Back Pain Physical Therapy in Philadelphia, PA

Stop letting back pain control your life. Our personalized 1-on-1 physical therapy combines expert rehab with performance training to help you move pain-free and get back to the activities you love.

Physical therapist treating shoulder pain with hands-on manual therapy at More Than Movement in Philadelphia, PA

Stuck in the Knee Pain Cycle?

You've been dealing with back pain long enough. These frustrations sound all too familiar to the clients who come to us every week:

Generic Treatments That Don't Last

You've tried traditional physical therapy, got temporary relief, then found yourself right back where you started. Cookie-cutter exercises aren't solving the real problem.

Missing Out on What You Love

Every run feels risky. Every squat session makes you nervous. You're tired of tiptoeing around movements and saying "no" to the activities that make you feel alive.

No Clear Path Forward

You've seen multiple doctors, tried different treatments, and still don't have answers. You're frustrated, confused, and wondering if you'll ever feel confident in your knee again.

Physical therapist assessing patient movement patterns during one-on-one session in Philadelphia
Why Work With More Than Movement

We Treat the Root Cause, Not Just Your Symptoms

At More Than Movement, we know that back pain isn't just about one bad lift or awkward twist. It's about understanding the movement patterns, muscle imbalances, and lifestyle factors that led to your pain—and building a plan to prevent it from coming back.Our back pain physical therapy in Philadelphia combines expert clinical skills with genuine care for your goals and lifestyle. Whether you're in Northern Liberties, Fishtown, Center City, or anywhere across Philadelphia, you'll get the individual attention you deserve.

Listen first to understand your unique situation and goals

Create custom treatment plans that fit your body and schedule

Focus on long-term solutions, not temporary relief

Empower you with the knowledge to maintain your progress

"I contacted Nick at More Than Movement in September after suffering from a back injury at the gym which has been an ongoing issue since 2015. The first day I spoke to Nick I was unable to get out of bed the pain was so bad. I cried all day thinking I would never be able to properly move or work out again. After my consultation with Nick, I knew I was in the best hands possible. I've been consistently working with Nick to overcome my chronic back pain since September and it has been life changing. Moving is so important to me and Nick has helped me by offering expert advice and guidance to ensure I'm moving properly to avoid pain and injuries. I feel better and better after each session."

Susie Lauterborn
How We Work

Your Path to Moving Pain-Free

Schedule Free Phone Consultation

We'll listen to your story, understand your goals, and create a plan that works for your lifestyle. No pressure, no sales pitch—just honest guidance.

Come in for an Initial Evaluation

Your first session includes a comprehensive movement assessment to pinpoint exactly what's causing your back pain—not just where it hurts, but why.

Start Your Custom Treatment Plan

Receive your personalized roadmap with hands-on treatment, targeted exercises, and clear next steps. You'll leave session one already feeling progress.

We Treat All Types of Back Pain

Whether your back pain started from a gym injury, work-related strain, or years of accumulated tension, we have the expertise to help you recover and thrive. Our physical therapists specialize in treating active adults throughout Philadelphia who refuse to let back pain bench them.

Lower back pain and sciatica

Chronic back pain (lasting months or years)

Herniated or bulging discs

Post-surgical back rehabilitation

Gym or sports-related back pain

Degenerative disc disease

Physical therapist performing strength assessment for shoulder injury at More Than Movement in Philadelphia

Real Stories from Real People

See how our personalized approach has helped active adults in Philadelphia overcome back pain and return to the activities they love.

"I recently found myself sidelined by lower back pain after one wrong lift in the gym. Frustrated and a bit intimated by pain, I reached out to More Than Movement. Corey has been invaluable in helping me establish a path forward that keeps me moving in a safe, pain-free way, while simultaneously challenging me. I've gone from being afraid of sitting in the car for long periods of time to pushing myself for new PRs. I feel stronger than ever and am now moving with more confidence. Don't sleep on Corey and the entire More Than Movement team. An injury never has to be the end of your fitness journey."
Lauren Quast
"I have chronic back pain from a work injury and had seen 3 PTs for almost a year without relief. I luckily found Nick on Instagram and did a free discovery call and I knew he would be different. I never thought I would be without pain until I began working with him—he even told me I could fire him if I didn't see a change in 2 months. Those 2 months took a lot of work but Nick came up with an individualized plan and I started noticing changes in my intensity and duration of pain. I have been working with him about 8 months and have been practically pain free which I never thought would happen. Nick is dynamic and engaging, is genuinely fun and you can tell how dedicated he is to his mission and clients."
Hallie
"I came to MTM with unrelenting lower back pain with an unknown cause. Nick was great at identifying the problem area and creating a plan to help me stay active and get through grueling shifts on my feet without pain or discomfort. Everyone was always more than welcoming and the energy of the space was one that left me feeling empowered to keep pushing myself to achieve my fitness goals. Would absolutely recommend and hope to continue to work with Nick in the future."
Charlotte Howson
Our Team

Meet Our Expert Physical Therapists

Our team combines clinical expertise with genuine care for your success. Every provider is a doctor of physical therapy dedicated to helping you move better and live pain-free.

Nick Perugini
Nick Perugini, PT, DPT
Owner | Physical Therapist & Performance Coach

Raised by coaches, I learned that coaching is more than a job - it’s a way of guiding people through tough moments.

That belief shaped my path, from working with elite athletes to helping people overcome decades of pain. The worst part of pain isn’t the pain. It’s losing what makes you feel like you.

My mission is to help you reclaim movement, identity, and joy. This is More Than Movement.

Corey Richards
Corey Richards, PT, DPT
Physical Therapist & Performance Coach

A Philly sports fan and former college lacrosse player, I found my calling in PT after three ACL tears.

I studied Biology at Dickinson and earned my DPT from Arcadia. Before PT school, I coached athletes of all levels. When I’m not helping clients move pain-free, I’m reading at my local coffee shop or dreaming of my future dog.

Fun fact: I once got lost in a corn maze for 3 hours and was rescued by a farmer on a tractor.

Kelly Brown
Kelly Brown
Performance Coach

A Philly native, Kelly brings extensive coaching experience in both group fitness and 1-on-1 training.

Her passion for helping others feel strong and capable fuels her work every day. Whether designing strength circuits or celebrating someone's first push-up, Kelly brings energy, compassion, and belief in sustainable progress. She's a firm believer that movement should be fun and empowering - not punishment.

Fun fact about Kelly: She once auditioned for a reality cooking show... and burned the rice in round one.

Kris Bittel
Kris Bittel
Performance Coach

A Connecticut native turned Penn State grad, I found my passion for fitness through swimming, coaching, and the gym.

I’m NASM-certified and studying for my CSCS, committed to helping clients become the best version of themselves. I love training, cooking creative meals, and crushing games of Catan.

Fun fact: My contract includes a clause—I refuse to wear shorts longer than a 5-inch inseam.

Malti McKinnon
Malti McKinnon, PT, DPT
Physical Therapist & Performance Coach

From rural PA to Philly, I built my path through kinesiology, personal training, and a DPT from Temple.

I love helping people thrive through movement. Off the clock, I lift weights, backpack, cook, and play ultimate frisbee at a national level.


Fun fact: I was homeschooled until 7th grade—and yes, I turned out just fine.

Ian Dietrich
Ian Dietrich, PT, DPT
Physical Therapist & Performance Coach

I grew up in Coatesville, PA and studied kinesiology at Penn State before earning my DPT from Arcadia.

I’m also a CSCS with 5+ years of coaching experience. When I’m not training clients or competing in professional ultimate frisbee, I’m skiing, reading, or strength training.

Fun fact: I had a pig named Clarabell who learned to open soup cans, so we had to childproof the kitchen.

Andrew Hawk, PT, DPT
Physical Therapist

Andrew hails from the Lehigh Valley with personal and professional endurance experience.

After competing in cross country at Lynchburg, he completed his DPT at DeSales University. His competitive running background informs his rehab approach - he understands athletes and helps people return stronger.

Fun fact: He remembers every split time from his college 5Ks... even years later.

Christian Rodgers
Christian Rodgers
Performance Coach &
Student Physical Therapist

Christian grew up in Bucks County and graduated from Temple with a Kinesiology degree.

A lifelong athlete, he blends strength training and endurance running into well-rounded coaching.

Currently pursuing his DPT, Christian brings evidence-based approaches to help unlock performance and overcome injuries.

Fun fact: He once ran a mile every hour for 24 straight hours—voluntarily.

Val Mertin
Val Mertin
Director of Operations

Born and raised in Delco, Val first came to MTM as a client with chronic neck and back pain.

After experiencing quality care firsthand, she joined the team. Now she's the organizational glue—managing intakes, scheduling, and ensuring every new face feels like family.

With sharp attention to detail and warmth, she makes the experience seamless.

Fun fact: She has a spreadsheet ranking every Wawa hoagie she's ever eaten.

Contact Us

We're Here to Help You Move Pain-Free

We're located on Brown Street in the Northern Liberties neighborhood, just minutes from Center City, Fishtown, Old City, and I-95.

Plenty of street parking is available in the area, making it convenient whether you're coming from Center City or the surrounding Philadelphia neighborhoods.

Frequently Asked Questions

Got questions about back pain physical therapy in Philadelphia? Here's what new clients want to know.

How long will it take to relieve my back pain?

It depends on your goals, your starting point, and how long you've been dealing with back pain. That said, we don't believe in dragging things out. Our goal is to get you better, fast.Some people feel a huge difference in just a few sessions. Others partner with us for a few months to work through a bigger issue, build lasting strength, or prevent future injuries. You'll always get a clear plan—no guesswork, no fluff, no pressure.At the end of your assessment, you and your therapist will agree on a custom game plan that meets you where you're at.

Will I be treated during our first session together?

Yes—absolutely. While we'll do a full evaluation to understand what's really going on with your back pain, you'll also be treated in that very first session. You'll walk out knowing more about your body and already feeling a difference. No wasted visits. No endless "assessments" without action.

How is your back pain physical therapy different from traditional PT?

Traditional PT can be a revolving door—10 minutes with a therapist, then you're left doing exercises you could do at home, often alongside five other patients.At More Than Movement, we do things differently. You get full one-on-one attention with a highly trained doctor of physical therapy who knows your name, your goals, and how you move. Every session is custom to you. We treat the person—not just the injury—and help you build toward long-term performance, not just temporary relief.Our back pain physical therapy in Philadelphia combines hands-on treatment, corrective exercise, strength training, and lifestyle coaching to address the root cause of your pain.

Do you take insurance?

We're an out-of-network provider, which means we don't bill insurance directly. We accept payment at the time of service and provide you with a superbill to submit for potential reimbursement. Many clients get a portion reimbursed depending on their plan. HSA/FSA funds are accepted with no issue, and we provide all necessary documentation.

Still have questions?

Give us a call or shoot us an email—we're here to help.