Frequently Asked Questions

Post-Operative Care

How soon after surgery can I start physical therapy?

Most patients begin within 1–2 weeks post-op, once cleared by your surgeon. At Ares PT, we customize timelines based on procedure type, pain levels, and healing progress—ensuring safe, effective recovery that optimizes mobility and strength without jeopardizing repair.

Will PT prevent scar tissue and stiffness after surgery?

Absolutely. Scar tissue and stiffness are common post-surgery, but early controlled movement, hands-on techniques, and progressive range-of-motion work at Ares PT help minimize adhesions and restore flexibility efficiently.

What improvements can I expect from post-op therapy?

Expect enhanced mobility, strength, and confidence in the affected area. Our focused rehab improves functional movement for daily life or sports, reduces pain, and helps prevent re-injury. We also integrate fitness coaching to bridge your healing phase to full performance.

Do you work with surgical protocols from my doctor?

Yes—Ares PT partners with your surgeon’s guidelines while monitoring your progress. We go beyond, gradually integrating strength and sport-specific movements once it’s safe, ensuring you recover stronger and faster than generic programs.

Is post-op care covered by insurance?

Most plans include post-op PT, typically with a copay and limited visits. Ares PT offers transparent billing, verifies coverage before treatment, and provides options like package rates or performance coaching for uncovered sessions.

Barbell Physical Therapy

What is barbell physical therapy?

Barbell PT blends traditional rehab with load-based training—using movements like squats, presses, and deadlifts to restore strength and movement patterns. At Ares PT, we safely integrate barbell work early to help lifters return stronger, faster, and more resilient.

Can barbell PT increase my risk of re-injury?

Not under expert guidance. Ares PT scales load, volume, and technique for your rehab stage, using real-time video feedback and biomechanical cues. We prioritize form over weight to rebuild capacity safely and effectively.

When can I resume heavy lifting after injury?

That depends on your injury and progress. We conduct regular strength tests, range-of-motion checks, and movement assessments to safely progress you through loading phases—ensuring your body is ready before adding weight.

Do you assess my lifting form?

Yes—our therapists analyze your barbell mechanics in detail, using video and movement screens. We identify breakdowns under load, correct technique, and embed drills into rehab programs, so form and strength improve hand-in-hand.

Is barbell PT for beginners?

Totally. Whether you’re a recreational lifter or elite athlete, Ares PT adapts loading and technique training to your level. Beginners benefit from safe, efficient movement patterns along with injury prevention strategies tailored to your goals.

Gymnastics Physical Therapy

What injuries do gymnasts need PT for?

Common issues include wrist sprains, back pain, ankle instability, shoulder overuse, and ACL tears. Ares PT specializes in sport-specific rehab for gymnasts, addressing hypermobility, repetitive stress, and dynamic landing demands with precision-tailored treatment.

Do gymnasts need special PT?

Yes—gymnastics relies on extreme flexibility, power, and coordination. Generic PT won’t cut it. Ares PT, led by a gymnastics coach/PT, integrates skill biomechanics, landing mechanics, and sport drills into recovery to ensure safe and effective return.

How long until I can get back to gymnastics?

Return timelines vary by injury severity but typically range from 4–12 weeks. Ares PT uses phase-based progression: mobility, strength, sport drills, and full-skill integration—supporting a safe and confidence-driven return to the gym.

Does Ares PT work with coaches?

Yes—we communicate with your gymnastics coach to align rehab and training plans, ensuring minimal disruption. Our goal is to integrate sport drills seamlessly and reinstate skills safely as you progress through recovery.

Can PT improve gymnastics performance?

Definitely. Beyond healing injuries, we correct imbalances, enhance flexibility, and optimize movement control. This builds strength and durability that fuels higher-level skills and reduces future injury risk—a performance edge for gymnasts.

Running Physical Therapy

Can PT fix my running-related knee pain?

Absolutely. Common issues like IT band syndrome, patellofemoral pain, and shin splints respond well to gait analysis, strength rebuilding, and tailored drills. Ares PT addresses both symptoms and root biomechanical causes to help you run pain-free.

What will gait analysis at Ares PT include?

We analyze your stride, cadence, foot strike, hip control, and core stability. Using high-speed video and movement screens, we pinpoint inefficiencies and design drills, strengthening exercises, and technique cues to help you run stronger and safer.

Is it safe to run through rehab?

Yes—if done smartly. We prescribe structured, progressive running plans—starting with walk/runs, low-impact drills, and strength training. At Ares PT, we safely restore your mileage and speed without risking setbacks or overload injuries.

How can PT help me prepare for a race?

We tailor rehab to your race goals—addressing weaknesses, fine-tuning mechanics, and adding performance drills. By combining injury prevention and race-specific training, Ares PT ensures you reach the start line stronger, more durable, and ready to perform.

Does PT adjust based on training volume?

Yes—your rehab evolves with your training load. Ares PT tracks your workouts and adapts program intensity, frequency, and recovery drills to match your current cycle—helping you maintain peak performance without compromising structure.

Volleyball Physical Therapy

What are the most common volleyball injuries treated at Ares PT?

We frequently treat rotator cuff issues, knee pain (like jumper’s knee), ankle sprains, and back strain. Ares PT’s volleyball rehab blends injury relief with jump training, shoulder mobility, and performance drills for a safe, strong return to the court.

How does PT improve my jump and spike?

We use targeted strength training, mobility work, and landing mechanics to build power and reduce stress on joints. By optimizing your movement patterns, Ares PT helps increase vertical jump and hit power while minimizing risk of injury.

Can I still train during rehab?

Yes! We design rehab plans that integrate modified training so you stay active. Ares PT communicates with your coach and gradually reintroduces high-impact drills to ensure you’re staying sharp while healing safely.

Will you assess my volleyball technique?

Absolutely. We assess shoulder mechanics, jump form, and court movement patterns to correct performance leaks. Rehab includes volleyball-specific drills to make sure every movement—from serves to spikes—is safe and efficient.

Is volleyball rehab just for competitive players?

Nope. We treat all levels—from youth to adult rec leagues. Whether you’re playing club volleyball or in a co-ed league, Ares PT delivers tailored care to match your activity level, recovery needs, and personal performance goals.

Dry Needling & Cupping

What is dry needling and how does it help?

Dry needling targets muscle trigger points using ultra-thin needles to relieve tension, reduce pain, and improve function. At Ares PT, we integrate it into rehab for chronic tightness, acute injuries, or post-op stiffness for faster, deeper relief.

Is cupping effective for pain relief and mobility?

Yes—cupping improves blood flow, reduces inflammation, and loosens fascia, helping muscles move more freely. At Ares PT, we combine cupping with active movement therapy to boost recovery speed and restore functional range of motion.

Does dry needling hurt?

It feels like a twitch or mild cramp—brief and tolerable. Most clients experience relief shortly after. At Ares PT, our trained therapists ensure comfort and safety, adjusting intensity based on your condition and treatment goals.

Are these services right for athletes?

Absolutely. Dry needling and cupping are ideal for athletes managing tight muscles, overuse injuries, or delayed recovery. These methods help restore muscle balance, promote healing, and keep you performing at your peak.

How often should I get dry needling or cupping?

Frequency depends on injury type and goals. Many clients benefit from 1–2 sessions per week initially. At Ares PT, we evaluate your response and integrate these treatments into a complete recovery plan tailored to your body’s needs.

Soccer Physical Therapy

What are the most common soccer injuries you treat?

We treat ACL tears, ankle sprains, groin strains, hamstring pulls, and overuse injuries. Ares PT provides soccer-specific rehab that improves agility, strength, and kicking mechanics—so you return to the pitch stronger and injury-resistant.

How does soccer rehab differ from general PT?

Soccer rehab addresses the high-speed, multidirectional, and high-impact nature of the game. At Ares PT, we tailor drills to your position, style, and injury, integrating cutting, pivoting, and endurance elements into recovery.

Can I prevent future soccer injuries with PT?

Yes! We focus on prehab exercises, strengthening, and movement correction to reduce injury risk. Our rehab at Ares includes agility and deceleration training, which helps prevent re-injury during quick changes of direction or contact.

How soon can I return to playing?

Return timelines depend on the injury, but Ares PT progresses you through mobility, strength, and field drills based on recovery milestones. Our goal is a confident, full return to sport with reduced re-injury risk—not just pain relief.

Do you work with youth and adult soccer players?

Absolutely! We treat athletes of all ages—from club youth and high school to adult rec leagues and competitive teams. Each plan is tailored to age, skill level, and recovery goals for a safe return to play.

Contact Sports & High Impact Physical Therapy

What types of contact sports do you work with?

We work with football, rugby, martial arts, wrestling, and more. Ares PT understands the impact and trauma involved and builds rehab around strength, mobility, and real-world readiness for a safe and powerful return to full-contact play.

How do you rehab high-impact injuries differently?

We use force-absorption training, impact tolerance drills, and advanced strengthening. At Ares PT, contact sports rehab is aggressive, sport-specific, and built to improve performance under pressure—not just eliminate pain.

Can PT reduce concussion symptoms or risks?

While we don’t treat acute concussions, we support post-concussion recovery by restoring neck strength, balance, and vestibular control. We also help athletes build the physical resilience needed to reduce future head impact risk.

Is this PT program only for professionals?

No—athletes of all levels benefit. Whether you’re in high school football, adult rugby, or MMA training, Ares PT offers customized recovery and performance plans for your sport’s intensity, contact levels, and competitive demands.

Do you offer strength conditioning as part of rehab?

Yes! We integrate performance training into your recovery, bridging the gap between injury and return to play. With in-house fitness coaching, Ares PT ensures you’re physically and mentally prepped for your sport’s demands.

Sports Medicine Physical Therapy

What is sports medicine physical therapy?

It’s advanced rehab that combines injury recovery with performance optimization. At Ares PT, we blend diagnostics, manual therapy, biomechanics, and strength work to help you heal efficiently while building long-term athletic durability.

What conditions do you treat with sports medicine PT?

We treat sprains, strains, chronic pain, joint issues, post-op recovery, overuse injuries, and performance limitations. Whether you’re an athlete or tactical professional, Ares PT targets what’s limiting you—and helps you crush it.

Is sports medicine PT only for injured athletes?

Nope. It’s also used to prevent injuries, optimize movement, and enhance sport performance. At Ares PT, we treat athletes proactively—improving strength, flexibility, and biomechanics to reduce risk and increase competitive edge.

How does Ares PT personalize sports medicine rehab?

We evaluate your sport, goals, physical status, and training load to build a custom plan. From functional movement screens to return-to-play protocols, everything at Ares PT is tailored for your body and your performance outcomes.

Can this PT help military, veterans, and first responders?

100%. We specialize in tactical readiness—improving strength, endurance, and movement efficiency for duty performance. Ares PT empowers service members to recover and perform with purpose, strength, and confidence.

Back Pain Relief Therapy

What causes back pain and how can physical therapy help?

Back pain can result from poor posture, muscle imbalances, injury, or spine conditions. At Ares, we evaluate your specific condition to create a custom plan that strengthens core muscles, restores mobility, and provides lasting relief without surgery or medication.

How long does it take to see results from back pain therapy?

Many clients start to notice improvements within 2–3 weeks. However, lasting relief depends on consistency and the severity of the condition. At Ares, we tailor your program to speed up recovery while building long-term strength to prevent recurring pain.

Can I do physical therapy for back pain if I’ve had it for years?

Yes! Chronic back pain responds well to physical therapy, even after years. We specialize in long-term back pain management by identifying the root cause, correcting movement patterns, and strengthening muscles for sustainable improvement.

What makes your back pain treatment different from other clinics?

At Ares, we go beyond generic exercises. We provide one-on-one sessions, advanced movement assessments, and personalized care backed by clinical expertise and athletic insight to ensure real, lasting progress—not temporary fixes.

Will I need to stop my normal activities during treatment?

Not always. We encourage modified movement, not full rest. Our therapists guide you in staying active safely during recovery, teaching you to manage pain without further aggravating your condition.

Lower Back Pain Therapy

What’s the difference between general back pain and lower back pain?

Lower back pain is more specific to the lumbar spine, often caused by disc issues, muscle strain, or improper lifting. At Ares, we isolate the exact problem and address it with precise, customized therapy that restores comfort and control.

How do you treat lower back pain at Ares?

We combine hands-on techniques, corrective exercises, and core strengthening to reduce inflammation, restore range of motion, and stabilize your spine—targeting both short-term pain relief and long-term prevention.

Can physical therapy help avoid surgery for lower back issues?

Absolutely. Many patients avoid surgery with guided therapy. Our therapists focus on reducing pain and dysfunction through non-invasive techniques, allowing your body to heal and regain strength naturally whenever possible.

Is lower back pain therapy suitable for athletes or active individuals?

Yes! Ares specializes in helping active individuals, including athletes and military personnel, return to peak performance. We address movement mechanics, lifting technique, and core stability to reduce re-injury risk.

How can I prevent my lower back pain from coming back?

We focus heavily on prevention. You’ll learn exercises for mobility, posture correction, and safe lifting techniques. We also develop a long-term plan that fits your lifestyle so you can stay pain-free for the long haul.

Neck Pain Therapy

What are common causes of neck pain you treat?

We commonly treat neck pain caused by poor posture, whiplash, tech neck, disc issues, or tight muscles. Ares Physical Therapy uses advanced techniques to address the root cause and bring lasting relief through manual therapy and movement correction.

How can physical therapy relieve neck pain without medication?

We target the exact muscles and joints causing your pain. Through hands-on therapy, guided movement, and posture retraining, we reduce inflammation and tension—allowing your body to heal naturally and sustainably.

How soon should I start therapy for neck pain?

The earlier the better. Starting therapy early prevents the condition from becoming chronic. At Ares, we create a plan that quickly eases pain while restoring neck strength and mobility—helping you feel normal again faster.

Will I learn how to improve my posture during neck therapy?

Yes, absolutely. Poor posture is one of the leading causes of neck pain. We’ll teach you how to correct posture during daily activities and work, using strengthening and mobility techniques tailored to your specific needs.

Can neck pain therapy help reduce headaches too?

Yes! Many headaches are caused by tension in the neck and shoulders. Our therapy addresses these root causes, often reducing or eliminating recurring tension headaches associated with neck dysfunction.

Knee Pain Therapy

What are the most common knee injuries you treat?

We treat ligament sprains (ACL, MCL), meniscus tears, patellar pain, arthritis, and overuse injuries. At Ares, we build a recovery plan that improves joint stability, reduces pain, and restores full knee function through personalized rehab.

Can therapy help me avoid knee surgery?

In many cases, yes. Physical therapy is highly effective in treating knee pain conservatively. We strengthen surrounding muscles, correct gait mechanics, and support natural joint healing—often avoiding the need for surgery.

Is your knee rehab suitable for athletes and runners?

Absolutely. We specialize in sports rehab. Whether you’re a runner, volleyball player, or in contact sports, we use dynamic and sport-specific exercises that help you get back to your game stronger and safer than before.

How long does knee pain therapy take to work?

It depends on your condition, but many patients feel improvement in 2–4 weeks. Our team creates progressive plans that focus on both short-term recovery and long-term knee health and performance.

What makes Ares different from other knee therapy providers?

Our personalized, high-performance approach stands out. You’ll work closely with a dedicated therapist and have access to a fitness trainer to ensure strength, recovery, and performance are all covered—something most clinics don’t offer.