Do I need a referral to see a physical therapist in Nebraska?

Nebraska allows direct access to physical therapy, meaning you can schedule an appointment without a physician referral. Some insurance plans may require a referral for reimbursement — check with your insurer prior to your first visit.

How long does physical therapy take to resolve neck pain?

Acute neck pain or mild radiculopathy often improves within 2–4 weeks. Whiplash-associated disorders and chronic neck pain often take 6–12 weeks.

Can physical therapy help with headaches that start in my neck?

Yes. Cervicogenic headaches often respond very well to manual therapy and targeted strengthening of the deep neck flexors and upper back.

What is the difference between an OCS physical therapist and a general PT?

An Orthopedic Clinical Specialist (OCS) has passed a rigorous specialty examination from the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties, demonstrating advanced clinical knowledge in orthopedic diagnosis and treatment.

What should I expect at my first physical therapy visit at Power of Motion?

Your first appointment is a full orthopedic evaluation with Daniel Crowe, PT, DPT, OCS, examining your cervical spine and neurological function and identifying which movements help or worsen your symptoms.

Lincoln, NE · Orthopedic Physical Therapy

Neck Pain & Cervical Spine Rehabilitation

Expert, one-on-one physical therapy for neck and cervical spine conditions — from disc injuries and pinched nerves to whiplash and chronic neck pain. Led by Daniel Crowe, PT, DPT, OCS, a board-certified Orthopedic Clinical Specialist with 13 years of experience.

Cervical Disc Herniation

Targeted exercise and manual therapy to relieve nerve irritation and restore safe, pain-free neck movement.

Whiplash-Associated Disorder

Progressive, evidence-based rehabilitation following motor vehicle accidents or sudden neck trauma.

Cervical Stenosis

Postural strategies and targeted exercise to manage nerve compression symptoms and preserve function.

Cervical Spondylosis

Evidence-based exercise and manual therapy managing age-related cervical disc and joint degeneration.

Cervical Radiculopathy

Nerve mobility techniques and directional preference exercises to resolve radiating arm pain and numbness.

Cervicogenic Headaches

Manual therapy and upper cervical strengthening to address headaches originating from the neck.

Text Neck / Forward Head Posture

Postural retraining and deep neck flexor strengthening to address pain from prolonged screen use.

Neck Pain Treatment can include

Manual therapy

Hands-on cervical and upper thoracic mobilization, along with targeted soft tissue techniques, reduce pain, restore segmental mobility, and decrease muscle guarding — often providing rapid relief that supports faster progress with active treatment.

Therapeutic exercise & postural retraining

Deep neck flexor and scapular stabilizer strengthening address the postural and muscular imbalances that drive chronic neck pain and headaches. Directional preference exercises are identified early and used to guide your program for disc-related symptoms.

Nerve mobility & ergonomic education

For radiating arm symptoms, nerve gliding techniques help restore normal nerve mobility and reduce irritation. Practical guidance on workstation setup, sleeping positions, and daily habits ensures your progress holds outside of the clinic.

Post-Surgical Neck Recovery

Structured rehabilitation following cervical fusion or disc replacement to restore strength and mobility.

Our treatment approach

What to expect at Power of Motion

STEP 1

Comprehensive evaluation

A full assessment of your cervical spine, posture, and neurological status — not a template, a true examination.

STEP 2

Individualized plan

A diagnosis-specific program built around your directional preference, lifestyle, and recovery goals.

STEP 3

Hands-on, 1-on-1 care

Every session is conducted directly with Dr. Crowe — no aides, no hand-off, no shortcuts.

STEP 4

Return to full function

Sport-specific, work-specific, or daily-life milestones built into every phase of your program.

Common symptoms

You may benefit from physical therapy if you are experiencing any of the following:

Pain or stiffness turning your head

Pain that radiates into the shoulder, arm, or hand

Numbness or tingling in the arm or fingers

Headaches starting at the base of the skull

Pain that worsens with prolonged sitting or screen use

Neck pain following a car accident or fall

Reduced range of motion looking up, down, or side to side

Recovering from neck surgery

When to seek immediate medical attention

Seek urgent care if you experience sudden weakness in the arms or legs, loss of coordination or balance, difficulty with bladder or bowel control, or severe neck pain following significant trauma — these can indicate a serious spinal cord issue requiring emergency evaluation.

Nebraska allows direct access to physical therapy, meaning you can schedule an appointment without a physician referral. However, some insurance plans may require a referral for reimbursement purposes — we recommend checking with your insurer prior to your first visit.
Many patients with acute neck pain or mild radiculopathy notice meaningful improvement within 2–4 weeks. Whiplash-associated disorders and chronic neck pain often take longer, generally 6–12 weeks, since they frequently involve retraining posture and movement patterns. Post-surgical cervical recovery typically spans 3–6 months.
An Orthopedic Clinical Specialist (OCS) is a physical therapist who has passed a rigorous specialty examination administered by the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties. OCS-certified therapists demonstrate advanced clinical knowledge, skills, and experience in orthopedic diagnosis and treatment — the highest credential available in musculoskeletal physical therapy.
Many patients with acute neck pain or mild radiculopathy notice meaningful improvement within 2–4 weeks. Whiplash-associated disorders and chronic neck pain often take longer, generally 6–12 weeks, since they frequently involve retraining posture and movement patterns. Post-surgical cervical recovery typically spans 3–6 months.
Your first appointment is a full orthopedic evaluation with Dr. Crowe. We review your medical history, conduct a comprehensive examination of your cervical spine and neurological function, identify which movements help or worsen your symptoms, and build an individualized treatment plan with you before you leave. You will not be passed off to a technician or aide at any point.
At Power of Motion, every session is one-on-one with your OCS-certified therapist — no aides, no shared appointments, no 15-minute check-ins while your therapist manages three other patients. You receive your therapist's full attention, expertise, and hands-on care for the entire session, every time. This model consistently produces better outcomes and a faster, safer recovery.
Yes, we do accept most insurance carriers. To name a few:
Blue Cross Blue Shield
Aetna
Midlands Choice
Medica Insure
Cigna
Medicare
We are constantly working on our insurance credentialing with insurers: Please contact our office to discuss insurance and payment options. We are happy to help verify your benefits prior to your first visit so there are no surprises.

Contact Us

Power of Motion Physical Therapy — Lincoln, NE

Have a question, or ready to schedule your first visit? Reach out below, give us a call, or email Dr. Crowe directly — we'll get back to you promptly.

Phone: (402) 799-4373

Fax: (402) 275-8088
Email:info@powerofmotionpt.com
Address: 5550 S. 59th St., Suite 24, Lincoln, NE 68516