Welcome Melissa Jesski, PT, DPT

Welcome Melissa Jesski, PT, DPT, our newest physical therapist to join the Park Sports team! Melissa is originally from Chicago and completed her Doctorate of Physical Therapy at Saint Louis University in Missouri. Melissa’s midwest sincerity combined with her versatile background in orthopedics, pelvic floor, and aquatic therapy makes her a wonderful addition to our 6th Avenue location. From the start, it was clear that Melissa has a “can-do” attitude and a strong knack for patient education that radiates onto everyone she works with. This type of quality care will undoubtedly help our patients achieve their maximum potential during their rehab journeys. See all that Melissa had to say in her recent one on one interview:

What made you choose PT out of all the healing professions, and was there an “a-ha moment” when you realized this was your passion?

My love for PT is one that grew slowly and steadily, rather than overnight. In high school, I was an athlete – mostly gymnastics and track. During that time, I, unfortunately, developed recurring ankle sprains and became a frequent flyer at our school’s Athletic Trainer. I remember doing my rehab exercises and thinking, “How is it possible that I can sprint 400 meters with my eyes closed, but I cannot simply stand on a Bosu ball with one foot?!” The whole rehab experience was both self-actuating and fascinating. My interest expanded even further at a hospital career fair night, where I learned all about the physical therapy profession. That night I realized that my own recovery with a sports injury could expand to other populations, including burn victims, geriatrics, and neurology patients. I knew I wanted a profession that could impact people’s lives for the better, and PT was clearly the way to do it. It’s safe to say that I chose this profession right out of high school and hit the ground running. I have not looked back since!

What are your hobbies outside of the clinic?

I absolutely love BIKING! Any chance I get – whether it be to and from work, exploring a new part of the city, or just en route to a restaurant – I prefer to experience the world via bike. I also love food and travel (ideally both at the same time)! It doesn’t matter where it is, as long as it is some place new I jump right on board. My next planned getaway is to Banf, Canada.

Tell us more about your background in aquatics and pelvic floor therapy!

I want to first start by saying that aquatics is such a powerful and untapped into tool in physical therapy! When I was a student, I had a hodgepodge of jobs. One was as a PT Aide that happened to be at a pediatric aquatic clinic. There I interacted with kids who had disabilities ranging from cerebral palsy (CP) to Down’s syndrome. On land, I saw that these kids were not very energetic – they were seemingly shy and did not respond well to other PT tactics. However, I could also see that deep down they wanted to just play like kids. Once we got them in a pool, it was a complete energy shift! They were free to splash all over the place and enjoy what gravity had previously weighed down. Flash forward to my clinical rotations in PT school, and I made sure to get experience in an aquatic setting. Beyond pediatrics, I saw how pools work as a good in-between for complex patients who cannot weight bear well on land. Gains for these patients might happen faster in a pool setting and instill the strength and confidence they need to get back to standard PT.

My interest in pelvic floor therapy happened while working alongside pelvic floor therapists. At first, I had no idea what it entailed. All I knew was that this group of women were exceedingly grateful to their therapists. Unfortunately, the difficulties women experience both during and after pregnancy are often not coffee table conversation. I wondered why I myself, as an educated “science person,” had never heard of stress incontinence or prolapse. I realized the disconnect between what the average person knows vs actually experiences during pregnancy and saw PT as a way to bridge that gap.

Is there anything that makes your clinical approach unique?

I certainly place a huge emphasis on creating individual goal-oriented treatment plans. Something I ask all of my patients is, “What do you want to get back to, and how can I help you get there?” With whatever I do, I am thinking about the long term! This means integrating dynamic functional movements into therapy, not just isolated exercises. For example, if a kid needs to get back to playing soccer, doing ankle pumps is only a small part of the picture. I will also analyze their core strength and endurance, so that kid doesn’t have to worry about their joints eventually failing on them. Lastly, I find it very important to educate people on WHY they are doing certain exercises. Getting an individual to understand that X and Y lead to Z is key to building their exercise adherence.

What do you think is the most important aspect of the patient-provider relationship?

In one simple statement – it has to be a team effort. Patients deserve the opportunity to give their provider feedback about what is and is not working, just as much as providers need to be clear in their explanations. Luckily, physical therapists get to see patients throughout their entire journey and have many chances to reevaluate progress.

Why are you excited to join the Park Sports team?

I definitely have a sense of autonomy at Park Sports that I have not experienced at other PT settings. This allows the provider to directly do what’s best for the patient without any loopholes. Also, having exposure to a versatile patient population is something that only a clinic in Brooklyn can offer. Lastly, the team effort and sense of encouragement is palpable at Park Sports. These therapists are constantly learning and bouncing ideas off one another to better themselves and their patients. You can’t really ask for more when it comes to quality patient care!

To meet Melissa in person and see her treatment in action, click below to schedule an appointment, or visit our 6th Avenue location.

Postpartum Diastasis Recti – A Pelvic Floor PTs Perspective

As a pelvic floor physical therapist, almost every new mom I treat has concerns over diastasis rectus abdominis (DRA) or “diastasis recti.” This condition happens during and after pregnancy because of the stress placed on the rectus abdominus (the famous “six pack” muscle) as a fetus grows within the uterus. DRA typically develops in the second or third trimester, when the fetus is growing most rapidly. Certain factors, like older age and having multiple pregnancies, may make a woman more susceptible to developing DRA. Simply put, the connecting tissue between the two sides of the abdominal wall called the linea alba, stretches and separates. Some women heal on their own, but others may not.

While brushed off as commonplace (which it is!), DRA is not insignificant. Any woman experiencing changes within her body is justified in her concerns, whether they are physical or aesthetic. Concerns I often hear are, “Is this just something all women have to accept? Why did no one tell me this could happen?” And the most common one… “Will it ever go back to together?”

The good news is that women are smarter and more empowered than ever before, and many are now seeking help from a pelvic floor physical therapist. If you are affected by postpartum DRA, pelvic floor physical therapy can be a highly effective approach!

Why is it important to treat diastasis recti?

The abdominal muscles support your posture, help control movement, and protect the internal organs (i.e. bladder, uterus, and rectum). If you are affected by DRA, you may therefore be at an increased risk for injury. The symptoms associated with DRA combined with the the many stressors that come with having a new baby can negatively affect a woman’s quality of life.

What does diastasis recti or DRA feel like?

The separated abdominal muscles usually do not cause pain, but the sequela of DRA can lead to dysfunction within the body. Symptoms usually develop gradually over the course of a woman’s pregnancy, and may linger following labor and delivery. Symptoms associated with DRA include:

Weakness within the midsection.
A visible and palpable gap between the rectus abdominis muscle.
Pelvic-floor muscle dysfunction.
Urinary or bowel problems (incontinence, leakage, constipation, etc).
Poor posture.
Occasionally low back, pelvic, or hip pain.

What is a diastasis diagnosis?

A physical therapist will review your medical history and symptoms. This includes questions related to your pregnancy, labor, delivery, breastfeeding habits, and physical recovery. They will also assess orthopedic factors, including your posture, range of motion, and muscle strength. Lastly, they will do a gentle abdominal muscle examination to note the degree of separation.

What should I expect in terms of treatment?

If you do develop DRA, the earlier you see a physical therapist, the faster you will be on your road to improved function! Treatment strategies include:

Education. Your PT will be your coach and your teacher. They will guide you through a safe and effective plan of care and teach you movements to avoid early on (i.e. not to perform traditional sit-ups or crunches).
Bracing. Sometimes taping or bracing the abdominal region can provide external support for women with DRA. It can also work as a cue when relearning the correct position for your midsection.
Postural Training. One of the most important components when treating DRA is improving postural control. This will involve activating core muscles such as your transverse abdominus (a deep abdominal muscle) and your pelvic floor without overusing the rectus abdominus muscle. In addition to strengthening, stretching plays a big role in postural control. While we often think all the muscles become weak during pregnancy, others may actually become overactive and tight. Your physical therapist will help you restore this balance. Lastly, they will help you transfer your gains to real life and review proper form when performing daily activities, such as lifting and carrying your baby.

In sum, DRA is a very prevalent condition that can be addressed with guidance from a skilled PT. If you have any questions related to diastasis recti or would like to get started on a PT program, I am happy to help!

Written By: Lacey Salberg

Contact:
Park Sports Physical Therapy
Dr. Lacey Salberg, PT, DPT
lacey@parksportspt.com

Increasing Shoulder Range of Motion

Increasing shoulder range of motion after injury or surgery is key to recovery and shoulder performance. Genya Royfman, PT, DPT is a graduate of UC Santa Barbara and received her Doctorate of Physical Therapy from Hampton University. She’s been a part of the Park Sports team for about a year now and has a passion for treating shoulder injuries. Genya, who is a former high school football player and currently an avid rock climber, has herself had multiple shoulder surgeries and experiences with PT as a patient. When it comes to shoulder issues and recovery, Genya says clearly, “I can relate.”

The Shoulder and injury.

The shoulder is a complex joint built to allow movement in many directions: forward, backward, around in a circle, and away from the body. Muscles and ligaments help keep the shoulder stable and secure in your shoulder socket. Injuries can occur whether you are an athlete, super active, or an occasionally active weekend adventurer or DIYer.

Quick overview of your shoulder.

Your shoulder joint is a ball-and-socket joint. The head of the humerus (upper arm bone) is the ball and the scapula (shoulder blade) forms the socket where the humerus sits.

The scapula and arm are connected to the body by multiple muscle and ligament attachments. The front of the scapula is also connected to the clavicle or collarbone through what is called the acromioclavicular joint.

As you move your arm around your body, your scapula must also move to maintain the ball and socket in normal alignment. Keeping this alignment steady and sturdy is a life long challenge. Injury to the multiple muscles and ligaments that keep everything functioning is quite common. Recovery is not always so simple however.

Range of Motion.

Shoulder Range of Motion or ROM is the measurement of movement around a specific joint or body part. ROM can become limited due to joint overuse, arthritis, or sudden trauma to the joint. Lack of ROM is a strong indicator of injury, not to mention, it can limit your daily functions and cause persistent pain and discomfort. Working with a physical therapist, you will increase your range of motion and strengthen your joint. This occurs through joint manipulation and specialized exercises.

Like all Park Sports therapists, Genya performs detailed research into her client’s history and current injury before any treatment begins. After Genya creates a plan for her patient’s shoulder injury treatment or post-op plan in conjunction with her patient’s surgeon, often she is initially focused on strengthening scapula involvement. “I make sure the scapula is properly engaged, people tend to forget about the shoulder blade.” There are a number of early stage treatment exercises she typically begins with. These will help work the scapula and also test early treatment ROM.

Shoulder Blade Squeezes.

It is important to engage the upper trapezius muscles at the start of treatment. Genya’s shoulder blade squeezes address the mid to lower trap muscles. As a result, they loosen the upper trap muscles. This helps to relieve neck and shoulder discomfort. Your trap muscle consists of three parts and has many different functions—lifting your shoulders, holding up your neck and head and moving your shoulder blade. When this muscle is tight, it affects your entire body. Tight traps are significant enough to influence your training, recovery, and overall well being.

Scapular Wall Slide.

The Scapular Wall Slide is another early stage exercise designed to improve scapula stabilization. Genya positions her patient in front of a wall and squeezes their shoulder blades. The patient then slides their forearm up the wall maintaining contact with the wall the entire time. Wall slides train the muscles surrounding the scapula for both dynamic and static stability – controlling the position of the scapula during arm movement.

Treatment length varies.

Treatment length varies from patient to patient depending many factors. Very recently, Genya discharged a patient that had been with her for an extended period of time recovering from a massive shoulder injury. “It was an emotional experience for both of us, lots of laughing, crying, and hard work. She now has full range of motion and a healthily functioning shoulder. She is pain free and active again. I am so proud of our work together!”

Our New Williamsburg Facility.

If you have shoulder soreness, tightness or an injury call us directly for a free evaluation. We offer free consultations and direct access to all of our facilities including our brand new state of the art center at 490 Driggs Avenue in Williamsburg, Brooklyn.

Hamstring Injuries

Hamstring injuries can be painful and set you back weeks if not properly recognized and treated. Strain to the hamstring occurs when one or more of the three hamstring muscles or tendons (at the back of the thigh) is torn, either partially or completely. It is one of the most common injuries of the lower body. While hamstring injuries are most often associated with athletes participating in sports involving high-speed running, such as football, soccer, or track, anyone with a hamstring runs a risk of a hamstring injury. There is also great risk of hamstring re-injury. In fact, after tearing a hamstring muscle, a person is two to six times more likely to suffer a subsequent injury. In most cases, hamstring strain injuries are successfully managed with physical therapy.

“Hamstring strains are one of the most frequently occurring injuries in sport. They can be challenging and frustrating to treat because of the high recurrence rate. Hamstring strains account for 12–16% of all injuries in athletes.”
The National Center for Biotechnology Information

Symptoms of a Hamstring Injury

Pain in the back of your thigh, either behind your knee, in the muscle belly, or near your buttock
Difficulty fully straightening your knee without pain
Hard to take large steps or walk quickly, or pain experienced with climbing stairs
Discomfort with running

In most instances, there is pain associated with a hamstring injury. The range of pain can be from mild to severe. As the hamstring covers a large portion of the back of the leg, the exact location of symptoms may vary from person to person.

Causes of Injury

A hamstring injury may come on suddenly, typically as the result of a quick motion that occurs with running or cutting maneuvers while participating in sports. Occasionally, you can suffer a hamstring strain by simply moving the wrong way while getting up from a chair or while walking and running.

First steps to injury recovery

See your doctor to be sure you get an accurate diagnosis
Visit a physical therapist to start treating the pain and to start working on restoring your normal mobility
Avoid aggravating activities that can cause pain or prevent normal tissue healing of your hamstring

Evaluation

At Park Sports, we regularly treat hamstring and other sports injuries. Many of our therapists are current and former athletes so we understand the importance of strength, range of motion, and rehabilitation when it comes to performance and daily life. Treatment starts with an initial evaluation. All hamstring injuries are unique so the initial evaluation phase is vital time for us as we work to prepare an individualized treatment plan. During our evaluation we will:

Determine the Range of Motion (ROM) of your hip and knee. Hamstring strains typically limit the amount of motion and flexibility around the hip and knee joints
Measure the strength of your hamstrings and surrounding muscles
Check on how your hamstring pain limits your ability to perform normal activities. We will watch you walk, run, climb stairs, or jump, depending on the severity of your condition

Treatment

The main goals of physical therapy for a hamstring strain include restoring normal flexibility and ROM, regaining normal strength, controlling pain and swelling, and helping you get back to optimal function.
Ultrasound is a deep heating treatment that can help improve circulation and extensibility around the injured tissues of your hamstring.
Massage. Massaging the injured tissue can help improve scar tissue mobility. The effects of deep stripping massage results in an increased hamstring length rather quickly, improving flexibility, but does not affect the strength of the muscle.
Kinesiology taping techniques help improve the way your hamstring muscle functions. Kinesiology taping can also be used to decrease swelling and bruising around your hamstring muscles.
Ice may be used during the acute phase of injury to control swelling and to decrease pain that you are feeling.
Moist heat packs help relax your hamstring muscles and to improve tissue extensibility prior to stretching.

We will also prescribe specific exercises for you to do in the clinic, and a home exercise program for you to do on a regular basis.

Get Back and Better

Hamstring injuries have a history of returning and we want you to get back to your life and be in a better physical place. Studies show that physical therapy can help the hamstring heal properly. In addition, our therapists will work with you on balance, posture and other everyday motions that will help to reduce re-injury. For more information or a free evaluation of your injury, please contact us.

Shoulder Injuries: The Rotator Cuff

Shoulder injuries and pain are frequent complaints we encounter at Park Sports Physical Therapy. There are many factors involved in the diagnosis of shoulder pain. A skillful clinician looks at the whole picture – your posture, the entire kinetic chain including your core and lower extremities musculature, the spinal alignment and most importantly, your shoulder blade mechanics. After all, shoulder pain is most often just a manifestation of a deeper problem.

One problem we often see concerns shoulder injuries to the Rotator Cuff.

Rotator Cuff Tendinitis

Shoulder injuries to the Rotator cuff such as Rotator Cuff tendinitis affects the tendons and muscles that help move your shoulder joint. It is often preceded by the shoulder impingement syndrome, when the tendons of the rotator cuff get “squeezed” by the bony elements. It is a result of faulty mechanics during shoulder elevation, which leads to irritation and inflammation of the tendon and eventually to tendinitis. This condition usually occurs over time and reflects a certain athletic lifestyle or profession that requires repetitive arm and shoulder movement.
Sometimes rotator cuff tendinitis can occur without any known cause. Most people with rotator cuff tendinitis are able to regain full function of the shoulder without any pain.

Symptoms

The symptoms of rotator cuff tendinitis tend to get worse over time. Initial symptoms may be relieved with rest, but the symptoms can later become constant. Symptoms that go past the elbow usually indicate another problem.

Some symptoms include:

Pain and swelling in the front of your shoulder and side of your arm
pain triggered by raising or lowering your arm
a clicking sound when raising your arm
stiffness
pain that causes you to wake from sleep
pain when reaching behind your back
a loss of mobility and strength in the affected arm

Rotator Cuff Tears

There are two kinds of rotator cuff tears. A partial tear is when the tendon that protects the top of your shoulder is frayed or damaged. The other is a complete tear. A complete tear goes all the way through the tendon or pulls the tendon off the bone.

Physical Therapy Treatment

If you have a shoulder injury to the rotator cuff such as rotator cuff tendinitis or a rotator cuff tears, you’re not alone. It happens to millions of people every year. It’s a common cause of shoulder pain. The right treatment can make you feel better, keep a small injury from getting worse, and help you heal. For many people, physical therapy (PT) is the answer. It may be all you need to treat an injured rotator cuff.

At Park Sports our program includes personalized exercise, monitored application of ice and heat, detailed massage from a trained specialist, and specific equipment to help return your shoulder back to its normal range of motion. Our role is not just to treat your pain. We want to help you get back to doing the things you enjoy pain free and with a new understanding of how your body functions to help reduce future injury.

According to WebMd, “one study shows that people who got PT for a rotator cuff tear did just as well as those who had surgery.”

Surgery

If nonsurgical treatment isn’t successful, your doctor may recommend surgery. Most people experience full recovery after having rotator cuff surgery. We also treat many patients after rotator cuff surgery to help them recover quickly and in a way that sustains their health and the healthy future of their rotator cuff.

Please contact us for more information about Park Sports and rotator cuff injuries.

Park Sports PT is a Participating Member of the Hospital for Special Surgery Rehabilitation Network.

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Pelvic Floor Could be the Issue

Pelvic Floor could be the issue. Does your low back pain linger, even after trying every trick in the toolbox? You’ve gone to massage therapy, acupuncture, and even the chiropractor – but nothing seems to work. While these professionals are good at addressing the spine and the hip muscles, they may be overlooking an important culprit of low back pain – the pelvic floor.

When people think of pelvic floor dysfunction, they often think of difficulty with bladder control or leakage of urine upon exertion. While this is certainly an issue for many women (in fact urinary incontinence affects over 50% of postmenopausal women and 30% of women postpartum), the pelvic floor does more for your body than simply control your bladder.

Your Pelvic Floor muscles form your Core.

The pelvic floor muscles form the base of what is commonly referred to as the ‘core’. These muscles line the pelvis and attach to the tailbone. They work with the deep abdominal and back muscles, as well as your breathing muscle (the diaphragm), to support the spine and control the pressure inside your abdomen. The pressure created by the abdominals and diaphragm exits through the pelvic floor. Without a strong floor, the integrity of the lumbar spine and sacroiliac joint may be comprised, leading to back injury or dysfunction. The opposite may also be true. When the back is in pain, the pelvic floor muscles may tighten as a protective mechanism, leading to trigger points and stiffness in the region. Recent research shows that this is more prevalent than we realized.

Of women with low back pain, more than 95% had pelvic floor dysfunction as well. This included pelvic tenderness (71%), weakness (66%) and even pelvic organ prolapse (41%).

Try physical therapy!

So what can you do about this? Try pelvic floor physical therapy!

A pelvic floor physical therapist understands the close relationship between the pelvic floor and low back pain. An initial evaluation and thorough history will rule out other potential causes of your back pain. At Park Sports PT our pelvic floor specialist, Lacey Salberg, PT, DPT, is very familiar with these cases. For example, Lacey was recently treating a patient who came in with classic low back pain and sciatica symptoms. The patient first saw Lacey after weeks of unsuccessful treatment from other healthcare professionals, who all attributed her pain to a tight piriformis muscle. Because Lacey took a pelvic floor approach, she discovered that the sciatic pain was actually due to tightness of an important pelvic floor muscle – the obturator internus. After a few weeks of treatment with Lacey, involving muscle energy techniques and soft tissue release, the back pain and sciatica symptoms resolved completely.

In conclusion, for targeted long term relief of lower back pain, both the pelvic floor and lower back must be looked at together. For questions or to make an appointment with our pelvic floor physical therapist, click here.

Written By: Lacey Salberg

Park Sports PT is a Participating Member of the Hospital for Special Surgery Rehabilitation Network.

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Link to study:

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29268147

Treating Scoliosis with The Schroth Method

The Schroth Method for treating Scoliosis

Park Sports PT offer patients who have been diagnosed with Scoliosis a highly experienced team focused on the Schroth Method. This specialized form of treatment has shown to greatly ease pain and improve current and potential quality of health for younger and older patients.

We treat a wide variety of patients at Park Sports PT and one case involved an active 67 year old female named Abby. Abby was used to playing tennis three times a week and walking three miles per day. Pain from her scoliosis rendered these activities impossible. As a result, Abby tried conventional physical therapy on two separate occasions, both leaving her in more pain and desperate for a solution. Consequently, these events lead her to seek the Schroth Method from Park Sports PT.

Patient Profile: Abby, 67 Year old Female

Abby met with our Schroth Method specialist Dr. Kristin Romeo. At the time of her evaluation, Abby presented with a L lumbar convexity of 42 degrees. Because of this, she was experiencing sever pain in her lower back, both hips, and pain in her neck region. She was in agony and questioned whether she would ever play tennis or walk more than a few blocks unaided again.

After conducting a thorough examination and reviewing all of Abby’s medical records pertaining to her Scoliosis, Dr. Romeo created a customized program of treatment for Abby. They met two times a week for eight weeks. After these eight weeks, Abby started to feel better. For example, she began to walk lengthy distances, first one mile, then two miles, pain free. Dr. Romeo focused on postural changes, specific breathing techniques based upon Abby’s posture and altered the way Abby sat and performed routine physical activities. By meticulously strengthening soft tissue, Abby was able to redefine and re-strengthen her posture.

As of this article, Abby is planning a tennis weekend and is confident she will be pain free.

If you or someone you know has been diagnosed with Scoliosis, the Schroth Method might be a perfect solution for less pain and better future health. For more information on the Schroth Method, Park Sports PT, and a consultation, please visit us here.

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The Schroth Method for Scoliosis

The Schroth Method for scoliosis utilizes a three dimensional approach to elongate the trunk and correct imbalances of the spine. The goal is to develop the inner muscles of the rib cage in order to change the shape of the upper trunk and to correct any spinal abnormalities.

Developed by Katharina Schroth

The Schroth Method was originally developed by Katharina Schroth in Germany. The method uses customized exercises to return the body’s posture to a more natural position. It is standard treatment for scoliosis in many European countries, and is gaining trust and popularity in the United States.

Scoliosis Symptoms

Symptoms of Scoliosis vary. Pain does not always accompany scoliosis. As a result, scoliosis can present in a variety ways such as abnormal trunk lean, uneven rib cage/shoulders or even back pain. If you suspect scoliosis contact your primary care provider. Prior to Schroth treatment, an x-ray is needed as scoliosis can present differently externally due to overlying musculature and does not give us the full picture. So, knowing the bony anatomy allows us to monitor your progress and tailor your treatment to your specific curvature.

Treatment at Park Sports PT

Getting treatment at Park Sports PT means you are working with certified therapists trained in the Schroth Method. They are partners in your health and wellness. Your therapist will create a personalized plan just for you and your specific condition. Our treatment approach can treat scoliosis patients of all ages. It can also can be utilized to treat in all stages of scoliosis, including after surgery.

Throughout treatment, we look closely at the three-dimensional curve in the spine. We teach patients very specific ways to correct that curve or scoliosis posture. Once patients have recognized their corrected posture, we teach them breathing and muscle activation techniques to hold that correction. Essentially, we help train the motor neurons to sense when they’re in a corrected posture versus when they’re in their scoliosis posture.

The Schroth Method takes a lot of repetition and commitment from the patient to learn these techniques. That’s why home exercises are also recommend at least five days a week for a half hour each time.

Trial results show improved patient outcomes

Several trials have found that physical therapy scoliosis-specific exercises lead to improved patient outcomes. This includes less pain and improved muscular strength, muscular endurance and self-image. In one study, spinal deformity improved in 69 percent of patients who completed Schroth exercises. This compared to only 6 percent in patients who did not complete their exercises. The Schroth Method at Park Sports PT works.

Your Park Sports PT team will create a personalized plan and will help prepare you to work on your strength and posture at home. The result is long term care and a stronger and healthier body.

Contact Us

If you or your child has any symptoms or have visited your primary care provider and are looking for treatment, contact us today to learn more. We are here to help.

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Pelvic Floor Therapy

Pelvic Floor Therapy and Dysfunction.

Pelvic Floor Therapy can be an important part of a healthy life. So when it comes to posture, comfort, intimacy, and wellness, a healthy pelvic floor is one of the most vital parts of your body. Many women face daily discomfort, lack of intimacy, physical pain, and more due to a dysfunction of the muscles, ligaments, and nerves that support the pelvic region.

A healthy and re-energized pelvic region can greatly restore your well-being and help to eliminate symptoms that are negatively effecting your life.

Pelvic Floor Dysfunction (PFD) may be brought on by a variety of reasons. These include pregnancy, childbirth, menopause, prior surgery or radiation, heavy lifting and straining, obesity, and congenital weakness. This can lead to vulvar pain, localized pelvic discomfort, prolapse, low back pain, leakage, incontinence and much more. Most do not seek advice from a physical therapist. Those who do however, can see life changing results.

At Park Sports, we are dedicated to life changing results.

Park Sports Therapy Approach to Pelvic Floor Dysfunction.

What to Expect When Getting Started.

At Park Sports, we understand the seriousness of your decision to seek help. We offer evidence-based and individualized treatment plans backed by a wealth of knowledge and a history of success.

Our pelvic floor therapist Lacey Salberg PT, DPT has received extensive training from the Herman & Wallace Pelvic Rehabilitation Institute, a leader in pelvic floor education and awareness. Lacey will take the time to discuss your health concerns. She will also fully evaluate your condition and create personalized plan, uniquely designed for your comfort level, your lifestyle and your body. You will receive one-on-one sessions in our private treatment room as she coaches you towards your health goals.

Working Together.

We consider your health a team effort. Part of your therapy will include an at home exercise program that will help you progress through your treatment plan. As you make advancements, it is possible that your initial plan may need some adjustments. Your therapist will listen carefully to your body and closely monitor your functional gains. If necessary, she will discuss modifying your treatment plan to better achieve your health goals.

Long-Term Planning.

Once you reach your goals, your therapist will provide an at home plan. This plan will help you maintain your new functional gains and pelvic floor health. Of course we will always be available to provide advice and assistance. As your health and wellness partner – our goal is your long-term happiness.

Park Sports Pelvic Therapy Floor Services.

Our practice offers a full range of services for Pelvic Floor Dysfunction including:

Comprehensive musculoskeletal and orthopedic evaluation, including assessment of the pelvic floor muscles and hip alignment.
External and/or internal manual therapy techniques such as myofascial release, soft tissue mobilization, neuromuscular facilitation, and scar massage.
Biofeedback for muscle re-training and recruitment.
Bowel and bladder training and diaries.
Therapeutic exercises such as postural re-education, muscle relaxation, core stabilization, and flexibility exercises.
Home exercise program instruction.
Self-management techniques to improve overall quality of life.

Contact Park Sports.

Contact us today to learn more about Pelvic Floor Therapy at Park Sports and to schedule an initial appointment. Let’s meet and discuss your questions, concerns and needs. We offer a premiere service with proven life changing results and we look forward to serving you.

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Brooklyn Half Marathon Crash Course Recap

We had a blast last night hosting the Crown Heights Running Club at our Clinton Hill location for our Brooklyn Half Marathon Crash Course.

The presenters included physical therapist and owner of Park Sports Physical Therapy, Boris Gilzon, PT, DPT, OCS, CHT, Certified Coach for the Road Runner Clubs of America, Nate Turner, and nutritionist, Tara Mardigan, MS, MPH, RD, AKA “The Plate Coach.”

They shared a lot of great information with us. This post will serve as a brief recap of some of the material that was reviewed.

Dynamic Stretching VS Static Stretching

Dynamic stretching is preferred over static stretching. You will want to focus on “warming up” your muscles before a run or undertaking any form of exercise. This can be in the form of jumping jacks, lunges, or any other full body movement. Core exercises are strongly encouraged.

There is no correlation between stretching and preventing injury, but stretching is still very beneficial in other ways. Boris recommends holding a stretch for twenty seconds or more for the muscles to get the full benefit of the stretch.

Tara recommends staying properly hydrated as that also plays a role in the performance and flexibility of your muscles.

Anywhere from 7-10 minutes of dynamic stretching will be enough to get you warmed up.

Cross Training

Cross training is useful, but depending on your goals, whether they be increasing mileage, speed, or endurance, nothing can replace running.

Boris and Nate both recommend strategic planning in terms of setting up a schedule for training to achieve your goals. The example given was a six-month training schedule. Boris recommends starting off with a light workout and running schedule at the very beginning and then increasing the intensity of theworkoutss as time progresses. This allows the body to adapt.

According to Nate, you should plan ahead and find ways to stimulate the climate of the actual race. For instance, if you are training during the colder seasons for a race that takes place during warmer seasons, you should try running in warmer temperatures some days. This could be done on a treadmill indoors with higher heat. Don’t forget to stay hydrated during these experiments!

Identifying Pre-Existing Structural Issues to Avoid Injury

Having a pre-existing injury or structural issue can lead to more serious injuries down the line. Both Nate and Boris strongly advise against working through the pain during training. Structural issues can be evaluated by a medical professional, physical therapist, or even an athletic trainer trained in identifying imbalances in the body.

A physical therapist will be able to assess your body’s strengths and weaknesses and will be able to offer valuable insight as to how you can improve your odds to avoiding injury, whether they be through strengthening exercises, modifying certain movements, correcting postural issues, or stretching and manual therapy.

If you are interested in getting a movement evaluation done by one of our physical therapists, schedule your appointment here.

Increasing Mileage Safely

Boris and Nate mentioned when training for a half marathon or even a full marathon, it’s best to work your way up to running that distance.

Instead of flat-out running thirteen miles, you could distribute a certain amount of miles each day that adds up to the full thirteen miles.

For example, on Monday you run four miles, Wednesday you run four miles, and Friday you run five miles. You can slowly increase your mileage safely in this manner instead of just deciding to run ten miles one day.

Nutrition for Runners

Tara put together an excellent handout reviewing some excellent advice in terms of nutrition, rest periods, and more. Here’s a PDF of the handout for those of you who couldn’t make it last night.

Wrapping Up

To those of you running the Brooklyn Half Marathon, we wish you the best of luck. You have trained hard and whether you aim to break a new personal record, finish the race, or have a set time that you would like to finish, we are here to help.

Want to learn more about Park Sports Physical Therapy and get started? Fill out this form here.

AlterG Anti-Gravity Treadmill

We are offering a 20% discount to Crown Heights Running Club’s members interested in trying out the AlterG Anti-Gravity Treadmill.

Schedule your first run today! Call 718.230.1180

Learn more about the AlterG treadmill and our rates here.