Twin Cities Physical Therapists – Restore Motion, Reduce Pain, Improve Life

Finding a trusted physical therapist in the Twin Cities can be overwhelming, especially when you’re recovering from an injury, surgery, or living with chronic pain. At OrthoRehab Specialists, our licensed clinicians have over 25 years of experience in diagnosing and treating the underlying causes of muscle, joint, and nerve disorders. We don’t just mask symptoms—we address root problems, alleviate pain, and retrain your body to move as it was designed. Whether you’re in Edina, Minneapolis, Bloomington, or any surrounding community, our evidence-based approach ensures you achieve lasting improvements and a more active daily life. Call 612.339.2041 or click below to schedule your evaluation.

What Is Physical Therapy?

Physical therapy is the science of restoring proper motion, structure, and form for an effective, pain-free life. Poor biomechanics, injuries, and diseases can alter how you move, leading to restricted function and persistent discomfort. While treatments such as massage and chiropractic care can provide temporary relief, they may not address the root cause of your movement dysfunction.

At OrthoRehab Specialists, our therapists specialize in:

• Comprehensive movement assessments to identify dysfunctional patterns
• Manual therapy techniques—such as joint mobilizations and myofascial release—to improve mobility and reduce pain
• Customized strengthening and flexibility programs to rebuild muscle support and correct imbalances
• Functional retraining to ensure proper mechanics during daily activities, sports, and work tasks
• Education on ergonomics, home exercises, and self-management strategies to sustain improvements long term

Services Provided by Our Twin Cities Clinics

Whether you are seeking recovery after surgery, managing a chronic condition, or returning to athletic performance, our Twin Cities physical therapists deliver a full spectrum of services:

1. Orthopedic Rehabilitation

Our orthopedic rehab programs help patients regain strength and mobility following surgeries such as joint replacements, ligament repairs, and fracture fixation. We collaborate closely with your surgeon to:

• Restore joint range of motion and flexibility
• Rebuild muscle strength and endurance around the surgical site
• Prevent scar tissue adhesions through targeted manual therapy
• Implement functional training—such as stair climbing and balance drills—for safe daily activity

2. Sports Injury Recovery

Athletes across all levels—from youth leagues to competitive adults—benefit from our specialized sports rehabilitation services. Key components include:

• Movement analysis to identify and correct muscle imbalances and faulty biomechanics
• Sport-specific conditioning drills and plyometric exercises to ensure a safe return to play
• Neuromuscular re-education and proprioceptive training to reduce reinjury risk
• Manual therapy techniques to address soft tissue restrictions and joint stiffness
• Injury prevention education, including proper warm-up, cool-down, and technique modification

Learn more about our comprehensive physical therapy services for athletes in the Twin Cities.

3. Chronic Pain Management

Chronic pain—whether from arthritis, fibromyalgia, or persistent low back pain—can significantly impact your quality of life. Our approach to chronic pain includes:

• Pain neuroscience education to help you understand and manage your symptoms
• Therapeutic exercise programs focused on improving strength, flexibility, and endurance
• Manual therapy—such as joint mobilizations and myofascial release—to decrease pain and improve mobility
• Postural and ergonomic assessments to correct contributing factors
• Individualized home exercise plans to reinforce clinic-based gains and promote self-management

4. Neurological & Vestibular Rehabilitation

Patients with neurological conditions—such as stroke, multiple sclerosis, or Parkinson’s disease—require specialized care to improve balance, coordination, and functional mobility. Our neurological rehab services include:

• Comprehensive neurological assessments to evaluate motor control and gait
• Vestibular retraining for dizziness, vertigo, and balance impairment, including canalith repositioning for BPPV
• Functional training tailored to activities of daily living—such as transfers, walking, and stair negotiation
• Adaptive equipment recommendations and safety education to maximize independence

5. Pediatric Physical Therapy

Our pediatric therapists use play-based interventions to support motor development, balance, and coordination in children with developmental delays, congenital conditions, or orthopedic needs. Services include:

• Gross motor skill enhancement through age-appropriate games and activities
• Muscle strengthening and postural control for children with cerebral palsy or neurological impairments
• Fine motor coordination exercises to improve handwriting and daily tasks
• Family education and home program development to reinforce progress outside the clinic

Common Conditions We Treat

Our Twin Cities physical therapists address a broad range of musculoskeletal and neuromuscular conditions. By identifying underlying impairments and movement dysfunctions, we create targeted treatment plans. Some of the most common conditions treated at our clinics include:

• Shoulder Conditions: Rotator cuff tendonitis, impingement syndrome, frozen shoulder, labral tears.
• Knee Injuries: ACL and MCL tears, meniscus injuries, patellofemoral pain, total knee replacement rehab.
• Spine Disorders: Herniated discs, spinal stenosis, degenerative disc disease, chronic low back pain.
• Ankle & Foot Disorders: Plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendonitis, sprains, fractures, stress injuries.
• Repetitive Stress Injuries: Carpal tunnel syndrome, lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow), medial epicondylitis (golfer’s elbow).
• Post-Operative Rehabilitation: Hip, knee, shoulder replacements, arthroscopic repairs.
• Arthritis Management: Osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, degenerative joint conditions.
• Work-Related Injuries: Tendonitis, muscle strains, ergonomic-related pain.
• Auto Accident Injuries: Whiplash, cervical sprains, low back sprains, soft tissue trauma.

Explore the full list of conditions we treat on our Conditions We Treat page.

What Makes OrthoRehab Specialists Unique?

With so many therapy options in the Twin Cities, choosing the right provider can be challenging. OrthoRehab Specialists stands out due to:

• Therapist-Owned & Operated: Our clinics are independently owned by licensed physical therapists, ensuring clinical decisions prioritize patient outcomes—not corporate targets.
• Consistent One-on-One Care: You work directly with the same therapist at every session, providing continuity, consistent feedback, and trust.
• Evidence-Based Practice: We integrate the latest research and best practice guidelines—aligned with APTA standards—to deliver safe and effective interventions.
• Collaborative Referrals: Over 600 Twin Cities physicians and specialists refer patients to us, trusting our expertise for both post-operative and conservative care.
• State-of-the-Art Facilities: Our Minnesota clinics feature advanced modalities, functional training areas, and specialized manual therapy tools to accelerate recovery.
• Patient Education & Empowerment: Beyond hands-on therapy, we focus on teaching you how to manage your condition, correct movement patterns, and prevent reinjury.
• Direct Access: Minnesota law allows you to begin physical therapy without a doctor’s referral, enabling faster intervention and potentially better outcomes.

How Our Rehabilitation Process Is Structured

To ensure each patient progresses safely and efficiently, we follow a four-phase rehabilitation model:

Phase 1: Comprehensive Evaluation & Goal Setting

• Patient Interview: We review your medical history, current symptoms, lifestyle, and personal goals to understand your unique needs.
• Physical Examination: Our therapists measure your range of motion, muscle strength, joint mobility, posture, and functional movement patterns.
• Diagnostic Review: We analyze relevant imaging, surgical reports, or medical notes to inform your plan.
• Goal Setting: Together, we establish realistic short- and long-term objectives that guide your treatment plan.

Phase 2: Customized Treatment Plan Implementation

• Manual Therapy: Techniques such as joint mobilizations, soft tissue release, and myofascial stretching to address mobility restrictions and reduce pain.
• Therapeutic Exercises: Specific strengthening, flexibility, and neuromuscular re-education exercises tailored to your condition and goals.
• Functional Training: Task-based retraining—such as stair negotiation, lifting mechanics, or sport-specific drills—to restore real-world function.
• Modalities as Needed: Use of therapeutic ultrasound, electrical stimulation, or cold laser therapy to assist with tissue healing and pain control.

We track objective measures—such as strength improvements and range-of-motion gains—throughout this phase. Your therapist communicates regularly with referring physicians or surgeons to ensure coordinated care.

Phase 3: Advanced Strengthening & Conditioning

• Resistance Training: Gradual progression through resistance bands, free weights, or specialized machines to build muscular strength and endurance.
• Plyometric & Agility Drills: For athletic patients returning to high-impact sports, controlled plyometric exercises and agility ladder drills enhance power and coordination.
• Endurance Training: Cardiovascular and muscular endurance activities to support overall health and expedite recovery.
• Home Exercise Program: A prescribed set of exercises to reinforce clinic-based gains and foster independent continuation.

Phase 4: Maintenance, Education & Prevention

• Long-Term Exercise Plan: We provide a sustainable home program to maintain improvements in strength, flexibility, and functional mobility.
• Injury Prevention Strategies: Education on posture, proper mechanics, ergonomic adjustments, and safe progressions back to recreational or occupational activities to reduce reinjury risk.
• Periodic Follow-Ups: Optional check-ins—either in-person or via telehealth—to monitor your status and address any new concerns promptly.

Insurance Coverage & Direct Access

One significant advantage of choosing OrthoRehab Specialists is that Minnesota law grants direct access to physical therapy services without a physician referral. This means you can start treatment sooner and potentially reduce your overall recovery time. Our Twin Cities clinics accept most major insurance plans, including:

• Blue Cross Blue Shield
• Medicare
• Medica
• UCare
• Humana
• UnitedHealthcare
• Aetna
• PreferredOne

If you are unsure about your coverage, our administrative staff will verify your benefits and explain any co-pays, deductibles, or session limits before your first visit. We also offer transparent cash-pay rates and flexible payment plans for patients without insurance or those who prefer self-pay options. At OrthoRehab Specialists, there are no hidden fees—just high-quality care tailored to your needs.

Patient Success Stories

Our patients’ successes reflect our commitment to personalized, outcomes-driven care. Here are a few testimonials from clients across the Twin Cities:

“After a complex knee surgery, I was worried about losing mobility. The Edina team at OrthoRehab provided a progressive rehab plan that included manual therapy and targeted exercises. Now, I’m back to hiking pain-free.” – Sarah J., Edina

“I developed severe shoulder pain from years of overhead work. The Minneapolis therapists not only treated my pain but taught me corrective strengthening exercises. I’m back to lifting without discomfort.” – Tom K., Minneapolis

“As a recreational runner, I tore my Achilles tendon. The sports rehab specialists designed a return-to-run program that was safe and effective. Six months later, I ran my first half marathon post-injury.” – Emily R., Bloomington

Educational Resources & Community Engagement

OrthoRehab Specialists believes in empowering patients through education. We maintain a robust library of resources on our website, including blog articles, exercise demonstration videos, and condition-specific guides. Some recommended resources include:

• American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) – National standards, research, and patient education materials.