You Shouldn't Have to Live With Back Pain
Stuck in the Pain Cycle
You've tried ice, heat, stretching, and rest—but the pain keeps coming back. Every time you think you're getting better, one wrong move sets you back to square one.
Frustrated with "PT Mills"
You've been to clinics where you're rushed through 30-minute sessions, handed a generic exercise sheet, and left wondering if anyone really understands your pain.
Missing Out on Life
Back pain is keeping you from working out, playing with your kids, or even sitting at your desk comfortably. You're ready for real solutions, not temporary fixes.
The Manual Shop Difference: Root-Cause Care That Actually Works
We're not a "PT mill." Every session at The Manual Shop is personalized, hands-on, and designed to get you lasting results. Our approach combines functional manual therapy, breath work, and postural restoration to heal your body—not just mask your symptoms.
✓ Extended session times (not rushed 30-minute appointments)
✓ Individualized assessment and treatment plans
✓ Hands-on manual techniques to address the root cause
✓ Expert therapists trained in advanced functional manual therapy
"I have been battling back pain and other associated issues for over 10 years. After years of frustrated shuttling between physical therapists who would only see me for 30 minutes and prescribe a routine set of exercises and perhaps massages/electric or heat stimulation, I'd almost given up on PT altogether. Working with Nick has been the complete opposite experience. He listens, and he sees. He isn't treating just one isolated part of the body but has an innate understanding of how things align together. If you're looking for someone who will work with you to sort out and treat long-term issues, there's nobody better."
Yi-Ling Tan
How We Help You Heal From Back Pain
Comprehensive Assessment
We start with a thorough evaluation to understand your pain, movement patterns, and what's really causing your discomfort. No cookie-cutter approaches—just personalized care.
Hands-On Manual Therapy
Using advanced functional manual therapy techniques, we address the root cause of your back pain—releasing tension, restoring alignment, and improving mobility with precision and intention.
Long-Term Wellness Plan
We don't just fix the problem and send you on your way. You'll learn exercises, breathing techniques, and postural strategies to stay pain-free and prevent future flare-ups.
We Treat More Than Just Back Pain
While back pain is our specialty, we use a holistic approach to address the full picture of your health. Whether you're dealing with chronic pain, post-surgical recovery, or postural issues, we treat your body as a connected system.
✓ Chronic lower back pain and sciatica
✓ Upper back and shoulder tension
✓ Post-surgical rehabilitation (knee, hip, spine)
✓ Neck pain, headaches, and jaw pain (TMJ)
✓ Postural dysfunction from desk work
✓ Sports injuries and athletic performance
Hear From Our Patients
Matthew Alvo
Mark Weiss
Founder & Physical Therapist | "The Manual Man"
"I have been seeing Dr. Nick regularly for over 6 years. I started seeing him for some back pain and after it cleared up with his help and guidance I continued to see him for regular maintenance. Dr. Nick helps contribute to my overall wellness—sitting at a desk, working out, stress from life all impact the body and I seek the expertise of the Manual Shop to help me gain the tools I need to help be at my best and pain free. Would recommend the team to anyone who hasn't found a solution to their physical issues to check them out. Also, everyone is super fun and nice to top it off can't lose!"
"I came to the Manual Shop and Dr. Antonio Colletti with ailments that were all on my left side—replaced knee, hip bursitis and arthritis, shoulder and back pain. I visited orthopedists who would only consider one issue at a time with little regard to how these problems may be connected. I am grateful for Dr. Antonio, who has helped me tremendously working in a holistic way to treat each ailment individually as well as my body's function as a whole connected unit. He's knowledgeable, skillful, thorough, and good guy. He has helped me feel and function so much better."
Dora Plestina
"Nick is one of the most knowledgeable PTs I have ever met (and I'm a former athlete). He has helped me tremendously over the years with my back pain, and what I truly appreciate about him is his dedication to educating me on lifestyle choices that support my condition. He's a wealth of knowledge, and I trust him completely—especially when I'm in debilitating pain—knowing he can provide the relief I need."
Dr. Nick Torres, DPT – Founder & Physical Therapist
As a physical therapist, Nick is dedicated to the principles of Learn, Teach, Love, and Heal. By combining breath, touch, and a relentless pursuit of knowledge, he strives to provide holistic care that truly transforms lives. Embracing his role as "The Manual Man," Nick is committed to continuous learning, sharing insights, approaching each patient with compassion, and utilizing his expertise to restore wellness and improve quality of life.
Dr. Antonio Colletti, PT – Physical Therapist
As a physical therapist, Antonio is committed to embracing and embodying the values of Learn, Teach, Love, and Heal. His love for adventure reflects his commitment to continuous learning and self-discovery. Antonio brings this same curiosity and passion into his work, always seeking to expand his knowledge of the human body and to teach others about wellness. Through every treatment, his goal is to not only heal but also to inspire a deeper understanding of health and well-being.
Man – Physical Therapist
As a physical therapist, Man is committed to the principles of Learn, Teach, Love, and Heal in every aspect of care. His journey into this field began with his own struggles with chronic pain, which sparked a deep curiosity about the human body and a lifelong passion for learning. Through continued education and mentorship during his clinical rotation at The Manual Shop, he's shaped a holistic approach to treatment—one that looks beyond isolated symptoms to restore balance and long-term function. Man is driven to empower his patients by sharing knowledge and providing personalized care rooted in compassion and trust.
Melora – Functional Trainer
As a functional trainer, Melora's passion is to empower individuals to realize their full potential. She is deeply committed to the principles of Learn, Teach, Love, and Heal in her approach. By prioritizing skill development and continual learning in her programs, she guides her clients toward achieving feats they never imagined possible. Witnessing their growth fills her with a profound sense of fulfillment, as she believes that through proper support, we can heal both the body and the spirit.
Visit The Manual Shop in Astoria
Address
Phone: +1 347-724-4120
Office: 21-75 Steinway St, Astoria, NY 11105
We're located on Steinway Street in the heart of Astoria—just minutes from Long Island City, Sunnyside, and Woodside. Whether you're coming from Manhattan or deeper into Queens, we're easy to reach and conveniently located near Steinway Street subway station (R/M trains).
How is The Manual Shop different from other physical therapy clinics?
Unlike "PT mills" that rush you through 30-minute sessions with generic exercises, we provide extended, individualized treatment sessions. Every patient receives hands-on manual therapy tailored to their specific needs. Our therapists use advanced functional manual therapy techniques, breath work, and postural restoration to address the root cause of your pain—not just the symptoms. We're committed to continuous education and staying at the forefront of physical therapy innovation.
Do you accept insurance?
We are an out-of-network provider, which allows us to offer longer session times and truly personalized care without insurance company restrictions. Many of our patients find that their out-of-network benefits cover a significant portion of the cost. We provide superbills that you can submit to your insurance for reimbursement. We also offer package pricing to make care more affordable.
How long will it take to see results?
Every patient is different, but many of our patients experience significant relief after just a few sessions. Because we address the root cause of your pain rather than just treating symptoms, our goal is to get you lasting results—not temporary fixes. During your initial evaluation, we'll discuss your specific condition and give you a realistic timeline for recovery
Still have questions?
We're here to help. Reach out to schedule your free phone consultation and learn how we can help you get back to doing what you love.