Back Pain Physical Therapy in Raleigh, NC
Move without limits. Whether you’re dealing with chronic lower back pain, sciatica, or recurring stiffness, our team helps active adults and athletes in Raleigh get lasting relief—without relying on pain medication or settling for temporary fixes.
Is Back Pain Holding You Back From the Life You Want?
If you’re struggling with back pain, you know how quickly it can take over your daily routine—limiting your workouts, disrupting your sleep, and keeping you from the activities you love.
Pain That Won’t Go Away
You’ve tried rest, stretching, and over-the-counter medication, but the pain keeps coming back—or worse, it’s starting to spread to your hips or legs.
Relying on Quick Fixes
Anti-inflammatories and pain relievers only mask the symptoms. You need a solution that actually addresses the root cause of your discomfort.
Missing Out on What Matters
Whether it’s playing with your kids, staying active on the weekends, or competing in your sport, back pain is forcing you to sit on the sidelines.
Get to the Root Cause of Your Back Pain
At Smart Athlete Physiotherapy, we don’t just treat your symptoms—we find out why you’re in pain in the first place. Our Raleigh physical therapy team takes a comprehensive approach, combining thorough evaluations, hands-on manual therapy, and personalized movement strategies to help you recover faster and move better than before.
✓ 1-on-1 sessions focused entirely on your goals
✓ Treatment plans based on what you need, not insurance limits
✓ Expert physiotherapists with experience treating elite and everyday athletes
✓ Proven techniques including dry needling, postural restoration, and functional movement training
How We Help You Get Relief and Stay Active
Comprehensive Evaluation
We start with a detailed assessment to understand your history, pinpoint the source of your pain, and identify movement patterns that may be contributing to your back issues.
Personalized Treatment Plan
Using hands-on manual therapy, targeted exercises, and advanced techniques like dry needling, we create a custom plan designed to address your specific needs and goals.
Build Long-Term Resilience
We don’t just get you out of pain—we teach you how to move smarter, strengthen weak areas, and prevent future injuries so you can stay active for life.
We Treat All Types of Back Pain
Whether you’re dealing with acute injury or chronic discomfort, our Raleigh physical therapy team has extensive experience treating a wide range of back-related conditions.
✓ Chronic lower back pain
✓ Sciatica and radiating leg pain
✓ Herniated or bulging discs
✓ Postural dysfunction and muscle imbalances
✓ SI joint pain
✓ Post-surgical back rehab
✓ Sports-related back injuries
"I went to see Jeff for my chronic lower back pain, and I am experiencing significant relief from the treatment, the exercise and strengthening plan he put together for me. I highly recommend him."
Quote: "SmartAthlete has helped everyone in my family recover from injuries and feel good again! We have worked with Jeff and Jon. We have dealt with neck, back, foot, and hip pain and they always get us feeling good and back on the court! I recommend the entire practice to all my friends and family!"
"I've been struggling with low back pain for over 10 years without resolve. Mike does a terrific job at explaining the WHY behind pain. After a few months of work, I have woken up in the morning pain-free and been able to play a full 18 holes with clients without pain medication. It has changed my life."
Meet the Smart Athlete Physiotherapy Team
Jeff Vajay, PT | Founder Sports Physiotherapist
Jeff has nearly two decades of experience working with athletes from the NHL, NFL, NBA, ATP, WTA, MLB, and US Olympic Track and Field. He spent four years as a sports medicine therapist for the United States Tennis Association Men’s Professional Circuit and currently travels internationally as a Physiotherapist with the ATP World Tour.
Education: BS Physical Therapy, Quinnipiac University
Specialties: Elite athlete care, tennis injuries, international sports medicine, dry needling
Michael Vita, DPT | Co-Founder Electrophysiologic Clinical Specialist
Michael has been practicing in orthopaedics and electrophysiology for 19 years. He obtained his Electrophysiologic Clinical Specialist designation from the American Board of Physical Therapy Examiners in 2007, bringing specialized expertise in neuromuscular rehabilitation.
Education: DPT, Rocky Mountain University
Specialties: Orthopaedics, electrophysiology, neuromuscular rehabilitation, manual therapy
Jon Paryz, PT, CSCS | Co-Owner Physical Therapist & Strength Coach
Jon earned his Physical Therapy degree from Daemen College in 1993 and became NSCA Certified as a Strength and Conditioning Specialist in 2002. He brings a unique combination of rehabilitation expertise and performance training to help athletes return stronger than before.
Education: PT, Daemen College | CSCS, NSCA
Specialties: Return-to-sport training, strength and conditioning, athlete performance optimization
Ready to Move Without Pain?
Schedule a free phone consultation with our team to discuss your back pain and learn how we can help you get back to doing what you love.
Email Contact via phone for scheduling
Phone (919) 424-6055
Office 2415 Atlantic Ave Raleigh, NC 27604 (Inside The Performance Hub)
We’re located off Atlantic Avenue near Glenwood South, just minutes from downtown Raleigh. Easy access from I-440 and Wade Avenue. We also offer tennis-specific training at our Bryan’s Tennis location at 6405 Westgate Road.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to see results from physical therapy for back pain?
: Many of our clients experience noticeable relief within the first 1-3 sessions, especially for acute injuries or flare-ups. For chronic back pain that’s been present for months or years, it typically takes a few weeks of consistent treatment to address the root cause and build long-term resilience. We’ll give you a clear timeline during your evaluation based on your specific condition and goals.
Do I need a referral from my doctor to see a physical therapist in North Carolina?
No, North Carolina allows direct access to physical therapy, which means you can schedule an appointment with us without a physician referral. However, if you plan to use insurance, some plans may require a referral for coverage—we recommend checking with your provider beforehand.
What should I expect during my first visit for back pain?
Your first session starts with a detailed conversation about your pain history, lifestyle, and goals. We’ll then perform a thorough musculoskeletal evaluation and functional movement assessment to identify the source of your back pain. From there, we’ll create a personalized treatment plan and often begin hands-on therapy during that same visit. Most initial appointments last 60 minutes.
Can physical therapy help with sciatica or nerve pain in my legs?
Absolutely. Sciatica and radiating leg pain are often caused by issues in the lower back, such as disc herniation, spinal stenosis, or muscle imbalances. Our team uses targeted manual therapy, nerve mobilization techniques, and corrective exercises to relieve pressure on the sciatic nerve and restore normal movement patterns.
Still Have Questions?
We’re here to help. Reach out to our team and we’ll answer any questions about your back pain or our treatment approach.