We’re happy to speak with Dr. Mike Wehrhahn, co-founder of Next Level Physical Therapy. Next Level is a cutting-edge physical therapy practice focused on offering world-class pan solutions for athletes and active adults. They have several offices throughout New Jersey and now in Pennsylvania as well.
Dennis Murphy: Could you start by introducing yourself and telling us a little about your background as a physical therapist?
Dr. Mike Wehrhahn: My name is Dr. Mike Wehrhahn, and I am the owner of Next Level Physical Therapy. I hold a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from Ithaca College, and I am passionate about helping people overcome chronic pain and injuries. My goal with Next Level is to create the best physical therapy experience in the world. We specialize in active adults and athletes who have failed with traditional treatments.
DM: What inspired you to open your own physical therapy clinic?
MW: I was inspired to open my own clinic because I wanted to create a space where patients could receive the highest level of care and attention. I wanted to focus on active adults and athletes who were still experiencing pain even after trying other treatments. I believe that everyone deserves to live a pain-free life, and I wanted to provide a comprehensive approach to pain management and rehabilitation that addresses the root cause of the problem.
DM: What sets your clinic apart from other physical therapy practices in the area?
MW: What sets our clinic apart is our focus on active adults and athletes, as well as our commitment to providing the best possible patient experience. We take a holistic approach to treatment, addressing the physical, emotional, and mental aspects of pain. We also have a team of highly skilled and compassionate physical therapists who work together to create individualized treatment plans for each patient.
DM: What types of conditions or injuries do you commonly treat at your clinic?
MW: We commonly treat conditions such as back pain, neck pain, shoulder pain, knee pain, hip pain, and ankle sprains. We also specialize in treating chronic pain that has not responded to other treatments, such as traditional physical therapy, chiropractic, and surgery.
DM: Can you explain the importance of physical therapy in the rehabilitation process?
MW: Physical therapy plays a crucial role in the rehabilitation process because it helps patients regain strength, flexibility, and range of motion. Physical therapy can also reduce pain and improve function, allowing patients to return to their daily activities and enjoy a better quality of life. Additionally, physical therapy can help prevent future injuries and promote long-term health and wellness.
DM: How has your clinic adapted its services to meet the needs of patients during the COVID-19 pandemic?
MW: During the COVID-19 pandemic, we have implemented several safety measures to protect our patients and staff, including temperature checks, mask requirements, and increased cleaning protocols. We also offer telehealth services for patients who prefer to receive treatment remotely.
DM: Are there any specialized services or treatments that your clinic offers, such as aquatic therapy or sports rehabilitation?
MW: Yes, we offer a range of specialized services, including sports rehabilitation and dry needling. We also offer personalized wellness programs that focus on exercise and stress management.
DM: How do you approach creating individualized treatment plans for your patients?
MW: We approach creating individualized treatment plans by conducting a thorough evaluation of each patient’s medical history, symptoms, and lifestyle. We take into consideration their goals and preferences, as well as any underlying health conditions. Based on this information, we create a customized treatment plan that includes a combination of manual therapy, exercise, and other modalities as needed.
DM: Can you share a success story or a case where physical therapy made a significant impact on a patient’s life?
MW: One success story that comes to mind is our patient Mike Sowers. He was a Division 1 college lacrosse player at Princeton University. He came to us after seeing 6-7 doctors who all said he needed surgery. He thought if he didn’t get surgery, he’d have to end his career. Luckily he found us, and after treatment, he didn’t miss a single game during his season. He set the NCAA scoring record and went on to get drafted #1 in the Premier Lacrosse League. He recently just won MVP.
DM: How do you stay updated on the latest advancements and best practices in the field of physical therapy?
MW: As a physical therapist and clinic owner, it is crucial to stay current with the latest advancements and best practices in the field. I regularly attend conferences, workshops, and continuing education courses to learn about new techniques, treatments, and research studies. In addition, I also follow respected journals and publications to stay informed about the latest developments in the field of physical therapy.
DM: What advice do you have for individuals who are considering physical therapy for the first time?
MW: If you are considering physical therapy for the first time, I would advise you to do your research and choose a reputable clinic with experienced and highly trained therapists. Make sure to ask questions and communicate your goals and concerns with your therapist. Be honest about your symptoms, pain levels, and progress, as this information is critical to developing an effective treatment plan.
DM: Could you talk about the importance of patient education and how you help patients understand their treatment plans?
MW: Patient education is an essential component of the treatment process. At Next Level Physical Therapy, we believe that informed patients are better equipped to take an active role in their recovery and achieve their goals. We take the time to explain the underlying causes of our patient’s conditions, the treatment options available, and what they can expect during the recovery process. We also provide patients with personalized exercise and stretching programs and educate them on proper form and technique to prevent future injuries.
DM: For those dealing with chronic pain, how can physical therapy be a part of their pain management strategy?
MW: For individuals dealing with chronic pain, physical therapy can be an effective part of their pain management strategy. Our goal is to identify the root cause of the pain and develop a comprehensive treatment plan that includes manual therapy, targeted exercises, and education on proper posture and body mechanics. By addressing the underlying issues and improving strength and flexibility, we can help reduce pain levels and improve quality of life.
DM: How does your clinic work with other healthcare professionals, such as physicians and occupational therapists, to provide comprehensive care to patients?
MW: At Next Level Physical Therapy, we work closely with other healthcare professionals, such as physicians, other therapists, optometrists, and even orthodontists, to provide comprehensive care to our patients. We believe that a team-based approach is essential to achieving the best possible outcomes for our patients. We communicate regularly with our patients’ healthcare providers to ensure that we are all on the same page and that our patients receive the best possible care.
DM: How do you address common misconceptions about physical therapy?
MW: One common misconception about physical therapy is that it is only necessary after surgery or a major injury. In reality, physical therapy can be an effective treatment option for a wide range of conditions and injuries, including chronic pain and minor aches and pains. We address misconceptions like these by educating our patients and the broader community about the benefits of physical therapy and its role in maintaining optimal physical health.
DM: What role do exercise and movement play in the recovery process for patients?
MW: Exercise and movement play a critical role in the recovery process for our patients. By engaging in targeted exercises and stretches, patients can improve strength, flexibility, and range of motion, which can help reduce pain levels and prevent future injuries. Movement is also essential to maintaining optimal physical health and preventing chronic conditions such as heart disease and diabetes.
DM: How necessary is early intervention when it comes to addressing musculoskeletal issues?
MW: Early intervention is crucial when it comes to addressing musculoskeletal issues. By addressing minor aches and pains early on, patients can prevent them from developing into more severe injuries that require surgery or more aggressive treatment options. Early intervention also ensures that patients receive the care and support they need to get back to their active lifestyles as quickly and safely as possible.
DM: Can you discuss any community outreach or educational initiatives that your clinic is involved in?
MW: At Next Level Physical Therapy, we believe in giving back to the community, and we have participated in several community outreach and educational initiatives. We have partnered with local high schools and sports teams to provide injury prevention workshops, education on proper warm-up and stretching techniques, and injury screenings. We have also participated in health fairs and community events to provide information on physical therapy and its benefits to the community.
DM: What are some of the most rewarding aspects of your work as a physical therapist and clinic owner?
MW: One of the most rewarding aspects of my work as a physical therapist and clinic owner is seeing the positive impact we have on our patients’ lives. It is incredibly satisfying to see our patients regain their mobility, decrease their pain levels, and return to doing the activities they love. We take great pride in providing a personalized, world-class experience to our patients, and it is immensely rewarding to see the results of our efforts.
DM: What are your future goals for the clinic, and how do you plan to continue serving the community?
MW: Our future goals for Next Level Physical Therapy are to continue to be the best physical therapy experience in the world and to expand our reach and impact in the community. We plan to achieve this by investing in our team and infrastructure, staying up-to-date with the latest advancements and best practices in the field of physical therapy, and continuing to provide personalized care and attention to each of our patients. We also plan to expand our community outreach and educational initiatives to reach more people in need of our services. Ultimately, our goal is to eliminate pain from the deepest root and ensure that our patients have a fantastic experience.
