Why Choose Osteopractic Physical Therapy of the Carolinas (OPTC)?

Osteopractic Physical Therapy of the Carolinas (OPTC) provides direct access, one-on-one orthopedic physical therapy for patients across North Carolina and South Carolina who want faster results, personalized care, and advanced hands-on treatment.

Led by Dr. Zacharko, Doctor of Physical Therapy, OPTC specializes in diagnosing and treating pain, injury, and movement dysfunction using advanced manual therapy, spinal manipulation therapy (SMT), and dry needling (DN).

Dr. Zacharko is one of the most experienced clinicians in the Southeast in spinal manipulation and dry needling and was among the first clinicians in NC and SC to earn certification in both. His expertise allows him to safely apply these techniques when clinically appropriate—helping patients feel better in fewer visits.

Direct Access Physical Therapy in NC & SC

At OPTC, no physician referral is required. North and South Carolina law allows patients to see a Doctor of Physical Therapy directly, saving time, money, and frustration.

This means:

• Faster access to care

• No insurance delays

• No unnecessary imaging or referrals

• Immediate evaluation and treatment

Most patients experience meaningful improvement within just a few visits.

One-on-One, Out-of-Network Physical Therapy That Delivers Results

OPTC is a direct pay / out-of-network physical therapy clinic, designed for patients who want:

• One full hour +, one-on-one with a Doctor of Physical Therapy

• Personalized treatment plans

• Hands-on manual therapy every visit

• Faster recovery with fewer appointments

Unlike insurance-based physical therapy clinics, OPTC does not rush visits, double-book patients, or prioritize billing over care.

When patients compare insurance co-pays, visit frequency, and time spent with the provider, they often find that out-of-pocket physical therapy at OPTC offers significantly greater value.

OPTC vs. Traditional Insurance-Based Physical Therapy Clinics

Insurance-based clinics face:

• Decreasing reimbursement rates

• Shortened appointment times

• Productivity pressures

• Limited treatment options

Having worked in multiple insurance-based settings, Dr. Zacharko saw firsthand how these pressures can compromise patient care.

By removing insurance restrictions, OPTC provides:

• Private, individualized treatment

• Higher-quality care

• Better clinical decision-making

• Improved patient outcomes

At OPTC, the patient—not the insurance company—comes first.

Advanced Orthopedic Physical Therapy & Manual Therapy Expertise

Physical therapy is not one-size-fits-all. A therapist’s true expertise is defined by post-doctoral education and clinical experience.

Dr. Zacharko has:

• Completed extensive post-graduate manual therapy training fellowships

• Specialized in orthopedic, neuromuscular, skeletal conditions

• Treated patients from age 6 to 96

• Worked with sedentary individuals, active adults, and competitive athletes

His clinical focus is helping patients move better, reduce pain, and return to the activities they love—safely and efficiently.

The OPTC Difference in NC & SC

✔ Direct access physical therapy
✔ One-on-one, hour-long sessions
✔ Advanced manual therapy
✔ Spinal manipulation therapy & dry needling
✔ Fewer visits, faster results
✔ No insurance interference
✔ Care designed entirely around the patient

OPTC proudly serves patients across North Carolina and South Carolina.