
Is Shoulder Pain Holding You Back From Your Goals?
You're not alone. Many active adults in Cary struggle with shoulder issues that limit their training.
Missing Your Workouts
Every day away from CrossFit, weightlifting, or running feels like a step backward. That sharp pain during overhead movements is stealing the activities that give you energy and mental clarity.
Frustrated by Generic Solutions
You've tried rest, ice, and exercises from YouTube. Maybe you've seen doctors who suggest surgery or tell you to stop lifting. But you know your body is capable of more with the right approach.
Worried It Will Get Worse
That nagging rotator cuff pain isn't going away on its own. You're concerned one wrong move could turn a manageable issue into something that sidelines you for months—or requires surgery.

Why Cary Athletes Choose GO PT for Shoulder Pain
At Ground to Overhead Physical Therapy, we understand the demands you place on your body. Dr. Michael Tancini is a competitive athlete himself—he knows what it takes to get you back to peak performance.
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Always 1-on-1 individualized 60-minute appointments—never share time with other patients or aides
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Treated by a Doctor of Physical Therapy who's also a certified strength coach and competitive CrossFit athlete
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No physician referral needed—save time and money by coming directly to us
"Dr. Michael Tancini 'Tank' is knowledgeable and truly dedicated to patient success. He took time to listen to my issues - which were shoulder/rotator cuff related and knee pain. I am a Crossfit Athlete and enjoy doing pullups, squats, running etc. My shoulder and knee pain limited my ability to do the things I loved. Dr. Tank is knowledgeable and has an encouraging and professional beside manner. Through simple but effective exercises, I was able to go back to doing what I love in just a short few months."
Hayley Gallagher
Our Proven 3-Step Process for Shoulder Pain Recovery
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Step 1: Fix Your Pain Fast
Using hands-on manual therapy, dry needling, and targeted exercises, we address your immediate shoulder pain so you can start moving better within the first few sessions.
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Step 2: Fix the Root Cause
We identify the underlying dysfunction—whether it's mobility restrictions, strength imbalances, or movement patterns—that caused your shoulder problem in the first place.
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Step 3: Keep It From Coming Back
We teach you exactly how to modify your training, strengthen weak links, and move correctly so you stay pain-free and perform at your best long after treatment ends.
Shoulder Pain Conditions We Treat in Cary
Whether you're dealing with a recent injury or chronic shoulder pain, we specialize in getting athletes back to full performance.
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Rotator cuff injuries and tears
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Shoulder impingement and frozen shoulder
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Overhead lifting pain and CrossFit-related shoulder issues
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Post-surgical shoulder rehabilitation and injury prevention

Real Results From Athletes in Cary and Beyond
Jessi N.
"Dr. Tancini is an expert in his craft! After having a re-occurring injury for over 5 years, after seeing him, it's finally under control and I'm able to better understand it and manage it. He does much more than just fix injuries - he teaches you proactive techniques to prevent it from coming back, and helpful resources and solutions to correct it. Hands down, the best PT I've ever worked with and I highly recommend him! Whether you are a competitive athlete or just looking to maintain good health, he's awesome and worth checking out!"
Brian M.
"Dr. Tancini was great to work with! He listened to my goals and worked with me and my schedule to help achieve them. My PT program was personalized to my needs and my ability level. He's very experienced with patients from a lot of different backgrounds, and his personal experience as an athlete gives him a unique perspective on physical therapy. He uses every tool in the PT toolbox to help you get back and be stronger than ever. He places an emphasis on moving the right way, rehabbing the right way, and optimizing all of the components of your health. He was also honest with me about expected timeline and results, which was really helpful. Would definitely work with him again!
Doug B.
"I came to Dr. Tancini with crippling back pain that visits to the orthopedic surgeon and multiple shots to the spine could not resolve. As someone who works out all the time, I was so relieved when in the matter of weeks I was pain free and able to begin working out again. I can't recommend him enough."
Rated 5.0 Stars on Google with 24+ Reviews
About
Meet Dr. Michael Tancini: Your Shoulder Pain Specialist
Competitive Athlete. Doctor of Physical Therapy.
Dr. Michael Tancini, DPT
Doctor of Physical Therapy, CSCS
Board-Certified Orthopedic Specialist and competitive functional fitness athlete. Specializes in shoulder pain, rotator cuff injuries, and CrossFit-related rehabilitation. Certified in dry needling, blood flow restriction training, and Pose Method running analysis.
Orthopedic Clinical Specialist Dr. Tancini holds the prestigious OCS credential from the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties, representing advanced clinical expertise in orthopedic and sports physical therapy.
Strength & Conditioning Expert As a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) and CrossFit Level 1 Trainer, Dr. Tancini understands the unique demands of high-intensity training and athletic performance.
Movement Specialist Certified in Selective Functional Movement Assessment (SFMA) and Functional Movement Screen (FMS) to identify and correct the root causes of shoulder dysfunction and pain.
Advanced Techniques Utilizes dry needling, blood flow restriction training, and manual therapy techniques to accelerate recovery and restore shoulder function for active individuals.
Performance-Focused Approach Pairs hands-on manual skills with strength and conditioning knowledge to help athletes return to peak performance, not just basic function. Lives by the motto: 'Be a little bit better. Every. Single. Day.'

Visit Our Cary Physical Therapy Clinic
Email:
Office:
305G Ashville Ave, Cary, NC 27518
We're conveniently located in Cary, NC, just minutes from downtown. Find us near Macgregor Village and West Park Place Shopping Center.
Phone:
(919) 960-1351
Just 10 min from Downtown Cary via Kildaire Farm Rd and Tryon Rd. From 105 W Chatham St, head toward Waldo St, turn left onto Dry Ave which becomes Kildaire Farm Rd, then turn right onto Tryon Rd. We're just 3.8 miles away.
Common Questions About Shoulder Pain Physical Therapy
We're here to make your recovery journey as smooth as possible. Here are answers to our most common questions.
1. Do I need a physician referral to start treatment?
No! In North Carolina, you can come directly to physical therapy without a physician referral. This saves you time and money while getting you the care you need faster. We'll coordinate with your doctor if needed.
2. How long are appointments and what should I expect?
Every appointment is a full 60 minutes of one-on-one time with Dr. Tancini—no sharing time with aides or other patients. Sessions include hands-on manual therapy, targeted exercises, and education tailored specifically to your goals and shoulder condition.
3. What makes Ground to Overhead PT different from other physical therapy clinics near me?
We specialize in treating active adults and athletes. Dr. Tancini is a competitive athlete himself with advanced certifications in strength training, CrossFit, and sports performance. You'll get individualized care from someone who truly understands your training demands—not a cookie-cutter approach.
4. How quickly can I get back to CrossFit, lifting, or my sport?
Recovery timelines vary based on your specific shoulder injury and goals. Many patients experience significant pain relief within the first few sessions. Our 3-step process focuses on fixing your pain fast, addressing the root cause, and teaching you how to prevent re-injury so you return stronger than before.
5. Do you accept insurance or offer payment plans?
We offer transparent pricing with no surprise bills. Contact our office at (919) 960-1351 to discuss payment options, insurance coverage, and our commitment to making high-quality shoulder pain treatment accessible.
6. What should I bring to my first appointment?
Wear comfortable athletic clothing that allows access to your shoulder. Bring any relevant medical records, imaging results, or a list of medications. Most importantly, come ready to discuss your fitness goals—we're here to get you back to what you love.
Here's a list of some of the groups we have worked with and the groups which our athletes belong to!























