Why You Should Get a Physical Therapy Movement Screening—Even If You’re Not in Pain

You go for mammograms. You schedule colonoscopies. You get your blood pressure checked. These are routine health screenings designed to catch problems early—before they become serious.

But here’s what most people overlook: no one’s screening how you move. And that’s a problem.

At Spectrum Therapeutics, led by Dr. Rob Letizia, PT, DPT, we specialize in helping people prevent injuries like low back pain, shoulder pain, and herniated discs before they start. One of the smartest ways to do that? A movement-based physical therapy screening.

Most Pain Doesn’t Start with an Injury

That sharp low back pain you woke up with? That nagging neck stiffness after a week at your desk? The shoulder pain that shows up every time you lift something overhead?

These symptoms usually aren’t caused by one “bad” move. They build slowly over time—through poor posture, joint restriction, and faulty movement patterns. Your body compensates for a while, until it can’t anymore.

That’s where preventive physical therapy comes in.

A movement screening identifies the imbalances and mobility restrictions that often lead to common injuries like:

• Herniated discs
• Sciatica
• Rotator cuff injuries
• Chronic neck or shoulder tension
• Knee pain and instability
• Hip tightness
• Overuse injuries from repetitive motions (lifting, running, sitting)

What Is a Movement Screening?

A movement screening is a 1-on-1 evaluation by a licensed physical therapist. At Spectrum Therapeutics, Dr. Rob Letizia, PT, DPT, personally evaluates how your body moves and where there might be inefficiencies—before you’re in pain.

We assess:

• Joint mobility and range of motion
• Muscle strength and symmetry
• Postural alignment
• Movement mechanics during daily tasks (walking, squatting, reaching, bending)

This gives us a full picture of how your body is functioning and where small issues could eventually become big ones—like a herniated disc, frozen shoulder, or chronic low back pain.

Why Book a Physical Therapy Screening If You Feel Fine?

Because feeling fine isn’t the same as moving well.

Most people walk around with underlying dysfunctions that haven’t caused pain yet. But when they do? You’re looking at time off work, weeks of rehab, or possibly surgery.

A preventive movement screen can help you:

• Catch early signs of low back pain, neck pain, or shoulder dysfunction
• Improve posture and alignment
• Prevent future injuries
• Stay active, strong, and mobile as you age
• Avoid downtime or unnecessary medical costs

What Happens After the Screening?

After your screening, Dr. Rob Letizia, PT, DPT, will explain what we found and give you a personalized prevention plan. This might include:

• Corrective exercises to improve strength, flexibility, and control
• Joint mobilization and soft tissue work
• Ergonomic tips to reduce neck and back strain
• Posture and movement strategy coaching

Who Is This For?

Everyone. This is not just for athletes or people recovering from surgery.

We see people with:

• Tight hips from sitting all day
• A history of herniated discs or sciatica
• Shoulder pain from lifting or overhead work
• Postural issues causing neck or mid-back stiffness
• A desire to stay strong, mobile, and independent—especially over 40

Book Your Movement Screening at Spectrum Therapeutics

A 30-minute visit could prevent months of discomfort, missed workouts, or even surgery. Whether you're worried about low back pain, rehabbing from a past shoulder injury, or just want to move more efficiently—this is for you.

You maintain your car before it breaks down. You go to the dentist before you feel pain. It’s time to treat your movement the same way.

Book your physical therapy movement screening at Spectrum Therapeutics with Dr. Rob Letizia, PT, DPT today. Take action before pain forces your hand.