Pioneer Valley On The Move

Pioneer Valley On The Move Physical Therapy, Running Gait Analysis, Walking Gait Analysis, Movement Assessments

At PVOTM, you will have one-on-one care by myself, a physical therapist and movement specialist. Every client receives individual treatment based on their presentation and goals. I treat those who are injured, and those who are looking for preventative care to avoid injury. I am also a certified running gait analyst, and provide specific movement assessments for runners. Making very specific changes in running alignment can make you more efficient and allow you to run faster and avoid injury.

03/10/2026

Quick Tip Tuesday: lean forward from your ankles when you run!

When you run, you shouldn’t be perfectly vertical. A slight forward lean from the ankles helps your body work with gravity instead of against it.

This position allows your core muscles to engage properly, which in turn reduces the load on your legs. It also makes breathing easier by allowing full movement of the diaphragm and lungs. And while it may seem small, a slight forward lean can even reduce air resistance. Over long distances, those small efficiencies add up.

😁😁😁 Thankful you be able to have a positive impact!
03/04/2026

😁😁😁 Thankful you be able to have a positive impact!

National Day of Unplugging is a day dedicated to intentionally stepping away from screens and digital devices to recharg...
03/03/2026

National Day of Unplugging is a day dedicated to intentionally stepping away from screens and digital devices to recharge mentally, emotionally, and physically. It allows the mind to slow down, wander, and create, often sparking new ideas and creativity. This picture is a
box my son decorated with his friend. In a world where AI and screens seem to be everywhere, I love that my child can use his imagination to make new worlds from
cushions, blankets, and boxes. He has no hesitation explaining and giving me tours of his creations, and I am so honored that he welcomes me in.

03/03/2026

Quick Tip Tuesday!
Here are some tips on posture when you’re sitting and using a computer. Have a great day!

This is a message I received following my last workshop! This participant had chronic hip stiffness with pain off and on...
02/27/2026

This is a message I received following my last workshop! This participant had chronic hip stiffness with pain off and on for years. She has been consistent with the exercises that were provided, focusing on the specific movements that were found to be most effective for her during the workshop. I’m so grateful to have the opportunity to help people walk and move without pain!

Here are some everyday items you can use instead of dumbbells. Choose something you can grip comfortably and lift overhe...
02/24/2026

Here are some everyday items you can use instead of dumbbells. Choose something you can grip comfortably and lift overhead with control.

• 16–20 oz water bottles
• Canned goods
•Empty half-gallon or gallon milk jugs — fill with water or sand, seal tightly, and use the handle for a secure grip

02/17/2026

Quick Tip Tuesday!
Here’s a tip to work exercise and quad strengthening into your day! Try this: every time you sit down to eat, watch TV, or get up from a chair, pause and do 3–5 sit-to-stands first. If balance is an issue for you, have someone with you to assist if needed.

How to do it:
1. Sit on the front half of a stable, heavy chair (or place a lighter chair against a wall).
2. Stand up using a 1–2 count.
3. Lower slowly back to sitting on a 1–2–3–4 count.
• No plopping—control the descent!

Get Out Your Guitar Day is all about enjoying music and being creative! Playing the guitar requires coordination, endura...
02/11/2026

Get Out Your Guitar Day is all about enjoying music and being creative! Playing the guitar requires coordination, endurance, and good posture; and when something hurts, it can take the joy right out of it. I remember years ago treating a patient for back pain which he felt every time he played his guitar. He loved jamming with his friends, so not being able to play really affected his well-being. We worked on postural training holding the guitar to take pressure off his spine, and learning to engage his deep abdominal muscles to support his back when he played. He was amazed how contracting these muscles stopped his pain and allowed him to play. Whether you’re strumming for fun or performing regularly, taking care of your body ensures the music can keep playing.

02/10/2026

Quick Tip Tuesday: strength training technique!

Why it matters:
• Slow, controlled movement = better results
• Good form helps reduce injury risk

Every strengthening exercise has two phases:
Phase 1: move from start to finish
Phase 2: return back to the start

How to pace it:
🔹 Phase 1: Count 1–2 as you move
🔹 Phase 2: Count 1–2–3–4 as you return (Take longer on the way back—control builds strength.)

Bonus tip:
🗣️ Counting out loud helps you breathe and avoid holding your breath.

02/03/2026

Quick Tip Tuesday!
Today’s tip is about body mechanics when lifting! Keep your back straight, hinge at your hips and bend at your knees, and hold the weight close to your body. Exhaling as you lift the weight, and inhaling as you lower it helps protect your core and reduces strain. Breathe well, move well, lift well!

01/27/2026

Quick Tip Tuesday!
Getting into a new exercise routine and feeling sore? Here some quick tips for muscle soreness after exercise:
1. It's normal to experience muscle soreness 1-2 days after working your muscles harder than you're used to
2. Drink plenty of water (a general rule is to drink 0.5-1 oz of water per pound of body weight)
3. Frequent, gentle movement (such as walking) can lessen the discomfort
If you have pain that does not go away after a few days, contact your doctor or physical therapist.

01/20/2026

Quick Tip Tuesday!
Today’s quick tip demonstrates the Modified Thomas Test, which looks at hip flexor flexibility. Sit at the edge of a bed or bench and lie down, hugging one knee to your chest while letting the other leg hang down. If the hanging leg stays lifted, it can indicate tight hip flexors. The next video shows an exercise to improve hip flexor flexibility in a half-kneeling position.
I wish you all a wonderful week!

Address

40 Bowles Road
Agawam, MA
01001

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 1pm
Tuesday 8am - 1pm
Wednesday 8am - 1pm
Thursday 8am - 1pm
Friday 8am - 1pm

Telephone

+14134541674

Website

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