Orthopedic Physical Therapy

Posture Studio Physical Therapy offers orthopedic care to address injuries, pain, and movement limitations, with the goal of restoring strength and function for daily life.

Each of our therapists is a Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) with years of clinical experience and a shared passion for providing thoughtful, individualized care that supports long-term health.

Book a Session
A physical therapist in Charlottesville, VA working on a patient's knee hip mobility
Meet Our PT Team

What Is Orthopedic Physical Therapy

Orthopedic physical therapy focuses on the bones, joints, muscles, ligaments, and tendons that allow the body to move and function in everyday life. This is the type of care most people think of when they hear the term physical therapy. Its primary goals are to reduce pain, restore movement, and improve strength and function.

While orthopedic physical therapy addresses the musculoskeletal system, it also considers the role of the nervous system in pain, movement, coordination, and healing. Posture, breathing, movement patterns, and neuromuscular control all influence how the body functions—and how injuries develop, persist, or resolve.

At Posture Studio, each session begins with a thorough evaluation to identify the true source of pain or limitation, not just the location of symptoms. Your physical therapist then creates a personalized treatment plan that may include hands-on manual therapy, targeted therapeutic exercise, movement retraining, and education.

Whether you are recovering from surgery, healing from an injury, or managing a chronic condition, orthopedic physical therapy supports long-term strength, mobility, and alignment. Our goal is not only to relieve pain, but to help you move with confidence and ease in daily life, work, and recreation.

When Should You See an Orthopedic Physical Therapist?

  • Persistent or recurring pain in the neck, back, shoulders, hips, knees, ankles, or feet

  • Joint stiffness, limited range of motion, or difficulty moving normally

  • Muscle strains, ligament sprains, or tendon injuries

  • Postural imbalances or movement asymmetries

  • Pain with walking, running, lifting, sitting, or standing

  • Sports-related injuries or overuse injuries

  • Work-related or repetitive strain injuries

Orthopedic physical therapy is appropriate for both acute injuries and long-standing issues. You do not need to be in severe pain to benefit—early evaluation and treatment can often prevent minor problems from becoming chronic or more complex.

You may benefit from orthopedic physical therapy if you are experiencing:

  • Pain following a fall, accident, or surgery

  • Chronic pain that has not resolved with rest or medication

  • Weakness, instability, or a feeling that a joint may “give out”

  • Difficulty returning to activity after an injury

  • Headaches related to neck or upper-back tension

  • Jaw pain or facial tension related to posture and movement patterns

  • Pain that keeps you from exercising, working comfortably, or enjoying daily life