"No surgery for me, thank you!"

 “I had been living with neck pain for some time, then over the course of a few days, I lost the use of my left shoulder to paralysis. A visit to my PCP and an MRI later, I learned that I had a herniated disc in my neck.  I thought I was headed for surgery, but Maccio had helped with my low back several years earlier and I wanted to see if physical therapy with them could improve my neck pain and shoulder function.  After just a few visits, I regained full use of my arm and then we tried several exercises to quiet the mild stubborn pain in my neck.  Now at discharge, I have no pain and have an arsenal of tools to improve my range of motion and even relieve any headache pain I occasionally got when I need them.  No surgery for me, thank you!

P.S. I still use the tools (motions) Maccio Physical taught me years ago for my low back pain.  Still no low back problems!” – Angie 

"I Now Feel 100%"

 

“Before coming to Maccio, I was unable to complete daily tasks because of knee pain.  Even a bodyweight squat was nearly impossible.  After a few weeks of PT and working through my exercises, I now feel 100% confident in any situation where my knee is needed to complete a task.  I hope to continue strengthening my knee and return to a normal gym routine.” – Dylan

"Thank You Maccio Physical Therapy"

 

“I was seen by Lindsay in October 2019 due to severe back pain.  I completed a bunch of sessions with her and learned a ton!  The best part was I learned exercises that helped take the pain away.  I slowly made progress and finished physical therapy.  Fast forward to October 2020, after giving birth to twins I again found myself in excruciating back pain.  My body changed drastically after birth and my back went out on me again.  I knew I needed to make the call to Maccio.  I requested Lindsay again because she helped me so much the first time around.  After going through the series of exercises again she has helped me yet again.  I am now leaving with an abundance of knowledge as well as the comfort of knowing I can always return in case my back pain arises again.  Thank you Maccio Physical Therapy and most importantly Lindsay!” – Carolyn 

"Pain-free and back to my normal self"

 

“I was referred due to sciatic pain in my left side.  This was the first time I ever went to see a physical therapist.  I was in so much pain that I could barely walk, drive, or sleep a full night without pain.  The first day after completing some of the exercises I started to get a little relief.  Then I went back as directed for different sets of exercises each time and my pain decreased with doing them at home as well.  After only two weeks I was pain-free and back to my normal self thanks to Maccio Physical Therapy.” - Tammy

"Without Maccio PT I Wouldn't Be Where I am Today"

"As a teenager and avid athlete, stress on muscles and injuries occur. Over the summer I hurt my knee and was in some considerable pain. Multiple doctors and treatments were not helping decrease the pain. Upon getting the suggestion to attend physical therapy, I decided to give Maccio Physical Therapy a try. Immediately, my injury was assessed in a whole new way. They not only looked at increasing my knee movement but also other factors that had not been examined before. With the help of the physical therapy team I was able to find exercises that took my pain away. Not only my knees but my back, neck, and entire body movements increased. Being able to gradually find ways to stop the pain was eye-opening. I had not been without some type of pain for several months. I have now been able to return to physical activity such as running and basketball without experiencing pain. Without the help of Maccio Physical Therapy I would not be where I am today and would still be seeking alternative treatments as the pain would still exist." - Matthew

"My Telehealth Experience"

"Right before the “New York On Pause” social distancing protocols were put in place I started physical therapy for my hip. I had sustained an injury that resulted in an ER visit due to the extreme pain. After two visits in person I decided to try a Telehealth visit through the Google Meets platform with Joe Jr. He was able to observe my hip movements and easily make corrections to my exercises. I have been engaging with him through video bi-weekly and am experiencing much progress with my painful injury. I am no longer limping and he is able to spot through video when I am not doing the exercises correctly. 

The idea of physical therapy through video seemed counter-intuitive at first but I am glad that I decided to give it a try! I normally travel almost an hour for my appointments since I have found that the Mckenzie Method that they practice to be extremely helpful, so it is indeed a silver lining that I am able to save time on my commute as well."  

Good Things Happen to Those Who Wait- Except in the Case of Acute Back Pain!

For the past 31 years we have been seeing acute back pain patients the same day of injury. The outcomes are quite impressive and the risk minimal as there are rarely medications, X-Rays, MRI’s, or consultations needed.

When patients are in acute pain, there needs to be a process to get them to PT immediately. If services are not available during that critical time then outcomes can certainly take a different route. In light of the ongoing opioid problem, there has never been a more important time where same day evaluation and treatment needs to be the gold standard. Here is a success story from a patient seen as a same day referral:

“I got up from my desk at work on a Monday and suddenly experienced back pain. I have never had back issues in the past. On Wednesday, when the pain did not dissipate I decided to see my primary care physician. They evaluated me and felt I had a disc issue in my vertebrae. They recommended I start physical therapy ASAP. I called a PT office affiliated with local hospital and was told they could fit me in 5 days later. I then called Maccio PT and was seen later that day. Lindsay clearly explained the mechanics behind the issue and what I would learn to counter the issue and ultimately resolve the pain. I returned several times over 2 weeks and am thrilled to say that I can comfortably walk out today with relatively no pain just slight achiness that I now have the tools to know how to continue and improve and to be able to avoid future issues.” -Anonymous

 

Maccio Physical Therapy, PLLC

The Capital Regions ONLY Certified

McKenzie Spine and Extremity Clinic

1 New Hampshire Ave, Troy, NY 12180

(518) 273-2121 www.macciophysicaltherapy.com

THE POWER TO CONTROL PAIN

Back on the Slope Faster than Ever!

"When I walked into the building for my first session I could barely sit in the chair for more than 20 minutes. The pain made me pretty much useless. I couldn’t be the active happy person I usually was. Walking and working out was an issue, and I had to discontinue one of my favorite sports (slalom skiing).  

            After a few weeks of coming here I could feel the relief in my back. I could work out again and doing my school work wasn’t an issue anymore. I had gone to physical therapy before for a torn muscle and these sessions would be close to 2 hours long and were extremely painful. Every time I came here, the sessions were only about half an hour and I would walk out feeling stronger and more confident.

            I had never heard of the McKenzie Method before coming here. I had only heard of and experienced painful physical therapy. The McKenzie Method was faster, less painful, and more effective. I am truly grateful that I came here instead of somewhere else. They got me back on my feet faster than I imagined." -Chase

Maccio Physical Therapy, PLLC

The Capital Regions ONLY Certified

McKenzie Spine and Extremity Clinic

1 New Hampshire Ave, Troy, NY 12180

(518) 273-2121 www.macciophysicaltherapy.com

THE POWER TO CONTROL PAIN

Looking Good

"As a younger patient, finding a drug-free way to deal with the pain I was experiencing was extremely important. I was in severe back pain, neck pain and had extreme loss of strength in my left arm. I felt better after the first week! After 2 months, I’m working out again and feel better than I’ve ever felt. These practices are lifetime adjustments that will benefit one’s life immensely. The practices here are priceless as is the amazing staff!" -Kenneth

Maccio Physical Therapy, PLLC

The Capital Regions ONLY Certified

McKenzie Spine and Extremity Clinic

1 New Hampshire Ave, Troy, NY 12180

(518) 273-2121 www.macciophysicaltherapy.com

THE POWER TO CONTROL PAIN

Shoulder or Neck?

"I came into Maccio PT with what I thought was a shoulder injury. Joe was incredibly nice and made it easy to explain what was going on. He recognized it as a neck problem within the first appointment. After starting the exercises I started getting better very quickly. Along the way he made sure to explain everything which was very reassuring. He provided handouts to remind me when to do each exercise and checked in to make sure everything was working. After treatment, I am now completely pain free and have a prevention plan to avoid similar problems in the future." -Morgan

"This patient was referred with a Medical Diagnosis of Shoulder strain and isolated shoulder pain only with shoulder movement. Her pain rapidly improved exclusively through corrective neck exercise. There has been increasing research finding that isolated shoulder pain can be referred exclusively from the neck, even without neck pain and stiffness.

If this was not identified this patient would have undergone multiple treatments to the shoulder which would not have resolved her pain. When this happens patients are often then referred back to a specialist where they receive unnecessary and ineffective injection or surgery, or never improve. 

Using the MDT screening process has been shown to be more reliable and effective and is the reason this patient had such a great result."

-Joseph R. Maccio, DPT, Dip. MDT

Menon A, May S. Shoulder pain: Differential diagnosis with mechanical diagnosis and therapy extremity assessment - a case report. Man Ther. 2012;18(4):4-7. doi:10.1016/j.math.2012.06.011.
Abady AH, Rosedale R, Chesworth BM, Rotondi MA, Overend TJ.

Application of the McKenzie system of Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy (MDT) in patients with shoulder pain; a prospective longitudinal study. J Man Manip Ther. 2017;9817(May):1-9. doi:10.1080/10669817.2017.1313929.

Takasaki H, Okuyama K, Rosedale R. Inter-examiner classification reliability of Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy for extremity problems – systematic review. Musculoskelet Sci Pract. 2017;27:78-84. doi:10.1016/j.msksp.2016.12.016.

Maccio Physical Therapy, PLLC

The Capital Regions ONLY Certified

McKenzie Spine and Extremity Clinic

1 New Hampshire Ave, Troy, NY 12180

(518) 273-2121 www.macciophysicaltherapy.com

THE POWER TO CONTROL PAIN

Ultimate Success

"For the last couple of years I’ve had to limit my exercise and sports activity due to what I thought was regular wear and tear on my knee and feet. Coming here for therapy has made me realize that my pain was fully treatable through a variety of stretching and movement exercises. Since beginning treatment I’ve been able to exercise extensively and get into the best shape I’ve been in years without the pain I had become used to. My experience with Maccio PT has been both very helpful and enjoyable." -Casimir

Maccio Physical Therapy, PLLC

The Capital Regions ONLY Certified

McKenzie Spine and Extremity Clinic

1 New Hampshire Ave, Troy, NY 12180

(518) 273-2121 www.macciophysicaltherapy.com

THE POWER TO CONTROL PAIN

Nice to Find an Easy Way Out

"I’ve had an excellent experience with Maccio Physical Therapy. Dr. Lindsay Carlton was great to work with. After tearing a tendon in my shoulder on July 4th- in November, I resigned to having
surgery. In early December, a friend recommended that I see Lindsay, at Maccio. I experienced improved function after the first visit and prescribed exercise, and continued to improve- following Lindsay’s direction. It’s now about three months after my first visit, and I have full use of the shoulder, and have sound instructions on how to continue to build strength. I’ve saved time, pain and expense. I wholeheartedly recommend Maccio Physical Therapy." -Tom

Maccio Physical Therapy, PLLC

The Capital Regions ONLY Certified

McKenzie Spine and Extremity Clinic

1 New Hampshire Ave, Troy, NY 12180

(518) 273-2121 www.macciophysicaltherapy.com

THE POWER TO CONTROL PAIN

MDT Perspective: Chemicals Won't Fix a Mechanical Problem!

"I have had back issues for a number of years which had gotten to the point that I could no longer even make it through the market without terrible back and leg pain. I had numerous injections in my back to help alleviate the problems. This would work for a few months then it was a shorter time frame that the injections would do any pain relief. At first the doctor recommended physical therapy, but in my head it made no sense to pursue it. How could I do all kinds of exercises when I couldn’t even walk without pain? After a few years of feeling that life was not good or enjoyable because I was so uncomfortable I decided to give physical therapy a try. Well, I am shocked at what a difference it has made. After just a few visits I noticed relief!! My physical therapist also noticed that I had another issue that the doctor never picked up on. I am retired and planning a trip to the beach where I will be happy to walk the beach and pick up seashells without pain. I can now enjoy life and make it through the market again thanks to Maccio PT!" -Sharon

"This patient had over 6 injections and was prescribed Gabapentine and TENS, which had no effect on pain or function. Once a McKenzie (MDT) evaluation was performed it became clear that this patient's pain was mechanical in nature, not chemical, and when the corrective movement was prescribed the patient improved rapidly despite a 4 year worsening history. This is a common presentation that we see far too often and one of the most important reasons to consult with a skilled MDT clinician before pursuing long term pain management. We find 80% of chronic neck and back pain is fixable once properly understood." - Joseph R. Maccio, DPT, Dip. MDT

Hefford C. McKenzie classification of mechanical spinal pain: Profile of syndromes and directions of preference. Manual Therapy 2008; 13: 75-81.

May S, Aina A. Centralization and directional preference: a systematic review. Manual Therapy 2012;17: 497-506.

Maccio Physical Therapy, PLLC

The Capital Regions ONLY Certified

McKenzie Spine and Extremity Clinic

1 New Hampshire Ave, Troy, NY 12180

(518) 273-2121 www.macciophysicaltherapy.com

THE POWER TO CONTROL PAIN

MDT and Golf: Staying Focused One Step at a Time

"The Maccio Physical Therapy Clinic is a success story in itself. It’s more than a clinic, it’s a warm and inviting atmosphere where you almost begin to heal when you first walk in. The reception area is friendly and efficient and the therapists are capable, efficient and considerate. They care and that is part of my success story. I was a whole clinical work case in one person. I walked in with leg problems, developed back issues, a shoulder problem and then a hip problem. Each issue was handled caringly and relief ensured. Despite treatment progressing for each different problem, the original issues were never forgotten and I was treated as a whole person.

Thanks to the care and professionalism of Samantha Woitkoski, I am functioning in all the above areas in a normal life enhancing fashion. Sam is a great therapist and the Maccio team all part of a wonderful therapeutic environment." -William

MDT Slam Dunk!

"I started to suffer the worst pain over one year ago when I was playing basketball. It’s been a tough time because I couldn’t walk, stand or sit. The doctors in my hometown told me that I couldn’t play basketball anymore, which was a disaster to me.

At Maccio Physical Therapy, my therapists taught me how to get over the pain and how to get rid of the tightness along my leg. They brought my life back to normal. Most importantly, I went back to the basketball court! Now I am as good as before and I started to go to the gym and try to keep a healthy body. Thanks for healing me and helping me! Thanks for bringing basketball back to my life!" -Chen

Rapidly Reducing Pregnancy Pain with MDT

"At 24 weeks pregnant, I was referred to Maccio Physical Therapy by my midwife after experiencing intense pain from my pubic symphosis. My pain was unbearable consistently a level ten. I felt there was no hope and the next 16 weeks would be the same. It was hard to get in the car, dress myself, walk and even sit. After my first visit and one simple physical therapy movement, I felt better already. I continued my movement and the results were amazing. My pain lessened, my walk pattern improved and I gained more control back. I am very happy with my experience here at Maccio. My physical therapists were very kind, listening and supportive. Thank you so much!" -Amy

"This patient presented with pelvic girdle pain and low back pain due to pregnancy. As a physical therapy student, we were taught in school to work on strengthening, stretching, and stabilizing exercises for pregnancy patients with back pain which could take 10+ weeks to improve the patient's symptoms. This being my first time treating pregnancy pain, I was expecting this to be a long slow progress of relieving the patient’s symptoms. At the initial evaluation and a thorough MDT assessment, a single movement direction was determined to help treat this patient’s symptoms and I was amazed at how rapid the patient’s pain decreased on day one! If the patient’s pain was treated with traditional physical therapy, treatment most likely would be a longer slower process to minimize the patient’s symptoms. It is very encouraging, as a future physical therapist, to know through MDT, I can help my patients find a way to decrease their symptoms and get back to their life in no time!"

                                             -Leanne Egan, sDPT (student physical therapist)

"Over the last several years Maccio Physical Therapy, a Certified McKenzie Clinic, has had the opportunity to work closely with our local Mid-Wife clinics, that began referring women with pregnancy related lower back and pelvic pain. This opportunity has led to a very successful relationship and an 80% success rate in pregnancy related pain, which has previously been dismissed as non-treatable leading to very painful and stressful pregnancy. The use of MDT has been found to be safe and successful in the research and within our patient sample often rapidly effective, causing significant reduction in pain in just 24 hours."

                                             -Joseph R. Maccio DPT, Dip. MDT

Olusola A, Arinola S, Olusegun O. Effects of the McKenzie protocol on pregnancy-related back pain, Journal of Experimental and Integrative Medicine, 6,3, 2016

Murphy DR, Hurwitz EL, McGovern EE. Outcome of pregnancy-related lumbopelvic pain treated according to a diagnosis-based decision rule: a prospective observational cohort study, Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, 32,8, 2009

  

Picking the Right Type of Treatment Makes All the Difference

"When I first came here I was in pain even after a cortisone shot. I didn’t know what to expect when I came here as I had physical therapy before- which didn’t help. The only thing that helped was the “shot” but this time it did not.

I’m telling you, after 3 visits I was out of pain! These guys showed me how to do moves to relieve my pain whenever I did experience pain down my arm from my neck. They literally gave me my life back.

Thank you so much! I would highly recommend this place to anyone I meet with neck and back pain."-Lori

The Power to Control Your Pain with MDT

"I have struggled with knee and ankle pain for two years. I had problems with everything from standing bending and walking. After two short weeks of continuing exercises my pain diminished. With the help of my physical therapist, my ankles now feel awesome. I never thought of how good and free they feel without the sharp and aching pain. It has been a wonderful experience being free and bouncing on my step again. Everyone was so nice here and I had a wonderful experience in this place." -Jennifer

The Importance of Looking for Directional Preference

"I’ve had a disease called Ankylosing Spondylitis (or A.S. for short) for over 40 years. It is a type of arthritis that affects the spine. It starts with pain from the lower back and progresses onward to the neck. The spine’s bones (called vertebrae) fuse together causing rigidness and stiffness. The disease usually creates additional diseases. For me, I developed Pelvic Pain Syndrome about 20 years ago. I was prescribed Elmiron and took it 3 times a day for 15 years.

Last year I was sent to Maccio Physical Therapy in Troy, NY to see if they could help with the pain. After a few minutes with Joe Maccio Jr. we started doing back bends which right away helped ease the pain and discomfort. After one year doing back bends 2-3 times a day the pain from this disease diminished by 90%. I’m so glad I came to Maccio Physical Therapy and will forever be grateful to Joe Maccio Jr." - Peter

Directional Preference: The Road To Success

"Prior to coming to Maccio Physical Therapy, I was experiencing sharp pain on my right buttocks area and lower back. I attended the free seminar that was advertised in 'Natural Awakenings' and was extremely impressed with the McKenzie Method.

I learned how to do a minimal amount of exercises that were matched to my personal condition. I’ve participated in other PT regiments and they would give you a laundry list of exercises to do. I enjoyed that I only had to do one or two exercises and the therapist would modify the movement based on my physical needs.

I realize that it’s my personal responsibility to maintain my exercise regiment in order to continue to be pain free." -Rosalyn