Train Your Brain with Physical Therapy to Heal & Prevent Injuries
When you do physical therapy, you are stretching and strengthening your body. Did you know that your brain gets a workout too?
The brain controls the movements of the muscles. As in all things, practice makes perfect. The more you do a motion, the better you become. The technical term is: Proprioception & Kinesthetic Awareness, and it’s a hot topic right now.
Bad Practice Makes Imperfect: When you have a chronic condition, or are recovering from an injury, bad practice makes imperfect! If you are doing something the wrong way…like slouching when you sit at your desk…your body and your brain will need to be retrained to fix those bad habits.
Athletic coaches know that to correct a bad swing, athletes need to practice perfect form. With physical therapy we work on perfecting your form, which helps you to prevent re-injury.
Think of your physical therapist as your coach. We’ll work with you to insure that you are moving correctly, and that you have the exercise routine to continue that good form. As you train, your brain picks up the pattern to send the right signals, so that you will begin to move the right way without having to think about it!
Even All-Stars have to practice. Continue to reinforce the good habits during and after your therapy sessions, and you will continue to see improvement.
It’s like All-Stars taking their turn in the batting cages to maintain their swing. The more you practice, the better and healthier you will be.
We’ve known it all along! We love it when current research shows what we have been saying in our office for years! Physical therapy is beneficial in both injury rehabilitation AND injury prevention!
Physical Therapy is a great option for patients who suffer lower back pain. At our practice, we give you the right combination of physical therapy techniques and the information that you need to find relief.
A patient describes her experience:
“When I came to Smolczynski Physical Therapy, my hip and lower back were getting progressively worse and I was getting increasingly depressed. This was my third attempt at therapy and I was hesitant to say the least. I had tried other PT facilities, but they lacked the attention to detail I needed. Nikki & Vince were wonderful and caring and extremely competent therapists who took the time to explain things thoroughly. I now have the tools to alleviate the pain I had lived with for 10 years. I experienced significant relief.”
In the past, someone with lower back pain would have been prescribed bed rest alone. Current research shows that inactivity weakens the muscles that support the spine. In fact, inactivity has been proven to prolong recovery and worsen certain conditions.
How do we treat back pain? We develop a customized treatment plan for each patient, with a focus on stretching and strengthening the lower back muscles, abdominal muscles, hips and legs. This combination of treatments helps you to achieve your best outcome.
Passive physical therapy: which includes things done to the patient, such as heat application, ice packs, electrical stimulation and hands-on treatment.
Active physical therapy: which focuses on specific exercises and stretching. For most low back pain treatments, exercise is the focus of the physical therapy program. These exercises may include: stretching and core strengthening.
What are the results? In our 30 years of treating patients with lower back pain, we have helped hundreds of patients become pain-free. An important component to our treatment is thorough patient education and at-home exercise plans that keep patients healthy after their therapy is complete.
You don’t have to live with pain. Let’s work together to design a treatment plan that allows you to live your life without debilitating back pain. Be part of the success story at Smolczynski Physical Therapy Associates.
At Smolczynski Physical Therapy, we know that a well-informed patient makes the best health care decisions. How much do you know about treatment for common issues? Take our quiz to see if you can match the injury with the best treatment option
1. Ankle Sprain: HEATCOLDBOTH
2. Pulled Muscle: HEAT COLDBOTH
3. Broken Toe: HEAT COLD BOTH
4. Stiff Neck: HEAT COLD BOTH
5. Migraine: HEATCOLDBOTH
HEAT THERAPY- Best for injuries involving muscular spasms and tightness.Pulled Muscle, Stiff Neck. Injuries to soft tissue like muscles, tendons and ligaments can benefit from application of heat. Heat can decrease pain and increase mobility while you recover from some injuries. Heat is better tolerated by most people and is usually the first choice for back pain, neck pain, and rib injuries.
At your appointment, your physical therapist may apply heat to make the injured tissue more pliable, which allows him or her to better stretch the injured area.
COLD THERAPY - Best for: Injuries involving inflammation and swelling: Ankle Sprain, Broken Toe. Ice is a very effective means of reducing and possibly preventing inflammation immediately following an injury. If there is swelling, ice is the most appropriate treatment especially during the first 2-3 days of an acute injury.
Vince and Nikki use cold therapy to reduce inflammation and to make your joints more mobile, which can be benefit manual therapy treatment. A true muscle injury almost always involves severe, sudden pain. If the muscle is truly torn, use ice to bring down the inflammation
BOTH - Heat and ice therapies can be used in combination at different stages of treatment, or based on personal preference. Migraine. Migraine sufferers differ on what works best. Ice packs have a numbing effect, and may dull the sensation of pain when applied to the face and neck. However, hot packs and heating pads can relax tense muscles; warm showers or baths may have a similar effect.
Look for more quizzes to come on the SPTA blog posts…we’ll test your PT knowledge to help you stay well and keep you in motion!
Note: This blog covers general assessments, not meant to take the place of professional medical advice, which will vary on a case-by-case basis.
When you work with Smolczynski Physical Therapy, you are partnering with a private practice that uses an individualized, patient-focused approach to PT. Physical Therapists Nikki & Vince Smolczynski have been helping patients to get back on their feet for over 30 years.
We are proud of our record of success & patient satisfaction:
PAIN TREATMENT:“I had a lot of pain in my left foot and ankle, it was so bad that I could hardly walk. Having physical therapy here was the best thing I could have done for my foot. I couldn’t have asked for better care. I want to thank Dr. D for referring me here. I would recommend Smolczynski PT to my family and friends.” Carolyn A.
FRACTURE REHABILITATION:“I was so impressed with my first round of PT with Vince & Nikki (for TMJ) that after fracturing my ankle, they were first on my list to rehab my ankle. They had me walking way ahead of the schedule I was given post operatively. They have the real gift of healing and provide outstanding and professional guidance and personal instruction. “ William S.
MOBILITY & PAIN TREATMENT: “Before I had physical therapy I couldn’t move my toes, had constant pain and couldn’t fit any shoes on. When I finished delivering my postal route, driving back to the station I had severe pain pressing the gas & brake pedals. After having PT, I can wiggle my toes and have less pain than before. I can walk with my whole foot down. It’s so much better than before with the help of my physical therapy people! I want to thank my doctor for referring me. They are wonderful and I will miss them dearly!” Carmen P.
Using a variety of tools, Physical Therapy has proven to be successful in the treatment of foot and ankle problems, including balance and gait disturbances.
STEP ONE: We evaluate patient strength, range of motion, posture, endurance, pain levels, and areas of muscle guarding to identify the factors that may affect balance and walking gait.
STEP TWO: We then formulate an individualized treatment program, which may include: STRENGTHENING * RANGE OF MOTION * CLOSED CHAIN EXERCISE * STRETCHING * IONTOPHORESIS * ULTRASOUND * MYOFASCIAL RELEASE * FOOTWEAR ASSESSMENT
At SPTA, patients receive personal attention, an individualized treatment plan, and thorough education that will help them long after their therapy is over.
Tina Scheirer has been a key part of the medical team at Smolczynski Physical Therapy Associates (SPTA) for over 14 years. Tina is a Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA), with special education, skills and knowledge that allow her to provide the personalized care that you expect from a private practice. Tina is part of the reason why at SPTA, patients are treated like family.
The role of the PTA includes instructing patients in exercises and strategies for daily activities. Tina is skilled in using special equipment such as ultrasound and electrical stimulation modalities. She also is instrumental in collecting and documenting data on patient progress. To become a PTA, Tina passed the national examination for licensing and certification. She also has an Associates Degree in Applied Science from Lehigh County Community College.
What is her favorite part of the job? “Meeting all kinds of people from all walks of life and helping them to achieve their goals.” Working together toward patient goals is a team effort at SPTA. Tina works closely with Physical Therapists Nikki & Vince Smolczynski.
When you are a patient at SPTA, Tina takes the time to get to know you. The insight she gains in talking with patients helps her to understand more about your day-to-day physical needs.
We thought we’d turn the tables, and let everyone learn a little about her! She grew up in Catasaqua, and is a lifelong resident of the Lehigh Valley. Her family includes her husband Jim, stepson Cory and dogs Shiloh & Scout.
Tina is a member of the Lehigh County Historical Society, and enjoys learning about American History. When she’s not in the office, you might find her out and about at flea markets and craft shows.
Tina Scheirer is just one more reason to visit Smolczynski Physical Therapy to get well and stay well.
Your mother knew that sitting up straight was good for you! Recent studies have confirmed it. Good posture makes you look younger and live longer.
An article on Health.com noted that “As we age, good posture will do more to keep you looking youthful as the years go by than a face-lift or Botox. And the benefits of maintaining your bone health are much more than skin-deep.”*
Physical therapists have seen first hand the benefits of good posture. Through physical therapy treatment and education, we can help you improve your posture with a physical therapy treatment plan.
At Smolczynski Physical Therapy Associates we realize that it isn’t always possible to avoid the actions and postures that result in spine, head face and extremity pain. However, for patients suffering from TMJ, neck pain, shoulder pain and migraines, posture therapy can make patients feel better and look better too!
Our posture-based therapy combines a number of techniques – including hands-on treatment, mobilization, and massage, along with thorough patient education. Many of the issues that affect your overall health may benefit from a strengthening & stretching plan that improves your posture.
A patient shares her success story… “Vince gave me the treatment AND the tools that I needed to help decrease my migraines in both frequency and intensity. As my posture improved, so did my migraines. When I felt a migraine coming on, I knew the techniques to relieve the neck & shoulder issues that compounded the pain.”
At our practice, we believe in giving the patient the information that they need to stay healthy long after their physical therapy treatment is over. Continued good health is our goal.
So avoid the plastic surgery…look younger & live longer with physical therapy!
*To read the full article on go to: http://www.health.com/health/gallery/0,,20446224,00.html
We were looking for a way to explain the benefits of choosing a private practice for physical therapy treatment.
Since our patients tell us how much they appreciate the personal touch they receive at our office, we thought we would let them explain*!
1. Personal Service: “They really took the time to explain things, and to get to know me. They listened and were genuine in their approach to treatment.”
2. Custom Treatment: “They tailor the program to your individual needs and pay close attention to your progress and routine.
3. Patient Education: “I feel equipped with the knowledge and skills to prevent this condition from ever getting worse in the future.”
4. Intimate Setting: “You become part of the family when you are here, and the intimate atmosphere is non-judgmental and not intimidating.”
5. Consistency: “This was by far the best physical therapy I could have hoped for. They took the time to make sure I was doing my exercises correctly, and were available to answer any questions I had.”
6. Experience: “Smolczynksi Physical Therapy has a real gift of healing and provides outstanding and professional care, guidance and personal instruction.”
Why choose a small private practice? Your physical therapy needs are unique and personal. We make sure that your treatment is too.
* All quotes are taken from actual written patient testimonials.
Before you start working outside, take some time to STRETCH…it may help you to avoid the aches and pains that come after yard work and gardening.
Let’s start at the top and work our way down. Repeat these few simple SLOW stretches 10 times each.
Neck Stretches - Stand with your eyes level, slowly rotate your head to the left, wait a few seconds then gently stretch a little further. Repeat the same procedure to the right side. Next, tilt your head from side to side gently. When you feel a slight stretch, wait a few seconds then gently stretch a little further.
Shoulder Rolls – roll your shoulders forward and backward.
Backbends – Stand with your hands on your hips, gently bend backwards, keeping your knees straight.
Sidebends – Stand with your hands stretching overhead, gently bend side to side.
Squats – Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart, slowly bend your knees.
Hamstring Stretch – Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart. Interlace your hands behind your back. Keeping your legs straight, bend at the hips, tucking your chin, and bringing your hands over your head.
Calf Stretch – Place the ball of your foot on the end of a stair step or curb. Slowly drop your heel down while keeping the ball of your foot on the step.
Once you get out in the garden, remember to pace yourself. Always bend at the knees, not the waist. Keep you back straight, and let your thighs do the lifting. Take your time and enjoy the outdoors; you don’t have to do it all in one weekend!
“We are pleased to share this letter from a patient who nominated Smolczynski Physical Therapy as “2014 Physical Therapy Rehabilitation Center of the Year.” As a private practice, we are able to offer personalized, patient-focused care, which is key to a successful outcome. We value our relationships with our patients, and are very honored to be nominated.” Nikki & Vince
DearLehigh Valley Business,
I would like to nominate Smolczynski Physical Therapy Associates for 2014 Physical Therapy Rehabilitation Center of the Year.
With over 30 years of experience, Nikki and Vince Smolczynski of Smolczynski Physical Therapy Associates have given thousands of patients their lives back in the Lehigh Valley. Having the wonderful opportunity to be a patient for these two highly skilled professionals has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life!
I have struggled with shoulder instability for years and have visited a variety of therapists in two different states. The individualized care, commitment, and sincere dedication to their patients are what differentiate them from anyone else in the Valley. My visits to Nikki and Vince have given me a renewed sense of motivation and the confidence that I have been missing for years. Smolczynski Physical Therapy provides so much more than an exercise routine, you finish every single visit with a stronger sense of commitment, perseverance, and devotion to make your life better. They provide the confidence and support you need every single visit, every single exercise, and every single moment you doubt your abilities.
Nikki and Vince thrive on maintaining a positive and rewarding experience in every aspect of your treatment. Their knowledge, expertise, and genuine care for the patient has given me more confidence than I have ever had with my shoulder’s range of motion. I give my absolute highest recommendation to anyone in the Lehigh Valley that is struggling with pain or a limited range of motion. They are a team that will truly treat you like family and never give up on your journey towards success.
Head & Facial Pain can be the symptom of many conditions including TMJ, Migraines, and Neuralgia. Physical Therapy targets the cause of this pain through a program of hands-on treatment, exercise, stretching and strengthening.
If you are suffering, you are not alone…about 35 million people in the US suffer from TMJ/Migraine problems. The majority of those seeking treatment are women in their childbearing years.
Smolczynski Physical Therapy Associates can help you manage:
Clenching and grinding
Neck & Shoulder Pain
Migraine and/or chronic headache
Jaw muscle stiffness
Limited movement or locking of the jaw
Painful clicking, popping or grating in the jaw joint
Ringing in the ears
Ear pain
Dizziness and vision problems
If the problem is facial pain, physical therapy can be part of the solution. Contact us to make an appointment for an expert evaluation 610-432-7733.
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
Train Your Brain with Physical Therapy to Heal & Prevent Injuries
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