If you've been told everything looks normal — you're in the right place
We specialize in complex, connective tissue, and nervous system–driven conditions that require more than traditional orthopedic physical therapy. If you've been dismissed, misunderstood, or run out of options — we built this practice for you.
Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS) & Hypermobility
POTS & Autonomic Dysfunction
Vestibular & Dizziness Disorders
Functional Neurologic Disorder (FND)
Persistent Post-Concussion Symptoms
Complex Chronic Conditions
"If you've been dismissed, misunderstood, or told your labs are normal — we built this practice for you."
Our approach
Not traditional orthopedic care
We blend physical therapy, autonomic regulation, vestibular rehabilitation, and adaptive strength training to build sustainable stability — not temporary symptom relief.
⬤
Stabilize
Joint control & proprioception
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Regulate
Nervous system & autonomics
↑
Strengthen
Graded, paced loading
✓
Restore
Confidence in movement
Our services
How we can help you
Physical Therapy
Specialized 1:1 in-person care for complex neurologic and connective tissue conditions in North Andover, MA.
Virtual Consultations
Nationwide care for individuals without access to hypermobility- or autonomic-aware providers locally.
NeuroStrong Program
Adaptive strength training designed specifically for neurologic and autonomic recovery. In-person & virtual.
Provider Consultations
Case consultation and clinical mentorship for PTs and PCPs working with complex hypermobility cases.
A Program of Strength & Balance Collective · Adaptive Strength for Neurologic & Autonomic Recovery
Strength & Balance Collective was founded to bridge the gap between traditional physical therapy and complex nervous system care.
Our story
Why we exist
Many individuals living with hypermobility, autonomic dysfunction, vestibular disorders, and functional neurologic conditions are told their imaging is normal — yet their symptoms persist. They leave appointments without answers, without a plan, and often without hope.
Strength & Balance Collective was built for those patients. We evolved from Strength & Balance Physical Therapy into a broader integrative model that blends movement science, autonomic regulation, vestibular rehabilitation, and adaptive strength training — all under one roof.
This is not traditional orthopedic care. It is structured, paced, nervous system–informed rehabilitation designed for individuals who have been overlooked.
Meet the founder
McKenzie DiStefano, PT, DPT, CEEAA
McKenzie DiStefano
PT, DPT, CEEAA · Founder
McKenzie has been a full-time physical therapist for over 10 years, spending her career specializing in vestibular rehabilitation, concussion management, and neurologic and connective tissue conditions.
She founded Strength & Balance Physical Therapy in 2022 with a singular mission: to create a practice where complex patients — the ones who had been dismissed, misunderstood, or simply run out of options — could finally get the care they deserved.
Her areas of deep expertise include EDS and hypermobility spectrum disorders, POTS and dysautonomia, functional neurologic disorder (FND), vestibular conditions, Parkinson's disease, and pediatric PT. She is known for her ability to hold both the complexity of a patient's presentation and the humanity of their experience.
We believe lasting change comes from building from the inside out — regulation first, then stability, then strength. Care should be collaborative, paced, and sustainable.
Stability
builds confidence
Strength
builds resilience
Regulation
builds capacity
Community & advocacy
Beyond the clinic
McKenzie is the founder of FND Providers of MA, a Facebook community connecting providers and patients navigating functional neurologic disorder and its comorbidities — including POTS, hypermobility, and MCAS — across Massachusetts.
She is actively working to expand Strength & Balance Collective into an integrative EDS clinic with multidisciplinary care, and collaborates closely with occupational therapists, nutritionists, and other allied health providers to support whole-person recovery.
FND Providers of MA
A Facebook group connecting FND providers and patients in Massachusetts, supporting individuals navigating FND alongside POTS, dysautonomia, hypermobility, and MCAS. Founded and led by McKenzie DiStefano, DPT.
We see patients who have been through the system and still don't have answers. Our evaluations are comprehensive, unhurried, and built around the full picture of how your nervous system, joints, and autonomic function interact.
We don't just treat the area that hurts. We look at why it's happening — and build a plan that actually fits your life and your capacity.
Conditions we treat
Our areas of specialization
Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome & Hypermobility
POTS & Autonomic Dysfunction
Vestibular Disorders & Chronic Dizziness
Functional Neurologic Disorder (FND)
Post-Concussion Syndrome
Parkinson's Disease & Movement Disorders
Pediatric Physical Therapy
Post-Surgical & Orthopedic Rehab
MCAS & Complex Chronic Conditions
Fall Prevention & Balance
What to expect
Your plan of care
Initial Evaluation
A comprehensive assessment of your history, movement, nervous system, and function. We listen first.
Individualized Plan
A paced, symptom-informed plan of care built around your capacity — not a generic protocol.
Ongoing Support
Home programs, provider collaboration, and clear communication throughout your care.
Insurance & logistics
Practical details
Insurance accepted: Medicare and Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS). Private pay options available. Please contact us to confirm your specific plan prior to your first visit.
You don't have to wait — or move — to get specialized care
If you've been searching for a provider who truly understands EDS, POTS, FND, or vestibular conditions — and can't find one locally — virtual consultations give you direct access to that expertise.
This is also the perfect option if you're on our in-person waitlist and want to start making progress now.
On our waitlistOut of stateNo local EDS-aware providerBetween PT episodesSeeking a second opinionAutonomic pacing support
Session options
Choose the level of support that fits you
Strategy Session
60 MIN
$195
Full symptom & history review
Nervous system strategy
Personalized starting plan
1 month app access included
MOST POPULAR
Strategy + Follow-Up
60 + 30 MIN
$275
Everything in Strategy Session
30-min follow-up at 4 weeks
Program progression review
1 month app access included
Follow-Up Only
30 MIN
$95
For existing clients
Progress check-in
Program adjustments
Symptom troubleshooting
What happens in a session
Structured, personalized, and practical
Movement Assessment
We review how you move via video — posture, transitions, gait, and functional tasks.
Symptom Strategy
We map your symptoms, triggers, and capacity to build a plan that works with your nervous system.
Your Starting Plan
You leave with a clear, written plan — paced and personalized, not a generic exercise list.
Note: Virtual consultations are cash-pay only and are not currently billed to insurance. A superbill can be provided upon request for potential out-of-network reimbursement.
Start where you are
NO WAITLIST FOR VIRTUAL CARE · NATIONWIDE AVAILABILITY
Strength training, rebuilt for your nervous system
NeuroStrong is not a fitness class. It's a clinically-designed adaptive strength program built specifically for individuals navigating neurologic and autonomic conditions — conditions where traditional exercise programs consistently fail.
Every session emphasizes stability before load, breath-guided progression, and autonomic pacing — because for many of our clients, how they exercise matters just as much as what they do.
Who it's for
Built for bodies that have been pushed too hard — or not enough
POTS & Autonomic Dysfunction
EDS & Hypermobility Spectrum Disorders
Functional Neurologic Disorder (FND)
Parkinson's Disease & Movement Disorders
Multiple Sclerosis
Post-Stroke Recovery
Deconditioning from Chronic Illness
Transitioning out of formal PT
Program structure
Four phases, built to progress at your pace
PHASE 1
Regulate
Breathing, nervous system downtraining, supine positioning
PHASE 2
Activate
Deep core, glute, and cervical stability — low load
PHASE 3
Integrate
Upper & lower body connection, controlled transitions
Designed around your worst days, not just your best
Flare Protocols
Every program includes a flare-day modification plan. A bad day is not a reason to stop — just to adapt.
Autonomic Pacing
Sessions are built around heart rate tolerance, energy, and symptom response — not reps or PRs.
Clinician-Led
Every program is guided by a clinician who understands the complexity behind the conditions we treat.
How to access NeuroStrong
In-person & virtual options
In-Person
1:1 and small group sessions at our North Andover, MA location. Begin following a PT evaluation or with a direct NeuroStrong intake.
Virtual App
Access the full NeuroStrong program through our guided app. Ideal for individuals on the waitlist, out of state, or who prefer self-paced support with optional coaching add-ons.
Rediscover your strength, your rhythm, your confidence
IN-PERSON IN MASSACHUSETTS · VIRTUAL APP AVAILABLE NATIONWIDE
EDS, POTS, FND, and related conditions are chronically under-addressed in clinical training. Providers often see these patients and know something is being missed — but aren't sure where to start.
These consultations give you direct access to specialized clinical reasoning, practical frameworks, and real-world strategies you can apply immediately. No judgment. No jargon. Just clear, applicable guidance.
Consultation options
Choose what fits your need
Case Consult
30 MIN · FOR PTs
$125
Present a challenging patient
Treatment direction guidance
Red flag screening
EDS / POTS / FND overlap
RECOMMENDED
Deep Dive Session
60 MIN · FOR PTs
$275
Full clinical strategy review
Exercise programming guidance
Progression & pacing frameworks
Nervous system strategies
PCP Consultation
30–45 MIN · FOR PCPs
$150
EDS diagnosis confidence
When & how to diagnose hEDS
Referral pathway guidance
Patient handout toolkit
For primary care providers
EDS doesn't have to be a diagnosis you avoid
Many PCPs feel unequipped to diagnose hEDS — not because it's beyond their scope, but because they've never had a practical framework for it. Our PCP consultation walks you through exactly when and how to diagnose, what to do next, and how to build a clear referral pathway for your patients.
Included with PCP consults: The EDS Primary Care Toolkit — a ready-to-use clinical packet including a 5-minute screening tool, diagnostic decision flowchart, patient education handout, and local referral pathway sheet.
Connective tissue disorders characterized by joint hypermobility, instability, and multi-system involvement. We provide stabilization-focused PT emphasizing joint control, proprioception, and sustainable strength — without causing flares.
StabilizationJoint ControlPacingProprioception
💓
POTS & Autonomic Dysfunction
POTS · Dysautonomia
Dysregulation of the autonomic nervous system affecting heart rate, blood pressure, and activity tolerance. We use graded, autonomic-informed exercise progressions designed around your specific symptom capacity.
Graded ExerciseAutonomic PacingOrthostatic Training
🔬
Mast Cell Activation Syndrome
MCAS
MCAS frequently co-occurs with EDS and POTS, creating complex sensory and systemic reactivity requiring careful, low-stimulus programming. We tailor exercise environments and intensity to minimize triggering flares.
Low-StimulusFlare ProtocolsEDS Overlap
🧠
Autism & Neurodivergence with Hypermobility
Autism · Sensory Processing
Sensory-informed, trauma-aware PT for neurodivergent individuals — including children and adults — with co-occurring hypermobility or movement challenges. We adapt our approach to support regulation first.
Sensory-AwarePediatricHypermobility
Vestibular & neurologic
Vestibular, Neurologic & Functional Conditions
🌀
Vestibular Disorders & Chronic Dizziness
BPPV · 3PD · VH · Vestibular Migraine
Vestibular rehabilitation for BPPV, vestibular hypofunction, persistent postural-perceptual dizziness (3PD), Meniere's disease, motion sensitivity, vestibular migraines, and pediatric vestibular impairments.
Movement retraining and nervous system regulation strategies for functional weakness, tremor, gait dysfunction, and non-epileptic seizures. Evidence-based, non-judgmental, and patient-centered.
Movement RetrainingNervous System RegulationTrauma-Informed
🫧
Post-Concussion Syndrome
TBI · mTBI · Concussion
Vestibular rehabilitation, graded exertion, and autonomic stabilization for persistent post-concussion symptoms including dizziness, headaches, visual sensitivity, and cognitive fatigue.
Vestibular RehabGraded ExertionAutonomic
🏃
Parkinson's Disease & Movement Disorders
Parkinson's · MS · Stroke · Muscular Dystrophy
Specialized neurologic PT and adaptive strength training for Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, stroke, muscular dystrophy, and other progressive or acquired movement disorders.
Neurologic PTNeuroStrongAdaptive StrengthBalance
General & pediatric
Orthopedic, Pediatric & Wellness
👶
Pediatric Physical Therapy
Children · Motor Development · School-Age
Family-centered pediatric PT promoting independence, motor development, strength, and participation in home, school, and community environments. Special expertise in children with hypermobility, vestibular conditions, and autism.
Motor DevelopmentFamily-CenteredHypermobility
🦴
Orthopedic & Post-Surgical Rehab
Spine · Shoulder · Hip · Post-Op
Evidence-based orthopedic rehabilitation for spine, shoulder, hip, knee, and post-surgical recovery — with a nervous system–aware lens that considers pain sensitivity and autonomic response alongside structural healing.
Post-SurgicalSpineShoulderHip
Not sure if we treat your condition? If you have a complex, multi-system, or poorly-understood condition and you're not seeing it listed here — please reach out. Many of our patients come to us with presentations that don't fit a single label. We'll talk through whether we're the right fit.
If you don't find what you're looking for here, please reach out directly — we're happy to help.
Getting started
New patients & scheduling
How do I become a patient?
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You can reach us by phone at 978-212-9894, by email at McKenzie@strengthandbalancept.com, or through the contact form on our website. We'll get back to you to discuss your needs, confirm insurance, and schedule your initial evaluation.
I'm on your waitlist — is there anything I can do in the meantime?
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Yes — and we don't want you to feel stuck waiting. You can book a virtual strategy session to get started with a personalized plan right away, and you'll receive complimentary access to our NeuroStrong app with guided programs, education, and nervous system tools. Many patients find this incredibly helpful while waiting for in-person availability.
Do you offer telehealth or virtual appointments?
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Yes. We offer virtual strategy sessions for patients nationwide — including those on our waitlist, those who live out of state, or anyone who would benefit from specialized guidance without traveling. See our Virtual Consultations page for details and pricing.
What should I bring to my first appointment?
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Please bring your insurance card, a photo ID, any relevant imaging reports or prior PT records, and a list of your current medications and diagnoses. It's also helpful to note your main goals and what has or hasn't worked in the past. Wear comfortable clothing you can move in.
How long are appointments?
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Initial evaluations are typically 60 minutes. Follow-up visits are 45–60 minutes depending on your plan of care. We intentionally keep our caseload small so that you receive individualized, unhurried care at every visit.
Insurance & billing
Coverage & payment
What insurance do you accept?
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We accept Medicare and Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS). If you have a different insurance plan, we can discuss private pay options. Please contact us before your first visit to confirm your coverage.
Are virtual consultations covered by insurance?
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Virtual strategy sessions are currently cash-pay only and are not billed to insurance. We can provide a superbill upon request, which you may submit to your insurance for potential out-of-network reimbursement. Please check with your insurer about your specific out-of-network benefits.
Do you offer private pay rates?
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Yes. Private pay options are available for patients whose insurance we do not accept. Please contact us directly to discuss rates and payment options.
Our specialty
Conditions & approach
I don't have an official EDS diagnosis yet. Can you still help me?
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Absolutely. Many of our patients come to us without a formal diagnosis. Hypermobility and connective tissue conditions are frequently missed or delayed in diagnosis. You do not need a confirmed EDS diagnosis to begin PT — we assess and treat based on your presentation, symptoms, and functional needs.
I've tried PT before and it made me worse. Why would this be different?
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This is one of the most common things we hear — and it makes complete sense. Standard PT protocols are not designed for hypermobile, autonomic, or nervous-system-sensitive patients. Pushing through pain or progressing too quickly will consistently backfire with these conditions. Our approach is fundamentally different: we start with regulation and stability, progress slowly, and always work within your symptom capacity.
Do you treat children?
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Yes. We offer pediatric physical therapy for children with hypermobility, vestibular conditions, autism, developmental delays, and other movement challenges. Our approach is family-centered, sensory-informed, and always individualized to the child's needs and environment.
Can you work alongside my other providers?
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Yes — and we actively encourage it. We regularly collaborate with physicians, occupational therapists, nutritionists, and other allied health providers. With your permission, we can communicate with your care team, provide documentation, and ensure your PT plan is coordinated with your broader care.
What is the NeuroStrong program?
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NeuroStrong is our signature adaptive strength and conditioning program, designed specifically for individuals with neurologic and autonomic conditions including Parkinson's disease, POTS, EDS, FND, MS, and more. It bridges the gap between rehabilitation and fitness, offering structured, paced, clinician-guided strength programming both in-person and through our virtual app.
For providers
Referring providers & clinicians
How do I refer a patient to your practice?
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You can fax a referral to 978-824-8714 or call us at 978-212-9894. We accept referrals from physicians, specialists, and other allied health providers. Please include the patient's diagnosis, relevant history, and any specific areas of concern. We will follow up with the patient directly to schedule.
Do you offer consultations for other physical therapists?
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Yes. We offer clinical case consultations and mentorship for PTs working with hypermobility, POTS, FND, and vestibular cases. Sessions range from a focused 30-minute case consult to a 60-minute deep-dive strategy session. See our Provider Consultations page for details.
I'm a PCP and feel unsure about diagnosing EDS. Can you help?
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Yes — this is exactly why we offer PCP consultations. We'll walk you through a practical clinical framework for identifying, diagnosing, and referring patients with suspected hypermobility and EDS. You'll also receive our EDS Primary Care Toolkit — a ready-to-use packet including a 5-minute screening tool, diagnostic flowchart, patient education handout, and referral pathway. Reach out to book a provider consultation.
Virtual appointments available outside standard hours by arrangement.
Insurance Accepted
MedicareBlue Cross Blue ShieldPrivate Pay
Virtual consultations are cash-pay. Superbill available on request.
Referring Providers
Fax referrals to 978-824-8714 or call us directly. We accept referrals from physicians, specialists, and allied health providers and will contact your patient to schedule.
Schedule or get in touch
Request an Appointment
✅ Thank you! Your message has been sent. We'll be in touch within 1–2 business days.
Not local to North Andover? Virtual consultations are available nationwide — no waitlist, no travel. If you're on our in-person waitlist or live out of state, this is the fastest way to get started.
