Category: Take Control of Your Health

WHAT IS THE PELVIC FLOOR, HOW IS IT ADDRESSED IN PHYSICAL THERAPY, AND WHY YOU SHOULD CARE?

Given what we now know of the role of the pelvic floor muscle network, it would make sense that dysfunction could vary widely in presentation and that the avenues for treatment equally as numerous. Direct dysfunction of these muscles can contribute to loss of bowel/bladder control, constipation, urinary and bowel urgency/frequency, pelvic pain, diminished sexual appreciation or pain with intercourse, pelvic organ prolapse, and lumbo-pelvic-hip control issues.

TAKE CONTROL OF YOUR HEALTH: PHYSICAL THERAPY AND PARKINSON’S DISEASE

There are numerous Parkinson’s research groups that are dedicated to improving the lives of individuals with PD. Regardless of which Parkinson’s research group that you follow, be it the LSVT BIG group, the POWER group, etc., much of the research on Parkinson’s Disease points to the same conclusion: a target-specific exercise program may be essential in delaying the progression and deterioration of function that may develop with PD. Early intervention is one of the key components to promoting a long and healthy lifestyle.

HEALTHY WORK FROM HOME HABITS

With COVID-19 drastically changing the lives of millions, Americans everywhere had to make a quick transition to the “work from home” lifestyle. Many New Yorkers were not given much notice for this change, leading to apartments all over the city being converted to Work From Home (WFH) spaces. There are both positives and negatives in regards to WFH, when it comes to our health. And since it’s seems like the transition to a home office environment is here to stay for a while, we thought it would be a good idea to share a little practical advice.POSITIVESBeing able to take breaks to stretch No longer being in the office allows for people to more readily insert stretching breaks throughout their days (without feeling judged from co-workers). Patients often tell PTs that they only feel comfortable stretching when heading to the bathroom or behind closed doors in an office setting. Being in the privacy of your own home, allows you to stretch whenever and wherever you’d like!Changing to different areas Another benefit of working from home is being able to alter your workstation as often as you like. This is in contrast to being in one chair and desk all day […]

QUARANTINE READS

Many of us find ourselves at home in efforts to flatten the curve and save lives. Instead of diving head first into the next binge-worthy streaming show, there are tons of amazing books waiting to be discovered. Here are a few of our favorite reads that you may find enjoyable as you stay at home.

RESOURCES FOR MANAGING STRESS

The COVID-19 pandemic has created a tremendous amount of stress and anxiety for all of us and now, more than ever, it’s important to take some time to check in with your mind body connection. Your mindset is the most powerful thing that you CAN control during uncertain times, and a healthy perspective will help cleanse negative thinking and strengthen your immune system. Stay safe, be well and we hope that you find these websites and apps helpful. Below is a list of various apps and websites to help mitigate the stress caused by COVID-19 CALM: A free App for Sleep, Meditation and relaxation. Guided meditations, soothing music, mindful movement and stretching videos for better sleep, lower stress and less anxiety HEADSPACE: Meditation has been shown to help people stress less, focus more and even sleep better. Headspace is a free app that proposes to make meditation and mindfulness simple. Their premise is to take ten minutes a day to listen in and clear your mind. MEDITOPIA: Meditopia’s library offers over 1000+ guided meditations on topics including stress, anxiety, acceptance, happiness, motivation, focus, and breath. Free 7 day trial MY POSSIBLE SELF: A mental health app that claims to reduce […]

IN CONVERSATION: BREATH & THE MIND BODY CONNECTION

We at Thrive are so fortune to collaborate with many types of rehabilitation, exercise, and movement specialists in the New York City area.  Pilates has long been one of our staff’s preferred exercise tools, and we dearly love and appreciate the expertise of the staff at Mongoose Bodyworks, a Pilates studio that is neighbor to our clinic here in Soho. Over the years we have found our mutual clients achieve more success in movement, return to activity, and engagement in life when we collaborate, and the conversation below is an edited version of a dialogue between Mongoose Bodyworks owner Halle Clarke and Thrive PT staffer Elizabeth D’Annunzio Shah.   Halle: Hi!  When we decided to have a conversation, we talked about many areas of professional overlap.  There’s lots of crossover between what you and I do! Elizabeth: That’s right.  Ultimately, both PTs and Pilates instructors spend a fair amount of time doing movement analysis.  We’re both trying to enable multi-dimensional, pain free movement. Halle: In the spirit of that crossover, I have some questions for you that I thought might relate to both of our client populations.   Specifically, let’s talk about breathing.  How do you think about breathing as it […]

CNN Staying Well: Thrive PT Segment on Manual Therapy

The CNN segment that we filmed at Thrive a few months back is now online. Have a watch as practice owner Tamar Amitay, PT, MS and physical therapist Amy McGorry, PT, DPT, MTC, talk about and demonstrate manual therapy techniques on a patient. Here at Thrive Integrated Physical Therapy, PC, our physical therapists identify the faulty mechanics and movement patterns that contribute to and drive one’s pain. We’ve found that manual therapy coupled with an appropriate therapeutic exercise program really makes a difference. At Thrive we look for the root cause as well as underlying movement dysfunctions to base our interventions. We are dedicated to getting our patients back quickly in the game of life!

Diastasis Recti Treatment: Emphasizing an Individualized Approach

There is no such thing as a one size fits all approach to diastasis recti (DRA) management. Just as no two persons are the same, no two DRAs are either. The separation of the linea alba often times reflects dysfunction, but what generates and perpetuates said dysfunction is different in all people. While this may seem obvious, many people come to me seeking a quick fix, or looking for the internet resource, book, or exercise DVD that will solve all their problems. While there are some wonderful resources out there, ultimately creating an individualized approach to DRA management based on the patient’s unique physical attributes, activity requirements, and goals is the best way to enable healing.

Don’t Survive, THRIVE!

Now is the time to focus on YOU! Pain doesn’t have to rule your life. Physical Therapy is a proven alternative to surgery and prescription drugs. Break the cycle of simply surviving and make this the year you THRIVE. Check out the rest of our website and give us a call to set up a consultation and find out how physical therapy can help you break the pain cycle and get your life back!

NYU Student Health Insurance Accepted Here

Good news for NYU students. As of the 2017-2018 school year, Thrive Integrated Physical Therapy is now contracted with your student health insurance plan. What does this mean to you? Well, in addition to the services provided by your student health center, you can now come to outpatient physical therapy at our facility using your student health insurance. Getting skilled physical therapy at our boutique downtown location has never been more affordable or convenient for NYU students. As individual student plans do vary, please give us a call so we can check on your benefits and go over the cost with you. Give us a call, your physical health is important to us.