Personalized Orthopedic Physical Therapy in Durham, NC

Reclaim your strength, speed up recovery, and gain the tools to overcome your obstacles and perform at your best.

physical therapy

Pain and weakness don’t have to hold you back

When left untreated, discomfort and injury can lead to setbacks that impact every part of your active life. Don’t get held back with...

Missed Opportunities

Pain shouldn’t sideline you from the activities and goals that matter most.

Longer Recovery

Untreated injuries often lead to prolonged recovery and recurring pain.

Lost Confidence

Constant discomfort can leave you frustrated and unsure of your limits.

Greater Limitations

Without proper care, small issues can grow, limiting your performance.

You deserve to feel strong, capable, and confident—let’s work together to make it happen.

Custom Treatment for Lasting Results

Our physical therapy services focus on lasting recovery and strength, so you can move freely and feel better than ever.

custom physical therapy

Custom Treatment Planning

A personalized roadmap designed for your specific needs and goals, guiding you through each stage of recovery.

Therapeutic Exercise

Targeted exercises build strength, aid recovery, and improve flexibility to help you move with confidence.

Empowering Education

We’re committed to empowering you with the knowledge and tools you need to manage your health confidently.

dry needling physical therapy

Dry Needling

A power technique to relieve deep muscle tension, reduce pain, and assist range of motion.

How We Work

Tailored Care Every Step of the Way

Schedule a Free Consultation

Easily book a consultation online to discuss your pain, challenges, and goals with one of the Obstacle Docs over the phone.

Come in for an Initial Evaluation

You are paired with a therapist to assess your current concerns, identify limitations, and determine the best path forward.

Start Your Plan & Go

Then, you’ll start your custom program designed for your body and lifestyle, identifying root causes of symptoms, with expert support every step of the way.

Verified Google Reviews

What Durham Runners Are Saying About Their Recovery

"As a fellow physical therapist, I frequently refer my patients to The Obstacle Doc and am confident that they will receive the best quality care imaginable. They take a very individualized approach and provide 1-on-1 attention to help patients eliminate pain and reach their physical goals."
Emily King
"From the moment I walked in, I felt welcomed and well taken care of. They are friendly and knowledgeable, and they go above and beyond to create a comfortable and positive environment."
Anneli Morrison
"Chris and Daniela are both wonderful people and awesome to work with. They schedule a full hour with you, even for their follow up appointments; and they are hands-on therapists who are completely invested in helping you return to all the activities that bring you joy."
Jess Bottesch
"One of the standout aspects of Dr. Daniela's care is her skill in dry needling. Dry needling significantly relieved the tension and discomfort in my right hip, allowing me to regain mobility and comfort that I thought might be lost forever."
Juhi Thakur
"By June, I ran a 5-miler with no pain and now, I still see Dr. Chris for follow-ups every few months while training for a half marathon PAIN FREE! I've learned so much about running beyond my injury from Dr. Chris and feel well-equipped to crush my first half."
Janice Davidson
"Daniela was great to work with!  She has great patience and optimism. I am grateful for the wonderful results of my physical therapy and would definitely consult with her again if a new problem comes up."
Peggy Needham
"After working with Chris for six weeks, there was enough improvement that I was told that surgery was no longer imminent. I owe my progress to Chris whose expertise got me out of the 'surgery zone.'"
Valerie Bell
"I cannot say enough great things about how working with Dr. Daniella has transformed my postpartum pelvic floor and hip pain. Through Dr. Daniella, I have learned how to call on the muscles in my body that I had been ignoring for years."
Caitlin Gaffney
"I can’t overstate the benefit I have found in using the Obstacle Docs! Chris is amazing at addressing issues and keeping me able to perform the activities I want and working to help achieve fitness goals."
Erin Kiess
"I was a little reluctant to invest the money not knowing if my issue would be resolved, but just after a few weeks, I am seeing obvious results! The knowledge and approach of this team is clearly  effective. I highly recommend them."
Valerie Cover

Ready to Get Back in the Game?

It’s time to reclaim your active life. Schedule a consultation and start a recovery plan that fits your goals and lifestyle.

daniela talking to physical therapy client on a call

Questions About Our Services

1. Do you accept insurance for physical therapy? 

We are a cash-based practice, which means we don't work directly with insurance companies. This allows us to provide longer appointment times (60 minutes every session), personalized 1-on-1 care, and treatment plans focused entirely on your goals—not insurance restrictions. Many clients find that the quality of care and faster results make it a worthwhile investment. We can provide you with a superbill to submit to your insurance for potential out-of-network reimbursement.

2. How long are physical therapy appointments? 

Every appointment at The Obstacle Doc is a full 60 minutes of dedicated 1-on-1 time with your physical therapist—even follow-up visits. Unlike traditional clinics where you might see a therapist for 15-20 minutes, you'll receive expert attention for the entire hour, allowing us to thoroughly address your running mechanics, strength deficits, and recovery needs.

3. Do I need a referral to start physical therapy for running injuries? 

No referral is needed! North Carolina is a direct access state, which means you can see a physical therapist without a doctor's referral. You can schedule your free consultation directly with us and begin your recovery right away. If we determine that you need additional medical evaluation, we'll guide you accordingly.

Still have questions?