2010: year in review - thanks for all your support!

2010 was one of our better years on record and we can only thank our dedicated patients for referring others and for continuing to support our independent physical therapy practice. This year we welcomed our new Marketing and Patient Representative, Erin Metcalf as Kristin Fowler returned to graduate school at the College of St. Rose for mental health college counseling. Kristin continues to work with us part-time. Kara Maccio is completing her final internship at the Greenville Central School District as a school psychologist. She will complete her certification in May 2011. She continues to work with us on holidays and breaks. Daniel Perry also joined us this year having received his Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Russell Sage College. Dan has been a valuable addition to our staff. Joe Jr. has also returned this past fall and is preparing to complete his McKenzie certification in 2011. Of course one of the highlights of the year was the infamous luau wedding of our own Nancy J. Clarke-Van Dyke in October! The event was well represented by former and current members of the Maccio Physical Therapy Team. We hope you all have a wonderful and prosperous 2011.

Happy Holidays! Read our latest success story!

For the past 6 weeks, I’ve been undergoing physical therapy with Maccio. Since this treatment I have stopped taking pills because I can use stretches to subside the pain. My quality of life both physically and mentally have improved over the last six weeks. I’ve been suffering with this pain for 5 months now and I feel that I’m having great results with this physical therapy!

David R.

The Latest Patient Success Story from Maccio Physical Therapy

“With physical therapy, my terrible headaches have gone! I was really down about them when they told me I was too old for an operation. I am so glad PT was suggested. I was here for the McKenzie Method for my back and it worked. Thank you all so much!”

Joan A.

Cervicogenic headaches are a common condition that we see in our clinic. They are usually the result of compression of the joint in the upper cervical spine which have a very high concentration of nerve tissue and are very easily affected by head posture. It is not unusual for us to see patients who have had headaches for several months or even years who respond quite well simply to corrective exercises and joint mobilizations.

New Worker's Compensation Changes

Beginning on December 1, 2010 the New York State Worker’s Compensation Board will implement new guidelines for the care of back, neck, shoulder and knee injuries. The guidelines are designed to limit the number of visits for particular conditions and limit the types of services we will be able to provide. This is a dramatic change in the current system. Our Association has made several attempts at addressing some of the concerns that patients, providers and industry have raised. There is a variance process available that can only be initiated by a physician. We have heard from some of our physicians who will no longer be participating with Worker’s Compensation. We have been told that the variance process is a five-page report that your physician must complete to substantiate a reason for continuation of physical therapy beyond these guidelines. If you would like to be kept up to date on any changes that occur make sure that we have your email on file so that we may get this information for you in a timely manner.

Two Success Stories!

We are posting two patient success stories this month. One a recent patient who after two years of recurrent back episodes became very frustrated and had to be convinced by his primary care physician to try the McKenzie Method. As you will read, his outcomes were excellent and his chance of recurrence are significantly reduced. This particular physician is one of our top referral sources based on the outcomes that he sees from our practice. Unfortunately I continue to hear on a weekly basis the horror stories from other doctors who tell patients not to waste their time with physical therapy or continue to prescribe drugs only without any appropriate exercise which the scientific literature certainly does not agree with. This is why we use patient results to spread the word on how effective the MDT or McKenzie Method approach is and how it can significantly reduce the use of drugs, unnecessary diagnostic testing, and very often surgery. That is why we ask you all to continue to participate in our ’Refer a Friend Program’ as you are the ones that are seeing the outcomes of what we do and are truly our best referral. Our second patient turned her results into a poem which is a first for us and we felt we should share her hidden talent as a poet with all of you!

*****

I could not sit, I could not stand
Nor walk without a helping hand.
All bent over with awful pain,
I thought I’d never walk again.
There was treatment abroad known as PT,
Good for the young but not for me.
‘Not so, not so, “ said my new friend , Joe
“Just do as we say and you’ll be good to go.”
Knee pulls and leg stretch and time on the stim,
Fancy machines and rocking and bends.
Over and over, it was always the same,
‘Till one fine day I ditched the cane!
So while PT’s an option for the young and the bold
Thank God it is here for we who are old!
- G. Dawson

*****

After two years of recurring back episodes, my primary physician urged me to try Maccio Physical Therapy. After a very short time, I’ve experienced a relief I haven’t had in quite some time. However, the aspect of my rehab that really makes me happy is knowing that I have the tools to control my back pain if it ever comes again. Great, friendly, knowledgeable staff!
- John K.

Word of Mouth Referrals - You Could be a Winner!

There are many people who don’t realize that they have a choice of there to go for physical therapy and would like to enjoy the same results that you have.

Only 18% of patients with lower back pain are referred to physical therapy by their doctors according to the Archives of Internal Medicine

Medicare reports a 629% increase in cost for epidural steroid injections and a 220% increase in spinal fusion surgery rates

Physical therapy is safe, has no side effects and teaches you what to do to manage and prevent your pain from coming back!

Have you had a positive experience at Maccio Physical Therapy? Share your success with someone you know! Former patients are our most valuable referral source so we have printed referral postcards to make it easy to refer a friend! Stop by the office to pick yours up today! We can also mail one to you so please give us a call (518-273-2121). We will enter those who pick up a card to refer new patients into a special double value gift card drawing! Remember, physical therapy is a safe, side-effect-free, drug-free, and surgery-free method to manage your pain.

The Latest Success Story from Maccio PT

I was diagnosed with a shoulder impingement which caused loss of range of motion, pain and muscle weakness. I also had loss of range of motion in my elbow from an injury many years ago. Upon completing P.T., both conditions are vastly improved thanks to a series of simple, quick exercises. I think the underlying conditions were accurately diagnosed and the treatments effective. I was relieved I will not have to resort to more radical treatments, like surgery. In addition, I was advised of corrections and modifications to my free weight workouts, this has improved the safety and efficiency of the training.
- Elliot M.

TRIAD Conference 2010

On Saturday September 25, Maccio Physical Therapy will be attending and presenting at this year’s TRIAD Conference. TRIAD is a national organization with many local chapters and consists of a partnership between senior citizens, senior providers, and law enforcement. TRIAD’s mission is to assess the needs and concerns of senior citizens and reduce victimization in the elderly. Maccio Physical Therapy will be presenting on “balance and falls prevention for older adults.” The conference will be held at Hudson Valley Community College from 9 to 1:30. Stop by and see us! You can be entered to win a gift card!

Medicare Cuts to Physical Therapy Benefits = No Care For Seniors?

The Center for Medicare Services is proposing a drastic change for reimbursement strategies which will significantly reduce payments to physical therapists for outpatient services. We estimate that this will result in a 33% decrease in payment for our current services. We will be forced to make a very difficult decision as to whether or not we can continue to participate as a Medicare provider. The Center for Medicare Services is allowing for feedback. This needs to be done as soon as possible as we only have two weeks to respond. Please contact anyone you know who uses Medicare or Medicare-like products. The amount of providers available for physical therapy may dramatically decrease in 2011. Please take the time to contact Medicare and express your concerns and request that CMS reconsider its plans to implement their proposed rule on the MPPR for therapy services and seek more appropriate mechanisms to ensure that payment for therapy services is adequate, accurate and ensures access to needed physical therapy for our nation’s seniors and individuals with disabilities.
To make comments:
Vist http://www.regulations.gov/search/Regs/home.html#submitComment?R=0900006480b182c9. You can also fax comments to: 703-706-3246.
Thank you for your support in this important matter.

Out latest success story!

I was diagnosed with a shoulder impingement which caused loss of range of motion, pain and muscle weakness. I also had loss of range of motion in my elbow from an injury many years ago. Upon completing P.T., both conditions are vastly improved thanks to a series of simple, quick exercises. I think the underlying conditions were accurately diagnosed and the treatments effective. I was relieved I will not have to resort to more radical treatments, like surgery. In addition, I was advised of corrections and modifications to my free weight workouts, this has improved the safety and efficiency of the training.
- Elliot M.

Foot and Ankle Course

On Thursday June 17 our entire clinical staff attended the “Effective Examination and Treatment Techniques for Foot and Ankle” course which was offered here in Albany. Dr. Jim Keller presented an outstanding seminar on the biomechanics of the foot and ankle as they relate to potential problems with lower extremity and spinal conditions. The kinetic chain demonstrations and how they influence foot position were quite enlightening and added valuable evaluative and treatment techniques to our current musculo-skeletal and neuromuscular evaluation systems. This was a great team building experience as we were able to compare ideas among our own clinicians as well as those from throughout the country about how to effectively manage foot, ankle and lower extremity dysfunction. It was amazing to feel the difference in foot position by simply strengthening and isolating trunk or other lower extremity muscles. This adds a whole new realm of options in difficult foot and ankle pain which has not responded to traditional methods of care.

Our latest patient success story!

I began the McKenzie Method of physical therapy on May 14th, 2010. My primary physician recommended that I do this to alleviate the back and leg pain I was having from degenerative disc disease. My pain level was at a 10! I learned about centralization techniques to get the pain out of my leg and into my back. After only 8 visits, I had completely centralized and I was pain-free!. This technique will now be part of a new lifestyle for me.
- Patricia F.

Our Latest Patient Success Story!

When I first came to physical therapy I was falling on a regular basis over a period of about six months.  This had significantly altered my ability to function and I was very apprehensive.  After completing my physical therapy my balance and stability have greatly improved and my scores have increased by 79%.  This has resulted in a renewed confidence in my ability to walk and carry on in my daily life.
               Ruth R.

Tips for exercising safely in the summer

The summer is a great season for getting in shape. Whether by playing a sport, an aerobic exercise routine, or just returning to that familiar running path...this is the time for activity.

Dr. Holly Andersen, director of education and outreach at the Ronald O. Perelman Heart Institute at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital/Weill Cornell Medical Center, says, "Exercise is the fountain of youth and summer is the perfect time to reconnect with your body."

However, exercising during the warmest season of the year can lead to dehydration, profuse sweating, exhaustion, and even a cardiac event.

Dr. Andersen offers the following tips to those looking to resume or begin a workout routine this summer:

•Talk to your doctor. Consult your physician before beginning or changing your exercise regimen.

•Take your workout indoors. When it is too hot or humid outside, exercise in a cool, air-conditioned space. Extreme temperatures can alter your circulation, increasing the work of your heart and making breathing more difficult.

•Remember to stretch. Even in the summertime, our bodies need to warm up. As you are exercising, take time to work on breathing and posture–improving these will greatly enhance your health.

•Drink plenty of fluids. Throughout your workout routine it is important to drink plenty of water, even before you feel thirsty. If you are prone to lightheadedness (from low blood pressure), are an endurance athlete, or over age 75, you should replenish your "electrolytes" as well–having a little salt can be important for you.

•Try to maintain an even body temperature. After your workout you should not take an extremely hot or cold shower, or a sauna, as these can increase the workload on your heart.

•Be an early bird. If you truly enjoy exercising outdoors, take advantage of the coolest times of day–the early morning and evening hours.

•Wear sunscreen. If you have a sunburn, it will decrease your body’s ability to cool itself off. Always remember to apply sunscreen to your entire body every morning.

•Take it slow. Start your exercise regimen slowly and pace yourself throughout the workout, including plenty of time for breaks and to drink fluids.

•Have fun. Taking time to exercise is taking time for you. Enjoy it–smile, breathe deeply and clear your mind. Exercising to music is mood and energy enhancing, but if you are outside wearing headphones, PAY ATTENTION!