Hands On Physical Therapy of Massapequa

10/29/2025

10/24/2025

Post Surgical Rehab

Recovering from orthopedic surgery can be a long and challenging journey, but personalized rehab programs make a significant difference–as one of our patients, Sarah, recently learned for herself.

When Sarah (not her real name) underwent a total knee replacement to address dysfunction from osteoarthritis, she knew a comprehensive physical therapy rehabilitation could make a big difference in her long-term outcomes. What she didn’t realize was just how much the team at Hands On Physical Therapy would work to personalize her rehab plan to meet her needs and goals.

Today, we want to explore the importance of personalized rehab programs–and walk through Sarah’s program as an example of what we can do for you!

How Personalized Post-Surgical Rehab Programs Help Recovery
Every patient’s recovery from orthopedic surgery is unique. Your rehab will be influenced by factors like the type of surgery, age, overall health, and activity level before the procedure. By creating a plan tailored to these elements, our physical therapists can guide you through every stage of healing, ensuring you recover safely and efficiently.

What are the Key Benefits of a Personalized Rehab Program?
Pain Management
Rehab reduces discomfort through hands-on manual therapy, controlled movements, and other techniques.
More Efficient Recovery
Targeted exercises facilitate healing by improving circulation and reducing stiffness.
Improved Mobility
Personalized exercises restore strength and range of motion in the affected area.
Prevention of Complications
Rehab lowers the risk of complications like blood clots, muscle atrophy, or chronic pain.
The Power of a Personalized Rehab Program
Sarah was in her 60s when she underwent knee replacement surgery. Before her operation, Sarah struggled with limited mobility and chronic pain due to severe arthritis. After her surgery, she worked with a physical therapist at Hands On Physical Therapy to create a personalized post-surgical rehab program. Here’s what it looked like.

Step 1: Initial Assessment
We began with a thorough assessment to help us understand Sarah’s current range of motion, strength, and pain levels. We also discussed her specific recovery goals. Sarah had been an avid traveler before her arthritis became too severe, and she hoped that her surgery would allow her to tour new cities and countries in more comfort.

Step 2: Creating a Personalized Plan
We developed a personalized rehab program for Sarah that included the following:

Targeted mobility exercises to improve Sarah’s knee’s range of motion without causing pain.
A progressive strength training program targeting the muscles supporting Sarah’s knee.
Balance and gait training to help her regain confidence in walking and standing.
A home exercise program with simple movements she could perform between sessions to stay on track
Step 3: Ongoing Adjustments
Sarah kicked off her treatment plan, and we closely monitored her progress so we could adjust her program to ensure it matched her specific recovery. For example, after four weeks, Sarah was ready to transition from bodyweight exercises to exercises using light dumbbells and added weight. After eight weeks, Sarah was walking comfortably and began a dedicated walking regimen to help build up her stamina.

Sarah’s Outcome
Although it took some time, Sarah did achieve her goals. She flew to Italy with her family and spent two weeks exploring Rome and the surrounding countryside–without any knee pain.

Ready to Start Your Recovery Journey?
At Hands On Physical Therapy, we believe every patient deserves individualized care–that’s why we’re dedicated to creating personalized rehab programs that address your unique needs and recovery goals.

If you’re scheduled for orthopedic surgery, now’s a great time to learn more about what we offer at our Massapequa, NY clinic. Schedule an appointment with us today to learn how we can support your recovery!

10/08/2025

Mary

10/06/2025

Janet

10/06/2025

Fascia and constipation

There are some obvious reasons for constipation—food, stress, inactivity—but there’s another reason most are not aware of: fascia. Fascia is a thin connective tissue that interweaves throughout the body, connecting skin, muscle, organs and bone. In the case of constipation, tightness in the pelvic floor, lumbar, and abdominal cavity musculature can influence the digestive tract though dense fascial connections, and in some cases, create digestive symptoms such as constipation. A myofascial physical therapist is trained in evaluating and treating fascial dysfunction with hands on techniques and home exercises, which can improve related symptoms.

10/06/2025

Headaches

According to the International Headache Society, 90% of all headaches are categorized as either tension, migraines or cluster headaches. Tension headaches are typically caused by muscular tension in the neck and scalp. Tightness in these areas may prove to be the culprit, but the answer may also lie elsewhere. The thoracic/lumbar spine, pelvis, and areas even lower may also be involved, through fascial connections that extend, in some cases, the entire length of the body. A physical therapist trained in myofascial release is uniquely versed in evaluating and treating this condition

09/24/2025

Exploring Sciatica Treatment Options

Sciatica can be a frustrating and debilitating condition, marked by pain radiating from the lower back through the hip and down the leg. This nerve pain often results from irritation or compression of the sciatic nerve, which can affect mobility and quality of life. Physical therapy offers effective, proactive sciatica treatment options, focusing on strengthening, mobility, and education to help patients recover and prevent future episodes.

Understanding Sciatica: Causes and Symptoms
Sciatica is not a diagnosis but a symptom of an underlying issue affecting the sciatic nerve. This nerve runs from the lower back, through the hips, and down each leg, controlling sensation and movement. Common causes of sciatica include:

Herniated Discs:
Discs in the spine can press on the sciatic nerve, causing irritation or inflammation.
Muscle Imbalances:
Tight or weak muscles in the lower back, hips, or legs can lead to nerve compression.
Poor Posture:
Prolonged sitting or improper alignment can strain the lower back joints, which can lead to irritation of the sciatic nerve.
Symptoms vary but often include sharp pain, tingling, numbness, or weakness in one leg. These sensations can limit daily activities and make simple movements challenging.

Targeted Exercises at Hands On Physical Therapy to Alleviate Sciatica Pain
Physical therapy addresses sciatica by improving how the body supports and moves through targeted exercise programs. The first step often involves reducing pain and improving mobility. Specific sciatica treatment options include:

Stretching for Mobility:
Physical therapy emphasizes stretches designed to relieve tension in muscles that may compress the sciatic nerve. Stretching restores mobility, making movement smoother and less painful.
Dynamic Movements:
Gradual, controlled exercises help improve mobility and encourage healthy nerve movement, reducing irritation.
Functional Strengthening:
Engaging muscles that stabilize the lower back and pelvis reduces pressure on the sciatic nerve, easing discomfort.
These exercises are carefully chosen to address the individual’s condition and progress as they build strength and range of motion.

Keys to Rebuilding Strength and Stability
Strength and stability are critical for long-term relief from sciatica. Physical therapists focus on rebuilding muscle strength to protect the spine and improve overall alignment. Strengthening exercises target:

Core Stability:
The core provides essential support for the lower back. A strong core minimizes spinal strain, preventing further irritation of the sciatic nerve.
Lower Body Muscles:
Strengthening the gluteal and leg muscles restores balance, helping the body distribute weight and motion efficiently.
Postural Control:
Therapy also improves posture through strengthening exercises that encourage proper spinal alignment, reducing undue pressure on the sciatic nerve.
By addressing these areas, physical therapy helps patients regain function while protecting against future injuries.

How Our Team Can Help Prevent Future Flare-Ups Through Education
Physical therapy goes beyond treatment to equip patients with the knowledge they need to maintain relief and prevent recurrences. Education is a cornerstone of sciatica treatment options, empowering patients to manage their condition effectively.

Body Mechanics and Ergonomics:
Therapists teach lifting, sitting, and standing techniques to reduce strain on the lower back and hips.
Home Exercise Programs:
Personalized plans ensure patients continue strengthening and improving mobility outside therapy sessions.
Trigger Avoidance:
Patients learn to recognize and avoid activities that can aggravate sciatica, such as prolonged sitting or twisting motions.
This proactive approach not only relieves current symptoms but also reduces the likelihood of future episodes.

Empower Your Recovery with Physical Therapy at Hands On Physical Therapy
Sciatica doesn’t have to limit your mobility or quality of life. Physical therapy provides proactive sciatica treatment options that address the root causes of nerve pain while helping you build strength and confidence. At Hands On Physical Therapy, our expert therapists develop personalized plans to restore your function and prevent future discomfort. Contact us today to schedule an evaluation and take the first step toward lasting relief!

08/18/2025

Roseanne testimonial

07/21/2025

Hands on Physical Therapy of Massapequa

07/16/2025

Neck Pain Treatment. Almost everyone is affected by neck pain at some point in their life, and there are many treatment options from which to choose. Most of them however, do not address a key area. Tightness and or restrictions in the front of the neck will pull the head/neck down and forward, contributing to the forward head posture that causes neck pain. The muscles responsible for this: sternocleidomastoid, digastric, and anterior scalenes, as well as the platysma and anterior portion of the cervical spine, can be treated, but often are not, and may be the reason your pain is not resolving. Myofascial Release trained physical therapists are well versed in addressing these areas, and often include it as part of their treatment.

We serve Nassau County and Suffolk County, Long Island, Babylon and Massapequa, West Islip, Islip, Bellmore, Merrick, Seaford, Wantagh, Copiague, Amityville, Amity Harbor, Brightwaters, Bayshore, Massapequa Park, Deer Park, Dix Hills, West Babylon, North Babylon, Plainview, Plainedge, Bethpage, Farmingdale, Bellmore, Merrick, Levittown, East Meadow, and surrounding areas.

Give us a call for a free consultation: 516-595-0456.