Dr. Sean Altman, DPT, MSPT, brings over a decade of experience and a unique, science-driven approach to physical therapy, blending his background in Molecular Biology (B.S.) from Colgate University and a Doctorate in Physical Therapy (DPT) from Stony Brook University with advanced training in techniques like Dry Needling, Cupping, Myofascial Release, and Shockwave Therapy. Known for dedicating an hour or more to each patient, Dr. Altman treats a wide range of conditions, from chronic pain and autoimmune disorders to athletic injuries, uncovering root causes and crafting long-lasting, transformative treatment plans.
In our conversation, he shared his perspective on holistic healing, the power of individualized care, and why the right approach goes beyond simply addressing pain.
What's your background? How did you decide on physical therapy as your professional path?
My journey into physical therapy began with a life-changing event in my own family. After graduating from Colgate University with a degree in Molecular Biology, I was working as an Emergency Medical Technician when my father suffered a heart attack during a softball game. I recognized the signs immediately, called 911, and rode with him to the hospital. Thanks to the quick response, he underwent a triple bypass surgery that saved his life.
Watching his rehabilitation process was profound. It wasn’t just about his physical recovery—it was also about the emotional and psychological journey he went through. His physical therapists played a crucial role in restoring his health and his spirit. The care they provided wasn’t just clinical; it was deeply personal, and that left a lasting impression on me. That’s when I knew that physical therapy was my path. I pursued my Doctorate in Physical Therapy at Stony Brook University, where I was drawn to the hands-on, patient-centered nature of the field. Over the years, my practice evolved to focus not only on sports and orthopedic injuries but also on holistic, whole-body healing through functional medicine.
What inspired you to pursue functional medicine as part of your practice?
Functional medicine became a natural extension of my physical therapy practice because I wanted to go beyond symptom management and address the underlying causes of health issues. Early in my career, I noticed that many patients weren’t responding as well as expected to traditional treatments. They’d experience temporary relief, but their pain or dysfunction would often return.
A pivotal case was a patient with chronic pain and fatigue who had seen multiple specialists but hadn’t found lasting relief. Through a deeper investigation, I uncovered inflammation and nutrient deficiencies that were preventing her recovery. By incorporating functional medicine principles—such as nutrition, lifestyle changes, and stress management—her condition significantly improved. This experience opened my eyes to how powerful a holistic approach can be, particularly for patients with complex or chronic conditions. Functional medicine allows me to treat the whole person, addressing their physical, emotional, and biochemical needs.
What are the most common injuries you treat with patients?
I treat a wide range of injuries, but shoulder, lower back, and knee issues are the most common in my practice. Frozen shoulder, rotator cuff tears, lumbar disc herniations, and knee osteoarthritis are frequent diagnoses. Many of my patients are athletes or active individuals who have sustained injuries, but I also work with patients who have chronic pain conditions such as Fibromyalgia or persistent low back pain due to posture and lifestyle factors.
A particularly interesting aspect of my work is helping patients avoid surgery. For example, frozen shoulder is notoriously difficult to treat, but by combining manual therapy, myofascial release, and Frequency Specific Microcurrent (FSM), I can help patients regain mobility and significantly reduce pain. FSM has become a cornerstone in my practice for restoring function without the need for invasive procedures, which many patients appreciate.
How do you approach chronic pain treatment with patients?
Chronic pain is a unique challenge because it’s rarely about just one injury or one part of the body. It’s often tied to multiple factors—physical, emotional, and even biochemical. My approach to chronic pain is very holistic. First, I spend a lot of time listening to my patients. Understanding their history, lifestyle, and what they’ve already tried is crucial in developing a successful treatment plan.
From there, my focus is on addressing the underlying causes. Whether it's inflammation, muscle imbalances, or joint dysfunction, I use a combination of manual therapy, modalities like FSM, and corrective exercises. For example, I may use FSM to reduce inflammation and accelerate tissue repair while also incorporating exercises to improve posture and movement patterns. I also emphasize the role of the nervous system in chronic pain. Often, chronic pain has a central sensitization component, where the nervous system becomes hyper-reactive. In these cases, calming the nervous system through techniques like mindfulness, relaxation strategies, or even PEMF therapy can make a significant difference.
FSM has been especially effective for reducing inflammation and promoting tissue repair. I’ve seen remarkable results, including a patient with a 20-year history of neck pain and migraines. His symptoms stemmed from upper cervical instability and TMJ issues caused by years of teeth clenching and grinding. Using FSM, I was able to restore his stability in the neck area and teach his body to stop clenching and grinding his teeth by essentially eliminating the muscle-guarding neurological mechanism that was creating the grinding and clenching. By doing this, I was able to cure his TMJ and headaches.
What at home products do you use most in your practice?
I frequently use the HigherDOSE Infrared Sauna Blanket and PEMF Pro Mat in my practice. The Infrared Sauna Blanket is particularly helpful for patients with chronic pain, autoimmune conditions, or those looking for muscle recovery after intense workouts. It promotes detoxification, improves circulation, and provides deep relaxation, all of which are critical for recovery.
The PEMF Pro Mat is equally powerful for reducing inflammation, promoting better blood flow, and supporting the body’s natural healing processes. I’ve found it especially beneficial for patients recovering from surgery or dealing with chronic inflammatory conditions like arthritis. What I love about these tools is that they not only provide immediate relief but also support long-term wellness by reducing stress and improving sleep—two essential components of healing.
These tools complement clinical care, providing patients with effective, at-home options for healing.
Can you explain the functional health benefits of Infrared and PEMF from a professional perspective?
Both Infrared and PEMF therapy offer significant health benefits, especially when it comes to recovery and overall wellness. Infrared therapy works by heating the body from the inside out, promoting detoxification, enhancing circulation, and reducing inflammation. These benefits help patients recover more quickly, heal muscles, and improve their skin’s appearance by increasing nutrient delivery to tissues.
PEMF therapy stimulates cellular repair by using electromagnetic fields that recharge the body’s cells, making them more efficient at healing. This therapy is fantastic for reducing chronic pain, improving energy levels, and supporting the body’s recovery from injuries. Together, Infrared and PEMF address both the physical and biochemical aspects of health, providing a comprehensive approach to wellness. I’ve seen remarkable improvements in patients who use these therapies regularly, particularly when they are part of a holistic treatment plan that includes diet and lifestyle changes.
What is your #1 biohack you can't live without?
Without a doubt, my go-to biohack is the HigherDOSE Infrared Sauna Blanket. I use it regularly to manage my Fibromyalgia, Chronic Lyme Disease, and lower back pain. The deep-penetrating infrared heat helps to reduce inflammation, improve circulation, and soothe aching muscles, which is essential for keeping my symptoms in check. After long days in the clinic or intense workouts, the sauna blanket is also a key part of my recovery routine. It helps reduce muscle soreness and promotes relaxation, allowing my body to recover faster.
For me, the Infrared Sauna Blanket offers both therapeutic and preventative benefits. On days when my back pain flares up, I’ll use it to relax my muscles and release tension. For maintenance, I incorporate it into my routine to detox, reduce stress, and maintain muscle flexibility. The combination of soothing heat and the sauna’s ability to promote a full-body detox has been invaluable for staying pain-free and energized.
