🟢 Accepting New Shoulder Patients ⭐ 5.0 Google Rating 📍 601 Hamburg Tpke, Suite 103, Wayne, NJ 📞 (973) 689-7123
physical therapist wayne nj

Shoulder Pain Physical Therapy in Wayne, NJ

Lift, Reach, and Sleep Without Pain.

Can't lift your arm above your head? Waking up in pain when you sleep on your side? Whether it's a Rotator Cuff Tear, Frozen Shoulder, or Impingement, we can help.

Led by Dr. Rob Letizia, Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapist, our 1-on-1 care restores shoulder mobility and strength, often helping patients avoid injections and surgery.

Last Medically Reviewed: February 2026 by Dr. Rob Letizia, DPT

Schedule Your Evaluation →
25+
Years Experience
Manual
Therapy Specialist
1-on-1
Doctor Care Only
5.0 ★
Google Rating

Is This You?

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, your shoulder needs professional evaluation:

  • Sharp pain when reaching overhead (putting away dishes)
  • Unable to sleep on the affected side at night
  • Difficulty reaching behind your back (tucking in a shirt)
  • Clicking, popping, or 'catching' sensations
  • Weakness in the arm / arm feels 'heavy'

What is Shoulder Physical Therapy?

Shoulder Rehabilitation targets the complex interaction between the shoulder blade (scapula) and the arm bone (humerus). Unlike general exercise, we use manual therapy to ensure the joint glides correctly, preventing the rotator cuff from getting pinched (impingement).

At Spectrum Therapeutics in Wayne, we treat the mechanical cause of the pain—restoring rhythm to the joint.

Conditions We Treat

Rotator Cuff Tears

Partial and full tears can often heal without surgery. We strengthen the intact fibers to restore full function.

Frozen Shoulder

Also called Adhesive Capsulitis. We use specific manual mobilization to gently break up the adhesions and restore range of motion.

Shoulder Impingement

Pain when lifting the arm. We retrain the shoulder blade (scapula) to move correctly, creating space for the tendons.

Bursitis & Tendonitis

Inflammation of the fluid sacs. We treat the mechanics causing the rubbing, providing long-term relief vs. just masking pain.

Labral Tears (SLAP)

Tears in the cartilage ring. We focus on dynamic stability to support the joint, often allowing athletes to return to play.

Post-Surgical Rehab

Recovery after Rotator Cuff Repair or Replacement. We follow your surgeon's protocol with expert hands-on guidance.

Why Choose Physical Therapy First?

Shoulder pain is often mechanical. Pills can't fix mechanics.

VS. Surgery

Shoulder surgery requires months of recovery in a sling. Studies show PT is as effective as surgery for many rotator cuff tears and impingement cases.

VS. Cortisone Injections

Injections reduce inflammation temporarily but can weaken the tendon tissue over time. PT fixes the reason why the tendon was inflamed in the first place.

VS. MRI

MRIs show 'gray hairs' (wear and tear) that may not be the cause of your pain. A clinical evaluation by a specialist is often more accurate for determining treatment.

Your Path to a Pain-Free Shoulder

01

Evaluation

We test your range of motion and strength to pinpoint the specific tendon involved.

02

Mobilization

Hands-on techniques to unlock the joint capsule and restore gliding.

03

Stabilization

Strengthening the scapular muscles to give your rotator cuff a solid base.

04

Recovery

Return to lifting, reaching, and throwing without pain.

Dr Rob Letizia physical therapist Spectrum Wayne NJ

Meet Dr. Rob Letizia, PT, DPT

Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapist

Dr. Rob Letizia is a Doctor of Physical Therapy and Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapist. He specializes in treating complex shoulder conditions, from frozen shoulder to rotator cuff repairs.

Qualifications:
🎓 Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT)
🏆 Advanced Certification in Orthopedic Manual Therapy
⚕️ 25+ Years of Clinical Practice in Wayne, NJ

The shoulder is the most mobile joint in the body. You need a Manual Therapy Specialist who understands how to restore that mobility safely.

Book with Dr. Rob →

✓ Insurance We Accept

• Medicare• BCBS • Horizon BCBS• Aetna • Cigna• United Healthcare • Oxford• Humana • Workers' Comp• Auto (PIP)

Don't see yours? Call — we verify benefits free.

🕐 Hours

Monday8:30 AM – 7:00 PM
Tuesday8:30 AM – 2:00 PM
Wednesday8:30 AM – 7:00 PM
Thursday8:30 AM – 2:00 PM
Friday8:30 AM – 2:00 PM

See Our Approach in Action

Shoulder Rehabilitation — Wayne, NJ

What Our Patients Say

Common Questions About Shoulder Therapy

Can physical therapy fix a rotator cuff tear without surgery?

Yes. For many partial and even full-thickness tears, physical therapy is highly effective. By strengthening the remaining healthy tendon fibers and the scapular muscles, we can often restore full function and eliminate pain without going under the knife.

How do you fix Frozen Shoulder (Adhesive Capsulitis)?

Frozen shoulder requires a specific combination of manual joint mobilization to break up the adhesions (scar tissue) and gentle stretching. Aggressive forcing of the joint can make it worse, so expert manual therapy is critical.

Why does my shoulder hurt when I sleep on it?

Night pain is a classic sign of Rotator Cuff Tendonitis or Bursitis. Lying on the side compresses the inflamed bursa. We treat the inflammation mechanically to stop the pinching, allowing you to sleep comfortably again.

PT vs. Chiropractor: What's better for shoulder pain?

Chiropractors often focus on the spine and neck. Physical Therapists specialize in the extremities (like the shoulder). We treat the rotator cuff muscles directly and mobilize the shoulder joint itself, which is usually the root of the problem.

What is Shoulder Impingement?

Impingement occurs when the rotator cuff tendons get pinched between the arm bone and the shoulder blade. We retrain the way your shoulder blade moves to 'open up' the space, stopping the pinching immediately.

How long does it take to fix shoulder pain?

Most patients feel relief within 2-3 sessions. Full recovery typically takes 6-12 weeks depending on severity. Frozen shoulder can take longer, but early intervention speeds up the process significantly.

Do I need a referral?

No. New Jersey is a Direct Access state. You can schedule directly with Dr. Rob immediately without waiting for a physician's prescription.

Do you treat post-surgical shoulders?

Yes. We see many patients after Rotator Cuff Repairs, Labral Repairs, and Total Shoulder Replacements. We follow your surgeon's specific protocol to ensure a safe and full recovery.

Does insurance cover this?

Yes. We accept Medicare, BCBS, Aetna, Cigna, United, and most major plans. We will verify your exact coverage for you before you arrive.

Why does my shoulder click and pop?

Clicking is often a sign of instability or a labral tear. If it's painless, it may just be tight muscles snapping over bone. If it's painful, it needs evaluation to prevent further damage.

  • treating frozen shoulder in winter

    What's Behind Frozen Shoulder in Cold Months?

    Dr. Rob Letizia PT, DPT

    Frozen shoulder causes progressive pain and stiffness that can make everyday tasks extremely difficult. Cold weather often highlights these limitations by increasing muscle tightness and daily strain. Understanding the stages...

    What's Behind Frozen Shoulder in Cold Months?

    Dr. Rob Letizia PT, DPT

    Frozen shoulder causes progressive pain and stiffness that can make everyday tasks extremely difficult. Cold weather often highlights these limitations by increasing muscle tightness and daily strain. Understanding the stages...

  • upper back mobility and strengthening exercises

    What's Missing in Your Upper Back Pain Treatment?

    Dr. Rob Letizia PT, DPT

    Upper back pain is not always caused by tight muscles. For many people, the real issue is an imbalance between spinal mobility and strength. Identifying whether your spine needs more...

    What's Missing in Your Upper Back Pain Treatment?

    Dr. Rob Letizia PT, DPT

    Upper back pain is not always caused by tight muscles. For many people, the real issue is an imbalance between spinal mobility and strength. Identifying whether your spine needs more...

  • “how to progress exercises after physical therapy

    How to Keep Getting Stronger Post-PT

    Dr. Rob Letizia PT, DPT

    Finishing physical therapy is a major milestone, but it is also where many people lose momentum or get hurt again. This guide explains how to safely progress your home exercise...

    How to Keep Getting Stronger Post-PT

    Dr. Rob Letizia PT, DPT

    Finishing physical therapy is a major milestone, but it is also where many people lose momentum or get hurt again. This guide explains how to safely progress your home exercise...

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Dr. Rob Letizia with patient in Wayne

Ready to Fix Your Shoulder?

Don't spend another night in pain. Schedule your consultation with Dr. Rob today and start your path to lasting relief.

✓ Same-Day Appointments Available
✓ No Referrals Needed
✓ Most Insurance Accepted

📞 (973) 689-7123

📧 spectrum@spectrumtherapynj.com
📍 601 Hamburg Turnpike, Suite 103, Wayne, NJ 07470

Book Your Appointment Online →

📍 Visit Our Wayne, NJ Clinic

Shoulder Therapy Serving Wayne & Northern New Jersey

Passaic County

Wayne • Totowa • Little Falls • Woodland Park • Paterson • Pompton Lakes • Haledon • North Haledon • Hawthorne • Clifton

Morris County

Lincoln Park • Montville • Pequannock • Butler • Kinnelon • Riverdale • Boonton • Parsippany

Bergen County

Fairfield • Fair Lawn • Glen Rock • Ridgewood • Wyckoff • Franklin Lakes • Oakland

Can't find your town? If you're in Northern NJ and struggling with shoulder pain, we can help. Call (973) 689-7123

Medical Disclaimer: The information on this page is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice or diagnosis. Always consult with a licensed healthcare provider for your specific condition. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, dial 911 immediately.

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