Is Knee Pain Keeping You From Living Fully?
You've tried rest, ice, and maybe even a few quick PT sessions at a busy clinic. But the pain keeps coming back, limiting your workouts, slowing you down on your runs, and making simple movements feel impossible.
Rushed Sessions Leave You Frustrated
You're shuffled in and out in 20 minutes, barely getting the attention your knee needs. The exercises feel generic, and no one's really listening to your concerns or explaining what's actually wrong.
Band-Aid Solutions Don't Last
Temporary relief isn't enough. You need someone who digs deeper to understand why your knee pain started in the first place—and how to fix it for good, not just manage symptoms week after week.
You're Worried It'll Never Get Better
Whether it's from an old meniscus tear, surgery recovery, or chronic overuse, you're starting to wonder if this is just your new normal. It doesn't have to be.
Welcome to a Different Kind of Physical Therapy
At The Manual Shop, we believe your knee pain deserves more than cookie-cutter exercises and rushed appointments. Our specialized manual therapy approach combines hands-on techniques, breathwork, and functional movement training to restore balance, mobility, and strength—so you can move pain-free again.
Founded in 2018 by Dr. Nick Torres ("The Manual Man"), we opened our doors because we were tired of seeing people underserved by "PT mills" that prioritize volume over results. Here, you get hour-long sessions, individualized assessments, and a team that's genuinely invested in your recovery.
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Hour-long, one-on-one treatment sessions (not 20-minute rotations)
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Root-cause solutions using functional manual therapy and breathwork
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Personalized care plans designed for your body and your goals
"I've been going to Dr. Nick for a little over a month and it's been such a great experience!! He's extremely knowledgeable about what he does and takes the time not only to listen, but to explain and help me understand what's going on. The exercises he provides truly address the root of my lingering knee pain after a meniscus tear and surgery years ago. Honestly, my favorite is when he brings out the skeleton to explain what's going on—as a visual learner, it makes so much sense when I can see it. I'm so glad I made the investment and 100% would recommend anyone in pain give Dr. Nick/The Manual Shop a try!! Thank you!!!!"
Hannah H.
How We Help You Move Pain-Free Again
Book Your Free Phone Consultation
We start with a no-pressure conversation to understand your knee pain, your history, and your goals. This helps us determine if we're the right fit for your recovery.
Get a Comprehensive Assessment
During your first visit, we spend a full hour evaluating your movement patterns, posture, and the root cause of your knee pain—not just where it hurts, but why it's happening.
Start Your Personalized Treatment Plan
Using advanced manual therapy techniques, breathwork, and functional exercises, we create a custom plan designed to eliminate pain, restore mobility, and get you back to doing what you love.
Knee Conditions We Treat in Astoria
Whether you're recovering from surgery, dealing with chronic pain, or struggling with a recent injury, our manual therapy approach addresses the underlying dysfunction—not just the symptoms. We've helped hundreds of active adults in Astoria get back to running, lifting, hiking, and living without limitations.
​Post-surgical knee rehabilitation (meniscus, ACL, joint replacement)
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Chronic knee pain and overuse injuries
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Patellofemoral pain syndrome (runner's knee)
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IT band syndrome and tracking issues
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Arthritis-related knee stiffness and limited mobility
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Post-injury recovery and movement restoration
Services
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Dr. Nick Torres, PT, DPT
Dr. Antonio, PT, DPT
Founder & Physical Therapist | "The Manual Man"
Dr. Nick Torres searches beyond traditional physical therapy for a deeper way to heal. His cornerstone beliefs—Learn, Teach, Love, Heal—guide every aspect of his practice. Nick's journey began when he met the Godfather of Manual Therapy and founder of Institute of Physical Art, Dr. Gregg Johnson. For the greater part of a year, Nick watched their every move, learning how to heal with precision and intention. He also worked side by side with Dr. Saltas, exploring and imbuing the full potential of breath and its impact on posture and pain in the human body. Dr. Torres believes that behind every intention, behind every manual technique, behind every exercise cue, there must be compassion and love to hold it up strong and true. He absolutely loves what he does, and it is because of that love that he has excelled in this field.
Physical Therapist
Dr. Antonio is an incredibly knowledgeable and professional physical therapist at The Manual Shop who specializes in personalized, effective treatment. He takes the time to explain everything clearly and tailors treatment to what each patient needs most. Known for his attention to detail and patient-centered approach, Dr. Antonio helps clients address concerns with their back, lower extremities, and overall functional movement. His expertise in manual therapy combined with his commitment to patient education ensures that clients not only recover but also learn valuable lessons they can apply in daily life for lasting improvement.
Melora
Physical Therapist & Functional Training Specialist
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Melora is a phenomenal physical therapist and functional training specialist at The Manual Shop who helps clients get stronger and stay pain-free. Known for her ability to customize every session based on where clients are physically at that time, Melora genuinely listens to feedback and makes modifications to ensure optimal results. Her approach combines expert manual therapy with functional strength training, helping clients build a better understanding of their body's strengths and weaknesses. Melora's consistent delivery of results and dedication to personalized care has made her a trusted partner for clients working toward their fitness and wellness goals.
"I've been going to Dr. Nick for a little over a month and it's been such a great experience!! He's extremely knowledgeable about what he does and takes the time not only to listen, but to explain and help me understand what's going on. The exercises he provides truly address the root of my lingering knee pain after a meniscus tear and surgery years ago. Honestly, my favorite is when he brings out the skeleton to explain what's going on—as a visual learner, it makes so much sense when I can see it. I'm so glad I made the investment and 100% would recommend anyone in pain give Dr. Nick/The Manual Shop a try!! Thank you!!!!"
Hannah H.
"Antonio is very knowledgeable and helpful in educating and working on my knee pain. He has also helped me with my wrist and knuckle pain which was a plus! Highly recommend!"
Tiffany Lin
"I originally started coming to The Manual Shop for knee pain, and it's been one of the most helpful decisions I've made. Since then, we've also been able to address several other long-standing issues I didn't even realize were connected. Their approach has given me a whole new perspective on how my body works, and the therapy has made a noticeable difference in how I feel day to day. The staff is incredibly kind, attentive, and knowledgeable. Highly recommend!"
Michelle Ponce
Visit The Manual Shop in Astoria
Address
Phone: +1 347-724-4120
Office: 21-75 Steinway St, Astoria, NY 11105
Located on Steinway Street in the heart of Astoria, Queens, just minutes from Long Island City, Sunnyside, and Jackson Heights. Easily accessible by the N, W, or R trains to Astoria Boulevard. Serving patients across Queens and the greater New York City area.
What makes The Manual Shop different from traditional physical therapy?
Unlike traditional PT clinics that rush you through 20-minute appointments with generic exercises, we offer hour-long, one-on-one sessions focused entirely on you. Our founder, Dr. Nick Torres, opened The Manual Shop in 2018 specifically to move away from the "PT mill" model that underserves patients. We use specialized functional manual therapy techniques—hands-on work combined with breathwork and postural training—to treat the root cause of your knee pain, not just mask the symptoms. You'll leave each session with a clear understanding of what's happening in your body and a personalized plan to get you moving pain-free again.
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How long are treatment sessions and what should I expect?
Your first visit includes a comprehensive 60-minute assessment where we evaluate your movement patterns, posture, joint mobility, and the underlying causes of your knee pain. Follow-up sessions are also a full hour, giving us time to perform hands-on manual therapy, guide you through functional exercises, and educate you on how to continue your progress at home. Every session is personalized to your body and your goals—whether that's getting back to running, lifting without pain, or simply walking your dog around the neighborhood. We also use tools like anatomical models (yes, we bring out the skeleton!) to help you visualize exactly what's going on.
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Do I need a referral to start treatment?
In New York, you have direct access to physical therapy, which means you don't need a doctor's referral to book your first appointment. However, we always recommend starting with a free phone consultation so we can discuss your knee pain, your history, and whether our approach is the right fit for you. If you have insurance, we'll also help you understand your coverage options. Our focus is on providing the highest quality care, and that starts with making sure we're aligned on your recovery goals from day one.
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Still Have Questions?
We're here to help. Reach out and let's talk about how we can support your recovery.