BASE Clinic News
BASE Classes have expanded! Classes are for former BASE patients only, and are offered by BASE team members Monday - Friday. Hour long strength classes for as little at $15! Contact us at 434-817-7848 to learn more. NOTE: BASE classes are non-refundable.
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Address: 410 Albemarle Square Hours: |
BASE Clinic in Albemarle Square, Charlottesville VA
About BASE Clinic
BASE clinic's expert therapists provide a safe, customized exercise-based treatment program for each patient using our unique equipment and protocols designed to improve your balance, strength, and alleviate pain for all ages and conditions.
Non-surgical, no medication, it works!
80% of patients have significantly reduced or eliminated their back painBuild functional strength and stay active while you heal.
What makes our BASE Clinic Therapy so unique?
Unique: Our proprietary equipment and protocols are not found in other therapy settings.
Staff: Highly skilled, trained and able to administer exercise routines specific to spine ailments of all ages and conditions: acute, chronic, pre-op and post-op.
Effective: Pain intensity reduced by 51%, walking pain reduced by 47%, sleeping pain reduced by 63%.
Less Dependent: Patients have less dependence on health care providers once they learn how to manage their pain with effective exercises.
Results: Patients report increased function, strength, flexibility, stability with significantly reduced pain.
What is the goal of the BASE Clinic?
The goal is to educate patients about their diagnosis and teach them how to apply progressive therapy and exercise (including strength training, stretching and cardiovascular activity) in order to increase their strength, flexibility and function. The ultimate goal is to promote a continuous, independent exercise program.
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BASE Clinic FAQs
When will my pain go away?
In many cases patients experience pain due to tight muscles that are weak, guarded and / or lack endurance. In other cases, pain may come from nerve roots that are irritated due to pressure from swelling, discs, decreased joint space, etc. Patients may continue to have pain before, during and after therapy due to their anatomy, but in most cases their endurance, strength, and flexibility will increase. This helps patients function better and become less focused on pain and more focused on quality of life. Your MD typically prescribes a 4-8 week program.
I would normally avoid activities that hurt me. Is this a safe program?
It is normal to avoid activities that would increase symptoms; however, this lack of exercise often contributes to tighter and weaker muscles that negatively impact quality of life. BASE Clinic Therapy exercises are safe to do; however, it is not uncommon to feel sore after stretching and exercising.
Do I really need to stretch several times a day?
Yes, stretching once a day is usually not enough to increase one’s flexibility. Stretching needs to be done consistently and compliantly in order to increase flexibility which clinical data shows reduces pain. A specific plan regarding frequency will be given at evaluation and upon discharge from therapy.
Is it normal to feel worse before feeling better?
Yes. The program is designed to increase cardiovascular endurance, stretch muscles, and strengthen muscles – which can be uncomfortable initially but usually improves with time. The increased flexibility can take stress off of these tissues, which will allow you to have more freedom of movement.
Should I come to therapy if I am sore or having a bad day?
Yes, it is not uncommon to feel the effects of exercise later that day or the following day. Icing, stretching and light walking usually help loosen up tight, swollen muscle and joints. Patients usually feel better once they start moving normally again.
After the BASE Clinic program ends, what happens next?
Talk to your BASE therapist about how you can transition to our BASE classes. The first class is free; these classes are reserved for former BASE therapy patients only. Six (6) BASE classes are offered each week.
Why treat neck and back injuries with ice versus heat?
Swelling and inflammation contribute to decreased joint space, which causes nerve root irritation and pain. Heat usually feels good short term, however, it can also cause blood vessels and tissues to dilate, making swelling worse. Ice reduces the size of capillaries and thereby helps reduce swelling.
Can the BASE Clinic also address athletic injuries?
Yes, BASE can successfully address core weakness, stability and balance issues. The functional outcomes have been tremendous. The base clinic is for much more than neck and back pain.
Can the BASE Clinic also address functional limitations?
Yes, the Clinic BASE is very appropriate for people with balance and stability issues.
BASE Classes
In the BASE class, former patients participate in a 45-minute exercise session designed to help them continue using our unique BASE equipment and protocols. Each class challenges balance while further improving overall strength and functional movement—all in a fun, supportive group exercise environment.
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NOTE: BASE CLASSES ARE FOR PATIENTS OR FORMER PATIENTS OF RECORD ONLY - contact us at 434-817-7848 to learn more about how to access our group classes. As of January 2026, classes are offered M-F, and each class lasts 45 minutes to an hour. |
| Days | Time | Instructor |
| Mon | 11 am | Ryan |
| Tue | 11 am | Leigh |
| Wed | 8 am | Ryan |
| Wed | 11 am | Ryan |
| Thu | 10:30 am | Leigh |
| Fri | 11 am | Ryan |
BASE Class Pricing:
1 Class $25 each
2-8 classes $20 each
9-16 classes $18 each
17+ $15 each
* please note: BASE classes are nonrefundable.
Specialty BASE Offerings:
Titleist Performance Institute (TPI) Level 1 Screening & Assessment
Stop guessing, start playing better golf.
We’ll identify the physical characteristics that impact your swing Our 16-part screening and assessment program will evaluate golfers for physical limitations that can inhibit swing efficiency, durability and, ultimately, enjoyment of the game, and offer adjustments and exercises to help golfers improve their swing.
Screening deliverables: custom visual feedback to help you fully understand what we discover in your assessment process, great information you can share with your swing coach or golf instructor,* and exercises specific to screening & assessments findings that may help you improve your golf swing.
You’ll receive:
- your personalized 16-part screening with Albert Wong, PT, TPI Certified
- a customized set of exercises to address the findings from the screening
- custom visual feedback to help you visualize your how your physical characteristics impact your swing
To Schedule Your TPI Assessment & More Info,
email albertw@acacpt.com or call 434.817.7848
Why is BASE Clinic Therapy so important?
1. FALL PREVENTION
- Every 11 seconds an older adult is treated in the emergency room for a fall.
- BASE experts provide a thorough screening of your core strength and balance to determine your risk of falls, and design a customized exercise program
2. BACK PAIN
- Manage and decrease pain with effective and targeted exercises
- Learn to move without pain
3. CORE STRENGTH
- Anyone with underlying injury that has impacted their overall strength
- Athletes that need a more stable foundation in their core
4. EXERCISES CUSTOMIZED TO THE PATIENT
- Target all the muscle groups supporting the spine and body
- Strengthening to support everyday movement
BASE Clinic Physical Therapy Services
Every injury is different and every body heals differently. So, at Physical Therapy@acac, we offer a wide range of services to customize your healing plan. After a thorough assessment of your condition, your plan is tailored to suit your injury, your pain, your lifestyle, and your schedule.
Most patients require more than one type of physical therapy service to achieve their healing goals. Sometimes, all of those services are offered by one therapist, and other time you may find yourself working with two or more specialists. Check out your condition(s) in more detail.
- Core Strength
- Back Pain Therapy
- Fall Prevention
- Exercises customized to the patient
- Post Surgical Rehabilitation
- Orthopedic and Sports Injury
Our Team
Every member of the team at Physical Therapy@acac is focused on your healing journey. We offer a wide range of special services, so you receive optimal care. You will find, from the moment you make an appointment until you complete your treatment, personalized, reliable, cost-effective healthcare. Our goal is to create and maintain a great healing environment, and continuously evaluate to improve every possible aspect of the practice. Our team is here to ensure excellence in your patient care.
Take Back Your Life!
The first step to recovery and taking back your life with physical therapy is to meet with a physical therapist. This initial meeting is exceptionally enlightening for many patients. You will discuss your condition(s) and how it limits your lifestyle. Your physical therapist will provide insights into why your body reacts as it does, and help you understand more about what healing will occur as you continue on your recovery plan.
Most patients leave that initial physical therapy session feeling hopeful (and many have less pain already!) Don’t suffer for one more minute!
Insurances Accepted
Physical Therapy@acac is a provider with all major insurance companies.
Not sure what your insurance will cover? Contact us. Physical Therapy@acac will verify physical therapy benefits prior to your initial evaluation and obtain authorization if needed, as courtesy to you.
We file insurance claims for each date of service and claims are reviewed and reimbursed according to the terms of your insurance policy. You will be informed of your financial responsibility at your first appointment.
Click here to learn more about our payment options and to make an online payment.
Here is a list of some of the insurance companies we work with:
- Automobile Insurances
- Aetna
- Amerigroup
- Carefirst-Blue Cross Blue Shield plans
- Cigna
- GEHA
- MAMSI
- Medicare
- Multiplan
- Priority Partners
- PHCS
- Tricare Standard & Prime
- United Healthcare
- United Healthcare Community Plan
- US Family
- UVA Employee Health Plan
- Workers Compensation
Why is physical therapy important?
Physical therapy is an important element to help you recover from pain, whether from a sudden injury, or a chronic problem.
Strengthening – Unbalanced or weak muscles can lead to pain, put undue stress on joints, and increase the risk of injury. Physical therapy can strengthen surrounding musculature, which can help to reduce the strain on your joints.
Movement Patterns – Most of us have faulty movement patterns created by our lifestyles over the years. Everything from our footwear to our office chairs can set up patterns of movement that are unbalanced or otherwise problematic. If you have chronic pain or have suffered an injury, physical therapy helps address the underlying movement patterns. Physical therapy provides pain relief and makes corrections to reduce the risk of reinjury and ongoing problems.
Prevent scar-tissue build-up – After you have been injured or had surgery, scar tissue forms naturally as part of the healing process. But if the scar tissue builds up too much it frequently causes pain and excessive tightness. Physical therapists use several techniques to prevent scar tissue build-up to ensure any scar tissue supports your healing and doesn’t impede your rehabilitation and recovery.
Improve surgical outcomes - Physical therapy addresses pain, strength, scar tissue, range of motion, and more issues associated with surgery. Many patients find physical therapy both before and after surgery helps shorten recovery times.
Flexibility and range of motion – Developing and maintaining flexibility and range of motion makes everyday activities easier, less painful, and more fun. Your physical therapist designs appropriate stretching exercises and therapies to help you move about more freely.
For pain relief, greater strength, balance, mobility, and flexibility physical therapy is an important component of a healthy lifestyle and to help recover from chronic pain or any injury.
What makes Physical Therapy@acac different?
At Physical Therapy@acac, our focus is on your healing journey. We start by listening carefully and making a thorough assessment of your condition(s) before making a recovery plan. You are the center of the process, so we discuss your goals to make sure that every step of the way you are comfortable with the approach and support you receive.
Physical therapy treatments often work to reduce pain immediately, but healing takes time. As you progress, your physical therapist will reassess your condition(s) and modify your treatment plan as you go along.
At Physical Therapy@acac, we are with you every step of the way!
Success Stories
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Other Physical Therapy Locations in Charlottesville VA
Our physical therapy clinics are conveniently located in Charlottesville and Crozet VA.
Albemarle Square
504 Albemarle Square Charlottesville, VA, 22901
Phone: 434.817.7848
Crozet
1015 Heathercroft Circle #200 Crozet, VA, 22932
Phone: 434.817.4283
Downtown Charlottesville
111 Monticello Ave #B Charlottesville, VA, 22902
Phone: 434.817.4276
Occupational Therapy & Speech Clinic
416 Albemarle Square Charlottesville, VA, 22901
Telephone: 434.220.0021
Pantops
595 Martha Jefferson Drive #120 Charlottesville, VA, 22911
Phone: 434.529.8361