Physical Therapy in Portland, Maine for Chronic Pain & Postural Restoration
At Maine’s only Postural Restoration Center
When Conventional Treatment hasn’t worked…
You’ve tried PT, injections, or even surgery without lasting relief…
Postural Restoration (PRI) Therapy may help you identify the root cause
Why PRI Works for Chronic, Unresolved Pain
Most chronic issues have been treated at the site of pain. PRI seeks to understand why the area of discomfort is stressed or over-worked.
Areas addressed in an initial assessment:
- Whole body asymmetry patterns
- Grounding and loading bias
- Respiratory mechanics and diaphragm function
- Pelvis, ribcage, and cervical positioning
- Neuromuscular dominance and inhibition patterns
- Movement compensations
Chronic Conditions that Respond Well
Standard treatment addresses the pain. We aim to address the source.
Move toward a full recovery and regain a pain-free, active lifestyle.
- Chronic Muscle Tension
- Pain that Disrupts Sleep
- Post-Surgical Recovery
- Chronic Low Back Pain and Sciatica
- Hip, Knee, and Ankle Pain
- Neck Pain & Stiffness
- Rib and Thoracic Pain
- TMJ & Jaw Tension
How Postural Restoration Therapy Works
There are predictable, whole-body asymmetrical patterns in the pelvis, ribs, and skull that drive chronic discomfort when left uncorrected.
Step 1. Full Postural and Movement Assessment
Your DPT evaluates how you breathe, stand, and move, mapping the whole body as an integrated system
Step 2. Repositioning and Inhibition
Hands on and non-manual techniques help reposition the body in a way that can be replicated and reproduced at home
Step 3. Respiratory Re-education
Breathing comfortably in a more balanced postural position helps decompress overloaded regions in your body
Step 4. Neuromuscular Re-training
Build lasting change, not just temporary relief. Patients typically feel improvements within 3-5 sessions.
Step 5. Seamless Transition to Fitness and an Active Life
Unique to BCPF, physical therapy patients can transition directly to our Fitness Rehab or Personal Training programs with a team who utilizes the same approach and philosophy.
Physical Therapy Without Compromise
1:1 Dedicated Service
– Get Faster Results in a dedicated 60 minute, one-on-one setting
– No Aides, No Technicians, No Assistants.
Continuum of Care
– After discharge from PT, you can transition directly into Fitness Rehab or Personal Training
Maine’s Only PRI Certified Center
We are the only physical therapy clinic in Maine recognized as a Postural Restoration Center; the premier standard for addressing whole body asymmetry and chronic pain.
Call 207.200.1263 or schedule below
What Patients In Portland Are Saying
“This group knows their stuff and will look at your body as the inter connected machine it is. If you’ve been battling long standing injuries/multi-faceted joint problems please give this group a go before you resort to surgery. It could be the answer you needed all along, it was for me!”
– Gabrielle Beck, Client
These are body mechanics wizards — they give you exercises to build strength, reset neuromuscular pathways, and correct movement habits you didn’t even know you had.
– Steve Melchiskey, Client
Transparent, Private-Pay Physical Therapy
The Benefit of an Out of Network Provider
Insurance based PT limits session length, restricts treatment approach, and often means working with aides rather than your therapist. Private pay means your care is designed with you in mind.
Session Fee: $155 per 60 minute session
One-on-One with a Doctor of Physical Therapy
Every session is with Katie McCarthy, PT, DPT – a Doctor of Physical Therapy with advanced training in Postural Restoration Institute (PRI) techniques. You’ll never be handed off to an aide and you’ll see the same provider at each appointment.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What is Postural Restoration (PRI) and why is it different from regular PT?
Postural Restoration Institute (PRI) is a physical therapy framework that appreciates the inter-relationship of all parts of the body. Unlike conventional physical therapy that only focuses on the site of pain, PRI identifies and corrects upstream postural and neuromuscular patterns causing the pain. This is why it’s particularly effective for patients who have tried conventional physical therapy without lasting success.
Do I need a physician referral?
No. Maine is a direct-access state. You have the legal right to see a licensed physical therapist withou a doctor’s referral. You can call or email us directly to schedule your initial assessment.
I’ve had PT before and it didn’t help my chronic pain. Why would this be different?
Most conventional physical therapy only addresses the site of pain. PRI is an approach that helps your BCPF therapist evaluate the whole system to correct the patterns of dysfunction that lead to pain and chronic injury. Many patients come to BCPF after unsuccessful treatments, often times including injections and in some cases surgery.
Can I get reimbursed from my insurance company?
Yes, you may be able to receive reimbursement for services given at Back Cove Personal Fitness. Upon request, documentation can be provided after each session (for a nominal fee), for you to personally submit to your insurance provider. If you have a high deductible plan, the same documentation can be used to have Physical Therapy services applied to it. Additionally, some HSA plans allow funds to be used for our services as well.
How is BCPF different from other Physical Therapy clinics in Portland, Maine?
We are the only Postural Restoration Center in Maine. Every session is 60 minutes with your Doctor of Physical Therapy. No aides. No assistants. Additionally, our unique on-site fitness facility means patients can transition directly into a Fitness Rehab or Personal Training program when the time is right.
What conditions does Postural Restoration therapy treat with success?
PRI is used to treat a wide range of chronic and complex musculoskeletal conditions including: chronic low back pain, hip and pelvic pain, neck and shoulder pain, recurring sports injuries, TMJ and jaw pain, thoracic and rib pain, and post-surgical patients who haven’t regained full function. It’s also used to address pain that disrupts sleep, headaches related to cervical posture, and general presentations that defy single site diagnosis.
Where can I read a Notice of Privacy Practices when working with a Physical Therapist at Back Cove Personal Fitness?
You may find Our Privacy Policy for Physical Therapy Services here.
Where is Back Cove Personal Fitness located in Portland, Maine?
We are located at 50 Cove Street, Portland, Maine 04101, near exit 7 off of I-295, with plenty of parking available on-site. Back Cove Personal Fitness serves clients throughout the Greater Portland, Maine area including Cumberland Center, Falmouth, Yarmouth, Cape Elizabeth, Scarborough, and beyond. Call us at 207.200.1263 or contact us online to schedule.