Physical Therapy
Evidence-based Physical Therapy to assess movement, give in-clinic corrective exercises, and mobilize joints and soft tissue with hands-on techniques. We treat conditions that involve both chronic and acute pain, as well as soft tissue injuries, arthritis, physical impairments and post-surgical rehabilitation.
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 Therapy Team
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
- USATF Level 1 Certified Coach
-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.
Shona Young, DPT, USAW- L2
Shona is a Physical Therapist who has a passion for treating patients with the intent to return them to the activities that bring them joy. She has a background in sports medicine and treating the general population. She has worked with all levels of athletes ranging from recreational to professional. Her special area of interest is working with barbell athletes. Shona has been a part of the Crossfit community since 2013, competing in local competitions as well as sanctioned Olympic weightlifting and Powerlifting meets.
Credentials Include:
- USA Weightlifting Level 1 and 2
- The Barbell Rehab Method
Shona received her Bachelors of Science degree from Indiana University of Pennsylvania where she studied Natural Science and was a student athlete for their track and field program. She then attended Gannon University for her Doctorate in Physical Therapy and started her career in a sports medicine facility.
Lindsay Bonsra PT, DPT, Cert-CMFA
Lindsay is a Physical Therapist who has a special interest in getting her patients back to the activities that they love doing. She enjoys helping to get her patients stronger and modifying activities so that the patient can continue doing the activities they love as a part of their rehab. She is active in the Crossfit community and enjoys getting athletes back to working out pain free. She has a special interest in rehabbing back and shoulder injuries, especially within the Crossfit population.
Credentials Include:
- Cert- Clinical Management of the Fitness Athlete
- CF-L1 Coach
Lindsay earned her Bachelor of Science in Rehabilitation Sciences at the University of Pittsburgh. She then obtained her Doctor of Physical Therapy at Nova Southeastern University in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. She has worked throughout her career to stay up-to-date with the latest physical therapy research and treatments and has experience treating a variety of populations.
Ashley Waechter, PTA
Ashley is a Licensed Physical Therapist Assistant and received her Associates Degree at Allegany College of Maryland where she studied various injuries and diagnoses including orthopedics, sports injuries, and neurological disorders. In her professional career, Ashley has worked with people recovering from numerous injuries. She is also proficient with multiple types of specialty therapies including orthopedic, vestibular, concussion, and aquatic therapy.
Ashley is passionate about giving excellent patient care and helping her clients through their recovery process to maximize their goals, whether that is returning to a sport or playing with grandchildren. Ashley is an athlete who played soccer growing up and currently loves running and participating in spartan races. Ashley is Graston Certified and is experienced with multiple manual therapy techniques.