One-on-one spinal physical therapy · Southfield, MI
Back pain, neck pain or sciatica keeping you from the life you love?
Work one-on-one with Dr. Elizabeth Kingshott Cary, a Doctor of Physical Therapy who finds what is driving your pain — not just where it hurts — and gives you a clear plan to move with confidence again.
Who we help
Care built for adults who refuse to let pain run their life
Working professionals
Desk hours, commutes and travel leave your back or neck stiff and sore by the end of the day.
Move and sit comfortably, and keep pain from pulling focus from your work.
Active seniors
Back pain or sciatica is making walks, gardening or time with the grandkids harder than it should be.
Stay strong, steady and independent in the activities you enjoy.
Athletes & lifters
A nagging back, neck or hip issue keeps interrupting your training, runs or game days.
Find the movement problem behind it and return to training with confidence.
Is Spinal Haven Right for You?
Spinal Physical Therapy in Royal Oak for Active Adults
If your symptoms change in location or intensity throughout the day, a movement-based evaluation may help determine what is influencing them.
- Neck and Back Pain
- Sciatica and Leg Symptoms
- Difficulty Sitting or Driving
- Trouble Bending and Lifting
- Pain During Daily Transitions
- Weakness in the Arm or Leg
Dr. Elizabeth
MDT-Certified Clinician
Specialized mechanical assessment and patient education
Our Specialized Method
A Movement-Based Assessment Designed to Explain How Your Pain Behaves
At Spinal Haven, we combine the principles of The McKenzie Method® with the Selective Functional Movement Assessment (SFMA) to provide a comprehensive, movement-based approach to evaluation and treatment.
McKenzie Method®
The McKenzie Method® (Mechanical Diagnosis & Therapy®) is an evidence-based assessment and treatment approach designed to evaluate and manage spine and joint pain.
Selective Functional Movement Assessment
The Selective Functional Movement Assessment (SFMA) is a comprehensive movement-based evaluation system used to identify the underlying cause of pain and movement dysfunction.
How We Can Help?
Care for Pain and Limited Movement
A diagnosis is only one part of your story. Spinal Haven evaluates how your symptoms behave and how they affect your ability to move, work, exercise, sleep, and participate in everyday life.
Lower Back Pain
Disc Bulge · Lifting · Lumbar Disc Herniation · …
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Neck Pain and Stiffness
Cervical Stenosis · Working · Tech neck · …
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Sciatica and Leg Pain
Weakness · Heaviness · Radiating pain · …
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Mid-Back and Postural Pain
Scoliosis · Standing · Hyperkyphosis · …
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Could Your Spine Be Causing Your Joint Pain?
Shifting pain · Numbness in the arm/ leg · Shoulder pain · …
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Return to a Life Full of Activity
Fitness · Work · Parenting · …
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How it works
Understand Your Pain. Restore Your Movement. Take Back Your Life.
Book a discovery call
A 15-minute call with Dr. Elizabeth Kingshott Cary to talk through what's going on and whether we're the right fit.
Movement-Based Assessment
Discover what the cause of your symptoms are and which directions/ positions are going to help you specifically improve
Tools You Can Use for Life
Learn personalized strategies that help you manage your movement with greater confidence.
Patient Experiences
Progress That Makes Everyday Life Feel Possible Again
Truly been life-changing
“I cannot recommend Dr. Elizabeth Kingshott Cary at Spinal Haven highly enough. Working with her has truly been life-changing. Because of her specialized knowledge, I was able to avoid a spinal fusion in my 30s — something I’m incredibly grateful for every single day. What sets Dr. Cary apart is not just her brilliance, but the way she genuinely cares about her patients. She is incredibly generous with her time and…”
Returning to Work, Lifting, and Social Activities
“Tavish described being able to lift, work around the house, and spend time with friends without continually planning around his back pain.”
Tavish · Client & Spouse
Being Present for Family Again
“After receiving limited answers for persistent symptoms, Mariah reported that she was able to return to playing with her children, completing household activities, and enjoying a…”
Marriah · Former Client
Community
Out in the Community
No events are on the calendar right now. Here's where we've been lately — workshops, webinars and local market days across Metro Detroit.
- OnlineRecap
Fuel and Function Webinar on the benefits and potential for virtual physical therapy
Jul 29, 2026 · 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM
- In personRecap
Interactive Work-shop at Iron Body Madison Heights
Jul 12, 2026 · 2:00 PM
Iron Body Studios, Madison Heights
Spinal physical therapy for Southfield and surrounding communities
Patients visit our Southfield clinic from Royal Oak, Clawson, Madison Heights, Birmingham, Berkley, Ferndale and Troy, and from across Metro Detroit.
FAQ
Have Questions? We Have Answers
Still unsure? A 15-minute discovery call is the fastest way to get answers about your situation.
See all 7 questionsWhat happens during my initial evaluation?
Your therapist will discuss your symptoms and history, evaluate relevant movements, observe how your symptoms respond, and develop an individualized starting plan.
Is it safe to be evaluated if I've had a spinal fusion?
Yes. Having a spinal fusion does not automatically prevent you from receiving an evaluation. Every assessment at Spinal Haven is individualized and begins with a thorough review of your medical history, surgical history, current symptoms, and movement limitations. Our goal is to understand how your body is functioning while respecting the unique considerations of your surgery. Treatment recommendations are always tailored to your specific condition and comfort level.
Are appointments one-on-one?
Yes. Appointments are structured around direct, focused time with your physical therapist.
I've been told extension is bad for my back. Is it still safe to get an evaluation?
Absolutely. Many people are told to avoid certain movements, but those recommendations are not always appropriate for every individual. At Spinal Haven, we never assume one movement is right—or wrong—for everyone. During your evaluation, we'll carefully assess how your symptoms respond to different positions and movements to determine what is most appropriate for your specific condition. The assessment is designed to safely identify which movements may help, which should be modified, and which should be avoided, allowing us to create a personalized treatment plan based on your body's response rather than a one-size-fits-all approach.