therapy in Wayne, NJ.

Local Patients We Help Every Week

We serve Wayne, Totowa, Pompton Lakes, Haledon, Franklin Lakes, and surrounding North Jersey. Most people feel meaningful change within the first few visits and build toward durable results in the following weeks—without relying on pills, injections, or prolonged rest. New to our clinic. See what your first visit looks like: New Patients: What to Expect.

Ready for a Second Opinion That Looks at How You Move

Don’t let a scan make the decision for you. Get a one-on-one plan that reduces pain, restores mechanics, and protects you from unnecessary procedures. Call or text us at (973) 689-7123 to book your evaluation today.

Back to blog