life in action blog.

Physical Therapy for Low Back Pain Reduces Invasive Procedures and Opioid Usage At Professional, we are committed to helping you understand the lasting benefit of early physical therapy. This article illustrates the growing trend of encouraging physical therapy for a multitude of reasons. When your long-term healthcare plan includes physical therapy as an early solution … Continued

We know you have choices when it comes to your health. We also know that smarter choices lead to better outcomes…and who doesn’t want better outcomes? If you live or work in New Jersey and are in need of physical therapy due to pain, injury, or an orthopedic condition, Professional Physical Therapy can help you … Continued

It is no secret flip-flops are a popular footwear choice during the warm summer months. Both convenient and fashionable, flip-flops may be ideal for the beach or pool as they offer your feet a chance to breathe during the hot summer days. However, flip-flops may not be safe if you wear them during vigorous activities … Continued

With October recognized as National Physical Therapy month, I wanted to share some information on the U.S. opioid epidemic, and how you and your loved ones can avoid being part of this national crisis. In March 2016, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued opioid prescription guidelines, recognizing that prescription opioids are appropriate … Continued

Professional Physical Therapy’s Certified Hand Therapist, Kara Ghedina, OT, CHT weighs in on the CBS Boston article “Did LeBron James Really Play With Broken Hand? A Photographic Investigation” Ghedina confirms that a hand injury, specifically one to a dominant hand, could greatly impact someone’s performance in any sport, but even more so in basketball.  Every time a player passes, … Continued

Guest written by Dave Del Vecchio PT, DPT, CSCS, NJ Area Manager at Professional Physical Therapy as commentary to an article on PTProductsOnline.com titled “Orthopaedic Surgeon Offers Tips to Combat Winter Sports Injuries” released on January 18, 2018. There are some easy and effective exercises that help prevent injury, for people who go from sitting at a desk … Continued

A recent article in The New York Times discussed the importance of fall prevention, particularly in the elderly population.  Injuries from falls increase during the colder months, in large part from ice, snow, sleet, and hidden leaves on walkways and roadways. As the article states, falls remain the number one cause of injuries to seniors, … Continued

Guest written by Dan Sieczkiewicz of our Financial District clinic as commentary to the NBA.com article “Boston Celtics’ Gordon Hayward suffers fractured ankle in season opener”. October 18, 2017. On Tuesday night, the Boston Celtics opened their 2017-2018 season on the road against the Cleveland Cavaliers. It was the Celtics fans’ first opportunity to see Gordon Hayward, a … Continued

Guest written by Dr. Howard J. Levy, MD, MBA Orthopedic Surgeon, Sports Medicine as commentary to The New York Times article titled “Cost of Contact in Sports Is Estimated at Over 600,000 Injuries a Year” released on September 29, 2017. A recent article in The New York Times reported that contact sports are responsible for over 600,000 injuries per … Continued

Property Brothers star, Drew Scott, suffered a hamstring injury while rehearsing with his partner Emma Slater, for his Dancing With the Stars performance. While we often hear about hamstring pulls in athletes, it is a quite common injury for dancers as well, and we wanted to provide insight from that perspective.  Naturally, we turned to … Continued

Edward Marx, Duathlon World Champion and member of Team USA, honored our Wall Street clinic by presenting our staff with a signed Team USA jersey! This was in appreciation for the excellent care and encouragement he received during his physical therapy rehab from a torn meniscus.  Feeling pain in his left knee while training for … Continued

Arlington, MA patient Lauren Widrick is an 11-year-old figure skater.  She has been figure skating since she was three and this past spring developed tendinitis in her right foot while working on landing her double salchow.  Lauren’s former coach recommended she see Allison Stringer for Physical Therapy, as Allison has personal experience with the sport … Continued

Guest written by Jeff Yellin, DPT, CSCS, USA-W, ART and Carrie Haubrich-Burke, ATC as commentary to a recent ESPN article titled, “Nationals expect Bryce Harper back for playoff push.” The article highlights the possibility that a career-altering knee injury for the Nationals outfielder seemed realistic. The term ‘bone bruise’ is actually a misnomer and can … Continued

What did you have for breakfast today? Did you know that how you choose to first fuel your body will influence your daily energy, moods, clarity, emotions and even how you sleep? Starting your day with nutrient-rich foods including healthy fats, proteins, and colorful produce provides an excellent foundation to continue to make healthy choices … Continued

  Concussions can happen to anyone…just ask Rebel Wilson. Rebel suffered a concussion, due to a fall while on set filming her new comedy “Isn’t it Romantic?”  A concussion is a type of Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), caused by a bump, blow, or jolt to the head, or by a hit to the body that … Continued

The recent New York Post article titled “The epidemic that’s ruining youth sports” inspired Jon Rogers, PT, DPT to provide insight on overuse injuries from a Physical Therapist’s perspective. There is such a thing as too much of a good thing.  At all ages, we’re constantly using our bodies, and everything we do puts some … Continued

Did you know that Mindfulness and Gratitude are skills that can be practiced to help support your recovery? How can Gratitude help? The practice of gratitude focuses on what you do have, instead of what you don’t, shifting energy and priorities to more of a feeling of well-being and abundance. Start a gratitude journal. Before … Continued

Guest written by Owen Lennon, PT, as commentary to an article, July 25, 2017, in The New York Times titled: 110 N.F.L. Brains. The article discusses a study about N.F.L. players and chronic traumatic encephalopathy (C.T.E.), the disease believed to be caused by repeated blows to the head. C.T.E. causes a variety of symptoms, including … Continued

Guest written by Dr. Howard J. Levy, MD, MBA Orthopedic Surgeon, Sports Medicine as commentary to The New York Times article titled “What I Wish I’d Known About My Knees” released on July 3, 2017 An article in The New York Times, “What I Wish I’d Known About My Knees”, reviews the treatment options for … Continued

Guest written by Frank Hoeffner of our Roslyn clinic as commentary to The New York Times article “Bring on the Exercise, Hold the Painkillers,” July 6, 2017. The New York Times article emphasizes that widespread use of Non-Steroid Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) may not have the effect that people hope. A recent study showed that ibuprofen and … Continued

As Independence Day is coming upon us, Professional Hand Therapy encourages all of our patients, employees, friends and family to be safe while attending fireworks shows this summer. According to the American Society for Surgery of the Hand (ASSH), accidents involving firecrackers, bottle rockets, and sparklers total approximately 57% of all firework injuries, and of … Continued

New York Yankee, CC Sabathia suffered a hamstring injury during the June 13th game. Hamstring injuries are both common and painful, and occur to one or more of the muscles at the back of the thigh. Asymmetry in strength, flexibility and range of motion at the hips, pelvis, and spine can lead to increased tension on … Continued

Professional Physical Therapy asked our own Certified Back Specialist, Tony D’Angelo, Partner, Senior Vice President of Clinical Operations, MS, PT, ATC, CSCS to comment on a recent article about Physical Therapy for low back pain as a first intervention. “There is a substantial amount of medical literature supporting specific “Active” physical therapy exercises for the … Continued

Country artist Chris Stapleton had to cancel several tour dates due to a broken bone and a detached tendon in his hand. We went to our expert, Certified Hand Therapist and Occupational Therapist, Sheena Pasricha at our Montclair, NJ location to provide some insight about Chris’ injury and what recovery might look like. Dear Everybody, … Continued

Aches and pains happen to everyone, and occur during sport, at home or at work. Whether it’s a pain in your shoulder when you reach to grab something falling off a shelf, tightness in your back when your bat makes contact with the ball, or a quick twist of your ankle during a run, our … Continued

Spring is underway and so is the urge to get out of the house, shake the dust off our bones and engage in fun activities like baseball, golf and tennis. These days, elbow injuries are commonplace for both athletes and the ‘weekend warrior.’ So how do we prevent being benched from the sports we love … Continued

April is Occupational Therapy Month! What is Occupational Therapy and what are its benefits? Occupational Therapist Mollie Sherman of our Englewood and Hoboken clinics describes Occupational Therapy (OT) as “a form of therapy that encourages rehabilitation through the performance of activities required in daily life.” Occupational Therapists have the unique task of striving to improve … Continued

The new school year is upon us and in full swing!  As our children are settling in to their classrooms – the hustle and bustle of homework, school sports, and extracurricular activities also begins.  The last thing parents and their children need to worry about are injuries, soreness, and back pain that can result from … Continued

  Did you know that every 11 seconds, an older adult is treated in the Emergency Room for a fall-related injury? Fall Prevention Awareness Week is quickly approaching in September, and to celebrate, Professional Physical Therapy is supplying you with tips on how to protect yourself from becoming one of these ER casualties! Each year, … Continued

If you’ve been watching the 2016 Olympic Games, it’s likely you’ve seen some of your favorite athletes utilizing Myofascial Decompression (MFD), more commonly known as “Cupping” or “Cupping Therapy”. If you’ve seen red circular marks on the Olympians’ bodies, then you’ve seen the use of Cupping. Although this seems like a brand new trend, Cupping … Continued

  There is no denying that exercise provides many health benefits to people of all ages.  In a recent article from The New York Times, exercise was referred to as a “wonder drug”, and reviewed how physical activity can positively affect many different medical conditions.  The article examined studies, as well as evidence-based data, to … Continued

Happy Spring!  The temperature is rising, the snow is gone, and the number of layers of clothing is shrinking.  Bathing suit season is just around the corner.  If you’ve been keeping your couch warm all winter, it’s time to move off your seat and get back on your feet! These 5 tips will help ease … Continued

As a fan or party-goer, Super Bowl Sunday may sound like a relaxing day spent on the couch or indulging in snacks. After all, you’re not the one on the field fighting for the Championship. In the action or not, injuries can happen in the most unexpected of times. Stick to these game day prevention tips and stay … Continued

Has your doctor told you that you need surgery? Chances are you will need Physical Therapy after your operation, but what about pre-operation? Anthony D’Angelo, Professional Physical Therapy’s Partner and Vice President of Clinical Operations in New York City (NYC), has seen many benefits of Prehabilitation. Prehabilitation — or Prehab — in a clinical setting is … Continued

As a Buffalo, NY native, James Collins knows a thing or two about snow. Get some relief from the soreness & aches caused by snow shoveling with the tips below: Keep Moving: Contrary to what many may think, performing light exercise may help relieve the pain one experiences from delayed onset muscle soreness(DOMS). Simply going for … Continued

Guest written by Dr. Howard J. Levy, MD, MBA Orthopedic Surgeon, Sports Medicine as commentary to the Wall Street Journal’s “The Best Way for Teens to Recover From Overuse Injuries” released on January 18, 2016 Certified Athletic Trainers (ATC) are an integral part of any comprehensive sports medicine program. An article in the Wall Street Journal … Continued

We’ve all heard the saying “use it or lose it.” It applies to your brain, your muscles, and possibly your health insurance and/or Flexible Spending Account benefits! Gift shopping, entertaining family and friends, and other holiday activities often cause us to temporarily put our healthcare on the back burner and add it to next year’s … Continued

The US Open Tennis Championship is underway, and all eyes are on Serena Williams as she tries to become the first player in 27 years to win a tennis Grand Slam! While tennis is an exhilarating game for players and fans alike, many do not realize the extent of injuries that can be caused by … Continued

At Professional Physical Therapy, we are proud to employ some of the most charitable people dedicated to improving our communities. We want to applaud those individuals who go above and beyond both in their careers and in the communities in which we serve. Victoria Gagliardi , Athletic Trainer, White Plains What is your favorite Charity … Continued

Late night talk show host Jimmy Fallon had a little scare recently where he slipped in his kitchen and caught his ring on the countertop. Fallon explained he suffered from “ring avulsion,” a serious injury caused by the sudden pull on a finger that often results in amputation. Fortunately, doctors were able to save Fallon’s … Continued

Did you know that by going on vacation you can lower your blood pressure, heart rate, and reduce stress? While summer is a popular time to take a vacation and relax, it is also a popular way to get injured. The last thing you want is your vacation ruined by an injury. Jane Berman, Physical Therapist at … Continued

Your Big Day has finally arrived, and you’ve both said “I do.” Now, the real fun begins. You enter the reception hall as the new Mr. and Mrs., but do you know how to avoid the potential injuries that await you and your guests?  The bride twists her ankle while dancing in heels: Ankle sprains … Continued

With summer fast approaching, it’s time to get your yard and garden ready… but is your body ready? If you’re like most of us who have spent the winter hibernating on our couches, you may be at risk for injury as you head outside and engage in physical activity. If you engage in physical activity … Continued

According to ESPN, Ulnar Collateral Ligament (“UCL”) reconstruction, frequently referred to as Tommy John surgery, is approaching “epidemic” frequency among professional athletes. The procedure is common among collegiate and professional athletes in several sports, most notably baseball. According to Adam Discepolo, Partner and Clinical Director at Professional Physical Therapy’s Merrick clinic, professional athletes, however, are … Continued

March is National Athletic Training Month! Certified Athletic Trainers (ATs) play an important role in keeping student athletes safe on the field and court. We talked with Angelo Marsella, Director of Sports Medicine, and Sports Medicine Coordinators Elissa Linderman and Stacey Schreiber about what Athletic Trainers do and why they’re so important. What do Athletic Trainers do? Elissa … Continued

Shoveling snow may be the most physically challenging exercise you face this winter and during the entire year. “While regular exercise and strengthening your legs and core before winter arrives is highly recommended, following the tips below can help reduce the likelihood of injury while shoveling snow,” said Jeff Yellin, Partner and Regional Clinical Director … Continued

To some, the New Year is an opportunity to start with a clean slate and tackle those goals put off in 2014. And like many of us, this means starting, or getting back into, fitness. While this is a great goal, how you approach it is very important to your success. Too often, one’s eagerness … Continued

This article was originally posted by Cusi Cram on December 22, 2014 in the web magazine Cafe.com. Chances are you are sitting while you read this. And it’s killing you. Sitting is linked to an encyclopedia of ill health, including diabetes, heart disease, circulatory problems, muscle degeneration, varicose veins, blood clots, a slow metabolic rate, … Continued

With the holiday season in full swing, it’s not just the crowds of shoppers that you’ll have to masterfully plan your way around. It’s also those common holiday-related aches and strains. Professional Physical Therapy wants to make sure you enjoy time spent with your loved ones and learn how to avoid these potential injuries. Here, … Continued

We’ve all heard the saying “use it or lose it.” It applies to your brain, your muscles, and possibly your health insurance and/or Flexible Spending Account benefits! Gift shopping, entertaining family and friends, and other holiday activities often cause us to temporarily put our healthcare on the back burner and add it to next year’s … Continued

September is Fruits and Veggies – More Matters Month, which makes it the perfect time to load up on these beneficial foods. Fruits and vegetables are crucial to a healthy diet, but did you know certain types can reduce inflammation and strengthen bones? The following nine fruits and veggies offer a tasty way to alleviate … Continued

The US Open Tennis Championship is here, and tennis enthusiasts are all looking forward to watching their favorite players over the next two weeks! While tennis is an exhilarating game for players and fans alike, many do not realize the extent of injuries that can be caused by playing this sport. Tennis injuries are extremely … Continued

As a new parent, time is your most valuable resource — often stretched beyond what you feel is possible. Juggling taking care of your newborn, your home, your job, and more can be overwhelming. Healthy habits, including staying fit, usually suffer as new moms and dads adjust to their unfamiliar lifestyles. But, remaining active and … Continued

Reposted on July 10, 2014 in honor of the MLB All-Star Game July 15, 2014. “Physical therapists are experts in improving mobility and motion and eliminating pain. For young baseball players, physical therapists can help prevent injuries from occurring and facilitate recovery when they occur.” Professional Physical Therapy’s Adam Discepolo, Clinical Director of our Merrick office, discusses … Continued

Imagine for a moment that your young child has been diagnosed with leukemia. You bring them to all of their appointments with their cancer care team, holding their hand the entire time. You watch as they slowly weaken from chemotherapy sessions, but encourage them with optimistic words. You pray anxiously for the day when the … Continued

We interviewed Dean Maddalone, Director of the Professional Athletic Performance Center (PAPC), about what’s in store for athletes this summer at the 20,000 square foot professional-grade indoor facility, located in Garden City, NY. Summer’s right around the corner. What can we expect at the PAPC? Every summer is a lot of fun at the Professional … Continued

By Julianne Mele I never thought I would run a marathon. I also never understood why people participated in an event so strenuous, and I couldn’t quite grasp the enjoyment of running hours on end. I remember watching Olympians running the 26.2 miles on TV and asking myself, ‘What do they think about for so … Continued

Reposted on April 1, 2014 in Honor of National Workplace Wellness Week By Erica Marcano, MS ATC, CSCS | Originally posted on October 14, 2013.   Do you experience headaches during the workweek that seem to disappear over the weekend? You’ve probably attributed these to the stress of your job, but did you know that tension … Continued

 “So you train people at the gym, right?”; “So you’re basically like a coach?” or “Are you a Phys Ed teacher?” As a Certified Athletic Trainer (AT), these are some of the questions I get asked about my profession on a regular basis, and my typical off-the-cuff answer is “You know the one in the khakis … Continued

Even though there are several inches of snow still covering most golf courses up and down the East Coast, that’s no reason to stop getting yourself ready for the 2014 season.  Maybe your holidays yielded a new driver or wedge you’re itching to use; maybe you have some new shoes that you can’t wait to … Continued

While watching the Winter Olympics, it’s natural to wonder what it takes to compete at that level but, believe it or not, even elite athletes struggle with challenges like the rest of us when it comes to training and rehab! Chances are your Physical Therapist is using some of the same strategies as Team USA … Continued

Between all the snow we’ve been getting, and the arrival of the Winter Olympics, skiing is on everyone’s mind. Knee, Shoulder and Thumb injuries are all common in skiers, and believe it or not, these injuries occur more often in intermediate and advanced athletes than in beginners! To help you enjoy your ski season, we’ve … Continued

By Robert A. Panariello MS, PT, ATC, CSCS  and Tim Stump MS, PT, CSCS, USAW   Winter has arrived here in the Northeast, and along with it comes many illnesses associated with upper and lower respiratory infections.  Some of us battle through our days trying to fight it, but many of us pay that visit to … Continued

By Erica Marcano, MS ATC, CSCS and Lauren Panariello Each sport has its list of common injuries, from ACL tears in soccer to Tommy John surgery in baseball. Just because an injury occurs fairly often, it doesn’t mean it should become the norm for an athlete in that sport.  In fact, at the most elite … Continued

By Erica Marcano, MS ATC, CSCS We’ve all heard the saying “use it or lose it” … it applies to your brain, your muscles … and possibly your health insurance and/or Flexible Spending Account benefits! Gift shopping, entertaining family and friends, and other holiday activities often cause us to temporarily put our healthcare on the … Continued

By Harlan Pyes, edited by Lauren Panariello Harlan Pyes is the founder of Harlan Health Products, and a veteran of the Healthcare Industry for over three decades.    Laser Therapy has been used for almost 60 years around the world to treat a variety of conditions, but it wasn’t until 2002 that the FDA approved … Continued

By Erica Marcano, MS ATC, CSCS and Lauren Panariello   It doesn’t take long after sustaining an injury to start asking the question, “When can I get back to my regular life?”  The goal of Physical Therapy is always to return patients to their previous level of activity while keeping them pain-free and preventing future … Continued

By Erica Marcano, MS ATC, CSCS and Lauren Panariello   As a Certified Athletic Trainer practicing in New York City, I see far too many patients in our clinics who’ve suffered from cycling accidents. Even the most experienced cyclists, from competitive tri-athletes to BMX-ers, become victims of Mother Nature, pedestrians, and motorists. More Americans ride … Continued