What causes shoulder pain, and how do you find the root cause?

Shoulder pain can stem from rotator cuff injuries, impingement, labral tears, muscle imbalances, poor movement patterns, or referred pain from the neck or upper back. At Unbound Physical Therapy, we perform a thorough movement assessment to identify the underlying issue by evaluating shoulder mobility, strength, posture, and the specific activities that trigger pain.

How long will it take to recover from shoulder pain?

Recovery time depends on the severity of your injury, how long you've had symptoms, and your commitment to the treatment plan. Some patients experience significant improvement within 2-3 weeks, while more chronic cases may take 6-8 weeks or longer. We provide realistic expectations during your initial evaluation.

Do I need a referral from my doctor to start physical therapy?

North Dakota has direct access laws, which means you do not need a doctor's referral to begin physical therapy. You can schedule an evaluation directly with us and start treatment right away.

What makes Unbound Physical Therapy different from other clinics?

Every session is one-on-one with Dr. Retzer—no aides, no assistants, no rushing. We focus on fixing the root cause of your pain using advanced techniques like manual therapy and dry needling, combined with corrective exercises and education. Our goal is to give you the tools so you eventually don't need us anymore.

Do you take my insurance?

At Unbound we are a hybrid cash-based clinic. This means that we are in-network for very few insurance companies—Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Dakota and Sanford. Being an out-of-network provider allows for patient care to be dictated by your unique condition and personal needs, NOT your insurance plan.

Do I need a referral from an MD?

No! The state of North Dakota has direct access for all physical therapy services. This means that physical therapists can assess and treat patients within their scope of practice without any form of a doctor's referral.

What can I expect from my first visit?

Your first appointment will be approximately 60 minutes and consist of a detailed review of your past and present medical history, a movement assessment, hands-on treatment, an education session on corrective exercises, and treatment goals.

Can I bill my insurance for reimbursement?

Yes! Most non-Medicare patients can send self-claims to their insurance company for their treatments at our clinic. You should be able to print claim forms from your insurance company's website and send it in with the needed receipts and treatment codes.

Can I use my flexible spending account (FSA) or health savings account (HSA)?

Absolutely! We accept FSA/HSA as we are considered an essential healthcare service.

Back Pain Physical Therapy in Bismarck, ND

Stop letting back pain control your life. At Unbound Physical Therapy, we help active adults and athletes in Bismarck-Mandan break free from chronic pain and get back to training, working, and living without limitations. Dr. Jacob Retzer provides one-on-one, 60-minute sessions focused on finding the root cause of your pain—not just masking symptoms.

Schedule Free Phone Consult

Physical therapist treating shoulder pain with manual therapy at Unbound Physical Therapy in Mandan, North Dakota"

Is Back Pain Keeping You from What Matters Most?

You've tried rest, ice, heating pads, and maybe even other physical therapy clinics—but nothing seems to stick. The pain keeps coming back, and you're tired of feeling stuck on the sidelines while life passes you by.

You're Tired of Band-Aid Solutions

Generic exercises and "come back next week" appointments aren't fixing the real problem. You need a therapist who digs deeper.

You Want to Stay Active During Recovery

You don't want to be told to stop training or working out. You need a plan that keeps you moving while you heal.

You're Frustrated with Slow Progress

Other clinics make you feel like just another number. You deserve personalized care that gets results—fast.

Dr. Jacob Retzer performing manual therapy for shoulder impingement at Unbound Physical Therapy in Bismarck-Mandan, ND

Why Unbound Physical Therapy Is Different

At Unbound, we don't do cookie-cutter physical therapy. Every session is 60 minutes, one-on-one with Dr. Jacob Retzer—a Doctor of Physical Therapy who specializes in athletes, outdoor enthusiasts, and anyone who refuses to let pain slow them down. We focus on the "why" behind your back pain, not just the "what," so you can heal for good

✓ Root Cause Treatment — We identify and fix the underlying issues causing your pain, not just the symptoms.

✓ One-on-One Care — Full 60-minute sessions with a DPT. No assistants, no techs, no shortcuts.

✓ Keep You Training — We customize your rehab so you can stay active in the gym, on the trails, or at work while you recover.

Our Physical Therapy Services

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"Dr. Retzer was able to help resolve my lower back problems and taught me how to prevent the same problem from happening again. His goal for his patients is to eventually not need him, unlike other businesses in town who want you to continue to need their services. Dr. Retzer helped me get back to doing day-to-day tasks."

Amy

How We Get You Back to Pain-Free Living

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Unbind — Address the Root Cause

We start with a detailed movement assessment to identify exactly what's causing your back pain—whether it's muscle imbalances, poor biomechanics, or compensatory patterns from past injuries.

Uplift — Rebuild Functional Movement

Using hands-on manual therapy, corrective exercises, and advanced techniques like dry needling and joint mobilization, we restore your mobility and strength where it matters most.

Upgrade — Optimize Performance

We don't just get you pain-free—we make you stronger and more resilient. You'll leave with a customized plan to prevent future injuries and perform at your best.

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Back Pain Conditions We Treat in Bismarck

Whether you're dealing with a recent injury, chronic pain, or post-surgical rehab, Unbound Physical Therapy has the expertise to help. Dr. Retzer has successfully treated patients with a wide range of back-related conditions, including those caused by sports injuries, overuse, poor posture, and daily wear and tear.Whether you're dealing with chronic shoulder pain, a recent injury, or something that's been nagging you for months, we have the expertise to help.

✓ Lower back pain and sciatica
✓ Herniated or bulging discs
✓ Muscle strains and spasms
✓ Post-surgical back rehabilitation
✓ Overuse injuries from lifting, running, or CrossFit
✓ Chronic pain and mobility limitations

Physical therapist assessing shoulder mobility and range of motion at Unbound PT in Mandan, ND

What Our Patients Say About Back Pain Treatment

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"Dr. Jacob is one of the best I've gone to for my back issues. He makes his patients feel comfortable and explains things in depth when needed. I went to multiple different people before Dr. Jacob and it was stressful having to explain the workouts I do and the training I follow—however, Dr. Jacob already knew what I was talking about and created a plan for me to follow. Dr. Jacob has helped my back pain and strengthened the issue to prevent future problems."

Tyra Chase Alone

"If you need a physical therapist that is super knowledgeable, down to earth and gives 110% every time he sees you, Dr. Retzer at Unbound Physical Therapy is the place to go. He was able to help resolve my lower back problems and taught me how to prevent the same problem from happening again. His goal for his patients is to eventually not need him."

Amy

"Dr. Jacob Retzer is fantastic. He does a great job making his patients feel comfortable and lets you know what to expect every step of the way. When I initially went to see him, I was in a great deal of pain and he made me feel validated and understood. I would highly recommend to anyone in need of physical therapy services!"

Cassidy Prince

Dr. Jacob P Retzer, PT, DPT

I grew up in the mountains outside of Albuquerque, New Mexico where I enjoyed spending time outside hiking, camping, hunting, biking and snowboarding. When not outside my time was spent training in martial arts and competing at an international level in TaeKwonDo. After graduating high school I attended the University of New Mexico in which I received my bachelors degree in biology and psychology. After completing my undergraduate education I completed my doctorate in physical therapy at the University of Mary in Bismarck, North Dakota.

After completing my doctoral education, my family and I moved to rural Montana where I was able to practice and hone my skills as a therapist working with individuals across the lifespan. I was able to work with outdoor athletes (hunters, hikers, runners, and snowmobilers), weekend warriors, crossfitters, gymnasts, highschool athletes, and those who wanted to get back to daily activities without restriction. Being a primary care provider in a rural area helped solidify the importance of treating the whole person including nutrition, sleep, mental health and not just the physical ailments that they are experiencing.

After four years in Montana my family and I decided to move back to Bismarck where I worked in multiple settings before deciding to open my own clinic. This decision came from the desire to provide individuals with the highest level of one on one care helping them to take control of their health. My goal is to help patients alleviate pain, increase performance and assist them in becoming the best version of themselves through increased knowledge in various areas of patient care including strength and conditioning, manual therapy, dry needling and pain science. I enjoy working with clients of all ages and impairments but have a high interest in outdoor athletes, especially archery hunters.

When not in the clinic, I enjoy being outdoors with my wife and two children camping, hiking and hunting. I also enjoy participating in Crossfit and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu.

Become Unbound and Break Your Chains

Visit Unbound Physical Therapy in Bismarck

We're conveniently located just off Vermont Ave in Bismarck, serving the entire Bismarck-Mandan area. Stop by for a consultation or call us to learn how we can help you break free from back pain.

Frequently Asked Questions

Have questions about back pain treatment in Bismarck? We've got answers.

Do I need a referral to see you for back pain?

No! North Dakota has direct access for physical therapy, which means you don't need a doctor's referral to start treatment. If you're experiencing back pain, you can call us directly and schedule an evaluation. We'll coordinate with your physician or other healthcare providers as needed to ensure comprehensive care.

How long will it take to see results for my back pain?

Every patient is different, but many of our back pain patients notice significant improvement within the first 2-4 weeks of treatment. Because we focus on root cause solutions and provide one-on-one care for the full 60 minutes, you'll often see faster progress than at traditional physical therapy clinics. Dr. Retzer will create a customized timeline based on your specific condition and goals during your initial evaluation.

Do you take insurance for back pain treatment?

We are in-network with Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Dakota and Sanford Health. For other insurance plans, we operate as an out-of-network provider. This allows Dr. Retzer to spend the full 60 minutes with you—not what insurance dictates. Many patients find this model more cost-effective than high-deductible plans at in-network clinics. You can submit self-claims to your insurance for potential reimbursement, and we accept FSA/HSA payments.

Still have questions?

We're here to help. Reach out to learn more about how Unbound Physical Therapy can get you back to living pain-free.

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