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Is Your Back Pain Holding You Back?

You've been dealing with knee discomfort for weeks—maybe months. You've tried rest, ice, and generic stretches from YouTube, but nothing seems to stick. The pain keeps coming back, and now you're wondering if you'll ever get back to running, training, or even walking without that nagging ache.

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You've Tried Everything

You've rested, stretched, and popped ibuprofen—but the pain keeps coming back. Generic PT sessions aren't cutting it, and you're tired of cookie-cutter solutions.
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You're Losing Your Edge

Your training is suffering. You're skipping runs, modifying lifts, and watching others hit PRs while you're stuck on the sidelines wondering if you'll ever feel like yourself again.
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You Don't Know What's Wrong

Every PT gives you a different answer. You've been told it's "tight hamstrings" or "weak glutes," but no one's taken the time to truly understand your body and your goals.
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We Don't Just Treat Pain—We Build Performance

At MOTIVNY, we combine hands-on manual therapy with personalized strength training to get you back to the activities you love. Our approach goes beyond symptom relief—we address the root cause, optimize your movement, and empower you to stay pain-free for the long haul.

✓ 60-minute one-on-one sessions with expert physical therapists (not 30-minute mill appointments)
✓ Manual therapy techniques including Functional Range Release, joint manipulation, and soft tissue work
✓ Performance-focused recovery that integrates with your training, not against it

"After going to several PTs for a nagging herniated disk in my back and not seeing any progress, I was discouraged. But a friend recommended MOTIVNY, and my first session with James was worth more than all the PT I'd done so far combined. I went from not being able to run or lift without severe back pain to getting back to lifting pain-free and ultimately running in the NYC marathon. It would not have been possible without MOTIVNY."

Dan LaBruna

How We Get You Back to Moving Pain-Free

We don't just treat symptoms—we build athletes for the long term. Here's how we do it. 

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Comprehensive Assessment

We don't guess—we assess. Your therapist will evaluate your movement patterns, strength, and mobility to identify the root cause of your back pain and create a personalized treatment plan.
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Hands-On Treatment

Every session includes 60 minutes of focused manual therapy, guided exercise, and movement training. We work directly with your body to restore function and build resilience.
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Performance Optimization

Recovery doesn't end when pain stops. We'll help you return to running, lifting, and competing stronger than before—with a plan you can follow at home to prevent re-injury.

We Treat Back Pain at the Source

Whether you're dealing with a herniated disk, chronic low back pain, sciatica, or post-surgical rehab, our team has the expertise to help you recover and perform at your best.

✓ Herniated disks and bulging disks
✓ Chronic low back pain and sacroiliac joint dysfunction
✓ Sciatica and radiating leg pain
✓ Post-op spinal surgery rehab and ACL recovery
✓ Sports-related back injuries for runners, lifters, and CrossFit athletes

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"I have tried nearly every major PT group in NYC and I truly didn't see progress until I came to MOTIVNY. I am a highly active and athletic individual who has had a host of chronic issues (foot surgery, neuromas, hip dysplasia, hip labral tear, weird neck and low back pain) that made me feel unsafe in my body. Luke has (and continues) to arm me with tools that made me learn to trust my body and feel safe in my body so I can go after my athletic goals. I have done Hyrox twice, run multiple half marathons (another full one on deck), and have gotten stronger than I thought possible. Simply put, Luke keeps me in one piece. If you feel like you've tried everything and every PT and are feeling hopeless, call Motiv now and schedule your first appointment. I promise there is hope!"

Anjali Shah

"Motiv is the best place for runners in NYC! Specifically LOVE Jess for PT and her strength classes. She brought me back to life after a knee injury and has helped keep me healthy throughout numerous training blocks. Couldn't recommend her enough."

Katie Lynch

"I had been battling chronic knee and low back pain for years, and no PT could successfully help me alleviate these issues until I met the PT GOAT James Chung!! For anyone dealing with sports injuries, or just looking to improve their overall physical health, cannot recommend MOTIVNY enough!!"

Jeff Adler

Meet The team

Dr. Luke Greenberg

Doctor of Physical Therapy, Founder

Luke strives to tackle the questions that arise when achieving elite level performance. He's always thinking of the smartest way out of a problem, or the most effective and efficient way to improve athletes. With a combination approach of meticulous manual therapy, soft tissue techniques, and individually tailored exercise Luke gets the most out of athletes without any wasted effort. A nerd and an athlete, Luke has interest in blending technology and sport and considering all aspects of what makes us tick. Luke sees eye to eye with young professionals that expect the most from themselves and know that pushing themselves as an athlete will also push them in their careers. While he considers himself most passionate about basketball, Luke has experience and enjoys working with any athlete with a serious need to compete including triathletes, crossfitters, NFL players, professional baseball, golfers and more.

Dr. David Jou

Doctor of Physical Therapy, Founder

David's treatment approach is based on manual and movement-based methods, which have been successful in working with athletes of all levels to improve their performance and overall lifestyle. He is committed not only to helping his athletes achieve their personal records but also to ensuring the longevity of their athletic career. His approach is truly comprehensive and collaborative, taking into account every aspect of an athlete's life to provide the best possible care. He believes in balancing work, life, and sport, and this philosophy has shaped his practice's effectiveness. David has gained valuable insight through his experiences with road and trail racing, ultras, triathlons, crossfit, jiu-jistu, and tennis allowing him to connect to his patients on a deeper level.

Jess Hartnett

Doctor of Physical Therapy

Jess was born and raised in San Diego, California, and despite having lived in New York for the last 9 years, she still struggles with the lack of sun in the winter. She is a self-proclaimed adrenaline junkie, with weekend hobbies such as skydiving, snowboarding, and acroyoga. Since moving to the city, she has found the most connection in working with New York’s weekend warriors, the athletic urbanites that live sweaty, fast-paced lives like her own. Jess graduated with her Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Columbia University, and has since then become a Board Certifed Orthopedic Certified Specialist with a wide range of skills including being certified as an EXOS performance specialist, Functional Range Conditioning practitioner, Rocktape Advanced Practitioner, RKC certified Kettlebell Coach, and RunGait running analysis expert. Jess is currently training to run a 400 mile ultramarathon relay race, and loves comparing and analyzing running shoes with her clients.

JAMES CHUNG

Doctor of Physical Therapy

James is a Doctor of Physical Therapy with expertise in optimizing physical performance and preventing injury for athletes at all levels. He has worked with NFL, MLB, NHL, and MLS athletes and is skilled in Functional Range Conditioning and Release techniques. James believes in patient-centered care and collaborates with patients to develop personalized treatment plans. He is also a 7th-degree black belt in Taekwon-Do and trains in Olympic Weightlifting. With his impressive credentials and dedication to evidence-based practice, James is an excellent choice for anyone looking to achieve their physical performance goals or recover from an injury.

TYLER NIGHTINGALE

Doctor of Physical Therapy

Tyler is an experienced Physical Therapist with a focus on the running and triathlon communities, specializing in lower limb injuries, running analysis & optimization and injury screening & prevention. Having run competitively in college before continuing with triathlon, Tyler understands the perspective of the driven athlete balancing career and competition. Whether working with elites or amateurs, the approach is the same: identify the why of the injury and fix it. Manual therapy, movement (re)training, strength work and learning more about your body are integral parts of this treatment style. Never settling for the generic, Tyler is obsessed with the small details that can unlock your rehab or training program. Sessions may include conversation about travel and food, with recommendations always welcome.

MICHAEL AUTORE

Strength Coach

Having played football from his youth through college, Michael has spent years in the gym as an athlete and coach. He was first introduced to weightlifting as an early teen, and has worked with many styles of training since. Michael holds experience in various roles in coaching, management, sales, and membership. He joined the MOTIVNY team in 2019, and is available for one-on-one training (both virtual and in-person), as well as Kinstretch and Kettlebell classes. When teaching or coaching, you can find Michael dancing around to one of his playlists or cracking jokes. He creates a fun, yet challenging environment and invites others to join along. Certifications include FRCms, FRA, Kinstretch, and SFG2.

JP LEMIRE

Strength Coach

JP has worked as a coach in NYC for the last 5 years in NYC while connecting traditional strength and conditioning principles with the various movement disciplines trained as a dancing artist. He studied dance performance and composition at SUNY Purchase while working alongside the Merce Cunningham Trust in his freelance career in NYC. He aims to bring a new voice and a progressive approach towards strength and nutrition coaching while growing with an incredible team. Certifications include: FRCms, NCSF-CPT, Precision Nutrition (Level 1, Level 2), Strength Matters (w/Jason Reese).

LEXA HENWOOD

Strength Coach

Lexa's start in athletics and training started with a 7 year volleyball career. She has spent many hours in the gym playing the part of both the athlete and more importantly now, coach. She has strived to blend her love for kettlebells and traditional strength training to help you more learn about yourself, push your limits and crush your goals. She joined the MOTIVNY team in the beginning of 2022 and provides one-on-one coaching sesions, remote programming and leads multiple group kettlebell based classes a week. She is certified as a PN1 coach, DSPCC level 1 coach, RKC kettlebell coach and most recently became NIKENYC newest trainer!

GREG LARAIA

ATC & Run Coach

Greg Laraia is an Athletic Trainer and Running Specialist at MOTIVNY. Greg graduated from East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania, where he was a student athlete on the Cross Country and Track teams. He founded Streets 101, a team on a mission to bring runners of all abilities together. Greg sees untapped potential in every athlete and client. His goal is to assess and break down your movement to build you into a better version of yourself.

ANITA NAEGELI

Kinstretch Instructor

As someone who loves learning and challenging herself mentally and physically, Anita has studied and trained in numerous dance and movement techniques, as well as fitness modalities. Her areas of expertise include mobility and strength training, as well as Pilates. She has worked with a wide range of clients, including professional dancers and athletes. Anita aims to challenge and motivate in a supportive training environment to give everyone a positive movement experience, regardless of their physical abilities and skill levels. Most importantly, her goal is to help clients and students develop a well-functioning, healthy, and resilient body that excels at the type of movement practice, sports, and activities they most care about. Her certifications include NASM, FRCms, Kinstretch, RKC2, and SFB.

ALEX GALLAGHER

Admin

After graduating from Boston College with a B.S. in Biology, Alex fell in love with the world of health and wellness while backpacking for a year around South East Asia. After working as a Personal Training Manager for Equinox, he joined the MOTIVNY team as our Business & Operations Manager. Alex is a team player and committed to ensuring a positive and welcoming experience for all members of the MOTIVNY Community.

Kathia

Admin

Eddie

Admin

Glenna

Admin

Schedule Your Free Phone Consult?

We're located in Nolita, just minutes from SoHo, the Lower East Side, and Chinatown. Our studio is inside Maria Bonita Salon & Spa—look for the MOTIVNY sign.

Email
connect@motivny.com

Phone
(212) 226-0400

Office
199 Mott Street, Front A
New York, NY 10012

Getting Here: We're located in SoHo, steps from the Spring Street subway station (6 train) and the Prince Street station (N, R, W trains). Street parking is limited—we recommend public transit or biking. Contact us.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a referral to see a physical therapist at MOTIVNY?

 No. Since we're an out-of-network provider, you don't need a referral to book an appointment. However, if you're using insurance to pay for services, your provider may require one. We're happy to check your coverage for you—just give us a call or email.

Do you accept insurance?

 Yes! To use your insurance at MOTIVNY, your plan needs to have out-of-network benefits. We'll verify your coverage and provide a clear breakdown of your out-of-pocket expenses before your first appointment. If you don't have out-of-network coverage, we offer a cash rate of $225-$275 per session depending on the therapist.

How much does a session cost?

 Sessions range from $150-$300 depending on the therapist's experience level and availability. If you're using insurance with out-of-network benefits, your out-of-pocket cost may be as low as $30-$100 per session. We offer a maximum self-pay rate of $225 ($275 for our founders) to ensure you're never surprised by unexpected costs.

Still have questions?

We're here to help. Reach out to schedule your free phone consult and learn how we can get you back to moving pain-free.