Previous injuries, lack of exercise, obesity, and existing chronic conditions increase the risk of injury. Pain may range from mild to severe. Many people assume a good night’s sleep will cure the problem, but pain often worsens upon rising the next morning. When the body is 'pushed past its limit', an injury occurs, and physical therapy is needed.
Physical therapy plays a significant role in identifying a baseline level of conditioning, and improving it over time. Physical therapists use an arsenal of techniques including skilled manual therapy, carefully selected strengthening exercises, joint stabilization methods and more to prevent, and help in recovery after an injury.
During the initial evaluation, our therapist will determine your goals and ask questions such as "How much time do you spend gardening?", "What is your favorite outdoor activity and when was the last time you engaged in that activity?" and more. Valuable information is gathered, which allows the therapist to build a customized plan tailored to the needs of the patient. With years of extensive training in anatomy and movement, the therapist will not only recognize your limit but also assist you in gently (and progressively) push your body to reach its limit, under careful supervision. It is a well known scientific fact that this increases your physical capabilities over time.

At Healing Touch physical therapy, your physical therapist will examine your joints, movement, muscles, posture, gait and much more. Using a variety of scientific tests, the therapist will assess your functional goals and create a plan to help you prevent injuries, so your body is prepared for all outdoor exercises. The therapist may recommend clinical Pilates, low-impact aerobics, strength training or yoga. The therapist may decide to use therapeutic massage and manual therapy techniques, along with heat and cold treatments.
Also, the therapist can evaluate your home and work environment and recommend equipment to ease stress and strain on your joints. Adjustments to the workplace can also help prevent overuse injuries, strains, and sprains. If needed, the therapist will also advise patients on the most efficient and biomechanically correct ways to sit, stand, lift and even get in and out of a car.
Outdoor activities help you stay healthy and happy. A physical therapist at your side will help you safely do the things you enjoy, without having to worry about injuries. Call us today at 516-616-0942 and we'll make sure you have a safe, healthy and happy summer outside!

Most people don't think of yoga as something that is connected to physical therapy. However, yoga is an effective way to manage a variety of conditions, maintaining flexibility and fostering movement. Yoga can be an important adjunct to physical therapy to relieve pain and aid in reducing the risk of injury.
Yoga is more than a means of relieving stress. It does relieve stress, but it is also an effective way to reduce high blood pressure, improve circulation and stimulate the immune system, and ease the pain in a variety of chronic conditions. Yoga can be performed by individuals of any age and is particularly effective for people with neurological conditions and joint disease. It promotes better sleep and is beneficial for those engaged in programs for anger management, smoking cessation, and substance abuse. Yoga combined with physical therapy is a complete wellness solution. It is beneficial for rehabilitation, improving balance, coordination, and motor skills.

Depending upon the patient and their individual needs, yoga can be combined with skilled physical therapy. It is effective as a biofeedback tool to assist patients in monitoring and improving a sense of well-being. 
As a combination, yoga and physical therapy can address an individual's medical condition, injury or dysfunction. The result is improved body awareness and flexibility with a boost in balance and coordination.
​Ask our physical therapists if combination therapy such as yoga and physical therapy is right for you. Our goal is the same as yours - to help you live a happy, healthy and productive life. Let's use the most cutting edge science about human anatomy and function (physical therapy) and centuries worth of movement psychology (yoga) and find the plan that works best for you. Find out how Healing Touch Physical Therapy can help you. ​Call us at 516-616-0942 today to learn more!