Meriden/Wallingford
816 Broad St Meriden CT 06450
Phone: (203) 238-1334
Fax: (203) 238-1351
Email: support@carlsonprocare.com
Physical Therapy in Meriden & Wallingford
Our Physical Therapy practice places patients first. Our passion is to help them reduce pain or discomfort quickly through a hands-on approach that assesses and treats physical conditions that affect muscles and nerves.
Physical Therapy in Meriden & Wallingford, CT: Feel Stronger. Recover Smarter.
Dealing With Pain, Injury, or Feeling Off Balance?
Whether you’re recovering from surgery, battling daily neck tension, or just trying to keep up with your job or family—it’s tough when your body isn’t working the way it should. And if you’re searching for real, lasting relief in Meriden or Wallingford, you deserve more than a rushed visit or a generic exercise sheet.
At Carlson ProCare, we provide personalized physical therapy in Meriden and Wallingford, CT that gets to the root of your pain and helps you take back control of your body and your life.
Why Physical Therapy Should Be Your First Step
You weren’t meant to live with pain. You were designed to move.
But pain isn’t just about sore muscles—it’s often a sign of underlying dysfunction. That’s why our job as physical therapists isn’t just to make you feel better for now. It’s to identify the root of the issue, retrain your body to move properly, and create long-term change.
Whether you’re dealing with joint stiffness, post-surgical swelling, or dizziness that won’t go away, physical therapy can help you heal faster, move more freely, and avoid setbacks down the road.
Common Causes of Pain and Movement Problems in Meriden & Wallingford
We see a wide range of patients from both communities—athletes, post-op patients, working professionals, and active retirees—each dealing with different challenges. Here are the most common issues we treat:
Injuries from sports or daily activity – Whether it’s a sprained ankle from playing pickup soccer at Pragemann Park or a pulled muscle from overdoing it at the YMCA in Meriden, injuries can derail your routines and impact performance. Learn more about how we treat sports injuries
Post-operative recovery – Surgery may fix the structural problem, but recovery isn’t over when the stitches come out. Our post-op physical therapy helps rebuild strength, restore range of motion, and reduce scar tissue.
Neck pain and tension – Long commutes down Route 5 or long hours on a laptop can lead to chronic neck tightness and headaches. We help relieve symptoms and prevent them from coming back. Explore neck pain relief
Vestibular and balance disorders – Feeling unsteady at work or dizzy while grocery shopping in Wallingford Center isn’t something to ignore. Our vestibular therapy retrains your system and restores your confidence.
Chronic pain and compensations – Old injuries, inactivity, or poor movement habits can gradually change how you walk, move, and feel. That leads to more tension, more fatigue, and greater injury risk over time.
Should You Wait It Out or Get Checked Out?
Most of us assume discomfort will pass if we give it time. And sometimes, it does.
But if you’re feeling pain, weakness, or instability for more than a few days—or it keeps coming back—it’s time to get it checked.
Red Flags You Shouldn’t Ignore:
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Pain that’s getting worse or spreading
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Weakness or difficulty moving a joint
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Lingering swelling post-surgery
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Trouble balancing, walking, or turning your head without dizziness
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Recurring stiffness in the morning or after activity
These symptoms don’t mean something is seriously wrong—but they are your body’s way of asking for help. We’re here to listen and guide you toward answers.
Our Treatment Approach: Focused, Functional, and Forward-Thinking
We don’t believe in cookie-cutter programs or quick fixes. When you walk into Carlson ProCare, we take time to understand your condition, your goals, and your day-to-day challenges.
Then we get to work—with hands-on treatment, movement analysis, education, and a plan you can follow. Everything is one-on-one and customized to you.
Our care includes:
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Manual therapy and mobility work
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Strengthening programs tailored to your level and goals
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Neuromuscular re-education to improve movement quality
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Home exercises that support your in-clinic progress
No fluff. No wasted time. Just a direct path toward getting stronger, moving better, and feeling more like yourself.
Prevention Is Power
If you live in the Meriden or Wallingford area and aren’t currently injured—great. But if you’ve had a few close calls with falls, or notice certain movements are getting harder, now is the perfect time to act.
Physical therapy helps you:
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Avoid injury before it starts
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Build the strength and mobility to stay independent
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Improve balance, flexibility, and joint health
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Prepare for future activity or surgery
Think of it as smart insurance for your health.
Local Roots, Local Care
At Carlson ProCare, we know central Connecticut because we’re a part of it. We serve patients who:
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Commute to New Haven or Hartford from Meriden or Wallingford
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Work in healthcare, manufacturing, or education across Middlesex and New Haven Counties
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Stay active at Choate fields, Giuffrida Park, or the Quinnipiac Linear Trail
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Shop, eat, and live their lives right here in the communities we serve
We understand how your local lifestyle affects your body—and we tailor treatment accordingly. Whether you’re navigating slippery sidewalks downtown or carrying groceries across the parking lot at Stop & Shop, we make sure your body is ready to keep up.
Ready to Start Healing? Let’s Talk
You don’t have to keep powering through pain or hoping the next day feels better.
Our licensed physical therapists are ready to help you recover, move better, and stay active—with personalized care that actually works. Whether you’re in Meriden, Wallingford, or the surrounding areas, Carlson ProCare is here for you.
Start your journey with Physical Therapy in Connecticut today. We make it easy to schedule and even easier to stick with your plan.
About Carlson ProCare
Carlson ProCare provides expert physical therapy in Connecticut, proudly serving patients from Meriden, Wallingford, and beyond. We specialize in orthopedic rehab, post-op care, vestibular therapy, and more—all delivered one-on-one with real results. Our mission is simple: help people move better, feel stronger, and get back to what they love.
Directions to Meriden/Wallingford
425a S. Broad
Street Meriden 06450
Phone: (203) 238-1334
Fax: (203) 238-1351
Email: support@carlsonprocare.com
Success Stories & Testimonials
Meet Our Team
Dr. Ashley Watts
PT, DPT
Physical Therapist
Kevin L. Rafferty
PT
Physical Therapist & Clinic Director
Nicholas Carrol
PTA
Physical Therapy Assistant
Services
Acupuncture
Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese practice that involves the insertion of thin needles into specific points on the body. It has been used for thousands of years to treat a wide range of conditions..
Dry Needling
Dry Needling is a treatment technique often used by physical therapists to relieve pain. It requires using a sterile acupuncture needle that is inserted through the skin into muscles, tendons..
Hydrotherapy
Hydrotherapy, also known as aquatic therapy, is a form of physical therapy that is performed in water. The buoyancy and resistance of the water provide a unique environment that is ideal..
Massage Therapy
Massage is a soft tissue technique that increases blood and lymph circulation throughout the body and is a general term for rubbing, pressing and manipulating your ligaments, tendons..
Physical Therapy
Physical therapy is a great first-line treatment for most muscle and joint problems. Clinically proven to reduce pain and dysfunction, physical therapy also saves you time and money too.
Postoperative Physical Therapy
Postoperative physical therapy is a crucial part of the healing process after surgery. It can help patients recover from their surgery faster and with fewer complications.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I expect during physical therapy sessions?
Physical therapy sessions typically involve an assessment of your condition, manual techniques to improve mobility and flexibility, individualized exercises and activities to help you reach your goals, education on how to prevent further injury or pain, and instruction on proper posture, body mechanics and other lifestyle changes.
Do I need a referral from my doctor before attending Physical Therapy?
The state of Connecticut is a direct access state, meaning no referral is required.
What do I need to wear or bring with me?
You should dress in comfortable, loose clothing that allows you to move easily and doesn’t restrict circulation. Depending on your condition, your physical therapist may also recommend special shoes or a brace. You should also bring any paperwork related to your medical history, including x-rays, ultrasounds, and doctor’s notes.
Is there anything I can do before my appointment to prepare?
Yes! Make sure you arrive for your session well-rested so that you can give it your full attention and energy. It is also helpful if you keep track of how much pain medication (if any) you take prior to the appointment so that the physical therapist can adjust the intensity of treatment accordingly.
How long will my physical therapy sessions last?
Sessions typically last 30-60 minutes depending on your condition and the types of techniques used. Your physical therapist will give you an estimate when you first arrive for your appointment.
Are there any exercises I can do at home between appointments to help improve my condition?
Yes! Your physical therapist may provide specific exercise recommendations for you to try in between visits, which will help speed up your recovery and progress faster toward reaching your goals. It’s important to follow these carefully and always check with your PT before starting a new exercise program if you have any questions or concerns.
What if I have questions after my physical therapy session?
Your physical therapist should be available to answer any questions or concerns you may have about your treatment plan before and after each visit. You can also contact the clinic directly for further assistance. We want you to get the most out of every session!
Will insurance cover my physical therapy?
It depends on your insurance plan. Most plans cover some or all of the costs associated with physical therapy, but you should check with your provider to determine coverage and any associated fees.
How often will I need to attend physical therapy sessions?
The frequency of visits will depend on your individual goals and condition, but typically it is recommended that patients attend 2-3 times per week for a minimum of 4-6 weeks in order to maximize results. Your therapist will provide more details during your initial appointment.
How long will it take for me to see results?
Every person’s situation is unique; therefore the amount of time needed to reach goals varies. With commitment and dedication from both you and your physical therapist, you can expect to start seeing results within a few weeks. The more positive lifestyle changes you make, the faster your progress will be!
Will my physical therapist be able to answer any questions I have about my condition?
Yes! Your physical therapist should be available to discuss any concerns or questions you have regarding your condition or treatment plan. Don’t hesitate to bring up any issues that may arise during the course of therapy.
What if I feel too much pain during a session?
If at any time during your physical therapy session you experience increased pain, it’s important to let your therapist know so they can adjust the intensity or technique as necessary. Your therapist will work with you to make sure that treatment is comfortable and effective for you
How will I know when I no longer need physical therapy?
Your physical therapist should be able to provide guidance on when it is appropriate to stop attending physical therapy sessions based on your progress, goals, and overall health status. It’s important to listen to your therapist and continue with treatment until they feel you are ready to move on.