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What is Physical Therapy?
Physical therapy is a conservative, non-invasive form of medical treatment that addresses conditions that cause pain and affect a patient’s ability to perform normal daily tasks or participate in recreational or sports activities. This includes acute conditions such as back pain, neck pain, sprains, strains and fractures, as well as chronic conditions such as arthritis or tendonitis. In addition, patients often undergo physical therapy after joint replacements and reconstructive surgery. Physical therapy often consists of therapeutic exercise and functional training, modalities, and manual therapy, and Sports Medicine & Training Center integrates all categories into its treatment of patients.
Seeing a physical therapist early, in the acute phase of pain or injury, often leads to the best results. A study published in May 2020 in Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, found that people who get physical therapy early after the onset of low back pain have much better results than those who wait. Other studies, such as an October 2015 article published in JAMA, and a July 2020 article published in The Mental Health Clinician, have shown that early physical therapy improves disability and decreases pain and reduces the need for medication.1
Physical therapy services may only be delivered by licensed physical therapists and licensed physical therapist assistants.
Our Physical Therapy Services
We strongly believe in an intensive, hands-on approach to rehabilitation delivered by highly trained clinicians.
Injury Screenings
SMTC offers free screenings to help our clientele address nagging problems or acute and/or chronic injuries that they are unsure how to handle.
Insurance
Physical therapy is a billable medical service covered by most medical insurance plans. Learn which payers we are in-network with.
What to expect
As a small, independent practice, SMTC has a unique approach to treatment that is often different than other physical therapy clinics.
We Love Our
Google Reviews
Carol Ault
14:59 24 Jul 23
I have been completely satisfied with my treatment! Great staff, wonderful environment. Thank you so much for all you do!
Kathy Dammrich
16:30 19 Jul 23
Sports medicine &training center was highly recommended to me.This is my fourth P T facility and after a whole year I still had pain and very little range of motion. But with only 7 visits to Scott and his crew at SMTC my range of motion is improving as is the pain. Everyone is pleasant and friendly they just jump in when I need the next exercise or 'maneuver'. Sessions are lengthy but you get a good workout with close supervision and so far good results.I am happy to be there!
jdm3105111
00:27 15 Jul 23
Mike Bruno
01:38 10 Jul 23
Everything about the place is 1st class...from the ladies at the front desk to all the physical therapists. Couldn't be in a better place.
Bob Hardy
14:01 03 Jul 23
The Sports Medicine & Training Center has changed my opinion and expectation of physical therapy. I am challenged (and somewhat exhausted) at the end of each session but feel I am making tremendous progress. The emphasis isn't just getting functional but in regaining access to the activities I love.
Bill, Heather, & Sean Rapp
19:18 02 Jul 23
Terry Hudgens
13:02 18 May 23
They do a great job and care about each person that comes to them
Tami Strouse-Sawyer
16:25 05 Apr 23
Everyone has been great to work with so far. I have worked with both a PT and a PTA and I have liked working with both of them.
Megan Burmeister
14:30 05 Apr 23
angelena mangnall
13:20 21 Mar 23
Jean Lane
03:45 19 Jan 23
My visits here was helpful in getting me moving and feeling stronger, more than I imagined. The personnel are friendly and interested in my progress. I highly recommend this physical therapy facility for everyone.
Jerry Belleville
02:51 15 Dec 22
Jim Simpson
21:41 14 Dec 22
Great team of caring professionals. Large array of equipment in a modern facility.
Olivia Rudolphi
04:26 10 Dec 22
Rod Smitley
23:35 27 Nov 22
Very knowledgeable staff. Great results. Second time I have used their services.
Julius Frager
18:59 13 Nov 22
Exceptionable expertise in diagnosing and treatment.
Lawrence Gelb
01:23 11 Nov 22
Tami Behnke
16:00 10 Nov 22
My first time PT experience. SMTC and Elena are a good fit. Kind, helpful, patient and knowledgeable.
Mike Squires
13:08 08 Nov 22
Knowledgeable PTs and the staff is very friendly!
Bethany G.
23:02 29 Aug 22
Scott's Team are wonderfully nice, knowledgeable, and make physical therapy enjoyable. Everyone is actually happy to help explain/demonstrate exercises, answer questions, and ensure your therapy progress/success. I've seen then for each new issue/injury that's occurred, they've designed the perfect program and at home stretches to achieve recovery and taught me how to help prevent future injury. They've helped me with shoulder weakness from an old colleg injury, a car crash (goodness I hurt all over from that thing), and random knee/neck pains. I'd recommend to anyone and everyone who needs quality Physical Therapy.
Rosemary Shea
14:44 23 Aug 22
With heat and careful manipulation my neck pain was relieved. A true blessing!
Carly Warhurst
15:10 29 Jul 22
Jeanine Garesche
14:25 07 Jul 22
Fabulous care!
Mark Suardi
14:04 01 Jul 22
Always helpful and friendly
Mike Carson
18:56 18 May 22
By far the most knowledgeable and friendly place to go for physical therapy. They are the best at what they do!
Amy Lamb
21:56 21 Apr 22
David Chasnoff
12:50 20 Apr 22
Rick E
16:41 28 Mar 22
Staff is great, helpful and compassionate
JEAN HAEFNER
13:11 23 Mar 22
Lucius Vorenus44
17:43 20 Feb 22
Probably the best physical therapy place I've been to. Appointments are long, but good.
Jim Clancy
19:13 07 Feb 22
Only 3 sessions so far and I can feel the difference in my necjpk and shoulders. Maddie has the right touch.
Susan Till
04:53 21 Jan 22
Professional staff, knowledgeable, caring, excellent COVIDprecaurions.
Marny Johnson
14:44 12 Jan 22
The entire staff at sports medicine & training treated me with expertise and an individualized plan of care. Several of the exercises were unique -- like the popcorn exercise. Plus, each session of my therapy started with a heat treatment and ended with electrical stimulation to the affected area, important modalities that helped speed my recovery. I am very grateful for the kindness and professionalism I received here and would recommend this group to anyone who is in need of physical therapy.
WB Pittman
22:51 05 Nov 21
Melissa Tschampel
14:54 31 Oct 21
Karen Schneider
00:42 16 Aug 21
Elizabeth russell
19:06 05 Jul 21
Elena is AWESOME!! I have probably the tightest hips ever. Within minutes of her working on me - I am feeling 100% better, have great range of motion, don't hurt to walk or sit. SHE'S AMAZING. And she's super sweet, easy going, and has a great gentle touch!!! This is THE BEST gift I have ever gotten!!!
Rob Komotos
11:52 05 Jul 21
I have had multiple injuries over the past 10-12 years and most recently with another.When my Dr. told me that i needed Physical Therapy, I told him that there is only one place that I would go to. SMTC has always been there for me, on a Professional level and with down to earth attitude in getting me back on my feet. The big secret is, you have to have the attitude of wanting to be better and to get better.From there, Scott, Becky and the team there will have you up and going in no time, however you have to want it as well.Keep up the great work team SMTC!Rob K.
Betsy Alexander
21:42 20 Jun 21
Excellent source of individualized physical therapy care and sports training.I have been a client for 12 years using both the training program and most recently physical therapy. Staff are knowledgeable, personable professionals. I have referred family and friends to the Center.
Karl D'Arcy
14:21 02 Jun 21
Sandy Roland
21:56 23 May 21
I came to Sports Medicine barely walking, I had so much back pain. After working with Scott and his excellent team, I was able to go on a 5 mile hike. I'm thrilled with how much SMTC has helped me.
John Roland
13:43 20 May 21
The entire team and staff at SMTC make you uh feel welcomed and comfortable from the moment you walk in. Scott and the other trainers/therapists are EXPERTS in getting you back into physical shape and back to your normal life. They listen, they push (as needed), they gently re-enforce the reason you are there and provide the motivation required to take the next rep!
Donna McNamara
16:07 14 May 21
Professional and they listen.
Rachel Presley
12:22 07 Apr 21
Mary Wilcox
14:23 03 Apr 21
Both my wife Mary and I have benefited from our time rehabbing at Sports Medicine. As an aging (78) weekend warrior, I have had my share of injuries--wrist, elbow, knee (replacement) and more recently an arthritic lower back. The group of therapist at Sports Medicine have managed to put me back together again and again. The two hour sessions may not be for everyone, but I find I get a lot more out of them than the one hour (often 50 minutes) rehab I have experienced elsewhere. I would recommend the Center to anyone looking for good, well thought out professional care. Hal Wilcox
Barb Below
13:23 23 Mar 21
SMTC is great. HAs helped me tremendously. Great personable fun staff and therapists! Stop searching on the internet for somewhere to get PT. Just call SMTC and get an appointment!
Cloaked
07:29 21 Mar 21
These guys are great!
Ron Platt
12:11 19 Mar 21
The people who work at Sports Medicine obviously enjoy their job while helping me achieve my training goals. I've just begun my program, but after hearing from others who achieved their goals here, am confident I'll reach mine.
J D
12:45 12 Mar 21
Great place. Great people. Scott really knows what he is doing! Treats the whole body and uses knowledge of the entire body instead of specific parts, which is the best way to heal. I cannot recommend this place enough!
Lynn Kobe
13:51 04 Mar 21
My son recently started receiving shoulder therapy at Sports Medicine & Training Center. I’m so happy we found this place. I’m beyond pleased with the services he is receiving. The time, the support, the knowledge that the therapist has provided is top notch. The facility is fully equipped with everything you could possibly need to get the best therapy possible. The facility is very clean and following all Covid protocols. The staff is very friendly and welcoming. I’m blown away by this place and would highly recommend to anyone needing physical therapy!
Kathleen Puhr
19:24 27 Feb 21
I have been treated at his facility for three different injuries, and each time the care I received alleviated the problem. Every member of the staff is excellent.
Sergio and Linda d'Aubert
22:18 14 Feb 21
I am so pleased to have found Sports Medicine and Training Center to begin my physical therapy —post shoulder surgery. There is a fun, friendly, relaxed but professional atmosphere and I feel productive and comfortable while there. All of the PT team is caring and attentive. They were able to start me as quickly as surgeon had ordered. SM&TC is in my Crestwood neighborhood and I never knew they were there. They are Covid attentive and responsible regarding masks and sanitizing equipment. As a nurse, I feel that is very important.
Christian Luse
21:32 12 Feb 21
Great clinic and knowledgeable staff! Good facility with a wide variety of equipment for therapy. Elena is the best - she diagnosed my back injury during my free consultation and recommended an orthopedic physician to get a prescription for physical therapy since I don't have a PCP.
Helen Kurtin
00:56 07 Feb 21
The BEST people and EXPERT care. Thanks to them, I'm coming back stronger than ever!
Sara Chasnoff
14:21 04 Feb 21
The quality of treatment at SMTC is unrivaled. There are a lot of options there, from treating acute injuries, assisting with chronic pain, to offering fitness classes and personal training. I adore the staff. You could not find more knowledgeable yet down-to-earth personnel anywhere, and I have been to a lot of physical therapists.This is not your typical physical therapy center. They have a process here that lets you interact and talk to staff about anything as they treat you. When you come in, you get moist heat applied to the affected area. Then you are stretched by your physical therapist, giving you one-on-one time to address any issues or questions you may have. After that, you do a variety of exercises, get back on to the table for electrical stimulation, and are stretched a final time (which is not only therapeutic, but a total treat).Unlike all the other PT's I've been to, it isn't impersonal relationship where you get assessed, see your therapist a few times, and are sent home with a few exercises with no follow-up. You develop relationships with these people.They have adapted to the pandemic by placing patient tables over 6 feet apart, mandating masks at all times, and by placing hand-sanitizing stations and multiple disinfectant spray bottles placed around the center for patients to spray down equipment. SMTC is a small, locally-owned business, and I wouldn't go anywhere else. They do a fabulous job, and I'm lucky to have found them.
B Woz
04:04 05 Dec 20
I’ve been through several physical therapy sessions at several different facilities. This center tops them all. The staff is very knowledgeable, caring & friendly. The facility itself is clean & organized. The staff utilizes a team approach that allows you to get the maximum benefit from your workouts without wasting time. I’d recommend SMTC for anyone looking for a pleasant, effective PT experience.
Kathleen Mattis
22:35 30 Nov 20
If you are struggling with pain or weakness, run (or hobble!) to these guys, they are the best! You can get a free evaluation of your injury, and they will suggest all the different options for your treatment. Not only are they great for PT, but when you are ready to return to your sport or daily activities, they also have great coaches & personal training on staff, and a very positive, energetic atmosphere. Highly recommend!
Tom Richard
22:37 23 Nov 20
The staff is competent and well trained. The equipment is extensive and of quality, but could use a maintenance update. However, that's a minor complaint. As far a therapy goes, you can't beat the staff. Attentive and accurate.
TCL Property
22:42 21 Nov 20
By far the best physical therapy and sports training physicality in the St. Louis area. No other organization offers Sports Medicine and Trainings level of expertise, knowledge, experience and equipment. I worked with Scott to rehab my knee. His depth of knowledge and hands on experience was far beyond what I had experienced previously at 3 other PT centers. His relationships with the best orthopedics in the area provided me the confidence to chose the best procedure and doc to fix my knee.SMTC also is well know for their expertise in the dance community. My daughter and members of her studio have been help and transformed by Scott and Elena.I have referred many friends and family to SMTC, they too have glowing reviews and thank me for passing them on to Scott and his team.
Doris Smith
18:39 10 Nov 20
Over a period of 15 years and 3 injuries, I have counted on Scott Van Nest and the team at Sports Medicine and Training Center to get me back to my regular activities. I've had two Orthopedic surgeons tell me that Scott is the best physical therapist in the area. He is extremely knowledgeable about effective PT strategies. The entire team at SMTC is friendly and caring; they make your time there productive and fun. I highly recommend them!
PATTY BURMEISTER
20:23 09 Nov 20
Sports medicine and training is very professional, knowledgeable and friendly. Actual facility is very open and very clean with good equipment. It was very highly recommended to me and I would highly recommend it to anyone needing physical therapy.
Brad Wolf
15:42 30 Oct 20
Lenny Kaufmann
19:08 26 Oct 20
Very knowledgeable staff. Easy to work with.
Katie Wilson
17:28 23 Oct 20
Staff are all friendly and knowledgeable. They help you heal, push yourself just enough, and learn to keep yourself well in the long term. I'd definitely recommend.
Ken Parsley
14:36 23 Oct 20
I can't share enough good words about what Sports Medicine & Training Center - Crestwood means to our family, from the front receptionist personnel to the our personal Physical Therapist, Elena Rodriquez. With sports injuries and an unfortunate car accident, all requiring physical therapy, we were fortunate to have Elena as our PT. She was knowledgeable in how to approach each injury and how to assist in the healing process. Her diligence and intelligence helped our family get back on it's literal feet again. Thank you to this organization and to the gem you have in Elena. G'day!
Quoc Dang
10:20 22 Oct 20
David Hurley
14:12 20 Oct 20
George Kleine
22:07 16 Oct 20
SMTC has skilled physical therapists and exercise physiologists performing miracles with post operation recovery and injuries . They have an extensive array of equipment to aid in the process. Everyone there cares about your health and recovery. I highly recommend going to Sports Medicine and Training Center if you ever have the need of physical therapy
Gualtiero Piccinini
15:23 02 Jan 20
A competent, professional, caring operation. Scott van Nest (owner) is a great guy.
Lynn Barts
20:55 23 Oct 19
The BEST people EVER!!
John Flanigan
22:56 21 Aug 18
Professional, personal
Jill Stoll
16:26 16 Dec 17
I wouldn't trust my PT to anyone else! Always the best care.
NaTasha Brand
16:58 15 Aug 17
I loved this place! My old company had a deal with them and I loved Mike the trainer, there. He listened and they keep their gym really clean. I felt safe there and didn't worry about getting ringworm or dirty bathrooms. If you read any of my reviews, you know how important clean space is to me. They are amazing. USE THEM!
Tracy Hounsom
13:02 05 Apr 17
Richard Wagner
21:59 05 Feb 17
Great staff and facilities. Will get you back to healthy again.
