A Modern Approach to Pain Relief

Physical Therapy F.A.Q.

Question: How is Physical Therapy different from Sports Chiropractic?

Answer: While there are some similarities between the two fields, the biggest difference is the appointment focus and goal. Physical Therapy has a strong focus on in-clinic, supervised corrective exercises and then partners that treatment with soft-tissue and joint modalities to promote healing. Physical Therapists are also specifically trained for Post-Op and Surgical care and return to sport protocols. Sports Chiropractic on the other hand has a strong focus on in-clinic soft-tissue and joint manipulations with a more "at home" approach to corrective exercises.

Question: Do I need a script from my doctor for Physical Therapy?

Answer: Our Physical Therapist has a direct access license, which means that you can see her for 30 days before you would need a script from your Doctor. If you have a condition that would require more than 30 days of care you will need to see a Physician to get a script for Physical Therapy.

Question: I had a procedure done with UPMC/AGH do I have to use their Physical Therapy services, or

Answer: You can always use a private Physical Therapy company even when you have a procedure within a bigger hospital system. Often Doctors will refer you to Physical Therapy within the Hospital Network, but you are not required to use their services. Next Level Physical Therapy accepts both Highmark and most UPMC insurance plans, and you can do you therapy with us after a procedure.

Question: What Insurances does Next Level Physical Therapy Accept?

Answer: We are currently in network with Highmark, Aetna, Cigna, Medicare, and Tricare. We also do accept most UPMC plans for Physical Therapy. If you have a question about your insurance, feel free to call our office at 724-719-2900, but if you want to know the full coverage of benefits that you will receive at Next Level we would encourage you to also reach out to your insurance provider.

Meet our Physical Therapist

Lauren Wentz DPT, PT, MS, CSCS

Lauren is a Physical Therapist who has a diverse background in sports medicine and pediatrics and enjoys working with anyone from children to athletes. As an endurance athlete herself, Lauren's passion lies in treating endurance athletes and assisting in the recovery process. She has worked with all levels of athletes from professional to college to high school and weekend warriors. Her special niche is working with adaptive athletes and helping individuals break down barriers.

Credentials Include:

-Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist

- 200 hour Yoga Alliance Certified Yoga Teacher

-RRCA Certified Running Coach

- CF-L1 coach

Lauren received her Bachelors of Science degree from Virginia Tech where she studied Human Nutrition, Foods, and Exercise Science and was the student athletic trainer for the baseball team. She then attended Chatham University in Pittsburgh, PA for her Doctorate in Physical Therapy. After practicing for a few years she decided to go back to school at Slippery Rock University obtaining her Masters in Adapted Physical Activity.

Physical Therapy