Physical therapy is the science of movement and function. Physical therapist use a variety of techniques including strengthening, stretching, splinting and bracing, manual joint mobilization, balance retraining, and motor relearning to promote improvements in a person's function.

In addition, a physical therapist may use physical agents such as various types of electrical stimulation, ultrasound, cryotherapy, and thermal therapy to enhance tissue healing and decrease pain.

At Ontario Physical Therapy, our care is built on three guiding principles:

Evidence-Based Care
Treatment plans are grounded in current, proven research—combined with clinical expertise and each patient’s goals—to deliver safe, effective results without relying on trends or gimmicks.

Whole-Person Focus
Movement requires the coordination of the entire body. Care addresses how the musculoskeletal, neurological, and functional systems work together, with collaboration across healthcare providers when needed.

Individualized, One-on-One Treatment
Every patient receives personalized, one-on-one care from a licensed physical therapist. Appointments are scheduled based on individual needs, not fixed time limits, ensuring focused, unrushed treatment.

The minimum educational level to practice physical therapy is a Bachelor's in Physical Therapy. The majority of Physical Therapists have a Masters in Physical Therapy which requires a four year Bachelor's degree and then another two to three years for a Master's in Physical Therapy

Most therapy schools have now gone to the Doctorate level which requires a Bachelor's degree and then two and a half to four years of intense study for a Doctorate in Physical Therapy.

There are a few therapists such as our owner, Glenn Dodge, DPT, who earned both a Masters in Physical Therapy and a Doctorate in Physical Therapy. This is the highest level of clinical education as it requires both experience as a treating therapist (most schools require a minimum of 3 years experience) and clinical education at a Doctoral level.

Both chiropractic care and physical therapy can be effective in treating back pain, and the two professions often work closely together. Both may use spinal mobilization or manipulation to help reduce pain and improve movement. In physical therapy, scientific evidence supports the use of spinal mobilization for certain types of back conditions.

Effective treatment begins with a thorough physical therapy evaluation. Using a variety of tests and measures, the therapist identifies the source of the pain and determines the most appropriate course of care. Back pain can originate from non-musculoskeletal causes, including internal organs or spinal infection. When this is suspected, referral to a medical provider is essential.

When back pain is musculoskeletal, it may involve joints, discs, muscles, nerves, ligaments, or a combination of these structures. Once the painful tissues are identified, treatment focuses on determining and addressing the underlying cause. In chronic or recurring cases, muscle tightness, weakness, or imbalance often contributes to repeated episodes of pain.

Research shows that correcting these imbalances through targeted stretching, strengthening, and movement training can reduce pain and help prevent future episodes. Addressing both symptoms and root causes provides patients with the best opportunity for long-term relief and improved function.

One of the most important questions when exercising with arthritis is whether joint pain increases after activity. Exercise has been shown to benefit people with arthritis by improving joint nutrition, circulation, and overall movement. However, there is a balance between exercising enough to support joint health and overdoing it, which can lead to inflammation.

In more severe forms of arthritis, such as rheumatoid arthritis or advanced osteoarthritis, ongoing inflammation can weaken the structures that support the joint, including ligaments, tendons, and the joint capsule. As these structures weaken, joints may become unstable and, over time, prone to deformity—particularly in the fingers.

Research shows that resistance and strengthening exercises are especially beneficial for older adults, helping maintain muscle strength, coordination, functional ability, and bone health. That said, many general group exercise programs follow a “one-size-fits-all” approach that may not be appropriate for individuals with arthritis.

When there are concerns about whether an exercise program is safe or effective, consultation with a healthcare professional—such as a physical therapist—can help ensure exercises are tailored to individual needs and joint health is protected.