Spine Program

The Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Department offers therapy for individuals with spine (back) pain. This program is for individuals of all ages who are experiencing pain at any level of their spine from the neck, mid-back or low back, with or without extremity pain from nerve involvement

Upstate Rehabilitation at Western Lights
Suite B-100,
4671 Onondaga Boulevard
Syracuse, NY 13219
Map & directions
Phone: 315 464-6543
Fax: 315 464-4753
Hours: M, W: 8:00am - 4:30pm Tues & Thurs: 8:00am - 6:00pm Fri: 7:30am - 4pm

What to Expect from Therapy

An evaluation will be performed to assess movement and document functional deficits.
A goal-driven program will be developed to resolve or minimize symptoms and return you to your previous level of activities as tolerated.
The spine rehabilitation team works with specific protocols in the areas of pre and post surgical intervention, scoliosis, stenosis and chronic pain.
Acute pain is addressed with manual therapy and modalities along with education to gradually regain normal movement patterns.
Muscle imbalances are assessed to minimize effect of uneven forces from weak or over-lengthened muscles on the spine through spinal stabilization and Pilates rehabilitation techniques.

Preparing for your First Visit

The initial visit will entail a complete review of past medical history, specific tests and treatment plan.
Loose clothing is recommended for initial and subsequent visits.

A physician's referral is required for evaluation and treatment within this program.

Providers

Rebecca S Alexander, PT, DPT, E-RYT
315 464-6543

Education & Fellowships

DPT: SUNY Upstate Medical University, 2018

Diseases/Specialties/Treatments

Low Back Pain; Low Back Pain During Pregnancy; Pelvic Floor Disorders; Stroke; Balance and Fall Prevention, Rehab Service; Brain Injury Rehabilitation; more

Research Interests

Pelvic Health; Yoga; Integrative Medicine; Mindfulness

Education Interests

Pelvic Health; Yoga for Spine Disorders, Neurological Disorders, Pelvic Health

Clinical Interests

Neurological Disorders; Pelvic Pain; Pelvic Health; Pre and Post Natal Pelvic Rehabilitation; Spine

Associations/Memberships

American Physical Therapy Association (APTA)

Jennifer L Collis, PT, DPT
315 464-6543

Education & Fellowships

DPT: SUNY Upstate Medical University, 2015

Diseases/Specialties/Treatments

Physical Therapy; Achilles Tendon Injury; Acute Pain; Ankle Sprain; Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) Injury; Carpal Tunnel Syndrome; more

Associations/Memberships

American Physical Therapy Association (APTA)

Nicole M Conese, PT
315 464-6543

Education & Fellowships

DPT: University of Maryland at Baltimore, 2015, Physical Therapy
BS: University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, 2012, Exercise Science

Diseases/Specialties/Treatments

Physical Therapy; Certified Brain Injury Specialist (CBIS); Alzheimer's Disease - Dementia; Brain Injury; Brain Tumor; Dementia; more

Clinical Interests

stroke, brain injury and spinal cord injury rehabilitation, vestibular rehabilitation and management of dizziness

Reis E Cunningham, MS OTR/L, CBIS
315 464-6543

Education & Fellowships

MS: Keuka University, 2014, Occupational Therapy
BS: Keuka University, 2013, Occupational Science

Diseases/Specialties/Treatments

Occupational Medicine; Certified Brain Injury Specialist (CBIS); Acute & Chronic Diseases and Conditions in Adult Patients; Amputation; Brain Injury; Concussion; more

Research Interests

Concussion in Youth Sports
Effects of Concussion post trauma on recovery
Brain Injury
Trauma
Vestibular Disorders and Dizziness

Education Interests

Occupational Therapy Education

Clinical Interests

Neurorehabilitation
Orthopedics
Surgery/Trauma
Concussion/Cognition
Vestbular/Dizziness

Annina Dougherty, PT, DPT
315 464-6543

Education & Fellowships

DPT: SUNY Upstate Medical University, 2011

Diseases/Specialties/Treatments

Dizziness and Vertigo; Orthopedic Physical Therapy

Tania N Gardner, PT, DPT, LMT
315 464-6543

Education & Fellowships

DPT: SUNY Upstate Medical University, 2007

Diseases/Specialties/Treatments

Physical Therapy; Knee Pain; Low Back Pain; Pelvic Floor Disorders; Shoulder Injuries; Voiding Dysfunction; more

Clinical Interests

Orthopedic injuries, Pilates therapy, Manual Therapy, Women's health

Mindy L Heath, PT, DPT
315 464-6543

Education & Fellowships

DPT: SUNY Upstate Medical University, 2014, Physical Therapy

Diseases/Specialties/Treatments

Acute & Chronic Diseases and Conditions in Adult Patients; Acute Pain; Trauma; Acute Pain; Amputee Rehabilitation; Chronic Pain Rehabilitation; more

Associations/Memberships

American Physical Therapy Association (APTA)

Rebecca Kelsey
315 464-5540

Maureen A Mancuso, PT, DPT, GCS
315 464-6543

Education & Fellowships

DPT: SUNY Upstate Medical University, 2012

Diseases/Specialties/Treatments

Physical Therapy; Concussion; Concussion Management; Concussion Management, Rehab Service; Orthopedic Physical Therapy; Vestibular Rehabilitation

Associations/Memberships

American Physical Therapy Association (APTA)

Emily S O'Toole, PT, MSPT, DPT
315 464-6543

Education & Fellowships

DPT: SUNY Upstate Medical University, 2011
PT: Nazareth College of Rochester, 2008, Master's of Physical Therapy

Diseases/Specialties/Treatments

Physical Therapy; Pediatric Physical Therapy

Maria J Podbelski, DPT
315 464-6543

Education & Fellowships

DPT: SUNY Upstate Medical University, 2016

Diseases/Specialties/Treatments

Certified Brain Injury Specialist (CBIS); Physical Therapy; Acute & Chronic Diseases and Conditions in Adult Patients; Brain Injury; Dizziness and Vertigo; Neuromuscular Disease; more

Jeffrey Romans, PT
315 464-6543

Education & Fellowships

DPT: SUNY Stony Brook, 2013

Diseases/Specialties/Treatments

Physical Therapy; Achilles Tendon Injury; Cervical Radiculopathy; Knee Cartilage Tear; Low Back Pain; Lumbar Stenosis; more

Clinical Interests

Sports Rehab. Spine Rehab. Pain Sciences. Orthopedics.

Associations/Memberships

American Physical Therapy Association (APTA)

Christopher Ross, PT
315 464-6543

Diseases/Specialties/Treatments

Physical Therapy; Achilles Tendon Injury; Ankle Sprain; Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) Injury; Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) Injury; Arthritis; more

Clinical Interests

Treatment of spinal disorders. Sport related injuries. General orthopedics.

Adam P Rufa, PT, PhD, DPT, OCS
315 464-6883

Education & Fellowships

PhD: Nova Southeastern University, 2020
DPT: SUNY Upstate Medical University, 2008
PT: SUNY Upstate Medical University, 2002
BS: LeMoyne College, Syracuse NY, 1999

Diseases/Specialties/Treatments

Certified Strength and Conditioning Spec; Orthopaedic Physical Therapy; Physical Therapy

Research Interests

Pain

Clinical Interests

Manual therapy

Chronic pain

Spine care

Orthopedics

Sports

Katharine L Sellers, PT, DPT
315 464-6543

Education & Fellowships

DPT: Russell Sage College, 2008
BA: Russell Sage College, 2006, Biopsychology

Diseases/Specialties/Treatments

Physical Therapy; Acute & Chronic Diseases and Conditions in Adult Patients; Osteoarthritis; Geriatrics; Outpatient Physical Therapy; Spine Pain Treatment; more