Arlington, Massachusetts

Precision care.
Real answers.
Lasting results.

KinetiQ Spine & Sport PT offers a rare model of physical therapy: one-on-one, unhurried sessions with a clinical specialist who identifies the true source of your pain — and gives you the tools to resolve it for good.

17+
Years expertise
1:1
Always undivided
OCS
Board certified
60min
Every session

The right diagnosis.
The right plan.
From session one.

17+
Years outpatient orthopedics
60
Minutes — focused on you
1:1
Always your specialist
OCS
Board-certified specialist
Arlington, MA · Cash-Based · By Appointment
A smarter approach

Most PT treats
the symptom.
We find the source.

KinetiQ is built on the McKenzie Method — a globally recognized, evidence-based system that identifies the mechanical root of your pain. No guessing. No generic protocols. Real answers from session one.

Low Back Pain Neck Pain Sciatica Disc Herniation Shoulder Pain Sports Injuries Post-Surgical Rehab Stenosis

Mechanical Diagnosis

A structured assessment that identifies exactly what's driving your pain — not a label, a real mechanical answer.

Directional Treatment

Most spinal pain has a movement direction that rapidly reduces symptoms. We identify and use yours.

Patient Empowerment

You leave with the tools to manage your own recovery — our goal is your independence, not your return visits.

Patient Experiences

What our patients say

"

After two years of back pain and multiple rounds of traditional PT, I had my first real answer in one session. Meghan identified exactly what was wrong and gave me exercises that had me feeling better within a week. I wish I'd found this approach years ago.

S.L. Low back pain · Arlington, MA
"

The difference between this and insurance-based PT is extraordinary. I've never had a clinician spend 60 minutes entirely focused on me. Meghan is meticulous, knowledgeable, and genuinely invested in your recovery. Worth every dollar.

M.R. Post-surgical shoulder rehab · Newton, MA
"

I was skeptical about cash-based PT at first. But after calculating what I'd spent on co-pays over six months at a traditional clinic with minimal results, KinetiQ was actually more affordable — and I'm actually better now.

T.K. Cervical radiculopathy · Lexington, MA

Not sure if KinetiQ is right for you?
Start with a free discovery call.

15 minutes. No pressure. Just honest answers about whether we're the right fit.

Our Approach

Evidence-driven care
rooted in mechanical diagnosis

KinetiQ is built on the McKenzie Method — a globally recognized, research-backed system for assessing and treating spine and musculoskeletal pain. And on a care model — cash-based, one-on-one — that gives it the room to actually work.

The McKenzie Method (MDT)

What it is.
Why it works.

The McKenzie Method — formally known as Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy (MDT) — is an evidence-based clinical system developed by New Zealand physiotherapist Robin McKenzie in the 1950s and now practiced by certified clinicians worldwide.

Unlike conventional PT, which often applies the same protocol to everyone with a similar diagnosis, MDT begins with a rigorous mechanical assessment to classify the nature and source of your pain. This classification drives every treatment decision — no guessing, no generic programs, no one-size-fits-all exercise sheets.

"Most people with back pain have never been given a real mechanical diagnosis. They've been given a label — and sent to generic exercises."
Meghan Montano, MSPT, OCS, Cert. MDT — Founder
01

Find the Source, Not Just the Symptom

MDT begins with a comprehensive mechanical assessment — a systematic movement-based evaluation that identifies exactly what structure is generating your pain and why. You leave your first session understanding what's actually wrong, often for the first time.

02

Classify the Problem

MDT assigns your pain to one of three mechanical syndromes — Derangement, Dysfunction, or Postural — each with a distinct treatment approach. This classification is what separates MDT from generic PT: treatment is targeted, not generic.

03

Identify Your Directional Preference

Most spinal pain has a "directional preference" — a specific movement direction that rapidly reduces symptoms and promotes tissue healing. Once identified, this becomes your most powerful tool. We'll teach you how to use it independently.

04

Empower You to Treat Yourself

The explicit goal of MDT is patient independence. You'll leave each session with a clear home program and the knowledge to apply it. Most patients can manage future flare-ups on their own — without returning to the clinic.

05

Fewer Visits, Durable Results

Because MDT addresses root causes, most patients complete care in 4–8 visits — significantly fewer than conventional PT. Better outcomes, in less time, with the skills to stay well.

Conditions We Treat

Spine. Joints. Sport.

Low Back Pain
Neck Pain
Sciatica
Disc Herniation
Spinal Stenosis
Radiating Arm / Leg Pain
Cervicogenic Headaches
Shoulder Pain
Hip Pain
Knee Pain
Sports Injuries
Post-Surgical Rehab
Why MDT is Different

What the research shows.
What patients experience.

Evidence-Based

MDT is backed by decades of peer-reviewed research and recognized internationally by leading spine health organizations as a gold-standard approach to mechanical pain assessment.

Classifies, Not Just Treats

MDT assigns your pain to a specific mechanical syndrome, enabling precise treatment rather than trial-and-error. The right treatment for the right problem — every time.

Rapid Red Flag Screening

MDT's structured assessment identifies the small subset of patients who need medical referral, ensuring you receive the right care at the right level — not just PT when something else is needed.

Teaches Self-Management

Patients who complete MDT care consistently report higher confidence managing future episodes independently — reducing long-term reliance on any care provider.

The Cash-Based Difference

Your care, unconstrained
by insurance.

Insurance-based PT is built for volume, not outcomes. At KinetiQ, your recovery isn't governed by a billing cycle.

Typical
Insurance-Based PT
15–30 minute sessions, often supervised by aides
Multiple patients seen simultaneously
Rotating clinicians — limited continuity
Generic protocols with limited customization
Referral and prior authorization delays
Surprise bills and confusing EOBs
Visit limits set by insurer, not clinical need
KinetiQ
Cash-Based PT
60 full minutes — one patient, one specialist
Your session is yours alone — no divided attention
Always Meghan — deep continuity of care
MDT-driven individualized assessment and plan
Start within days — no referral required
Flat fee, full transparency — no billing surprises
Care ends when you're well — not when visits run out
Services & Pricing

Simple, transparent pricing.
Specialist-level care.

Every service is delivered one-on-one by Meghan. No aides, no shared sessions, no hidden fees. You know what you're paying before you arrive.

Start Here

Not sure where to start?
Book a free discovery call.

A complimentary 15-minute phone call to discuss your condition, answer your questions, and determine together whether KinetiQ is the right fit for your needs — no pressure, no obligation.

Individual Sessions

What we offer

Most Common Starting Point

Initial Evaluation

A comprehensive mechanical assessment using the McKenzie Method. We build a complete picture of your condition, develop a working mechanical diagnosis, and design your individualized treatment plan. You'll leave with answers.

$ 275 / visit
75 minutes
Standard Visit

Follow-Up Treatment

One-on-one sessions that build progressively on your individualized plan — advancing exercises, refining technique, applying manual therapy as indicated, and tracking your response. Every minute is yours.

$ 250 / visit
60 minutes
Remote Option

Telehealth Session

A focused virtual visit for exercise review, program modification, or clinical guidance when in-person attendance isn't possible. Available to established patients following an in-person initial evaluation.

$ 150 / visit
45 minutes
Packages

Save when you commit to your recovery

Packages are designed around the typical MDT care arc. Purchase upfront and save — sessions never expire.

Starter
$ 750

Evaluation + 2 follow-up sessions. Ideal for acute presentations that resolve quickly with MDT guidance.

  • 1 initial evaluation (75 min)
  • 2 follow-up sessions (60 min each)
  • Home exercise program included
  • Superbill provided
Comprehensive
$ 2,100

Evaluation + 8 follow-ups. For complex, chronic, or post-surgical cases requiring extended rehabilitation.

  • 1 initial evaluation (75 min)
  • 8 follow-up sessions (60 min each)
  • Manual therapy as indicated
  • Superbill provided
  • Sessions never expire
Payment & Insurance

Your options, clearly explained

Superbill for Insurance Reimbursement

KinetiQ is an out-of-network provider. A detailed superbill is provided upon request after each session, which you may submit to your PPO insurance carrier for potential partial reimbursement. Call your insurer to ask about your out-of-network physical therapy benefits before your first visit.

HSA & FSA Accepted

Physical therapy is an eligible expense under most Health Savings Accounts and Flexible Spending Accounts. HSA and FSA cards are accepted at time of service alongside all major credit cards and cash. Using pre-tax dollars effectively reduces your out-of-pocket cost.

Transparent, Simple Billing

A single flat rate per visit. No surprise bills. No confusing EOBs. No waiting months to find out what you owe. Payment is due at time of service — you know your cost before you arrive, every time.

Your Clinician

Meghan
Montano

MSPT · OCS · Cert. MDT

I've spent more than 17 years doing what most physical therapists never get enough time to do: actually figure out what's wrong.

I founded KinetiQ because the insurance-based model kept getting in the way of that. Rushed evaluations, limited one-on-one time, and systems built around volume rather than outcomes made it impossible to practice the way my patients deserved. I wanted the time and space to do a real, thorough mechanical assessment — and to give every patient the individual attention that kind of care requires.

As a board-certified Orthopedic Clinical Specialist and certified McKenzie Method clinician, I bring a diagnostic precision to every session that goes well beyond the standard PT experience. I work best with patients who want to be active participants in their own recovery — people who want real answers, not just exercises, and who are motivated to take ownership of their health long after they leave the clinic.

If you've been through physical therapy before and left with more questions than answers, my approach will feel different from the first session.

KQ

"I started KinetiQ because I believe every patient deserves to know why they're in pain — and to have the tools to resolve it themselves."

17+ Years of expertise
Credentials & Training

Clinical background

🎓

MSPT — University of Connecticut

Master of Science in Physical Therapy

🏅

Orthopedic Clinical Specialist (OCS)

ABPTS Board Certification — the highest clinical credential in orthopedic physical therapy

📋

Cert. MDT — McKenzie Method

Mechanical Diagnosis & Therapy certification — a rigorous post-graduate credentialing program

🏥

17+ Years Outpatient Orthopedics

Clinical leadership, internship direction, and specialist-level practice across spine and sport

Clinical Philosophy

How I think about your care

01

Diagnosis First, Always

Treatment without a clear mechanical diagnosis is guesswork. Every patient I see receives a thorough assessment before any treatment is applied — because the right treatment for the wrong problem doesn't work.

02

Patients Who Want to Fix Themselves

I work best with people who are motivated and want to understand their condition. PT shouldn't create dependency — it should build the skills and knowledge to keep you well independently.

03

Time is a Clinical Tool

A thorough evaluation takes time. Watching how your body responds to repeated movements — in real time, in a single session — is how MDT works. I won't rush it. Sixty minutes is the floor, not the ceiling.

04

Fewer Visits is a Better Outcome

My goal is to get you better and independent as quickly as possible — not to keep you coming back. If MDT resolves your problem in 4 visits, that's a success, not a short course of care.

"I work best with patients who want to understand their condition and take ownership of their recovery."

Meghan Montano, MSPT · OCS · Cert. MDT
FAQ

Everything you need
to know before you book

Honest answers to the questions we hear most often — about our approach, cost, and what to expect.

Before You Book
No referral is needed. Massachusetts allows direct access to physical therapy, which means you can contact us and schedule directly — no waiting on a physician's office or insurance authorization. If you're in pain and ready to start, so am I.
Most insurance-based PT practices see multiple patients at once, rely heavily on aides and technicians, and have limited time with each patient. At KinetiQ, every session is 60 minutes of one-on-one time with me — no aides, no shared appointments, no interruptions. More importantly, I use the McKenzie Method to identify the mechanical source of your pain rather than treating your symptoms generically. Most patients tell me their first visit here is the first time anyone has actually explained what's wrong with them.
Most patients I treat complete care in 4–8 visits. Because I'm identifying and treating the mechanical source of your problem — not just the symptom — outcomes tend to happen faster than with conventional physical therapy. That said, every case is different, and I'll give you a realistic expectation after your initial evaluation.
For many patients, yes — and often more affordable than it first appears. When you factor in co-pays, deductibles, and time spent on months of weekly appointments at a traditional clinic, the total out-of-pocket cost is frequently comparable. More importantly, because the McKenzie Method addresses root causes rather than managing symptoms, most patients complete care in 4–8 visits rather than 20 or more. You get better faster, with fewer total visits, and a clear understanding of how to manage your body going forward.
About the Cost
KinetiQ is an out-of-network provider. I provide a detailed superbill after each visit that you can submit to your insurance carrier for potential reimbursement. Many PPO plans offer partial out-of-network benefits — it's worth a quick call to your insurer to ask. HMO plans typically do not offer out-of-network coverage. If you're unsure, I'm happy to help you figure out what questions to ask your carrier.
Yes. Physical therapy is an eligible expense under most Health Savings Accounts and Flexible Spending Accounts. HSA and FSA cards are accepted at the time of service alongside all major credit cards and cash. Using pre-tax dollars effectively reduces your out-of-pocket cost.
I ask for at least 24 hours notice for cancellations or rescheduling. Because each appointment is reserved exclusively for you, late cancellations make it difficult to offer that time to another patient in need. Cancellations made with less than 24 hours notice may be subject to a cancellation fee.
About the McKenzie Method
The McKenzie Method — formally known as Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy (MDT) — is an evidence-based system for assessing and treating spine and musculoskeletal pain. Rather than applying a generic treatment protocol, I use a structured mechanical assessment to identify exactly what type of problem you have and which movements reduce your symptoms. Most patients with spine pain have a "directional preference" — a specific movement that rapidly decreases pain and promotes healing. Once identified, this becomes the foundation of your home program, giving you a powerful tool to manage your own recovery. The goal of MDT is never long-term dependency — it's to give you the understanding and tools to manage your own body.
I specialize in spine and musculoskeletal conditions, including low back pain, neck pain, sciatica, disc herniation, spinal stenosis, radiating arm or leg pain, shoulder pain, hip pain, knee pain, and headaches originating from the cervical spine. I also treat sports injuries and post-surgical orthopedic rehabilitation. If you're unsure whether your condition is a good fit, reach out — I'm happy to have a brief conversation before you book.
Yes. I have extensive experience with post-operative orthopedic rehabilitation including spine surgery, total joint replacement, rotator cuff repair, and ACL reconstruction. Post-surgical patients will need physician clearance and any relevant operative or protocol documentation prior to the initial evaluation.
Logistics
KinetiQ is located in Arlington, MA. Full address and parking details will be provided upon booking confirmation. We are conveniently located and accessible from Arlington, Lexington, Belmont, Cambridge, Somerville, and surrounding communities.
Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing that allows easy access to the area being treated — athletic wear works well. If you have relevant imaging such as an MRI or X-ray report, bring a copy or have it available digitally. New patient intake forms will be sent electronically ahead of your appointment so we can make the most of our time together.
Yes, for established patients. Telehealth visits are available for exercise review, program updates, and follow-up guidance when in-person attendance isn't possible. Virtual sessions are 45 minutes at a reduced rate of $150. Please note that an in-person initial evaluation is required before transitioning to telehealth care.

Ready to take
the first step?

Start with a free 15-minute discovery call to discuss your condition and determine whether KinetiQ is the right fit for you — no pressure, no obligation.

Location & Hours

Location Arlington, MA
Hours Mon – Fri
By Appointment
Phone (617) 555-0100
Email hello@kinetiqpt.com
Model Cash-Based
Out-of-Network
Resources & Insights

The KinetiQ Blog

Plain-language insights on spine health, mechanical diagnosis, injury prevention, and what evidence-based physical therapy actually looks like in practice.

Coming Soon

Articles are on the way

We're building a library of resources to help you understand your body, your pain, and your options. Check back soon — or subscribe to be notified when new content is published.

Spine Health

What Your MRI Actually Tells You — And What It Doesn't

Most people with back pain have imaging that shows "abnormalities." Here's why that rarely tells the full story.

Coming Soon
McKenzie Method

What Is a Directional Preference and Why Does It Matter?

One of the most powerful concepts in MDT — and one of the most misunderstood outside of certified clinicians.

Coming Soon
Cash-Based Care

The Real Cost of Insurance-Based PT: A Closer Look

Co-pays, visit limits, and delayed starts add up faster than most patients realize. We break down the math.

Coming Soon

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