
Advanced Care for a Variety of Conditions
Here at Physical Therapy Associates, we have been serving, rehabilitating, and caring for patients for 35 years.
“Commitment to engaging in education, advancing our profession, and becoming a resource to our community has always - and will always be - our company’s goal!” - Bernie Povanda, PT, COMT, FAAOMPT

Physical Therapy
Physical therapists are evidence-based health care professionals who offer cost-effective treatment that helps our patients improve motion and relieve pain. We examine, evaluate, and treat patients of all ages and abilities to expand, restore, and maintain motion.
Some of the main benefits to physical therapy:
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Improve mobility & motion
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Provide a conservative option to surgery- although when there is a need for surgery, physical therapy can enhance the outcome before and after surgery
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Manage pain effectively without long-term use of medication
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Help prevent injuries & promote a healthy lifestyle by improving strength, flexibility, balance & coordination
Some of the more common conditions we treat in our clinics include back & neck pain, shoulder & elbow pain, arthritis, auto, work & sports injuries, headaches, orthopedic disorders, acute & chronic tendonitis, balance disorders, and pre & post-surgical rehabilitation, along with countless other conditions affecting an individual's ability to move freely, without pain.
We collaborate with other health care professionals to develop treatment plans for patients using the latest research and proven approaches to ensure positive outcomes. These treatment plans are designed for the patient’s individual challenges, goals, and needs.
Athletic Training Services
We provide Athletic Training Services to Old Forge, Riverside, and Valley View High Schools.
Why area athletes choose us:
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Specializing in sports medicine rehabilitation for 35 years!
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Over 35 years of experience rehabilitating athletes of all ages & all levels of sports
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Certified athletic trainers & physical therapists on staff
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Using the latest in advanced computerized rehabilitation technology, the Biodex system 4, for isokinetic testing & rehab
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Offering after practice & after school appointments
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Concussion management
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Close relationships with both local & out-of-area orthopedic specialists
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Ability to facilitate prompt orthopedic consults for our patients

common Conditions we treat
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Lower Back & Neck PainFour out of five American adults experience neck or back pain at some point in their lives. This can be caused by such factors as sleeping incorrectly, postural stress, overexertion, or trauma due to automobile or work accidents. We offer comprehensive, expert treatment for a variety of neck, back, and spinal problems, including but not limited to: Joint dysfunction – hyper/hypomobility Bulging and herniated discs Sprains/Strains, muscle imbalances, core instabilities Postsurgical rehabilitation of cervical or lumbar procedures Degenerative disc/joint disease
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Pre and Post-surgical RehabilitationIf you have been told you need surgery, your physician will most likely refer you on for physical therapy following your procedure – in some cases, as soon as 24 hours after surgery. We offer a wide variety of advanced treatments tailored to each patient’s stage of recovery. Our physical therapists work closely with your surgeon on maximizing your post-surgical recovery. Prior to surgery, there are steps you can take to recover more quickly and successfully following your procedure. Patients who are in better condition prior to surgery often have better outcomes following surgery. Common conditions we manage include: Joint replacements Reconstructive surgery of all major joints Surgical treatment of the neck and back Common surgeries of the knee including the ACL and meniscus Arthroscopic surgery of the shoulder
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Work InjuriesWe care about keeping our community workforce healthy. If you’ve suffered a work injury, you can count on our team of Physical Therapists to get you back on the job as quickly and safely as possible. We are experienced with the Workers’ Compensation process, working with patients, physicians and case managers throughout the region. We are also on Compensation Panels throughout Wayne, Lackawanna and Luzerne counties. We are dedicated to helping you get back to work in good health through the utilization of specialized programs and effective physical therapy techniques including: Advanced manual therapy techniques Individualized exercise plans for work conditioning Neck and Back Care programs Ergonomic Training
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Sports InjuriesIf you’ve been sidelined by pain or injury, we can help you get back to your favorite sport or activity. What makes us unique is that we offer a continuity of care that starts with the referring physician- to the physical therapist- to the athletic trainer, that allows the athlete to know exactly what to expect from their recovery. Each professional is on the same page in delivering evidence-based training/care in which the athlete must meet certain criteria in order to return to sport activities in a safe and proper time frame. Sports injuries are common, but they don’t have to sideline you forever.
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Balance DisordersOur physical therapists use the Biodex Balance System SD ™ to help patients with balance, dizziness and vestibular disorders. The system uses real-time visual biofeedback to teach patients how to overcome their balance problems. It also provides fall risk screening tests and athletic knee injury screening tests.
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Gait TrainingPeople with spinal conditions, older adults, and people with orthopedic sports injuries may have difficulty walking or running normally. Our physical therapists use Biodex’s Gait Trainer 2™ to learn how to move correctly again. By learning the proper biomechanics of forward motion, patients can overcome their injuries and prevent reinjury.
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Shoulder & Elbow PainShoulder and elbow pain is extremely common for patients of every age. From elite athletes to the active grandparents, we create customized rehabilitation programs to help quickly alleviate the pain and get you back to doing the things you enjoy. We use advanced therapies and modern rehabilitation equipment to improve your performance and regain proper range of motion.
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Auto InjuriesInjuries suffered during an auto accident can be complex and extremely debilitating. Our experienced physical therapists will work with you to create a rehabilitation plan that is focused on reducing pain while improving flexibility, strength and mobility. Physical therapy can also help restore function and reduce pain in patients who are struggling with injuries from an old auto accident.
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ArthritisIf you suffer from pain due to arthritic changes in your joints, physical therapy may be a way for you to improve function while reducing or even eliminating your pain. Before considering treatments that include powerful drugs or surgical procedures, we recommend scheduling and evaluation with one of our expert physical therapists. They will work with you to create a customized rehabilitation program that helps alleviate your pain while improving your flexibility, strength and mobility.
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Leg, Hip, Knee, Ankle, and Foot Pain"If you experience pain or discomfort in your lower extremities, physical therapy might be able to provide fast relief and dramatically improve your function. Your lower extremities are comprised of a complex system of interconnected structures that can dramatically alter your ability and enjoyment of daily life. Using hands-on techniques, our physical therapists can design a manual therapy, therapeutic exercise, patient education and home program, specifically for you.
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HeadachesPhysical therapy is commonly prescribed for individuals who suffer from cervicogenic headaches. These types of headaches are commonly associated with individuals who experience stiff joints as well as soft tissue tenderness in the neck area. Our physical therapists will complete a thorough evaluation of your problem to assess the range of motion in your head and neck as well as any radiating joint or muscular pain. We will create a customized treatment plan that can help decrease your symptoms and improve your quality of life.
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Orthopedic DisordersIf you suffer from pain due to persistent orthopedic problems, physical therapy may be a way for you to improve function while reducing or even eliminating your pain. Before considering treatments that include powerful drugs or surgical procedures, we recommend scheduling and evaluation with one of our expert physical therapists. They will work with you to create a customized rehabilitation program that helps alleviate your pain while improving your flexibility, strength and mobility. Proper posture, strength training and improved flexibility have helped thousands of patients become pain-free after debilitating orthopedic problems.
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Acute and Chronic TendinitisAt one time or another, most people have suffered from tendinitis. Simply stated, tendinitis is an inflammation in any tendon of your body. This commonly results in sharp pain, swelling and soreness that can last a few days to weeks. Tendinitis affects elite athletes as well as middle-aged adults and seniors. One of the most common ways to reduce your pain and improve your function is with physical therapy. Our expert physical therapists will conduct a thorough evaluation of your problem and develop a customized treatment plan that includes manual therapy as well as exercise.
