Following a stroke, physical therapy is essential to help stroke survivors regain strength, coordination, balance, and motor control as well as address stroke-related physiological impairments through a supervised and customized exercise program. A stroke occurs when the blood flow to an area of the brain is decreased, obstructed, or stopped, which deprives the brain cells of oxygen, causing cell death. Physical therapists help stroke survivors optimize their function after the stroke, enhance their level of independence, and improve their quality of life. Check out our infographic on the ben ..read more

Osteoporosis is a bone disease that causes decreased bone mineral density and changes in bone structure, leading to bones that are thin, porous, and brittle, and more susceptible to fractures. Osteoporosis is often a silent disease, in which the most common symptom is breaking a bone after a small fall or minor accident that wouldn’t normally cause a fracture. Factors, such as hormonal changes, nutritional deficiencies, a sedentary lifestyle, family history, and certain medications and diseases, can contribute to the development of osteoporosis. Physical therapy plays a critical role in manag ..read more

A perineal tear during childbirth is common during vaginal delivery, involving stretching or tearing of the perineum, the area between the vagina and anus. Perineal tears can lead to pelvic floor dysfunction, urinary or fecal incontinence, and painful sex. The risk of suffering a perineal tear is heightened if you are a first-time mom, had prolonged pushing during labor, delivered a large baby, used forceps during delivery, or if mom is of an older maternal age. Pelvic floor therapy with a physical therapist is one of the most effective and efficient ways to treat perineal pain after childbir ..read more

Exercise is one of the most effective ways to improve arthritic pain, stiffness, and decreased range of motion in your joints. Arthritis is a chronic, progressive condition that causes inflammation, pain, and stiffness in one or more joints. The goal of an exercise program for those with arthritis is to preserve or restore range of motion and flexibility in affected joints, increase muscle strength and endurance to take stress off of arthritic joints, and increase aerobic conditioning to reduce health risks associated with a sedentary lifestyle. Check out seven benefits of exercise for those ..read more

Download our May 2024 Newsletter! Our May Newsletter covers: Punching Out Parkinson’s with Therapeutic Boxing Completing the Stress Cycle with Exercise 3 Exercises to Alleviate Piriformis Syndrome Pain Spring Donation Drive Thank You Download May 2024 Newsletter ..read more

Stress is defined as an experience that is emotionally or physically challenging that poses a threat to homeostasis in your body. When you experience a stressor, your body responds with the stress response system, which activates the sympathetic nervous system, causes a fight or flight response, and increases cortisol and adrenaline in your body to survive the threat. It is essential to complete the stress cycle, as remaining in a chronic state of stress can have significant negative effects psychologically and physiologically. Exercise is one of the best ways to complete the stress response ..read more

Tarsal tunnel syndrome results from compression of the posterior tibial nerve as it passes through the tarsal tunnel. The tarsal tunnel is a narrow space located on the inside of the ankle, containing the tibial nerve which provides feeling to the heel and foot and aids in foot function. Tarsal tunnel syndrome can cause debilitating pain, numbness, and tingling in the foot and ankle and limit ankle and foot mobility and function. Physical therapy can play a critical role in improving the function and mobility of those with tarsal tunnel syndrome through a targeted strengthening, stretchi ..read more

Parkinson’s disease is a multifaceted neurodegenerative disease that impairs movement, coordination, and cognitive function over time. Physical therapy-led exercise is a critical component of managing Parkinson’s disease, helping to manage symptoms, and even slowing progression of the disease. Therapeutic boxing is a unique targeted exercise therapy, requiring full-body movement, combining upper-body punching sequences with lower-body footwork to build strength, counter rigidity, and improve hand-eye coordination, balance, posture, and agility. Mangiarelli Rehabilitation physical therapist Bob ..read more

Download our April 2024 Newsletter! Our April Newsletter covers: 8 Tips to Prevent Low Back Pain this Gardening Season Exercise Rehabilitation for Multiple Sclerosis Best Exercise to Improve Hip Flexor Strength The Role of Nutrition in Osteoarthritis Symptom Management Download April 2024 Newsletter ..read more

Multiple sclerosis is a progressive neurological disease in which the immune system attacks the protective covering of the brain and spinal cord, causing damage to nerves and leading to a variety of cognitive and physical impairments. From early stage through disease progression, physical therapy-led exercise rehabilitation can reduce functional dysfunction in MS patients, manage and address symptoms like fatigue and spasticity, slow progression of the disease, and improve quality of life.  Exercise rehabilitation can involve aerobic exercise, gait training, manual therapy, balance and c ..read more