The marriage of Vincent Mark Smolczynski and Whitney Hamilton Hatch, in Palmetto Bluff, South Carolina on November 8, 2014.
“We had a wonderful weekend celebration with about 120 family and friends in South Carolina. The wedding was such a special time for our family, filled with joy, love…and more than a few happy tears. We are so fortunate to have such a close relationship with our children.”
The couple met in 2005, in the library at the University of Delaware, while studying for an exam for Anthropology 101. They started dating in 2006.
Vincent and Whitney live in the West Loop neighborhood in downtown Chicago, Vincent is a lawyer for Seyfarth Shaw, focusing on intellectual property and commercial litigation. Whitney is a Sales Manager for Sharethrough, a startup technology company focused on native advertising. They have two furry children, Kobe, a Pomeranian, and Mowgli, a beagle mix. The newlyweds are both very hardworking, and agree that the best part of the day is coming home to each other and their two dogs.
The joy shines through in the pictures…don’t you agree! The photo of the happy parents of the groom was taken outside of the beautiful chapel after the ceremony.
If you want to hear more about this special event, just ask Vince & Nikki. They would be happy to share! They are very proud of their son & new daughter-in-law.
Look for more Smolczynski wedding news to come in 2015, when Angela and her fiancé Scott get married in the Fall.
If this were a True/False Quiz, all the answers would be FALSE!
A recent survey conducted by American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) revealed 7 common myths about physical therapy. Don’t let these misconceptions keep you from taking charge of your health and improve your mobility, fitness and quality of life!
1. MYTH: I need a physician’s referral to see a physical therapist.
REALITY: A referral is not required in the state of Pennsylvania…or 47 other states and the District of Columbia.
2. MYTH: Physical therapy is painful.
REALITY: Physical Therapists work within your pain threshold to help you heal, restore movement and function. The attitude of “no pain, no gain” is inappropriate in our practice. We proceed in a careful graded approach to help you improve mobility, fitness and quality of life. In fact, much of what therapists do is to reduce your pain, discomfort and headaches.
3. MYTH: Physical therapy is only for injuries and accidents.
REALITY: Physical therapists help people of all ages and abilities reduce pain, improve or restore mobility, and stay active and fit. Physical therapy is preventative. In the future, a yearly visit to the physical therapist will be as common as your annual dental check up. Physical Therapists have the ability to evaluate you for potential problems of the musculoskeletal system before they become a major issue.
4. MYTH: Any health care professional can perform physical therapy.
REALITY: While other health care professionals may perform treatments that seem similar, physical therapy can be provided only by licensed physical therapists. Physical therapy is a licensed medical specialty in all 50 states. The specific term “physical therapy” can only be provided by a credentialed, licensed Physical Therapist in your state.
5. MYTH: Physical therapy isn’t covered by insurance.
REALITY: Almost all insurance carriers cover physical therapy! Your treatment may, in fact, reduce long-term health costs by helping you avoid unnecessary surgery & medications.
6. MYTH: Surgery is my only option.
REALITY: Physical therapy should be the first option. Most insurance carriers will not okay a surgical procedure until a reasonable period of physical therapy has been used to remedy the problem. In many cases, physical therapy has been shown to be as effective as surgery in treating a wide range of conditions without the irreversible changes that occur with surgery.
7. MYTH: I can do physical therapy myself.
REALITY: Physical Therapy is more than exercises. Certainly you can do your own exercises yourself. But a good PT program should include skilled manual treatments by the therapist, carefully organized exercise programs to treat the correct tissues involved,and the application of various physical agents (heat, ultrasound, micro-current point stimulation, etc.) to affect specific changes of those selected tissues. The goal of physical therapy is to educate the patient on successful self-care. Your Physical Therapist’s specialized education and clinical expertise are critical to evaluating, diagnosing & developing an individualized plan of care.
Appreciating the good things in life and having a positive outlook contributes toward good health. In the spirit of the season, we have compiled a “Top 10″ list of reasons that we are thankful at Smolczynski Physical Therapy Associates…in no particular order!
1. Thankful for our growing family. This year we welcomed our son Vince’s new bride, Whitney, into the family in November. We look forward to a second family wedding when our daughter Angela marries Scott in 2015.
2. Thankful for our patients who we help along their journey to recovery. Connecting with our patients on a personal level is on e of the reasons we do what we do.
3. Thankful that we are able to work as a private practice, where we set the bar for the quality care of which we can be proud. It’s why we are able to treat our patients like family.
4. Thankful that we are able to work together as a husband & wife team. (You may have noticed that we are rarely in the office at the same time…that’s no accident!)
5. Thankful for Bella, Dozer, Scout & Shiloh, our furry family members who welcome us home at the end of the day.
6. Thankful that patients appreciate Vince’s sense of humor!
7. Thankful for the physicians & dentists who trust their patients to our care.
8. Thankful for the good health of family & friends.
9. Thankful for the honor of being nominated as 2014 Best Physical Therapy Practice by Lehigh Valley Magazine.
10. Thankful for the 30 years that we have been able to serve patients in the Lehigh Valley.
We hope that you and your families have much to be thankful for this holiday season and throughout the year. Wishing you good health & happiness.
Acupuncture + Modern Technology = Microcurrent Point Stimulation (MPS)
Physical therapists have many tools to combat chronic pain. One of these tools combines traditional eastern medicine with the best of modern technology. This hybrid option, Microcurrent Point Stimulation (MPS), has been proven effective for the treatment of neuro-myofacial pain.
We use MPS at Smolczynski Physical Therapy to help patients find relief from pain associated with spinal problems, facial pain, headaches and migraines. Want to learn more about this therapy? We have compiled a list of the most commonly asked questions about this treatment option.
What is MPS? This treatment applies concentrated stimulation to trigger motor and acupuncture points in the body. These points are located in the hands, feet, lower back, neck, ears and face. These points isolate specific nerves, muscles and tissues that are connected to the patient’s specific pain or injury.
Does MPS hurt? There are no needles or sharp objects involved in MPS! The device has a small metal tip that is placed on the pressure point. The patient may feel a tingling sensation when the tip is applied. Patients often report feeling more relaxed soon after the treatment.
How does it work? The MPS process works on four basic therapy concepts: Increasing circulation, stimulating ‘gateways’ in the nervous system, relaxing contracted muscles, and releasing endorphins.
How effective is MPS? This treatment is considered the leader in the treatment of chronic pain. In our practice, we have seen impressive results. Some patients report relief after just one treatment. We often use MPS as one feature of a patient’s treatment along with manual therapy and exercise.
Is MPS right for my pain? We evaluate each person’s individual needs when considering their therapy options. If you are interested in learning more about how this and other treatments can work in keeping you well, please contact us.
We can help it feel better! Hand therapy may be the solution.
If pain or stiffness in your hand or wrist is making it difficult to complete ordinary tasks, consider physical therapy to increase mobility and decrease pain.
Some warning signs of a hand or a wrist problem that requires treatment include pain, numbness, tingling, stiffness, weakness and loss of mobility. If you have any of these symptoms, look to physical therapy for help.
The hand is a very complex system of bones, ligaments and tendons. The first step to recovery is an accurate diagnosis of the cause of your hand or wrist pain. Some of the possible causes include: tendonitis, sprain, carpal tunnel syndrome, arthritis, repetitive stress injuries, nerve injuries and compressions. We can help identify the cause, and help find the right treatment for your pain.
Our experienced team has special certification for the treatment of hand issues. As Certified Hand Therapists, they have been specially trained, and have a proven record of success treating patients who suffer from debilitating hand conditions.
“I really saw improvement using both of my hands. I rarely drop things any more. I have more strength in my hands. I enjoyed going to therapy watching the improvement.“ M.M.
“I’m sure the recovery of my left hand would not have been successful without the physical therapy. Nikki was a big reason for my successful recovery.” C.J.
We can effectively treat and rehabilitate the patient through post-operative rehabilitation, preventative, and non-operative treatment. Physical therapy may give you a non-surgical option!
As part of your treatment, we may analyze and correct how you use your hands to do specific tasks both at home and at work. By correcting the way you do manual tasks, you can prevent injury (and pain) from recurring!
Don’t let pain or weakness in your hands keep you from work or play. Physical therapy can give you back your strength and flexibility.
Let us help you heal. Give us a hand…we love the applause!
Physical Therapy employs a variety of treatment techniques to help patients heal and regain strength. Take the challenge…how many of these PT terms do you know?
1. ULTRASOUND is used in physical therapy to: a) create heat b) examine injuries c) produce white noise
2.A TENS (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation) unit is used to: a) reduce swelling b) decrease pain c) provide heat therapy
3. A GONIOMETER is a special instrument used by physical therapists to measure: a) muscle strength b) pain levels c) range of motion
4. ELECTRICAL STIMULATION (E Stim) uses an electrical current to cause muscles to: a) contract b) relax c) cool down
5. JOINT MOBILIZATION occurs when your physical therapist: a) uses traction b) removes a splint c) passively moves your joints
At SPTA, patient education is a priority. We make sure our patients are well informed about treatment options and know the proper techniques to stay healthy long after therapy is done!
Check your answers below…
1. a) – Ultrasound uses sound waves to provide deep heating to soft tissues in the body including include muscles, tendons, joints and ligaments. It is used to treat many musculoskeletal conditions like sprains, strains or tendonitis.
2. b) – A TENS unit is a small battery operated machine that uses electrical transmission to decrease pain. This signal disrupts the pain signal that is being sent from the affected area to the surrounding nerves. By breaking this signal, the patient experiences less pain.
3. c) – A Goniometer a device used in to measure the range of motion around a joint in the body. There are two “arms” of the goniometer: the stationary arm and the moveable arm.
4. a) - Electrical stimulation uses an electrical current to cause a single muscle or a group of muscles to contract. Contracting the muscle via electrical stimulation helps strengthen the affected muscle. As the muscle contracts, the blood supply is increased, which assists in healing.
5. c). -Joint Mobilization is a manual therapy intervention, a type of passive movement of a skeletal joint. This method can be used to help decrease pain and improve mobility.
Keep an eye out for the Physical Therapy Quiz Part 3…coming soon! In the meantime, if you have questions about PT, contact the experts at SPTA.
As part of our commitment to a healthy community, we are proud to announce that Nikki Smolczynski and friends took part in this year’s “Walk to End Alzheimer’s”.
Over 600 communities nationwide will also be taking part in this initiative. The mission of the walk is threefold: to raise money to eliminate Alzheimer’s disease through advancing research; to enhance care and support for those afflicted; and to promote brain health to decrease the onset of dementia.
Your Physical Therapist is a great partner for the care and treatment of patients with Alzheimer’s disease. Along with memory loss and other cognitive problems, people with Alzheimer’s disease may have difficulty performing simple tasks that are part of every day living. We not only work with patients, we also work with families and caregivers to help keep patients safely moving. A customized treatment program can help to delay the condition from worsening.
According to the American Physical Therapy Association:
“In the early and middle stages of Alzheimer’s disease, physical therapists focus on keeping people mobile and helping them to continue to perform their roles in the home and in the community. In the later stages of the disease, physical therapists can help people keep doing their daily activities for as long as possible, which reduces the burden on family members and caregivers.
Physical therapists also can instruct caregivers and family in how to improve safety and manage the needs of a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease. Physical therapy can help improve quality of life and possibly delay the need for institutionalization.”*
A picture of the team from this year’s walk! (Nikki is pictured far left.)
Both Nikki & Vince are trained to develop treatment programs that can make a difference in the lives of patients suffering from Alzheimer’s and dementia. Contact our office for an evaluation. If you are interested in participating in this year’s Walk to End Alzheimer’s, go to www.alz.org for more details.
*To find out more about the role of physical therapy in the treatment of Alzheimer’s go to www.moveforwardpt.com
We know that improving a patient’s balance also improves their lives. Balance therapy helps in two ways, it restores patients to their normal activities and it prevents further injuries due to falls.
Maintaining good balance relies on many factors. To achieve proper balance, the brain coordinates information from the eyes, muscles & joints, and inner ears.
Unsteady balance can often include dizziness, vertigo, hearing and vision problems. It can also affect concentration and memory. It is important to recognize the symptoms, and note what makes these symptoms become worse.
Unlike many effects of aging, balance can be improved with proper training. Poor balance does not have to be a permanent condition.
“Before I started therapy here, my balance was poor and I was using a cane all the time. The therapy that I received was excellent and tailored to my individual case. After treatment, I no longer needed the cane, and was able to resume my normal activities.” Thomas C.
The benefits of balance therapy are many. In addition to improving balance, our goals include: Improved Function, Decreased Pain, Improved Posture, Improved Gait, Decreased Risk of Falls, Increased Range of Motion.
Fear of falling is both a physical and psychological issue. Patients who feel weak and unstable can be afraid to attempt even the smallest tasks and activities. The fear of falling can weigh heavily on patients, especially the elderly. When balance issues are corrected, the fear of falling decreases, and life can return to normal.
If you, or someone you know could benefit from improved balance, an evaluation in our office is the first step to bringing stability to both bodies and lives.
For more information on understanding balance issues: see Vestibular Disorders Assoc. at www.vestibular.org
Could your Shoulder Pain and Stiffness be the Beginning of Frozen Shoulder?
Frozen Shoulder (adhesive capsulitis) is a stiff shoulder that has less than 50% of
the normal range of movement. The most common symptoms are pain and stiffness. Patients with frozen shoulder are unable to lift their arm over their heads, or rotate their arm forward.
Vince Smolczynski notes that shoulder injuries are the most common problem treated by PTs. “Nearly everyone will have some issue during his or her lifetime. Shoulder problems are insidious. Most people don’t realize they have a problem until it’s too late and the body begins to protect the injury by throwing down adhesive tissue resulting in Frozen Shoulder.”
We recently treated a 50-year old patient who had come into the office for a nerve conduction study for an disk injury. During the physical exam, Vince diagnosed her with Frozen Shoulder.
Her treatment was a great success. “From my first day of PT I knew I made the right decision. This practice is a breath of fresh air. They provide old-school, hands-on, personal treatment. They actually listen to your questions and answer in layman’s terms. I left every appointment feeling better – physically & mentally! Vince was instrumental in my diagnosis and treatment. I have recommended him to others.” M.D.
Recognize the 3 Stages of Frozen Shoulder
STAGE 1: The Freezing Phase – The patient begins to develop mild pain and stiffness in the shoulder joint. This stage can last from a few weeks to a few months
STAGE 2: The Frozen Phase – The stiffness remains but the pain begins to decline. This stage can last from a few months to nearly a year.
STAGE 3: The Thawing Phase -The full range of movement begins to return to the shoulder joint. This stage can also last a few months.
If you are having shoulder pain and stiffness, don’t wait until it worsens. Come in for an evaluation and treatment before the condition gets worse. An early diagnosis could take months off of your recovery.
We know that Vince Smolczynski has been using his healing hands to work wonders on the human body. For nearly 40 years, he has been working wonders out of wood as well.
Rosewood Guitar
Vince’s first exposure to carving came in the Boy Scouts. He later took sculpture classes at the Baum School. However, his most influential experience was working with Dick Boak from Martin Guitars, who taught him about guitar construction. It was through this experience that he developed his love for working with exotic woods. His Rosewood Guitar is pictured here.
Vince sees many parallels between wood working and physical therapy. Both processes give him a satisfying end result. “ I love the hands-on work and the finished product. I need to see the fruits of my labor. Creating something fantastic out of rough stock is satisfying to me. Restoring patients to a happier, more functional life does the same thing.”
Lignum Vitae Mortar & Cocobola Pestle
Problem solving and developing hidden potential is part of the process of both of his passions. He notes that “a good wood worker corrects problems so that they appear to be embellishments.” Each piece of wood presents its own challenges, just like each patient has unique issues that need to be resolved to realize their full potential.
Considering his career as a health care professional, itt seems appropriate that Vince often chooses to work with Lignum Vitae. Lignum Vitae is Latin for “Tree of Life.” His ability to find the beauty in each piece of wood that he touches, reflects the attention to detail and caring touch that he brings to each patients. In the wood shop or in the physical therapy office, you are in good hands with Vince.
Wenge Plate with Abalone inlay; Lignum Vitae Goblet; and Padauk & Maple Canister.
Trexler Park Medical Arts Buiding | 3131 College Heights Blvd. | Suite 2600 | Allentown, PA 18104
Phone: (610) 432-7733 | Fax: (610) 432-7951 | Email
Hours of Operation: | Monday, Wednesday & Thursday: 8AM to 6PM | Tuesday & Friday: 8AM to 12:30PM
The marriage of Vincent Mark Smolczynski and Whitney Hamilton Hatch, in Palmetto Bluff, South Carolina on November 8, 2014.
Vincent and Whitney live in the West Loop neighborhood in downtown Chicago, Vincent is a lawyer for Seyfarth Shaw, focusing on intellectual property and commercial litigation. Whitney is a Sales Manager for Sharethrough, a startup technology company focused on native advertising. They have two furry children, Kobe, a Pomeranian, and Mowgli, a beagle mix. The newlyweds are both very hardworking, and agree that the best part of the day is coming home to each other and their two dogs.
The joy shines through in the pictures…don’t you agree! The photo of the happy parents of the groom was taken outside of the beautiful chapel after the ceremony.
A recent survey conducted by American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) revealed 7 common myths about physical therapy. Don’t let these misconceptions keep you from taking charge of your health and improve your mobility, fitness and quality of life!
ave many tools to combat chronic pain. One of these tools combines traditional eastern medicine with the best of modern technology. This hybrid option, Microcurrent Point Stimulation (MPS), has been proven effective for the treatment of neuro-myofacial pain.
Don’t let pain or weakness in your hands keep you from work or play. Physical therapy can give you back your strength and flexibility.
Over 600 communities nationwide will also be taking part in this initiative. The mission of the walk is threefold: to raise money to eliminate Alzheimer’s disease through advancing research; to enhance care and support for those afflicted; and to promote brain health to decrease the onset of dementia.
with Alzheimer’s disease. Along with memory loss and other cognitive problems, people with Alzheimer’s disease may have difficulty performing simple tasks that are part of every day living. We not only work with patients, we also work with families and caregivers to help keep patients safely moving. A customized treatment program can help to delay the condition from worsening.
