Expert Low Back Pain Physical Therapy in Durham, NC
Low back pain shouldn't sideline you from the activities you love. At The Obstacle Doc, our Duke-trained Doctors of Physical Therapy deliver personalized, 1-on-1 care designed to get you moving—and performing—at your best. No referral needed. Start with a free discovery call today.
Low Back Pain That Won't Go Away Is Costing You
Ignoring the problem—or settling for generic care—only makes it harder to get back to the life and activities you love.
Your Active Life Is On Hold
Whether it's running, lifting, or keeping up with your kids, chronic low back pain forces you to miss out on the moments that matter most. Every week you wait is another week on the sidelines.
One-Size-Fits-All PT Isn't Working
Generic treatment plans and rushed appointments don't address the root cause of your pain. Without a personalized approach, symptoms return—sometimes worse than before.
Pain Is Quietly Affecting Everything
Sleep, work, workouts, and mood all suffer when your back is a constant distraction. Left untreated, low back pain can become a cycle that limits you for years, not weeks.
Why Durham Residents Choose Us for Low Back Pain PT
At The Obstacle Doc, every visit is a full 60-minute, 1-on-1 session with a Doctor of Physical Therapy—not a tech, not an aide. We treat the root cause of your low back pain using advanced manual therapy, dry needling, and individualized therapeutic exercise so you can get back to doing what you love, faster.
• Full 60-minute, 1-on-1 sessions with a Duke-trained Doctor of Physical Therapy—every single visit
• Cash-based practice means your treatment plan is driven by your goals, never insurance restrictions
• Athlete-led care from providers who are obstacle course racers, weightlifters, and yoga teachers themselves
Your Path Back to Pain-Free Living Starts Here
Step 1: Book a Free Discovery Call
Tell us about your low back pain and your goals in a no-pressure, 15-minute conversation. We'll confirm we're the right fit and answer all your questions before your first visit.
Step 2: Get a Personalized Treatment Plan
Your first session is a thorough 60-minute evaluation. We identify the root cause of your pain and build a customized plan—using manual therapy, dry needling, and targeted exercise—designed around your specific body and goals.
Step 3: Return to the Activities You Love
With consistent 1-on-1 care and clear progress milestones, you'll rebuild strength, reduce pain, and confidently return to running, training, or whatever moves you. We stay with you every step of the way.
Conditions We Treat with Physical Therapy in Durham
From low back pain and sciatica to sports injuries and pelvic floor dysfunction, our Durham physical therapy team treats a wide range of conditions. If you're searching for low back pain physical therapy near me, we offer the specialized, one-on-one care you've been looking for—right here in Durham, NC.
• Spine & Back: Low back pain, sciatica, neck pain, mid-back pain, and disc-related conditions
• Sports & Extremity Injuries: Runner's knee, IT band syndrome, ACL injuries, shoulder pain, rotator cuff tears, and plantar fasciitis
• Pelvic Health: Pelvic pain, incontinence, diastasis recti, prolapse, and pregnancy & postpartum recovery
What Durham Runners Are Saying About Their Recovery
Meet the Durham Physical Therapy Team Behind Your Recovery
Duke-trained Doctors of Physical Therapy who are athletes, coaches, and specialists.
Dr. Christopher Kosobucki, DPT, OCS, CSCS
Board-certified Orthopaedic Clinical Specialist and Duke-trained PT with expertise in sports performance and obstacle racing. Certified in dry needling, blood flow restriction, and manual therapy to help runners recover faster and perform at their peak.
Dr. Daniela Ortiz-Kosobucki, DPT
Duke-trained specialist in pelvic floor therapy and women's health with unique expertise supporting female runners through pregnancy, postpartum, and return to performance. 500-Hour Registered Yoga Teacher certified in dry needling and BFR therapy.
Dr. Cody Davis, DPT
Duke-trained physical therapist and ClinicalAthlete Provider specializing in spine care and movement resiliency for runners. Master-level Olympic weightlifter bringing performance-based care to athletes of all levels with advanced training in dry needling and BFR.
100% 1-on-1 Care Every session is a full 60 minutes with your dedicated physical therapist—no aides, no multitasking, just expert attention focused entirely on your recovery and running goals.
Athlete-Focused Approach Founded and run by athletes who understand the mental and physical demands of training. We don't just treat injuries—we help you come back stronger and more resilient.
Education-First Philosophy We empower you with the knowledge and tools to understand your body, manage your recovery independently, and prevent future injuries so you can run with confidence.
Find Us in Durham, NC — We're Easy to Reach
Conveniently located near Lakewood Shopping Center, South Square, and New Hope Commons on Shannon Rd.
We're just 11 minutes from Downtown Durham—take University Dr to Durham-Chapel Hill Blvd (US-15 BUS S), then turn left onto Shannon Rd. You'll find us at 3211 Shannon Rd, Suite 105.
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know before your first visit for low back pain physical therapy in Durham.
Do I need a doctor's referral to be seen?
No referral is required. North Carolina allows direct access to physical therapy, meaning you can schedule your first appointment at The Obstacle Doc without a physician's referral. Simply book a free discovery call and we'll get you started.
Do you accept insurance?
We are a cash-based physical therapy practice. This means your treatment plan is never dictated by insurance restrictions—your care is built entirely around your goals and needs. Many patients find that the quality and efficiency of 1-on-1, individualized sessions offers better long-term value than insurance-based alternatives. We can provide a superbill for potential out-of-network reimbursement—ask us for details.
What does a first visit for low back pain look like?
Your initial evaluation is a full 60-minute, 1-on-1 session with a Doctor of Physical Therapy. We conduct a thorough movement assessment, discuss your history and goals, identify the root cause of your low back pain, and build a personalized treatment plan before you leave.
How long are sessions, and will I always see the same provider?
Every session—initial and follow-up—is 60 minutes of dedicated 1-on-1 time with your Doctor of Physical Therapy. You will consistently work with the same provider throughout your care, ensuring continuity and a truly personalized experience.
What conditions do you treat beyond low back pain?
In addition to low back pain and sciatica, we treat a wide range of conditions including neck and mid-back pain, shoulder injuries, runner's knee, IT band syndrome, ACL injuries, plantar fasciitis, pelvic floor dysfunction, diastasis recti, and more. We also specialize in performance physical therapy, return-to-sport programming, and pregnancy and postpartum care.
What is a free discovery call, and how do I schedule one?
A discovery call is a free, no-obligation 15-minute phone conversation with our team. It's your chance to share your symptoms and goals, ask any questions, and confirm that The Obstacle Doc is the right fit for you—before committing to an appointment. Call us at (919) 200-0814 or visit theobstacledoc.com to get started.