Business Details
24 Years
experience
Your Trusted Physical Therapy Partner in Raleigh, NC
Progress Physical Therapy was founded in 2002 by Lori von Alten, a physical therapist with over 30 years of experience. Our practice is built on a philosophy that treats the whole person, not just symptoms, through a unique integration of advanced manual therapy techniques and movement retraining. We specialize in identifying the root causes of pain and dysfunction by analyzing the interconnected systems of the body, including biomechanics, posture, and neuromuscular control. Our approach combines decades of clinical expertise with training from globally recognized physical therapy innovators, ensuring personalized care that addresses both recent injuries and long-standing movement patterns. We serve a diverse clientele, from post-surgical patients to elite athletes, with a commitment to restoring efficient movement and preventing future injuries.Our one-on-one sessions prioritize hands-on treatment, customized exercise programs, and education about body mechanics. We have worked extensively with dancers, hockey players, track and field athletes, and individuals seeking relief from chronic pain. Our clinic emphasizes evidence-based practices, including gait analysis, visceral manipulation, and dry needling, while maintaining a focus on individualized care. We measure success through our patients' ability to return to meaningful activities with improved function and reduced pain. Our team's dedication to ongoing education ensures we remain at the forefront of innovative physical therapy solutions.
Services
Manual Therapy
Dry Needling
Gait Analysis
Custom Orthotics
Visceral Manipulation
Sports Rehabilitation
Post-Surgical Recovery
Movement Retraining
Pelvic Floor Therapy
Performance Enhancement
Details
- Year established: 2002
Highlights and features
- We offer 30+ years of experience treating complex movement dysfunctions
- Our one-on-one sessions prioritize hands-on manual therapy techniques
- We specialize in identifying root causes of chronic pain through biomechanical analysis
- Our treatment integrates advanced techniques from globally recognized physical therapy innovators
- We have successfully treated professional athletes, dancers, and post-surgical patients
What people say
Exceeded expectations
Amazing results
Gifted therapist
Pain-free running
Incredible improvements
Services
Manual Therapy
Our manual therapy sessions focus on restoring joint mobility and muscle function through skilled hands-on techniques. This approach addresses restrictions in the musculoskeletal system that contribute to pain and dysfunction. Patients receive extensive manual therapy during each session, targeting areas from the feet to the cranium to improve overall movement efficiency.
Dry Needling
Dry needling integrates with manual therapy to address tight muscle bands and trigger points. This technique promotes tissue healing and normalizes nerve function by inserting fine needles into specific muscle areas. It's particularly effective for pelvic, shoulder, and foot dysfunctions when combined with movement retraining.
Gait Analysis
We analyze walking and running patterns to identify inefficient movement mechanics contributing to pain. This assessment informs customized retraining programs that improve biomechanics and reduce injury risk. Our approach combines 3D movement evaluation with functional strength testing to create targeted correction strategies.
Custom Orthotics
We provide individually tailored orthotics based on comprehensive biomechanical assessments. Our approach considers the foot's complex 3D structure rather than relying on 2D scans. These customized supports help alleviate pain throughout the kinetic chain by improving alignment and weight distribution during movement.
Visceral Manipulation
This specialized technique addresses restrictions in the connective tissue surrounding internal organs. By releasing fascial tension through gentle manual therapy, we improve organ function and reduce referred pain patterns. This approach complements musculoskeletal treatment for comprehensive whole-body healing.
People
Lori von Alten
Founder & Physical Therapist
Dr. Lori von Alten has practiced physical therapy for over 30 years, specializing in movement dysfunction and chronic pain. She has worked with professional athletes, dancers, and post-surgical patients, developing expertise in biomechanical analysis and manual therapy techniques.
Janice
Administrative Assistant
Janice joined the team after her family's positive treatment experiences. She manages administrative operations while balancing freelance writing and photography work. Her engineering background brings analytical precision to clinic management.
Hachi
Therapy Dog
Hachi, a certified Soft-Coated Wheaten Terrier, provides emotional support to patients. He participates in pet therapy programs at Duke Hospital and NCSSM, bringing comfort through his gentle demeanor during treatment sessions.
Questions
What makes Progress Physical Therapy different from other clinics?
We focus on identifying root causes of pain through whole-body movement analysis rather than treating symptoms locally. Our one-on-one sessions use advanced manual therapy techniques combined with biomechanical retraining.
Do you treat non-athletes and non-dancers?
Yes, we treat individuals of all activity levels experiencing pain or movement limitations. Our approach benefits anyone seeking relief from chronic pain, postural issues, or recovery from injuries.
What should I wear to my appointment?
Wear comfortable clothing that allows movement. For lower body issues, shorts are recommended. Bring any orthotics or supportive footwear you regularly use for proper assessment.
How long are treatment sessions?
Initial evaluations last 75 minutes, with follow-up sessions scheduled for 60 minutes. Each session includes extensive hands-on therapy and personalized exercise instruction.
Can you help with post-surgical rehabilitation?
Yes, we specialize in pre- and post-surgical rehabilitation to optimize recovery. Our approach focuses on restoring proper alignment and movement patterns to prevent compensatory injuries during healing.
Do you accept insurance?
We operate as a self-pay practice to maintain treatment quality and session duration. We provide documentation for potential insurance reimbursement and offer flexible payment options.