exercises – Thrive Integrated Physical Therapy

SCHROTH THREE DIMENSIONAL SCOLIOSIS THERAPY

The physical therapy goals in the conservative management of scoliosis include halting curve progression and preventing surgery, addressing spinal pain syndromes, managing respiratory dysfunction, improving aesthetics and body image. In addition to Schroth physical therapists employ an array of manual techniques including joint mobilization, myofascial release, soft tissue mobilization, crainosacral therapy, visceral mobilization and neuromuscular stretching techniques.

STAY IN THE GAME: ADDRESSING HIP PAIN WITH PHYSICAL THERAPY

Even with ligamentous and muscular support in place, the hip is a common area that is susceptible to pain and irritation. While there is no singular explanation for hip pain aside from direct trauma, we can point to a myriad of different causes associated with pain, such as faulty movement patterns, imbalances within the body due to underlying muscle weaknesses, or abnormal joint motion within the hip or neighboring areas of the body, such as the low back.

LET’S GET TECHNICAL: DRIVER TESTING, WHAT IS IT, AND HOW CAN IT HELP ME?

Habitual postures can also lead to muscle imbalances. A person may be sitting at their desk all day slouching forwards, which can lead to tight hip flexors and lengthened/weak glute muscles. Tight hip flexors can lead to a lack of hip extension range of motion, thus driving an issue at the back. Because the body likes to find ways around restrictions, this person might compensate with excessive mobility at the low back joints to make up for that lack of hip mobility. Over time, changes in these tissues structures can ultimately become a source of pain.

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.

COVID-19 ROAD TO RECOVERY: IMPROVING LUNG FUNCTION AND MOBILITY VIA TELEHEALTH

After returning home from the hospital and a stint in the ICU from COVID-19, this once energetic man was unable to ambulate without the aid of a walker or take 20 steps without gasping for breath. Instead of seeing patients, his days were filled with home nursing visits, nebulizer treatments and walking exercises that were not improving his overall health. As a friend and colleague I asked myself, what techniques could I, as a physical therapist, utilize to help this patient recover? As it turns out, PT’s can do a lot.

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 […]

Thrive! is Hosting and Participating in Threes Physiyoga Method for Physical Therapists

If you’ve been following along with our Instagram, you may have noticed that Thrive has had a few in-services with the amazingly smart and talented Giulia Pline. Giulia introduced our entire staff to the Threes Physioyoga Method, which merges physical therapy principles with yoga. What more could we ask for? We were so impressed that we wanted to know more, so we decided to host, and have our staff participate, in their Intro Course for Physical Therapists which will take place right here at Thrive on February 23rd and 24th. We can’t wait to bring all of this new knowledge to our patients! About Threes Physiyoga Method for Physical Therapists This introductory weekend consists of foundational knowledge regarding the teaching of yoga as a mind-body-spirit wellness modality and how this modality can be integrated into traditional physical therapy for the benefit of the patient and the clinician. Yoga is a multi-limbed practice that unites movement with breath. Having an understanding of the influence and benefits of this practice on the body is a powerful, efficient tool for physiotherapists. Physiotherapists will be introduced to the Threes Physiyoga Method of assessing suboptimal and dysfunctional movement. They will understand the mechanics of breath, […]

Please Welcome Jari, the Newest Member of the Thrive Team

Hello Everyone! My name is Jari Haile and I’m so excited to be joining the team at Thrive Integrated Physical Therapy! With experienced and skilled clinicians, amazing patients and a beautiful clinic located in downtown, what more could I ask for! I am an east coast native – born and raised in Maryland. After high school, I moved to Pittsburgh to study Athletic Training at Duquesne University. I was ready to trade in the east coast winters for the sunny beaches of Los Angeles, so I moved across the country to obtain my Doctorate in Physical Therapy at the University of Southern California. After practicing in healthcare for nearly a decade, I decided to move back east and relocate to New York City. People often ask me, “Why in the world would you leave Los Angeles?” Being from Maryland, I always felt as if the east coast was calling for me. I missed the hustle and bustle, the daily interactions with new people, and most of all the proximity to my family. However, there are things that I dearly miss about LA: nearly perfect weather year-round, easy access to amazing hiking trails and mountains, and an abundance of delicious international […]

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.

The Physical Challenges of Curling

When the winter Olympics showcases Curling there’s always an uptick of interest in the sport. Being married to a US Senior National Curling Champion, I’m always intrigued, and have considered trying it, but I don’t want to (literally) hit the ice. Although Curing can appear sort of silly, with all that sweeping of the ice, it’s actually QUITE physically and mentally challenging. It’s literally a game of “chess on ice,” both brawn and brain are required for a successful outcome! On top of strategy and teamwork, you need strength, cardiovascular endurance, balance and flexibility to successfully compete. First, a little about the game: There are 2 teams of 4 players or in the newer mixed doubles game, 2 players, that “deliver” or slide a 42lb granite stone across a sheet of ice toward a circular target of concentric circles dubbed “the house.” Points are scored for getting these rocks closest to the house’s center with both teams throwing stones in “ends” which are similar to baseball innings. Each game consists of 8-10 ends. Each team throws their stones trying to get as many rocks into the center while knocking their opponents rocks out, similar to shuffleboard. But why do they […]