Services

Comprehensive Physical Therapy Services in Putnam CT

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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:

Corrective Phase

Address pain and dysfunction through manual therapy, needling, and manipulation.

Strength Phase

Implement individualized strength programming to build resilience.

Performance Phase

Transition into long-term performance coaching, community support, and comprehensive wellness strategies.

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

Advanced Training in Army Special Operations

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.

Ready to Begin Your Recovery?

At First In Osteopractic Wellness, we don’t just treat injuries—we optimize your entire physical potential. Contact us today to schedule your first appointment and experience physical therapy designed to keep you off the sidelines and in the game.

Call (860) 317-2010 or email Jnykiel@firstinosteopracticwellness.com to get started.