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

The Application of Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy in Failed Anterior Cervical Disectomy and Fusion: a case report

Background: The prevalence of neck pain is estimated to be 30-50% in the general population, the second leading source of reported pain in the United States. There is limited research on the use of mechanical diagnosis and therapy (MDT) on patients with cervical pain. The effects and safety of MDT assessment and treatment for failed anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) has not been reported on.

Case description: This report presents a 42-year-old female with a complaint of worsening neck pain with intermittent radiculopathy after an ACDF to address cervical radiculopathy. The patient received a MDT evaluation and was classified as an upper thoracic spine derangement. The patient was treated based on mechanical and symptomatic responses to repeated movements and mobilizations using principles of MDT.

Outcomes: Short- and long-term outcomes were excellent, demonstrating rapid abolishment of symptoms and improvement in function in 6 visits over 4 weeks. The patient reported no pain or functional disability and had returned to all work and recreational activities. The patient demonstrated the ability to prevent and manage reoccurrence of symptoms independently at one-year follow-up without seeking further healthcare.

Discussion: This case report demonstrates the efficacy and safety of MDT evaluation after an ACDF. The patient was successfully managed using MDT with full resolution of symptoms. This case report provides preliminary evidence that MDT is capable of providing effective short– and long-term outcomes after ACDF.

Level of Evidence: 4

MDT or Cadaver Tendon Surgery? Good Choice.

"After a serious fall landing on my right shoulder, I experienced serious pain and eventually repeated shoulder dislocations which were both painful and embarrassing. After consulting with the orthopedic surgeon and discovering that the surgery would require the use of cadaver tendons as well as a long rehabilitation period, I consulted with Maccio Physical Therapy. After an evaluation and a short series of visits, I was provided with an exercise program which has not only decreased the pain dramatically but also my shoulder no longer dislocates. What an amazing result. Thank you so much for another success story by the staff of Maccio Physical Therapy and the McKenzie Method. I will be ever grateful to you." -Rosemary

The Application of Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy to an Ankle Sprain: a case report

Background: A sprained ankle is a common musculoskeletal condition that causes pain and dysfunction. Current physical therapy treatment for a sprained ankle has limited efficacy as compared to unsupervised management. Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy [MDT] is an orthopedic classification and treatment system based on mechanical and symptomatic response to repeated and sustained movement. There has been no investigation of the association between MDT and patients diagnosed with ankle sprain.

Case description: This report presents a 49-year-old female with intermittent right, lateral ankle pain for 14 days after landing incorrectly during an exercise movement. The patient was self referred through direct access receiving classification and treatment solely by a Diplomat of MDT utilizing MDT principles.

Outcomes: Short- and long-term (6 month) outcomes were excellent, demonstrating rapid abolishment of symptoms and return to prior levels of function in 4 visits over 14 days without the use of modalities, manual therapy, strength, or proprioceptive training. The patient demonstrated the ability to prevent and manage re-occurrence of symptoms independently without seeking further healthcare at 6–month and follow-up.

Discussion: The rapid speed of recovery and return to high level athletics demonstrated in this case report, raises questions about whether the pathologies traditionally associated with the etiology of lateral ankle sprains are actually at fault or understood. Moreover, it demonstrates that specific movements can rapidly worsen or improve symptoms challenging the current generalized rehabilitation protocols. The series provides preliminary evidence that MDT may be capable of providing more effective short- and long-term outcomes in the management of ankle sprains.

Level of Evidence: 5

Application of Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy [MDT] on the Human Elbow

Recent literature has shown unreliable diagnostic methods and poor outcomes when relying on patho-anatomical diagnosis. Classification based diagnosis and treatment, such as MDT, has shown to be more effective and reliable in spinal disorders. This has not been established well in peripheral assessment. MDT has preliminary findings supportive of similar reliability and efficacy in extremity assessment. There has been extensive research of elbow disorders with patho-anatomical diagnosis and only a singular study on classification based diagnosis of the elbow.

This case series demonstrates the efficacy of MDT with elbow disorders of seven consecutive patients. Outcomes demonstrated an averaged 87 percent perceived improvement [PPI] in pain and function with a reduction in numerical pain rating scale [NPRS] pain scores from 4.7 to 0.6. Averaged duration of treatment was 3.4 visits in 13.6 days. Averaged three month outcomes were PPI of 95%, NPRS of 0/10, and UEFS of 79/80. None of the cases sought further medical care for elbow pain.

This indicates there may be similar efficacy of classification based treatment on peripheral musculoskeletal disorders as seen in the spine. It also demonstrates that patho-anatomical diagnosis and classification based diagnosis are not mutually exclusive. 

Avoiding Surgery with MDT

 "At the beginning of July I found myself in more pain than I could bear with a MRI that indicated a herniated cervical disc. My primary care doctor referred me to a neuro surgeon as the only solution to my issue. The surgeon could not see me for 3 weeks and the prospect of being in agony that long before even seeing the surgeon was unbearable. I asked the primary doctor what to do in the meantime. He gave medications to manage the symptoms. He also suggested that physical therapy could help in the weeks awaiting the surgeon’s appointment. I needed some relief from the neck, shoulder, arm and hand pain I was experiencing. I could not get comfortable in any position, sleeping was out of the question. I was unable to drive, get dressed or carry/lift anything.

I had used Maccio Physical Therapy a couple years prior for a hip issue. I had worked with Joe Jr. and he helped me to avoid surgery, get pain free and remain pain free. I immediately thought I’d go back to Maccio in hopes of working with Joe again. I was able to meet with Joe right away. Joe spent plenty of time walking through my physical issues and pain problems. He is a very attentive diagnostician. After discussing, at length, my current situation, Joe felt confident that we could work on a plan that would very likely result in a full recovery without surgery. At the first visit we began a course of exercises and movements to relieve my pain. Within the first week, and then the following week, I began to have less pain and regain some strength and movement. At each visit Joe would check the progress, adjust according to my pain level and continue advancing the improvements. Joe stressed following the exercises and doing them at the appropriate intervals. I listened and tried to be the model patient, as I was getting results, sometimes in leaps and bounds and sometimes a little slower, but always moving in a positive direction.

When it was time to meet with the surgeon, I did so as scheduled. After discussing the MRI, a full exam of my issues, and seeing the improvements that had been made in physical therapy, the surgeon agreed that it was possible to avoid surgery, being that I was steadily improving. The surgeon encouraged me to go back and continue the course that I was on with Maccio PT, as it was clearly benefitting me. I would check back in with him in six weeks.

Over the next few weeks, Joe and his assistant Kim worked with me to keep adjusting and moving forward. Joe is patient, caring and observant; under his advisement Kim was creative, understanding and knowledgeable. I continued to improve and continued to stick to the instructions from them. I find the exercises to be very therapeutic, easy to do, easy to integrate into my life and most beneficial.

I am now, a couple months later, virtually pain free, able to do all that I could before, and wiser about how to manage and control the issue. The surgeon agrees that I do not need surgery and should be able to maintain my current abilities, largely in thanks to the physical therapy.

Many thanks to Joe, Kim and all of Maccio PT for your care, professionalism and knowledge. You will always be highly recommended from me. I would not hesitate to return, if ever needed again. You made my situation so much better and gave me the tools to maintain good health. You are the best!" -Paula

31 Years in Business

We are proud to be celebrating our 31^st year in business today here in Troy, NY. Back in 1986 we first opened our doors on Hoosick Street and since that time we’ve continued to grow substantially and have had the opportunity to meet and help thousands of patients throughout the Capital Region and beyond. We continue to see record numbers of new patients coming into our clinic with the majority of them being referred by you or former patients. We cannot thank you enough for your continued support throughout the years. We pride ourselves in providing the highest quality of healthcare and will continue to do so the years to come.

The Wall of Maccio

Maccio Physical Therapy proudly presented 4 research presentations at the recent 14th International Conference in Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy in San Francisco, California titled, “Application of Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy [MDT] on the Human Elbow,” “The Application of Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy in Failed Anterior Cervical Discectomy and Fusion: a case report,” “The Management of an Anterior Lumbar Derangement: a case report,” and “The Application of Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy to an Ankle Sprain: a case report.” These are 4 of the more recent research endeavors Maccio PT has been involved, which are being prepared for publication in various international journals. The feedback received from over 30 countries participating in the conference was excellent with great interest from new clinicians to senior McKenzie faculty members. Our superior outcomes and innovative extremity techniques were two of the highlights. Stay tuned for future projects of even greater scale.

MDT- Marathon Running With a Purpose

MDT was able to rapidly resolve six years of chronic running pain within one week:

"I have had six years of chronic hip and back pain. Running and working out were really uncomfortable and the pain would wake me up if I rolled over during the night. I’ve had unsuccessful general physical therapy and chiropractor treatment in the past for my symptoms. Then I came to Maccio Physical Therapy and within only one visit I was able to find a direction that successfully abolished my pain using the MDT method. Since then, I have completed a full marathon in Verdon, France without any pain and did not stop once!" - Jessica

How to Get Back To Doing The Things You Love To Do

"After many years of chronic progressing bilateral shoulder pain and knee pain I finally found Maccio Physical Therapy. I was so tired of being in pain. Julia was able to get my pain from moderate-severe at times down to mild or NO PAIN! In just a few sessions!  I was shocked and hesitant to believe that the pain could be managed so quickly and with such simple exercises. I was able to incorporate these exercises easily into my daily routine. Prior to Julia’s expertise, I was losing sleep due to the pain, sometimes unable to lift my arms off the bed without fierce pain. I can’t thank Julia and Maccio Physical Therapy enough for getting to the root of my problems. I never once thought that my pain could have anything to do with my poor posture and stiff. Now I know! I am so excited to feel like my 26 year old self again and get back to Metabolic Meltdown 4-5 times a week!! I have work to do. Thank you Julia and Maccio Physical Therapy for empowering me to be pain free!" -Laura

Sleeping Like a Baby

"For the past five months or so I have suffered from loss of sleep because of very annoying aching in my hip and thigh. I could not get into a position where the aching would stop. I really thought it was arthritis. I signed up for a free low back pain and sciatica workshop at Maccio Physical Therapy and was asking about my aching leg which only occurred at night. I made an appointment for a consultation. Joe Sr. showed me two exercises and had me do them every two hours. I was amazed with just one visit it was the first time I was ache free in months. Thank you so much, I can now sleep!"- Beverly

Come join us for our next free MDT back pain and sciatica workshop at our location at 1 New Hampshire Avenue Troy, NY 12180 at 12:00 noon and 5:00PM on October 5th and 17th. Contact us at (518) 273-2121 or email marketing@macciophysicaltherapy.com to reserve your spot. Space is limited.



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 Turning Heads Once Again

"I have tried several types of therapists to bring my neck back to a normal amount of flexibility. They were all expensive and time consuming. None made lasting change. I followed the exercises given to me by Maccio Physical Therapy. They were simple and easy. It didn’t seem possible that it would work. I was told it may take some time to improve. I was good with that. It took years to get this stiff. The exercises worked quickly to improve my mobility. The instructions that I got at follow-up appointments made the exercises more effective. I am surprised and amazed that it worked as well as it did. I have recommended it to friends and family!" - Patricia





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

Searching and Finding the Right Approach

"I had incredibly bad knee pain that radiated to my heel. Over the course of a month, the pain got progressively worse, to the point where it had affected every facet of my life. Work became tremendously difficult and I wasn't able to pursue my passions in life, namely, martial arts, hiking and snowboarding. The resulting psychological impact was substantial as well. I started thinking that this would be permanent and it would mark an end to participating in the activities that bring me so much joy.

I knew that the traditional approach of western medicine of treating symptoms was not right for me. I did not want pain meds or shots. I wanted to get to the root of the problem. I searched and found Maccio Physical Therapy and their holistic approach to rehabilitation really spoke to me. I was greeted with a smile at the front desk and met with Julia Tranquillo, my physical therapist. Julia took the time to get to assess my pain, my body and went the extra mile to really understand the importance of martial arts and snowboarding in my life. She set up a plan and took me through a series of exercises and stretches. To my astonishment, the pain subsided almost immediately. It was a miracle. 

Over the next couple of weeks, I met with Julia and Anastasia who rehabilitated my knee and provided spirited conversations about our shared interests and passions. My knee pain had continued to improve and by discharge, they had provided me with a wealth of knowledge and tools to prevent relapse. Being a healthcare provider myself, it was a huge learning experience to be on the receiving end of care. I was deeply touched and humbled by Julia and Anastasia's commitment to my success and well being. They had shown me the importance of empathy and offering an attentive ear to someone’s problem. Coupled with their wealth of knowledge and unwavering dedication, I was bound to succeed. Thank you Julia, Anastasia and the rest of the team at Maccio Physical Therapy!" -Matthew

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 vs. Regular Physical Therapy

"When I first came to Maccio Physical Therapy I was having constant pain in my arm from my elbow to fingers. It interfered with my work and some pain was always present. I had been to another physical therapist who told me that he couldn’t see anything wrong with my arm and that I should rest it completely to get rid of pain. I decided to try Maccio after reading great reviews on Google, and the first visit they identified my neck as the reason for pain in my arm. Almost immediately I began to feel improvement with their exercises. In just a couple of weeks the pain was completely gone and I could work and do my normal activities without problems." - Stephanie

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

Double Trouble No More

"When I came to Maccio Physical Therapy I was experiencing pain across my low back down my leg into my foot. I was also having pain in my neck extending into my skull causing a constant headache. I’m an active person and was getting very discouraged living in pain the greater part of every day. I had to be careful not to turn or move my head too quickly or I would experience shooting pain into my skull.

After my first session of physical therapy, I came home smiling. The pain in my lower leg had subsided. I was encouraged and decided I would see this through to completion. Having completed my therapy, I’m happy to say that I can now enjoy my 2.5 mile walk pain free. No pain, burning, tingling or numbness in my back, leg or foot all of which I had previously.

As for my neck, I have not had any headaches since the second week of therapy and I can move my head freely without fear of shooting pain in my skull. My neck still gets tight and achy but I do my exercises and it is relieved. The therapists are great. They took a lot of time teaching me the proper exercises and making sure I was doing them correctly. Most importantly, they taught me how to treat myself." - Diane

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

Road to Success

"I had been dealing with knee and foot pain on my left leg for a couple of years, and decided to seek medical attention. My primary care physician referred me to a knee specialist. I spent the next few months being bounced from specialist to specialist within the orthopedic practice. After hundreds of dollars spent on co pays and X-rays/ MRI’s they still haven’t really been able to help me determine root cause or address the pain and discomfort. I then started physical therapy at Maccio Physical Therapy. Focusing on the lower back, we were able to drastically reduce the symptoms in the knee and foot. Through exercises, stretching and movement, I am now pain-free and working to eliminate the last lingering bit of discomfort. Joe and the rest of the staff at Maccio have all been wonderful, making this a very pleasant experience." - Jason

"This patient presented with localized pain in the knee. After a thorough MDT assessment, it was determined that his knee and ankle pain was referred from his lumbar spine. Spinal treatment was given which quickly resolved the patient's symptoms and returned him to a pain-free life. If this thorough MDT assessment was not performed, treatment most likely would have been tailored to the knee and ankle which would have left him with an unsuccessful outcome." Joseph R. Maccio, DPT, Dip. MDT 

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

Self Referral "Served" Her Well

"I came to Maccio Physical Therapy after seeing a knee specialist who immediately wanted to give me injections and talk about surgery. I wanted to see if I could try treatment that allowed my knee to heal before plunging into invasive treatments. When I came to Maccio Physical Therapy I couldn’t climb stairs, walk very far and my knee hurt constantly. I was also worried that I wouldn’t be able to play tennis this summer- something I was looking forward to all winter. The treatment Maccio gave me resulted in quick improvement. After about six weeks of care, I am climbing stairs with no problems and I am back on the tennis court. Maccio helped me with a back problem previously and they gave me the same great results with my knee." -Patrisia









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

Sometimes Teenagers Know Best

"Towards the end of April 2017, I injured my knee while playing softball as a catcher. I went to the doctor and was told I had sprained my ACL. He told me that my knee was unstable and I would need surgery. I decided to go to Maccio Physical Therapy as it was recommended from a friend. Within one week of going to physical therapy my knee gained its motion back and I felt less pain doing everyday things. After weeks of physical therapy with Maccio, I returned to the doctor and I no longer need surgery on my knee. If I had not attended physical therapy my upcoming softball season would have been over. Thanks to Maccio Physical Therapy I feel stronger and more confident on the field."

-Cierra

“Why we do what we do. It's all about patient choice.” Lindsay Cartlton, ATC, DPT, Cert. MDT

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 As First Choice. (Kudos to Dr. Gross!)

"After years of chronic back pain and giving up most physical activities, I had an episode that was so painful I couldn’t bend forward even enough to brush my teeth. I was in chronic pain 24/7 with no relief. My doctor suggested I come to Maccio Physical Therapy. I was hesitant to come because I was in so much pain and moving was difficult but I figured he is trying to help me so I must follow his advice and do my part. I’m so glad I did. At Maccio PT I found compassion, understanding and most of all hope! I learned techniques to help myself at anytime without having to make appointments every time I have issues. And they work! I’ve seen several chiropractors and two back surgeons over the years and felt like there was no hope. I feel like I have been giving the tools to help myself and if I do have to come back I won’t hesitate. The people here are fabulous! I highly recommend Maccio PT. They will take time to listen and go over and above to find the cause of your pain and fix it." - Christine

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

The Power of Patient Education and Self Treatment

"I came to Maccio Physical Therapy after little success or improvement in my herniated disc at previous generic physical therapy offices. Throughout my past experiences, I felt I was just showing up to the office and getting told to do exercise A, B and C with no real explanation or direction for after I left the office. I didn’t feel I was in control or equipped to handle my condition in between my appointments.

The education and empowerment I was given from Joe Maccio made me hopeful and gave me assurance that I, in fact, could control the outcome of my condition. It seemed that where Maccio Physical Therapy and previous physical therapy offices differed was in the patient education component after the office visit was over. I think that was and is the most important part of my healing process. Taking the initiative with the knowledge received is the difference in getting better or not."
-Joren


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

Why We Do What We Do. MDT Verses Injections and General Physical Therapy.

"I’ve had low back pain and sciatica pain for 12 years. It was steadily getting worse the past couple of years. The pain forced me to miss work sometimes weeks at a time. I’ve also had a hard time really enjoying time with my son as everything I did hurt whether it was sitting, standing or lying down. I’ve been through pain management where I received medication that only masked some of the pain and was given cortisone shots that hurt more than helped. I’ve also been through several rounds of Physical Therapy before being referred to Maccio Physical Therapy. Those other places never helped, just had me in traction and general stretching, so I was apprehensive that this time would be different. I was given a treatment that corresponded with the pain I was feeling and I am very pleased to say I am in the least pain I have been in since my original injury over 12 years ago and it’s all thanks to Maccio." - Eric

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

"I thought I’d be doing hand exercises, but Lindsay addressed my issue coming from my neck."

“I came to Maccio, referred by a good friend. I have had hand pain for years, but it recently became pretty unbearable, where some days I could not write. I thought I’d be doing hand exercises, but Lindsay addressed my issue coming from my neck. Since I do computer work, I am consistently bent forward. Lindsay helped me improve my posture, and gave me exercises that almost immediately relieved and healed the pain in my hands!” 
– Victoria 

"Having the ability to control my pain through exercises is amazing"

“I came to Maccio Physical Therapy for extreme pain in the front of my shoulders, and I couldn’t move my thumbs. I did not realize I had neck pain. I wasn’t sleeping and the pain was throbbing with each heartbeat. I couldn’t bend my thumbs. I don’t believe in pain medication, and I was suffering for months. After my first appointment with Julia, I could bend my thumbs. Each appointment I saw improvement. What really amazed me is if the pain got throbbing, I could do my exercises and the pain would subside. Having the ability to control my pain through exercises is amazing. I never would have believed it. I am now pain free. I have some stiffness in the morning; do my exercises, and I’m ready for the day with no pain.” Lyn 

"I have completely returned to my normal life."

“My first day at Maccio Physical Therapy, I walked in with a limp, sore back, and a sore right hip. I was losing motion and had numbness in my right foot. I was starting to slap my right foot when walking, and had severe burning pain in my right calf for the first 15 minutes after getting up every day. My doctor had just told me that I had a herniated disc and needed to try PT before we discussed surgery. This pain had started gradually over the last month or so, but had increased over the last 2 weeks. At that time, I was unable to do much other than work, sit and sleep. My normal life was drastically changed. A few simple exercises were explained to me and within a week or so, the pain and discomfort was moving around my back and leg, and becoming more tolerable.The exercises in total probably took less than 15 minutes a day. I have been released with no pain or discomfort, full range of motion and strength in my foot and I have completely returned to my normal life. A few simple exercises every day for the rest of my life (less than 5 minutes a day) and I am thrilled. I cannot thank Colin enough and would absolutely recommend Maccio Physical Therapy to anyone with back pain or discomfort.” - Robert

"I will not under estimate what Physical Therapy can do for me again.”

Pamela was having trouble sitting for long periods of time. This caused her to frequently call out, and leave work early. Standing and walking also caused her quite a deal of pain. When she came to Maccio Physical Therapy, her goal was to be pain free without medication.

“Prior to coming here, I was on two different pain meds for the hip, and still was very uncomfortable, and walking slowly. After being put through the paces, Colin let me know it was a lower back problem. He gave me exercises to do, and gradually the pain has stopped. My knee had also been a problem for me – swelling and discomfort. At times, I would need cortisone shots. At this point, I am pain free in both my knee and my back. I will not under estimate what Physical Therapy can do for me again.” – Pamela

"Dont Give Up! Give Maccio A Try."

Dianne initially came to us with discomfort both going up and down stairs, and she even struggled with pain walking in her own home.

“When I initially made an appointment with Maccio Physical Therapy, I was in extreme pain. My right leg was so sore; it was difficult for me to walk even within my own living room. I was discouraged, and thought I would have to live with this for my remaining years. My doctor recommended Maccio PT. Within a matter of weeks, two times a week, and exercises every 2 hours, the pain all but vanished. Don’t give up! You don’t have to live with that pain. Give Maccio a try.” – Dianne 

Back In The Gym With A Better Understanding

“After struggling with constant lower back pain, and pain throughout my thighs and legs, I got a referral to come to Maccio Physical Therapy. By the time of my first appointment, I had been experiencing this pain for about 5 months. After a couple visits, I was already starting to feel a difference and improvement. Before I started having pain, I would be at the gym 3-4 times a week doing cardio, weight lifting, and yoga. I had to stop all of these activities because of the pain I was in. With the help of Maccio Physical Therapy, I not only am able to return to these activities, but I also now better understand what was causing me so much pain before. Now I feel like I will be better able to detect, and hopefully prevent, an injury or problem like I just experienced from happening again. And should I ever experience said pain again, Maccio Physical Therapy made it clear they will be here to help.” – Sam 

"My first thought was 'that sounds better than a spinal injection and I will try it.'” - Ned's Success Story

“I started having problems last Spring with my leg having tingling in the lower calf and if I stood too long in the same position, the leg would want to give out, and I would have to move slowly (as I was unsteady) until the leg returned to normal. Then, I started experiencing weakness in my leg along with difficulty getting out of bed, and not being able to walk for a minute or so until I got my balance back, and the weakness in the ankles returned to normal. After a time, the legs got worse, and not only would tingle, but have pain, and not let me walk for even short distances. This pain would vary in location as it moved from one leg to my back, and then the other leg. I had problems playing golf and eventually did not even want to play. I could not attend my grandchildren’s sports functions and not even go shopping. A cane was used to get around the house and even crutches sometimes. Neuropathy was mentioned as a possibility and I went to see my primary doctor. He ordered a CT scan that showed the problem was with the vertebrae. He sent me to a specialist in pain treatment as I was now in constant pain and needed care. This orthopedic showed me how the vertebrae was compressed on the CT scan pictures, and a spinal shot may help if the pain does not get any better. He also mentioned therapy sometimes helps the compression from pressing on the spinal nerves. My first thought was “that sounds better than a spinal injection and I will try it.” I was doubtful it would help with the problem. I went to Maccio Physical Therapy in Troy, NY and was assigned to Julia as my therapist. Starting out I told her I did not think this was going to work as I did not believe in therapy, but would give it a try since the pain was not allowing me to do anything, nor did I want injections or an operation until I at least tried the therapy route. Julia started out seeing what I could do and what affected the neck, back, and the big problem of not being able to walk for even a short distance. Some items that she worked on were the turning of my neck, as that hurt and rotation was not very good. Her main focus was the back and leg pain, along with the tingling. My balance was also checked and I remember I could not stand on one foot more than 3 seconds in the initial session – now I can go over 30 seconds and more if I wanted to on either foot. The exercises started with one type leading into another. If one did not produce results, it was discontinued. Normally, I would not bother to do her exercises at home, but I did not want to return to my earlier condition, and did what she told me to do about 3 times a day. The result is, I can now walk about 90% of what I could before the spinal condition erupted, stand still for a lot longer period without my leg hurting or giving out, and if I think it might weaken, I move from side to side, shifting my weight to stop before it becomes a problem, as I was instructed to do. My neck, I can now rotate without pain and my back pains are gone. I really did not think it would work, but so far it has helped tremendously, and I intend to keep up the exercises. It has been over 2 weeks since I was discharged from therapy sessions. If you are having back, leg, or similar problems, I highly recommend going to Maccio Physical Therapy. Great office, all personnel are friendly and helpful, plus their therapy works. I think what assisted in the recovery was that Julia was not only patient in completing the tasks but her encouragement made me want to succeed.” – Ned

"Maccio PT were able to develop a treatment plan which was different from what I have been doing."

“I have had rotator cuff, and issues with low back pain for the last 20 years. I have had surgery for the rotator cuff, and physical therapy for back issues, and experienced some relief. This past fall, I reinjured my rotator cuff and back, and went back to seek treatment with a physical therapy office I used before. In early December, I came to Maccio PT because I wasn’t getting the relief or improvement I was looking for from my previous provider.The providers at Maccio PT were able to develop a treatment plan which was different from what I have been doing. They provided me with a different approach to my problems. I felt significant relief within the first couple of visits, and continued to improve over the next couple of weeks. I believe their ‘out of the box’ approach to my issues not only provided me with the relief I was looking for, but it gave me insight into my problems and what I could do to help me resolve my problem.” – Vincent

Why MDT as the First Choice is the Best Choice

Faith was a direct referral to our office without medications, X-ray, or MRI. Had she had an MRI, it would have been done for her knee, where there is a 60% chance of showing degeneration, and a torn meniscus, which are common findings with people without knee pain.

"My pain began with overuse and repetitive motion of running on the treadmill, and alternating the elliptical. The pain was on the side of my knee, and having been a runner for several years, I suspected an IT band injury. While doing stretches for my IT band, I didn’t experience any improvement in my symptoms, and that frustration brought me here. The pain was hard to identify at first, but one of the first questions I was asked was if I had a history of back problems, and turns out that an injury that healed pretty quickly a few months before was causing referred pain to my knee. This was fixed by simply bending backwards with exercises I could do entirely on my own. As a college student, that control over my movement and healing process was very important to me. My symptoms cleared almost immediately after the first week, and I was back to running and normal movement within 2.5 weeks. Overall, this was a very interesting and inspirational healing experience. I am living proof that the McKenzie Method works wonders." – Faith