Services
Comprehensive Physical Therapy Services in Putnam CT
first in osteopractic wellness
Personalized Care for Lasting Results
At First In Osteopractic Wellness, we provide a full spectrum of physical therapy services designed to help you overcome pain, recover from injury, and achieve peak physical performance. Our services combine advanced manual therapy techniques, cutting-edge strength programming, and performance-based rehabilitation, all delivered by a fellowship-trained Doctor of Physical Therapy.
Every service is tailored specifically to your needs through one-on-one treatment sessions, ensuring your care is never rushed or generalized.
Electric Dry Needling
Performed by a Fellow of the American Academy of Manipulative Therapy (AAMT), our dry needling technique goes far beyond basic needling approaches. Using a Western medicine framework for diagnosis, electric dry needling helps release muscle tension, improve circulation, reduce inflammation, and stimulate healing at a deep tissue level. This service is often combined with spinal manipulation to maximize results.
Blood Flow Restriction (BFR) Therapy
Trusted by professional athletes and Special Operations units, BFR training uses specialized tourniquet cuffs to reduce blood flow to targeted limbs during low-load exercises. This technique promotes strength, endurance, and muscle growth comparable to high-load resistance training while minimizing stress on healing tissues—ideal for rehabilitation phases where heavier loads are not yet safe.
Spine and Extremity Manipulation
Spinal manipulation is a highly skilled manual therapy technique used to relieve pain, restore mobility, and improve nerve function. Our fellowship-trained provider uses precise manipulation techniques to address both spinal and peripheral joint dysfunctions, improving movement patterns and reducing pain across the body.
Customized Strength Programming
Our strength programming bridges the gap between traditional rehabilitation and long-term performance. Customized programs are designed for each patient and facilitated 1-on-1 in clinic. They are also accessible through a secure online portal for continued progress at home. Programs address mobility, stability, strength, and conditioning using real equipment and progressive resistance principles.
Performance Clinic
Our Performance Clinic offers proactive injury prevention and high-level performance coaching for athletes, military personnel, and active individuals who refuse to sit on the sidelines. Drawing on years of experience with Special Operations forces, we apply field-tested methods to help you remain resilient, adaptable, and physically capable for any challenge life throws at you.
Corporate and Tactical Ergonomics
Hands-on manual therapy is at the core of our treatment philosophy. Techniques such as myofascial release, joint mobilizations, muscle energy techniques, and soft tissue mobilization are utilized to reduce pain, restore mobility, and promote optimal healing responses.
A 3-Tiered Treatment Model
At First In Osteopractic Wellness, your care is built on a 3-tiered system designed to optimize your recovery:
Mend Phase
This is where we start taking control of your pain—so it stops controlling you.
In the Mend phase, we focus on reducing pain and restoring mobility where it’s needed most. You’ll get a hands-on approach right out of the gate: manual therapy to address restrictions, followed immediately by corrective exercises to lock in those changes.
We’re not just chasing symptoms—we’re fixing the root cause. The goal here is to get you moving better and feeling better, so pain isn’t the first thing on your mind every day.
This is the foundation. Once we’ve got you out of pain and moving well, we’re ready to build.
Move Phase
You’re out of daily pain—and now it’s time to get back to doing what you love, without hesitation.
In the Move phase, we transition from recovery to performance. Whether you're a CrossFit athlete chasing your next PR, an active adult who refuses to slow down, or a first responder who needs to be mission-ready, this is where we rebuild your strength and movement capacity.
We’ll dial in the fundamentals—push, pull, hinge, squat—using tempo, load control, and movement precision. This phase starts to feel like training again. You’ll be back in the gym or on the floor, possibly with some smart modifications, but always with purpose.
Manual therapy is still available if needed, but now it’s a support tool—not the main event. You’re in control, and we’re here to guide your return to full function and beyond.
Maximize Phase
This is where we take everything you’ve built—and push it to the next level.
In the Maximize phase, you're not just returning to high-level activity—you’re dominating it. Whether you're chasing new PRs in the gym, staying mission-ready as a first responder, or simply refusing to settle for average, this phase is about peak output.
We’ll challenge your system with velocity, tempo, and progressive loading to ensure you're not just moving well—but moving powerfully. You’ll train with intensity, precision, and purpose, because performance isn’t optional—it’s expected.
Manual therapy may still be used as needed, but the focus here is on leading from the front. You’re stronger, faster, and more resilient—and now, it’s time to prove it.
This complete system ensures you aren’t simply discharged after pain reduction but instead fully equipped for sustained health and performance.
Conditions We Commonly Treat
Neck, back, and spine pain
Shoulder and rotator cuff injuries
Knee, hip, and lower extremity dysfunctions
Sports injuries and performance limitations
Post-surgical rehabilitation
Chronic pain syndromes
Functional movement deficits
Tactical athlete care (military, law enforcement, first responders)
The First In Difference
1-on-1 VIP experience with your Doctor of Physical Therapy
60-minute treatment sessions
Fellowship-trained, advanced manual therapy skills
Elite-level diagnostic expertise from Army Special Operations experience
Real weights, real programming, real outcomes
Conditions We Commonly Treat
Dr. Nykiel’s years of service in Army Special Operations provided him with a level of training and clinical exposure unmatched by traditional outpatient therapists. Working with soldiers who faced extreme physical and mental demands required advanced clinical judgment, adaptability, and specialized rehabilitation techniques.
He provided care during multiple overseas deployments, managing complex cases and utilizing cutting-edge manual therapy skills to return soldiers to peak operational readiness. These same principles now guide his civilian practice, helping patients of all backgrounds achieve optimal recovery and long-term success.
A Mission-Driven Practice Built for You
At First In Osteopractic Wellness, Dr. Nykiel applies this elite-level approach to every patient:
Comprehensive evaluations that identify true root causes of pain
Evidence-based treatment strategies tailored to individual needs
One-on-one 60-minute treatment sessions with your dedicated therapist
Ongoing wellness coaching that includes nutrition, strength training, sleep, and stress management
Structured "bridge programs" to maintain progress beyond discharge
Whether you’re an athlete returning from injury, a working professional managing chronic pain, or someone simply seeking better quality of life, First In Osteopractic Wellness is committed to helping you move better, feel better, and stay better.
first in osteopractic wellness
Take the First Step Toward Recovery
Don’t let injury, pain, or frustration with the healthcare system keep you sidelined any longer. At First In Osteopractic Wellness, we deliver the focused expertise and advanced care you need to overcome obstacles and achieve lasting results.
Call us today at (860) 317-2010 or schedule your appointment online to experience the First In difference.
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