How You Can Find Long Lasting Pain Relief with Expert Physical Therapy

Colin O'Banion, DPT
Nov 17, 2024
5 min read

Updated: 6 days ago

Are you dealing with persistent pain that doesn’t seem to respond to any form of treatment?

Or have you gone through physical therapy, surgery, or other conventional treatments without finding the relief you need?

Have you gotten to the point where you feel that there is nothing left to do and you have to just deal with the pain you're in?

I hear this story time and time again, and I want to reassure you that you still have options.

At Colin O'Banion Physical Therapy in Boulder, CO I specialize in resolving even the toughest cases with a personalized physical therapy approach. With over 18 years of experience, I offer a unique blend of targeted therapeutic exercise, advanced manual therapy, shockwave therapy and other cutting-edge technology, and holistic health coaching to uncover and address the true causes of pain—not just the symptoms. My goal is to help you regain function, avoid surgery, and optimize performance in every area of your life.

The First Step to Lasting Relief: A Whole-Body Evaluation

Every treatment plan with me starts with a thorough evaluation of your whole body. At my practice, I take the time to understand each patient’s unique medical history, daily habits, lifestyle, and specific pain points. Unlike rushed, conventional assessments, my process is detailed and customized, setting the stage for an accurate diagnosis and an effective plan.

In our first session, I’ll look closely at your medical history, daily activities, pain patterns, and athletic interests to find what’s causing your pain.

Many treatments focus only on where the pain appears without digging into why it’s there.

By pinpointing the root cause(s) of your pain, I create a tailored plan designed to deliver long-term results—not just temporary relief.

Advanced Techniques for Long-Lasting Pain Relief

After a comprehensive diagnostic evaluation, we begin active treatment with a variety of advanced physical therapy techniques. Each method I choose to support your treatment is based on your unique needs to provide pain relief, accelerate healing, and address underlying structural and functional issues.

Here are some of the services and modalities I offer:

Shockwave Therapy

Shockwave therapy is a non-invasive solution for stubborn pain. It uses sound waves to improve blood flow, reduce inflammation, and promote tissue repair. This therapy is highly effective for conditions like plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendonitis, hip pain, shoulder pain, and chronic back pain. Unlike treatments that mask symptoms, shockwave therapy supports the body’s natural ability to heal itself from within.

Therapeutic Exercise and Movement Coaching

Physical therapy doesn’t end when you leave the clinic. Customized therapeutic exercises are at the heart of my physical therapy practice in Boulder.

Each exercise is chosen based on your specific needs and adjusted as you improve.

As your movement coach, I guide you in making adjustments to your posture, daily movement habits, and recreational activities to make sure all your habits support your recovery.

Advanced Manual Therapy

Hands-on physical therapy is one of the most powerful tools for pain relief and recovery. I use techniques like myofascial release, active release therapy, chiropractic-style adjustments, and joint mobilization to relieve tension, improve mobility, and correct imbalances.

Hands-on physical therapy is one of the most powerful tools for pain relief and recovery

Each session is tailored to your specific needs, ensuring your care is as effective and personalized as possible.

Electrical Muscle Stimulation (EMS)

For certain conditions, I use advanced EMS therapy to reduce inflammation, stimulate healing, and strengthen muscles. My clinic features the high-end NEUX NXPro Interactive Neuromuscular Stimulation machine, which provides direct current (DC) for superior results. EMS is especially helpful for muscle recovery, spasms, and post-surgical rehabilitation, helping to rebuild strength and accelerate your recovery.

Holistic Health Coaching and Integrated Care

At Colin O'Banion Physical Therapy, I take a holistic approach to pain relief by addressing all aspects of your health. Pain doesn’t happen in isolation—it’s often tied to diet, lifestyle, mindset, and environment. This is why I provide nutrition and lifestyle guidance alongside physical therapy. This comprehensive approach ensures that we’re addressing the root causes of pain while supporting your overall well-being.

Specialized Services for Unique Needs

As an expert in holistic and integrated physical therapy as well as orthopedic therapy, I'm able to support my clients in a variety of ways for a variety of needs.

Athletic Injury Treatment

As a lifelong athlete, I understand the physical demands of sports and the frustration of injuries. I offer sports injury physical therapy tailored to your specific needs, helping you recover from injuries like ACL tears, hamstring strains, and rotator cuff injuries. With a focus on performance optimization, I’ll help you get back in the game stronger than ever.

Bunions

Non-surgical bunion treatment in Boulder is one of my specialties as we have so many athletes in our community. Finding an experienced therapist who can address the structural and strength issues behind bunions can be like finding a needle in a haystack.

I use manual therapy, effective modalities, joint mobilization, and specific exercises to reduce bunion pain, restore alignment, and improve foot function. Through personalized care, I help prevent recurring pain by correcting problematic movement patterns and strengthening the foot. When needed, I also incorporate orthotics and custom toe spacers.

Spine Pain Services

Whether you’re dealing with sciatica, scoliosis, or chronic back pain, my physical therapy practice provides effective, non-surgical solutions for spine pain therapy. By combining manual therapy, targeted exercises, and high-tech modalities, I help improve alignment, reduce inflammation, and restore spinal mobility and stability.

Home Exercise Plans and Accountability

Recovery doesn’t end when you leave the clinic. To keep you on track, I provide a personalized home exercise program through an app that includes video demonstrations and progress tracking. With regular check-ins, I adjust your plan as needed and offer ongoing guidance, ensuring your recovery stays on course.

How to Choose an Expert Physical Therapist

Choosing a physical therapist is a personal decision. You want someone who understands both the science of healing and the art of individualized care. Living in pain shouldn’t be your reality, and choosing whom you trust with your health journey is important.

Here’s what sets my practice apart:

20 Years of Experience: I bring a wealth of knowledge to each patient interaction, offering care refined through years of practice and thousands of successful outcomes.
One-on-One, Direct-Pay Care: As a boutique clinic, I provide undivided attention, with no insurance constraints limiting your care. This means more time for the techniques and modalities that work best for you.
Commitment to Lasting Results: My focus is on addressing root causes, not just symptoms, to achieve sustainable pain relief and better performance.

Your Journey to Lasting Pain Relief

Imagine a life where pain no longer limits you. At Colin O'Banion Physical Therapy, I offer a comprehensive physical therapy approach to the Boulder community, designed to treat the whole person—not just the symptoms. My goal is to help you move better, feel better, and live better.

Pain can be a powerful teacher, offering insight into your body’s needs and potential. Taking steps now can improve your quality of life, health span, and life span.

Ready to Start?

If you’re ready to move beyond quick fixes and take control of your recovery, I invite you to schedule a consultation. Discover how personalized physical therapy can transform your life.