Non-Surgical Treatments

Physical Therapy for the Spine

Spine & Back Physical Therapy in Phoenix, AZ — Coordinated With Your Specialist Care

Physical therapy is where most spine recovery begins. At Desert Spine and Pain, it's delivered through our on-site partner BackFit Health + Spine and coordinated directly with the care of Dr. David L. Greenwald, MD, FAANS, FACS, a dual board-certified spine surgeon and neurosurgeon.

Over 100 5-Star Reviews!

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Over 30 Years Experience in Orthopedic & Neuro Spine Surgeries.

★★★★★ Over 100 Five-Star Reviews Spine Surgeon & Neurosurgeon Least-Invasive-First Out-of-Network Welcome

Physical therapy relieves most back and neck pain without injections or surgery — and it's the foundation of a least-invasive-first plan. At Desert Spine and Pain in Phoenix, your therapy is delivered by our on-site partner BackFit Health + Spine and coordinated directly with your specialist care.

Book a Consultation — (602) 566-9500

Physical Therapy for Spine & Back Pain

Physical therapy is the foundation of non-surgical spine care. Guided strengthening, stretching, and movement retraining relieve pain, restore function, and — for most spine conditions — prevent the need for anything more invasive. It's almost always where a least-invasive-first plan begins.

Physical therapy: guided exercise that relieves pain, restores motion, and strengthens the muscles that support the spine
30+ Yearsof orthopedic & neuro spine surgery experience — trusted by patients across the greater Phoenix, Arizona area.

Provided by Our On-Site Partner, BackFit Health + Spine

Desert Spine and Pain shares its location with BackFit Health + Spine, our on-site partner for physical therapy. That means your rehabilitation is coordinated directly with your spine care — same building, same team approach — while being delivered by dedicated therapists. It's the integration of conservative and specialist care in one place, without the runaround.

Conditions We Treat

Lower Back Pain

Aching or radiating pain in the lower back, from many possible sources.

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Upper Back Pain

Mid-back pain, often from muscle strain or the thoracic spine's joints.

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Neck Pain

Stiffness or radiating pain from the cervical spine's discs and joints.

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Lumbar Strain

An overstretched or torn muscle or ligament in the lower back.

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Spinal Pain

Pain anywhere along the spine — neck, mid-back, or lower back.

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Herniated Disc

A disc's soft center pushes out and presses on a spinal nerve.

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Bulging Disc

A disc extends beyond its normal border, sometimes irritating a nerve.

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Degenerative Disc Disease

Age-related drying and thinning of the discs that can cause pain.

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How Physical Therapy Fits Your Plan

After Dr. Greenwald diagnoses the source of your pain, physical therapy is typically the first active step. As symptoms improve, therapy also prepares you to stay better — and if your condition ever needs an injection or, rarely, surgery, a strong, well-conditioned spine recovers faster.

Life Beyond the Pain

A patient hunched in back pain before treatment, then upright and active afterward
The goal of treatment is simple: relieve your pain and help you get back to the activities you love. Recovery and results vary from person to person.

Why Choose Our Spine Specialists in Phoenix

Choosing the right spine specialist in Phoenix matters. At Desert Spine and Pain, your care is led by Dr. David L. Greenwald, MD, FAANS, FACS — a physician who is both a board-certified spine surgeon and a neurosurgeon. That dual expertise is rare, and it means one expert can guide you across the full spectrum of care — from a simple injection to complex surgery — and recommend what is genuinely best for you, whether you need a spine doctor for conservative care or a surgeon when surgery is truly the answer.

Spine surgeon & neurosurgeon

A rare dual credential — so the specialist who treats you can also perform surgery if it's ever needed.

Least-invasive-first

Most patients get better without surgery. We only advance when your condition truly requires it.

Out-of-network welcome

No referral needed. We make it straightforward to see a top spine specialist, even out-of-network.

Accident & injury care

24/7 concierge response and close coordination with personal-injury attorneys.

Insurance & Out-of-Network

We welcome out-of-network patients and will explain your likely costs and coverage before anything is scheduled — no surprises, and no referral required.

Proudly Serving the Greater Phoenix, Arizona Area

Patients travel to Desert Spine and Pain from across Arizona for specialist spine care — because the right spine surgeon is worth the drive. We welcome patients from Phoenix and communities throughout the Valley and beyond:

PhoenixScottsdaleTempeMesaChandlerGilbertGlendalePeoriaSurpriseParadise ValleyCave CreekFountain HillsQueen CreekAvondaleGoodyearBuckeyeSun CityAnthemApache JunctionMaricopaCasa GrandePrescottFlagstaffSedonaTucson

…and surrounding Arizona communities. Out-of-network patients are welcome, and no referral is required — schedule a consultation.

Book your spine care consultation at Desert Spine and Pain in Phoenix, AZ — board-certified spine surgeon and neurosurgeon

Start with the least invasive option.

See a dual board-certified spine surgeon and neurosurgeon in Phoenix for a diagnosis and a physical-therapy-first plan built around you.

Book a Consultation — (602) 566-9500

Spine Physical Therapy: Frequently Asked Questions

Do you provide physical therapy in-house?

We coordinate it through our on-site partner, BackFit Health + Spine, which shares our location — so your rehabilitation is integrated with your spine care in one place.

Can physical therapy alone fix my back pain?

Very often, yes. The majority of spine conditions improve with the right physical therapy program, without needing injections or surgery.

Do I need a referral?

No. You can schedule a consultation with our Phoenix spine specialists directly, and we welcome out-of-network patients.

What if therapy isn't enough?

If conservative care doesn't fully resolve your symptoms, we advance only as far as needed — typically to a targeted injection, and rarely to surgery.

Dr. David L. Greenwald, MD

Neuro-Spine Surgeon

Call Now!

Desert Spine and Pain

A Spine Specialist is standing by.

Relief is just a phone call away!

Available Around the Clock.

Phone: (602) 566-9500

Email: [email protected]

Phoenix, AZ, USA

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Your Journey Begins Here.

If you’re dealing with back or neck pain, physical therapy can be one of the most effective ways to restore strength, reduce pain, and enhance mobility. Dr. Greenwald and his caring team will evaluate your condition and connect you with trusted physical therapy professionals to design a plan tailored to your needs. Every step you take toward rehabilitation brings you closer to a stronger, more active life. Schedule your consultation today and begin your journey toward recovery and lasting spinal health.

Voted Best Spine Doctor

Over 30 Years Experience in Orthopedic & Neuro Spine Surgeries.

Dr. David L. Greenwald, MD, FAANS, FACS — board-certified spine surgeon and neurosurgeon and physical therapy for the spine specialist in Phoenix, AZ
Dr. David L. Greenwald, MD, FAANS, FACS — board-certified spine surgeon and neurosurgeon and physical therapy for the spine specialist in Phoenix, AZ

Dr. David L. Greenwald, MD, FAANS, FACS

Neurosurgeon | Spine Surgeon | Regenerative Medicine

Dr. David L. Greenwald, MD, FAANS, FACS, is a board-certified spine surgeon and neurosurgeon with advanced expertise in physical therapy for the spine. He commonly uses it to treat conditions such as lower back pain, neck pain, and herniated disc, which can cause pain, numbness, or weakness. Using advanced, minimally invasive techniques whenever possible, Dr. Greenwald relieves nerve compression and instability while protecting healthy tissue and preserving spinal stability. His skill and patient-centered approach help patients throughout the greater Phoenix, Arizona area experience meaningful pain relief, reduced recovery time, and restored mobility.

Book your Spine Care Consultation Today!

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