Why One-on-One Physical Therapy Is Essential for Long-Term Recovery

Hello, my name is Man Trinh, and I’m the newest Doctor of Physical Therapy at The Manual Shop. Like many of the patients who walk through our doors, I’ve experienced the frustration and hardship of living with chronic pain. But I want to reassure you—there is a path to healing. You just need the right treatment approach tailored to your unique body and needs.

My Journey from Patient to Provider

I’ve always been an active person. I grew up playing sports and spending time outdoors—movement was my identity. But in high school, I fractured the 5th toe on my foot. After a re-fracture and corrective surgery, my recovery dragged on for months. I was in a walking boot far longer than expected, and over time, I developed compensation patterns that caused pain throughout my entire body—even years after the initial injury.

For a long time, I felt like a shell of my former self. My peers were out living life, and I was sidelined, struggling with discomfort, sleepless nights, and a sense of hopelessness.

Chronic pain doesn’t just affect your body—it impacts your mood, your energy, your identity. And the traditional, insurance-driven physical therapy model just wasn’t helping. I was being seen for only 10–15 minutes by a therapist before being passed off to an aide. The care felt rushed, impersonal, and ineffective.

The Turning Point

Everything changed when I sought care outside of the conventional system. I decided to invest in out-of-network, one-on-one therapy, where I could get the attention and personalized care I needed. That’s when I met Dr. Nick Torres, the owner of The Manual Shop.

Dr. Nick spent a full hour with me each session. He took the time to understand my body and my pain, explained what was happening, and developed a strategic, hands-on treatment plan that addressed the root causes of my issues—not just the symptoms. The results were transformative. Now, as I approach 30, I feel better than I ever have.

From Healing to Helping

This experience ignited a passion for movement science and patient care. I was so inspired that I decided to pursue a career in physical therapy. Under Dr. Nick’s mentorship, I deepened my understanding of biomechanics, manual therapy, and neuromuscular re-education.

A few years later, Dr. Nick offered me a position here at The Manual Shop—and I’m incredibly proud to now be part of this team.

Why One-on-One Therapy Matters

At The Manual Shop, we believe in treating people, not protocols. Our model is centered on one-on-one, hour-long sessions with a licensed Doctor of Physical Therapy. This approach gives us the time and flexibility to:

• Perform thorough evaluations

• Provide hands-on manual therapy

• Develop personalized exercise programs

• Educate and empower you with tools to stay healthy long-term

We don’t do cookie-cutter care. We take the time to identify the root causes of your pain and movement issues and guide you every step of the way back to the life you want to live.

I’m thrilled to be here, and I look forward to helping you restore your movement, eliminate pain, and reclaim the quality of life you deserve.