Living With Back Pain?
Back pain can be a dull ache across your lower back after sitting, a sharp catch when you bend or lift, or pain that travels into your buttock and down your leg. At Panetta Physical Therapy, a licensed physical therapist finds what is driving your pain and builds a plan to get you moving without it. We treat back pain and sciatica at our clinics in Ronkonkoma, Bay Shore and Roslyn on Long Island, and in Greenpoint, Brooklyn.
How We Treat Back Pain
A full evaluation
We look at how you move, sit, stand and lift, test strength and flexibility, and check whether a nerve is involved.
Hands-on care
Joint and soft-tissue techniques to ease pain and restore motion.
Targeted exercise
Core and hip strengthening, mobility work and a home program built around your day.
Movement coaching
Practical changes for lifting, sitting at work and sleeping that keep the pain from coming back.
Nerve testing when needed
If symptoms travel down the leg, EMG/nerve conduction testing at our Ronkonkoma, Bay Shore and Roslyn clinics can show whether a nerve is involved.
What Back Pain Feels Like
- A dull or aching pain across the lower back, often worse after sitting or first thing in the morning
- Sharp pain when bending, lifting, twisting or getting out of a chair
- Pain, numbness or tingling that travels into the buttock, thigh or leg (sciatica)
- Stiffness that makes it hard to stand up straight or walk for long
- Muscle spasms or a feeling that your back might “go out”
Common Causes
Common causes include muscle and ligament strain, disc irritation or herniation, arthritis, spinal stenosis, sacroiliac (SI) joint problems and long hours of sitting. Many people have more than one factor, which is why the evaluation matters.
When to See a Physical Therapist
Time to See a PT
See a physical therapist if back pain lasts more than a few days, keeps coming back, or limits work, sleep or exercise. New York lets you start without a referral.
Get Medical Care Right Away If
Back pain comes with loss of bladder or bowel control, numbness in the groin area, sudden leg weakness, fever, or follows a serious fall or accident.
Want to learn more first? Join one of our free back pain workshops →
Therapists Who Treat Back Pain
Every Panetta physical therapist treats back pain. These team members have a particular focus on it.
Therese Panetta-Young
PT, DPT, COMT · Ronkonkoma
Back pain, bracing, runners
Ilicia Manzi
PT, DPT · Ronkonkoma
Sciatica and nerve pain, EMG testing
Kristy Gonzalez
PT, DPT · Bay Shore
Lumbopelvic stability, return to sport
Verified Google Reviews
Posted on Google![]()
Elisa BonavitaTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Steve is awesome. He helped get me back on track.Posted on Google![]()
Abby HerrittTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
I’ve been going to Dr. Galassi on and off since I was 16, and he has helped me more than I ever could have imagined. Most recently, I was dealing with numbness in my feet and sciatic pain, and within just a few sessions, the numbness was gone and I felt significantly better. I truly believe he can help fix just about any injury. I’ve recommended so many people to him because I genuinely feel he has a gift for healing. If you’re willing to show up and push through the ups and downs of recovery, he is absolutely the person you want by your side. There have been times I’ve left sessions in tears not from pain, but from disbelief at how much better and more pain-free I felt walking out of the office. I can’t recommend him enough.Posted on Google![]()
Komal ChandTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
My experience at panetta has truly been life changing.i’m so grateful fo the safe,supportive environment and the care I received. A special thank you to my therapist,Danish Anwar for his patience,guidance and understanding. Your support has made a real difference in my journey.Posted on Google![]()
Raymond PrososkiTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
I had a great experience with Dr. James Galassi at Panetta Physical Therapy. He’s professional, approachable, caring and explains everything in simple, easy-to-understand terms. The PT assistants — Constantine, Jake, Rich, and Christian — are patient and attentive, and Katie at the front desk makes scheduling and insurance issues easy to manage. Even though they didn’t treat me directly, Dr. Wiley and Dr. Anwar were fun and personable. Highly recommend this friendly, well-run office.Posted on Google![]()
richard lippmannTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
I can't say enough about the staff and the services at Pennetta. Everyone is so helpful and motivated to help heal whatever physical ailments you're dealing with. I especially love the Roslyn Village OfficePosted on Google![]()
P WTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
After being diagnosed with rotator cuff injury I came back to James for treatment and exercises at home. After a few weeks I am greatly improved and appreciative for all the work and excellent supervision. Thanks James, Rich and Panetta PT.Posted on Google![]()
Tom CorderoTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
This is an update to my review, which I wrote several years back (see below) and is still applicable! I've recently returned to Panetta Roslyn for help following another injury--this time involving my rotator cuff--and once again, Panetta in Roslyn made all the difference in my healing and recovery. If you live within range and are in need of PT, this is the place you want to be. There are probably a hundred PT centers in Nassau County alone, but there's simply no place like Panetta Roslyn. Normally, you'd be lucky to find ONE Physical Therapist who is as superior as all three of the PT's who call Panetta Roslyn home. Steve, James and Danish are ALL first-rate in their professional knowledge and level of care. Katie who runs the scheduling and other business at the front desk is completely lovely and accommodating. Huge praise for Rich, the therapeutic assistant who manages any number of patients at once in the exercises rehab area--he is incredible! The bottom line, even after all these years, is that Panetta Roslyn is still the place to be. I'm back to my yoga and weight-training routines after hardly being able to lift my left arm, and it's all thanks to these amazing therapists and staff. Below is my original five-star review... I chose Panetta PT because of its proximity to my home, but frankly, it would have been worth a drive five times as long for the level of care and therapeutic treatment I've received here. Every member of the staff is top shelf, beginning with the front desk that's friendly and quick to accommodate even a schedule as specific as mine. The assistants who worked me through my prescribed exercise regimen were all superb, especially Dana, whose knowledge and passion for kinesthetic work is completely inspiring. The big kudos here go to the PT's themselves, two gents who are rock stars in the field as far as I'm concerned. I was lucky enough to have a few sessions with Danny, but my regular therapist was Steve, about whom I could rhapsodize for days. Besides being extraordinarily skilled and completely expert in his professional knowledge, Steve is vastly generous in the time he takes to educate his patients, and highly responsive to the immediate needs of patients before, during and after each session. In two months, I have progressed from barely being able to engage my right shoulder at all to being able to do full push-ups again. Best of all, I've learned what to do and what not to do in the future to protect this fussy joint. The space is sanitary and well attended, the location has ample parking and the care simply cannot be beat. Don't be surprised if, like me, you come to Panetta Roslyn as an anonymous face and leave feeling like a member of the family.Posted on Google![]()
Samantha KutcherTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
I have been seen at the Roslyn office of Panetta Physical Therapy many times over the years, all with positive results. However I had to use Panetta again recently to rehab after a total knee replacement I had this past July. I have to say, without their help especially the physical therapist, Stephen Wiley, I would not have been back to playing pickleball at 5 weeks post op. I had wanted a therapist who would motivate me and inspire me to work hard both in the office and at home. Stephen knew how important it was to me to get back on the courts and start playing again. It made it easier to get through the painful recovery because our priorities were aligned. Everyone at the office were so very accommodating and caring and kind that it made coming to the office like being with your friends for the hour. I would HIGHLY recommend Panetta Therapy to everyone looking for qualified and caring physical therapists who treat you as a friend and patient.Posted on Google![]()
Kosta RicaTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Alex is our treating PT specialist and he is very good. Easy going and caring. My son loves coming here. A nice, clean boutique PT place.Posted on Google![]()
Penney MorashTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
I had an outstanding experience at Panetta Physical Therapy. From the moment I walked in, the staff was incredibly welcoming, helpful, and knowledgeable. Scheduling appointments was a breeze, the facility was spotless, and the parking was easy and convenient — which made the whole process stress-free. I worked with Steve Wiley as my physical therapist, and I truly cannot say enough about him. He guided me through recovery from multiple injuries with detailed, easy-to-follow instructions. His professionalism, expertise, and dedication to patient care are unmatched. Steve is, without a doubt, the best physical therapist I have ever met. I’m so grateful for the healing and progress I’ve made thanks to him and the entire Panetta team. Highly recommend!
Where to Get Back Pain Treatment
Ronkonkoma
3385 Veterans Memorial Highway, Ronkonkoma, NY 11779
Back Pain focus: Therese Panetta-Young, Ilicia Manzi
Bay Shore
131 West Main Street, Bay Shore, NY 11706 (entrance on Smith Ave)
Back Pain focus: Kristy Gonzalez, Jaclyn Carabott
Roslyn
Greenpoint
112 Greenpoint Ave, Suite 1B, Brooklyn, NY 11222
Back Pain focus: James Galassi
Back Pain FAQs
Yes. Most sciatica improves with physical therapy that reduces pressure on the irritated nerve, restores movement and strengthens the muscles that support your spine. If symptoms do not improve as expected, we can test nerve function on site with EMG/nerve conduction studies.
Usually not. Most back pain can be evaluated and treated without imaging. Your physical therapist will tell you if anything in your evaluation suggests you should see a doctor or get imaging.
Many patients feel a clear difference within 4 to 6 visits. A full plan for common back pain often runs 6 to 12 weeks, depending on how long you have had symptoms and your goals.
No. In New York you can start physical therapy without a referral for up to 10 visits or 30 days.
Ready to Start Feeling Better?
No referral needed to start. Ask about a free 30-minute discovery session at any of our clinics.