BE UNCOMMON

Metro Detroit's #1 Destination for Sports Physical Therapy

Are you a parent or athlete unsure of how to safely return to your sport?
Do you find yourself restricting activities due to fear of pain or discomfort?
Are you tired of taking pills that only masks the symptoms?
Have you received advice like "stop squatting" or "stop lifting," leaving you feeling stuck?
Have you ever been told "If it hurts, don't do it or that it's just old age?"
Has a healthcare professional mentioned you're "bone-on-bone," leaving you feeling uncertain about your options?
Have you undergone physical therapy without personalized attention, and still struggled to see improvement?

If you answered YES to any of these questions, click the link below to inquire about availability & learn how WE CAN HELP YOU!

"Empowering Athletes and Active Adults to Reclaim Their Performance and Thrive Without Limitations."

Ask About Availability & Pricing

We understand that some people want to find out a little more about the availability and pricing of physical therapy before booking an appointment. If you want to know about our availability, then just click the button below and complete the simple form.

Speak with a PT

If you have some questions that you would like answered first. We would be happy to talk with you so we can be 100% sure that we are a good fit. Just click the button below to request to speak to a Doctor of Physical Therapy.

Request an Appointment

Don't waste time and skip the line!

If you have already decided that you want us to help you prevent or recover from injury so that you can be fully present with your family, friends and community while optimizing performance click the button below.

What Makes Us Different?

Discover the Primal Advantage in Our 3-Step Process for SUPERIOR RESULTS:

1) Pinpoint the Source: Uncover the root cause of your pain, ensuring you understand the "why" behind it.

2) Tailored Treatment Plan: Receive a specific plan to tackle the problem, coupled with hands-on techniques to accelerate healing.

3) Empower for Long-Term Success: Equip yourself with a blueprint for sustained success and the knowledge to keep moving optimally.

Our Advantages

1-on-1 Personalized Treatment

You will receive a full individualized treatment each visit performed by a licensed physical therapist. You will have 60 minutes with your physical therapist. You will never be treated by a rehab aid or assistant

Accessibility: 24 Hour Response Time

We are fully committed to helping you reach your goals and that means that during your visits and in between visits you will have direct access to your physical therapist if you have any questions.

Holistic Care: You Are More Than Your Injury

At Primal Recovery PT & Performance we treat the body as a whole. Through our experience and training we know that pain and dysfunction often occurs in more than one area. We identify and target all of the areas of concern.

Cost Transparency: You Will Never Receive A Mystery Bill Months After Your Care

Many physical therapy clinics will send out a bill months after you have completed your care. With Primal Recovery PT & Performance you will never be surprised by a bill you were not anticipating.

Relatability: We Understand The Importance Of Being Present In Your Life & Sports

We love to be active too. We have all been told to simply stop doing what we are doing because of pain and have decided there has to be a better way. Our goal is to help you to continue to participate in the activities you love with the proper modifications to decrease injury and pain.

Transforming Lives: The Results-Driven Approach

At Primal Recovery PT & Performance, our mission is simple: to elevate your performance and restore your vitality beyond previous limitations. Through personalized treatment plans and a commitment to excellence, we deliver results that speak for themselves. Whether you're an athlete striving to excel on the field or an active adult reclaiming your passion for movement, we're here to guide you every step of the way. Experience the difference with Primal Recovery, where success isn't just a goal – it's a guarantee

WHAT WE TREAT

Physical Therapy

At Primal Recovery PT & Performance, we redefine the standard of care with our one-on-one physical therapy approach. Recognizing the importance of individualized attention, our skilled therapists work closely with each client to create personalized treatment plans. We prioritize quality over quantity, ensuring that every session is dedicated to your unique needs and goals. This intimate and focused approach allows us to delve into the root of issues, provide targeted interventions, and monitor progress more closely. Whether recovering from an injury or aiming to enhance overall performance, our commitment to one-on-one care ensures a comprehensive, attentive, and results-driven experience for every individual we serve.

Soccer Rehab & Performance Training

Primal Recovery PT & Performance is your dedicated partner in soccer rehabilitation. Specializing in soccer-related injuries, we craft personalized programs to address specific challenges and accelerate recovery. Our expertise extends beyond recovery – we offer specialized training to enhance soccer performance, ensuring you not only return to the field but thrive at your best. Trust us for focused, effective soccer rehab tailored to your unique needs.

ACL Rehabilitation

Experience a tailored and comprehensive journey to recovery with our one-on-one ACL rehabilitation at Primal Recovery PT & Performance. Our specialized approach to ACL rehab goes beyond generic protocols, focusing on your unique biomechanics and recovery goals. Our skilled therapists work closely with you, providing personalized exercises, targeted interventions, and ongoing support throughout the rehabilitation process. We understand the intricacies of ACL injuries and are dedicated to helping you regain strength, stability, and confidence. Trust us for individualized attention and a meticulous approach to ACL rehab that ensures you not only recover but come back stronger than ever.

Sport Injuries

Our team specializes in:

Foot & Ankle Injuries: Achilles tendinopathy, lateral ankle sprains, posterior tibial tendinopathy.
Knee Injuries: Quadriceps tendinopathy, patellar tendinopathy, meniscal tears.
Hip Injuries: Femoral acetabular impingement syndrome, adductor strains, hamstring strains.
Shoulder Injuries: Rotator cuff tendinopathy, biceps tendinopathy, SLAP lesions.
Elbow Injuries: Triceps tendinopathy, little leaguers elbow, UCL sprain.

Post-Operative

Our team specializes in:

Knee Surgeries: ACL reconstruction, Meniscus repairs, MPFL
reconstruction, PCL tears.

Hip Surgeries: labral repairs, femoralplasty, capsular plication.
Shoulder Surgeries: rotator cuff repairs, SLAP repairs, biceps tenodesis, acromioplasty.
Elbow Surgeries: UCL Reconstruction (Tommy John).

Ankle Surgeries: Lateral ankle reconstruction, Achilles Repairs.

Manual Therapy

Our team provides:

Joint Mobilizations

Soft tissue mobilization

Spinal Manipulation

Cupping

Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization

MEET DOCTOR ZACK!

Dr. Zack Atwood PT, DPT, C-PS, FRCms

Founder of Primal Recovery PT & Performance

Zack is driven by a lifelong passion for physical health and wellness, rooted in his love of sports and relentless pursuit of excellence in physical therapy.

Zack's journey began with a Bachelor of Science degree in Kinesiology, specializing in Exercise Science, earned at Wayne State University in Detroit, Michigan. Prior to transferring to Wayne State, he showcased his athletic prowess during two years at the University of Detroit Mercy, where he excelled as a collegiate soccer player. It was his personal experience with injuries that sparked his curiosity in strength and conditioning, as well as rehabilitation.

To deepen his understanding of physical therapy, Zack pursued and achieved his Doctorate in Physical Therapy at Wayne State University. His pursuit of excellence led him to a pivotal moment during a sports medicine clinical rotation at Champion PT & Performance in Boston, Massachusetts, where he trained under world-renowned sports physical therapists, refining his skills in overhead athlete and ACL rehabilitation.

With a passion for sports and fitness at the heart of his journey, Zack has extensive experience working with athletes of all ages, from youth to the professional level. He understands the unique challenges and aspirations of active individuals and aims to help them return to their activities without pain or limitation.

Zack firmly believes in a holistic approach to physical therapy, focusing on identifying and treating the root causes of physical challenges. This ensures that every aspect of a patient's health and well-being is considered when developing a personalized care plan.

Driven by his commitment to elevate the standards of physical therapy and sports performance, Zack founded Primal Recovery PT & Performance. At Primal Recovery, the mission is to deliver unparalleled results through individualized care, empowering patients to rediscover their passion for an active life.

On a more personal note, Zack is happily engaged to Paige, who is also a physical therapist specializing in pediatrics. They first met in PT school and have been inseparable ever since. Together, they share their home with their beautiful Australian Shepherd, Stella. Outside of work, Zack and Paige love to travel, hike, and discover good eats and drinks. Whether it's exploring new trails, trying out local cuisines, or sipping on craft cocktails, they're always up for an adventure together.

Welcome to Primal Recovery PT & Performance, where Zack and his team are dedicated to helping you get back to doing what you love, pain-free and without limitations, and assisting athletes in their journey back to sport.

THE PRIMAL RECOVERY DIFFERENCE

We're dedicated to optimizing your physical potential, whether you're a high school athlete, an active adult, or a professional athlete.

We are proud to have served and continue to serve athlete's in the following organizations:

FAQs

What is Fee-for-Service Physical Therapy at Primal Recovery PT & Performance?

At Primal Recovery PT & Performance, we prioritize optimal care for every patient by operating on a fee-for-service basis. This means we do not accept insurance, allowing our therapists to ensure each patient receives dedicated attention and comprehensive care at every appointment. While we do not directly accept insurance, most insurance companies offer reimbursement for "out of network" services. You can also use your HSA or FSA to cover the cost of services. This approach ensures full transparency, with no surprise bills arriving in the mail months later.

Won't I Spend More Than Going to Traditional PT?

Fee-for-service physical therapy has proven to be both more efficient and cost-effective compared to traditional PT models. Unlike the traditional model, which often involves lengthy wait times for primary care appointments, meeting deductibles, paying co-pays, and receiving subsequent bills, our approach guarantees 1-on-1 care with the same PT for your full hour appointment, every time. This streamlined process not only saves you time and money but also ensures faster recovery and a quicker return to doing what you love!

How Do I Get Reimbursed From My Insurance Company?

The reimbursement process is simple and depends on your insurance policy. Your therapist will provide you with an invoice at the time of service, which you can submit to your insurance company for potential reimbursement. This invoice contains all necessary information required for reimbursement, and you can submit it after each visit, once per month, or at any other interval specified by your insurance plan. Depending on your policy, your insurance will then pay you directly. For added convenience, consider using the REIMBURSIFY app for an effortless reimbursement experience.

Do I Need a Doctor’s Referral?

No, a doctor's referral is not required for cash-based physical therapy at Primal Recovery PT & Performance. This eliminates the need for scheduling appointments with your primary care provider, saving you both time and money. Rest assured, our therapists are trained to identify any issues that may require further medical attention and will assist you accordingly.

What is Your New Patient Procedure?

As a new patient, your initial appointment will be a comprehensive evaluation lasting one hour. During this session, your therapist will assess your current impairments, conduct a movement screen to identify any dysfunctions, and begin treatment to alleviate your pain. Following the evaluation, your therapist will create a personalized plan of care, outlining the necessary follow-up sessions to address the root cause of your pain and prevent its recurrence.

Look Below To See What Our Clients Say!

★★★★★

"I have been working with Zack for 5 years now during my time in the NFL. He is very knowledgeable about how to keep players healthy as well as rehabbing injuries. He uses functional movement techniques specific to your sport. Zack truly listens to the athlete to create the best plan possible for them. Not only that but he works his butt off day and day out to be the best physical therapist in the country!"

- Austin Bryant

★★★★★

"When I tore my ACL while skiing, I was incredibly overwhelmed with what would happen next, although I knew the importance of finding the right physical therapist to guide me through the journey. Unfortunately, however, I spent the first 8 weeks of my post-op experience with a therapist not well-versed in the nuisances of ACL care and progress for extension was very slow. Thankfully at week 8, I started physical therapy with Dr. Zack, who completely changed my course of treatment for the better. After just a few sessions, I saw consistent progress, was walking without a limp and had better mobility. I’m now at 4 months post-op and making consistent progress. Dr. Zack is an exceptional physical therapist who provides excellent and compassionate care. Not only does he have incredible passion for helping his clients, but he is knowledgeable, supportive and engaged throughout the process. Dr. Zack takes personal interest in my recovery and has helped me work through the physical, mental and emotional barriers that accompany an ACL injury. Most importantly, Dr. Zack helped me to keep my focus on my own timeline as well as encouraged me through the journey. If you are pre or post-ACL surgery, Dr. Zack at Primal Recovery PT & Performance is your guy to help you through it!"

- Lexy Barman

★★★★★

"Zack has been awesome helping me rehab my ankle sprain! His soccer-specific techniques were truly exceptional. Tailoring the rehab process to focus on soccer-related movements made a significant difference in my recovery. The personalized approach and take home programs not only accelerated my healing but also improved my overall performance on the field. Grateful for his expertise and dedication to his clients."

- Jordyn Listro

★★★★★

"Zack is extremely knowledgable and was so helpful in my recovery and prevention of my minor soft tissue and joint issues over the off-season. He was very flexible and understanding in my schedule and finding times to get sessions in. He consistently checked in to see how things were going. I would highly recommend Zack to anyone, especially in the soccer area, who is looking for assistance."

- Izzy Rodriguez

★★★★★

"I was dealing with a knee issue while beginning off-season training. A friend recommended I look into Primal Recovery PT & Performance for rehab. Within 2 weeks of working with Zack, I was able to get back to full speed without limitations. Would recommend working with Zack to any athlete dealing with an injury."

- Anthony Bowie

★★★★★

"Zack has absolutely changed my body. He actually focuses on fixing the problem rather than just putting a bandaid on it. I have been dealing with hamstring issues for over 8 years, and after working with Zack for just 2 months my hamstrings are stronger than ever and I no longer feel pain in them. He has taught me how to fire all of my muscles in the proper way. I’m going into my 5th year as a professional soccer player in the NWSL, and I have never felt more confident in my muscles and my body. Thank you will never be enough!!!"

- Courtney Peterson

★★★★★

"After tearing my ACL, I thought my soccer dreams were shattered. But thanks to Dr. Zack's unwavering dedication, expertise, and a dash of magic, I not only made a full recovery but also had the BEST season of my life! His personalized rehabilitation program was a game plan tailored to my needs, pushing me beyond my limits while ensuring safety. Dr. Zack's encouragement and support were my fuel every step of the way. I not only regained my strength but also my confidence. I stepped back onto the field with renewed vigor, and the results spoke for themselves. This season, I've achieved things I never thought possible – all thanks to Dr. Zack and the incredible team at Primal Recovery PT & Performance! If you're looking to bounce back stronger than ever after ACL reconstruction surgery, this is the place to be. Dr. Zack, you're a miracle worker, and I'm forever grateful for your expertise and support!"

- Jessica Hernandez

★★★★★

"I was lucky enough to work with Zack following my 3rd and 4th hip surgery. After having to undergo double hip surgery another time, finding the best PT was super important. Zack is extremely passionate about what he does and he is a major reason why I was able to continue my Hockey career. Zack has had a lot of prior experienc with athletes, especialy hockey goalies, so I felt confident in his ability to get me back to 100%. He consistently pushed me to my max, while also reminding me not to push myself too hard, something that is often misunderstood by athletes. The hockey season after working with Zack was the first time in almost 7 years I played without pain. I am forever grateful for my time with Zack!"

- Kayley Doyle

★★★★★

"I am an avid recreational athlete. I highly recommend Zack if you're looking for a physical therapist who will go above and beyond for your PT, using the most innovative techniques. After my knee injury, prior to surgery and during my ACL/meniscus reconstruction recovery, he did everything he could to help me succeed. I gained the confidence throughout our sessions as we worked together towards my goal of getting back on the slopes. I really appreciated how Zack took the time to get to know me and my goals for PT, he answered all my questions, explained the benefit of every exercise, and kept adding new exercises to challenge my leg and support my progress. I am happy to say I have returned to playing the sports I love. I would definitely recommend going to him for ACL rehab or any other injury!! He is extremely knowledgeable and has great work ethic."

- Amanda Lobley

★★★★★

"In December 2021, I was devastated to learn I had torn my ACL and MCL in a skiing accident in New York. Following surgery, I was assigned to Zack as my physical therapist. He took the time to understand my goals for recovery, including distance hiking, biking, and running then customized my plan around these activities. After spending 1-2 days a week with Zack for the 9 months of recovery, I felt stronger than I had prior to the accident. Upon, discharge, Zack developed a continuing strength plan that allowed me to not only get back to my baseline, but exceed it. Last week I was able to run 10 miles at a 7:45 min pace, something I haven't been able to do since my early 20's. Without Zack's diligence, education, and positive attitude, I don't believe I would be doing as well as I am today!"

- Steven Welsh

★★★★★

"Having Zack as a resource has been one of the most beneficial things for my training. I used to be hindered by the aches and pains that would come up through rigorous training or during the season. But, Zack helped me figure out how to get my body feeling the best that it can through his innovative methods on how the body can be taken care of better. Zack is always up to date on the latest developments and research of body functionality. He is very passionate about what he does and I have been lucky that he has opened the doors for me to see that I can prevent injuries and feel better than ever have before while playing my sport."

- Robbie Beydoun

★★★★★

"Kinstretch and the mobility work through coach Zack's programs have enabled me to push my body to new limits. It's a joy to wake up every morning without nagging pain or things that limit me from training to the fullest extent. I feel stronger, more flexible, and healthy with a full range of motion every day when I wake up. It's a pleasure being able to rely on his programs to make sure I keep my body at its peak form in order to perform at my highest levels in life. I can't say enough about what Zack has done for me."

- Kyle Keyser

★★★★★

"Kinstretch with Zack is the perfect blend of strength training along with a shared insight into a system that teaches everyone who tunes in so much about our bodies and the things that we have in our control, all the way down to our nervous system! Zack is wonderful at making his programs accessible to all experience levels and all different age groups. If you find yourself struggling in certain positions, Zack is great at modifying for each individual. From athletes to working moms, to your grandparents, and everyone in between, you will inevitably leave working with Zack having gained knowledge into your body and hopefully some ideas as to how to incorporate some aspects of this practice into your daily life!"

- Luca DiPasquo