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

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
Locations

Providers

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

Education & Fellowships

DPT: SUNY Upstate Medical University, 2018
BA: Binghamton University, 2009

Diseases/Specialties/Treatments

Levator Syndrome; Low Back Pain; Low Back Pain During Pregnancy; Pelvic Floor Disorders; Pelvic Trauma; Balance and Fall Prevention, Rehab Service; 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, DPT
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); Neurology; Alzheimer's Disease - Dementia; Brain Injury; Brain Tumor; more

Clinical Interests

stroke, brain injury and spinal cord injury rehabilitation, vestibular rehabilitation

Associations/Memberships

American Physical Therapy Association (APTA), Neurology Section

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; Balance and Fall Prevention, Rehab Service; Concussion Management; Concussion Management, Rehab Service; Orthopedic Physical Therapy

Associations/Memberships

American Physical Therapy Association (APTA)

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; Falls; more

Associations/Memberships

American Physical Therapy Association (APTA)

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, DPT, PhD, 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

Orthopaedic Physical Therapy; Physical Therapy

Research Interests

Maximizing outcomes for patients with pain related conditions.

Clinical Interests

Manual therapy

Chronic pain

Spine care

Orthopedics

Sports

Complex Regional Pain Syndrome

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

Research Interests

Geriatrics

Education Interests

Geriatrics

Clinical Interests

Geriatrics

Kaitlin M Skiff, PT, DPT
315 464-6543

Education & Fellowships

DPT: Ithaca College, 2010

Diseases/Specialties/Treatments

Physical Therapy; Concussion; Foot and Ankle; Knee Pain; Low Back Pain; Neck Injuries; more

Thomas M Spangenberg, PT, DPT, CSCS
315 464-6543

Education & Fellowships

DPT: SUNY Upstate Medical University, 2013
BS: University of Rochester, 2007

Diseases/Specialties/Treatments

Certified Strength and Conditioning Spec; Physical Therapy; Achilles Tendon Injury; Ankle Sprain; Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) Injury; Arthritis; more

Education Interests

McKenzie Method of Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy

Clinical Interests

Treatment of low back pain and spinal related disorders. Management of acute and chronic orthopedic conditions. Sports injuries and rehabilitation.

Sarah C Talbot, PT, DPT, OCS
315 464-6543

Education & Fellowships

DPT: Northeastern University, 2008

Diseases/Specialties/Treatments

Physical Therapy; Ankle Sprain; Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) Injury; Bunion; Foot and Ankle; Hamstring Strain; more

Clinical Interests

Foot and ankle rehabilitation

Kayla Vanbrocklin, OTR
315 464-6543

Diseases/Specialties/Treatments

Occupational Therapy

Kerry Walsh, PT, DPT, GCS, CEEAA
315 464-6543

Education & Fellowships

DPT: SUNY Upstate Medical University, 2008
BS: Boston College, 2003, Biology

Diseases/Specialties/Treatments

Physical Therapy; Geriatric Physical Therapy; Falls; Hip Fracture; Knee Pain; Low Back Pain; more

Clinical Interests

Geriatrics, Balance and Falls

Associations/Memberships

American Physical Therapy Association (APTA)

Upstate Regional Rehabilitation Centers at IHP
Institute For Human Performance (IHP)
Google Maps & Directions
1st Fl.
505 Irving Avenue, Syracuse, NY 13210
Phone: 315 464-6543
Fax: 315 464-4753

Hours:

Mon. Wed. Fri. - 7am-4:30pm; Tues. Thurs. - 7am-6pm

Clinic Details | Visit Website

Upstate Regional Rehabilitation Centers at Bone & Joint Center
Upstate Bone and Joint Center
Google Maps & Directions
Suite 201
6620 Fly Road, East Syracuse, NY 13057
Phone: 315 464-6543
Fax: 315 464-4753

Hours:

Mon. Wed. Fri. - 8am-4:30pm; Tues. Thurs. - 8am-6pm

Clinic Details | Visit Website

Upstate Regional Rehabilitation Centers at Manlius
Manlius Health Center
Google Maps & Directions
Suite 200
102 West Seneca Street, Manlius, NY 13104
Phone: 315 464-6543
Fax: 315 464-4753

Hours:

Mon. Wed. Fri. - 8am-4:30pm; Tues. Thurs. - 7:30am-6pm

Clinic Details | Visit Website

Upstate Regional Rehabilitation Centers at Western Lights
Upstate Rehabilitation at Western Lights
Google Maps & Directions
Suite B-100
4671 Onondaga Boulevard, Syracuse, NY 13219
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

Clinic Details | Visit Website