I suffered right shoulder pain for many years due to my occupation as a professional handyman. After retirement I injured my shoulder lifting weights. My doctor referred me to an orthopedic surgeon who after x-rays and an MRI diagnosed me with a rotator cuff tear that required surgery. When I asked if physical therapy was an option, he said this type of tear only responded to surgery. While contemplating a second opinion I chanced upon an ad for a shoulder Workshop at Maccio Physical Therapy. I attended the workshop and signed up for treatments, and started the therapy program that same day. After 6 weeks I am now on my own with treatment and my condition improved to the best it has been in 20 years. I am glad I did not rush to get the surgery (with its 4-6 months of recovery) as it could not guarantee a pain free repair. My thanks to Maccio’s and the exercises that helped me regain the use of my shoulder after a very long time. - David
A blog written by Joseph Maccio, MA, PT, Dip. MDT, owner of Maccio Physical Therapy in Troy, New York. Over 35 years experience as a physical therapist with an M.A. in Ergonomics & Occupational Biomechanics, Diplomat in Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy (Dip. MDT), recognized as the highest level of clinical expertise at the McKenzie Institute International. Special Services: - Certified McKenzie Spine Clinic - REPEX - Ergonomics - Orthopedic Physical Therapy -
Wednesday, December 4, 2019
MDT A Great Second Opinion
I suffered right shoulder pain for many years due to my occupation as a professional handyman. After retirement I injured my shoulder lifting weights. My doctor referred me to an orthopedic surgeon who after x-rays and an MRI diagnosed me with a rotator cuff tear that required surgery. When I asked if physical therapy was an option, he said this type of tear only responded to surgery. While contemplating a second opinion I chanced upon an ad for a shoulder Workshop at Maccio Physical Therapy. I attended the workshop and signed up for treatments, and started the therapy program that same day. After 6 weeks I am now on my own with treatment and my condition improved to the best it has been in 20 years. I am glad I did not rush to get the surgery (with its 4-6 months of recovery) as it could not guarantee a pain free repair. My thanks to Maccio’s and the exercises that helped me regain the use of my shoulder after a very long time. - David
Thursday, November 21, 2019
Back to 100%
I started getting back
pain back in high school but always brushed it off due to my age and always
playing sports. Fast forward 10 years
and the back pain started to slowly impact my everyday life. A month ago I was referred to Maccio by my doctor. I had never
experienced so much pain in my life. It
was almost unbearable and I could hardly walk.
I came to Maccio and was greeted by my therapist Lindsey. On day one it was very simple she explained to
me what was going on and listened to what I had to say. After the first week I already felt much
better. I stopped the medication for
pain relief and followed the exercises that were given to me. Now, a month later I am 100% independent and I am walking out of the doors not only without pain, but with tools of resources to
be used in the future. Thank you, Maccio
Physical Therapy and especially Lindsay.
– Carolyn
Thursday, November 7, 2019
Going the Distance with MDT
I called Maccio Physical Therapy a few weeks before I was
going to run my first marathon because running was give me pain in the side of
my hip. After seeing my doctor and confirming it wasn’t a fracture, I began going
to Maccio for treatment. They gave me a series of exercise and stretches to do
through the day, and before and after running. I was able to run the marathon
with minimal pain within a few weeks the pain went away almost entirely. I greatly appreciated their help dealing with
this.
Monday, October 28, 2019
No Meds, No Pain, No MRI - The Power of MDT
"I
am a college student from RPI. I was
referred to Maccio by the RPI Nurse Practitioner after complaining of
tailbone/lower back pain likely due to poor posture, heavy backpack, and hours
of sitting at a desk studying or doing homework on a computer. The pain intensified so much I eventually had
trouble sitting for long periods of time and even sleeping.
After completing a few weeks of visits and
doing exercises assigned by my physical therapist, Lindsay at Maccio, I am
happy to report my pain is gone, I am able to sit and do work without pain and
am sleeping better at night. Thank you
Lindsay and Maccio Physical Therapy."
– Vanessa
Friday, October 11, 2019
The Power of MDT: Rapidly Reversible Low Back Pain
"My back was 'catching' multiple times a day. Jolts of pain every time I got up and walked. It was getting worse, not better. Started PT and Joe (JR) told me to do back extensions every hour and sit with the back roll. Then come back in 24 hours as I would be better. I thought he was crazy!! I have been dealing with the pain for three years. Walking, elliptical, yoga for backs and nothing helped and he thinks I am going to be better in 24 hours. Well within 4 hours the “catching” and jolts stopped. It really was miraculous. Fast forward to now. No icepacks. The jolts have subsided. Don’t get me wrong I am not 100% yet. I still get the “catches” and I still need by back roll. I am hopeful that it will go away for good. The big test will be on the ski slopes this winter. Time will tell. Thanks for helping me improve and giving good stretches that will prevent reverting back to my old problems." -Susan
Friday, August 30, 2019
The Difference Between General PT and the MDT Method: Getting to the Source of the Problem
"It all started one night walking a mile back from a restaurant. I had to stop, the pain in my hip was so intense. I tried doing stretches of all sorts, but none worked. I struggled to keep the pain down. The pain would go away for 3 or 4 months at a time and then reappear. The pain was concentrated in my hip, and would run down my leg on occasion. After 2 years of putting up with the intense but intermittent pain, I went to my regular physical therapist, who did massage, heat, and ultrasound, the pain got a little worse. So I was contemplating some sort of surgery, and went to my primary who instead suggested Maccio Physical Therapy, they had helped her father significantly. So I set up an appointment and was surprised with the simplicity of the therapy, and how quickly it worked. After two visits my pain was reduced about 95%. After 6 visits, it was essentially gone. Now I can control my pain wherever I am, and live essentially pain free, no drugs and no surgery. Thank you Dr Joe and Maccio Physical Therapy."
Patient Update:
Patient Update:
"The 402 mile bike ride from Buffalo to Albany along the Erie Canal with 600 other riders was great, no real problems, some miner irritation when walking around the camp ground. But during the ride, no issues what-so-ever. "
Thanks for the great healing,
Mike
Thursday, July 25, 2019
Don’t get stuck with a wrong diagnosis and constant back pain
4 years ago while pregnant with my
daughter I developed anterior derangement. I couldn’t sleep without pain, stand
for an extended period of time without my back locking and in intense pain even
after delivering her. I ignored my pain for four years and it became extreme. I
was referred to Maccio Physical Therapy and with a few exercises and 3
appointments I can walk, stand, lift and sleep without pain. I am so grateful
to Dr. Maccio and I appreciate how thorough and caring his whole team is. I was
told the pain was because of my weight but now I know it is from arching my
back while pregnant.
-Jamie
*Anterior derangements are
relatively rare, but do occur certainly during and after pregnancy as well as with
weight lifting and for individuals who have to stand for long periods of time. It
is one of the easiest derangements to sort out and treat and usually responds as
quickly as it did for Jamie.
Wednesday, July 24, 2019
2nd Opinions Are Invaluable
After spending 10 days in the hospital due to severe back
pain, I was told that I would need to have surgery to correct the issue. I was
diagnosed with a bulging disc at L5 that was compressing the nerves on L1 and
L2 causing nerve pain in my left hip and leg. I was completely laid up, unable
to lie on my back, stomach, or left side and unable to sit upright in a chair
without severe pain. Despite the doctor’s recommendations for surgery, I was
not ready to accept this fate before trying less invasive procedures.
Therefore, I began going to physical therapy 3 times per week using the
McKenzie Method at Maccio Physical Therapy. Within 2 weeks, I was sitting
upright for longer periods of time and was able to drive a motor vehicle once
again. Over time, with consistent practice of using the McKenzie Method and
regular visits to Maccio Physical Therapy, my pain decreased and my strength
continued to increase. Three months later and I am now able to resume normal
physical activities with relative ease. For me, those activities include
hiking, running, kayaking, driving my motorcycle, playing sports with my
daughter, firefighting, and returning to work in a special education classroom
that requires me to do a significant amount of lifting individuals in and out
of wheelchairs. By using the McKenzie Method learned at Maccio Physical
Therapy, I have been able to get my life back without the need for surgical
procedures. I would recommend Maccio Physical Therapy to anyone suffering from
a back injury before considering other more invasive options!
Friday, July 19, 2019
Pain Relief!
Pain Relief!
I had pain for the last
13 years on the right side of my neck going to my head, cheeks and hands. I
also had pain on my back going into my right leg – it’s like my right side of
my body is always in pain. I tried many medicines when I was in India and also
here in the USA. I went to other physical therapists and chiropractors. Nothing
helped. My wife and primary care physician (Dr. Padma) referred me to Maccio
Physical Therapy. Initially, I did not have any hopes about my pain going away.
But slowly my pain started decreasing. I followed exactly what Joseph G. Maccio
said. I had few complications or side effects with exercises, but those were
addressed properly by Joe. Now at the end of my 12 week visit I have no pain. I
want to thank Joe from the bottom of my heart. His help and treatment is
priceless.
-Srikanth
Thursday, July 11, 2019
Rapid Recovery With MDT!
Rapid Recovery With MDT!
I was specifically
referred to Maccio Physical Therapy by my primary physicians with severe right
lower back/si joint area pain. I was 2 weeks away from a power down that I
would likely have to cancel and lose my entry fee as well. Joe mentally and
physically got me back in the gym. I made the competition and set a personal
record on the dead lift as a bonus. Thanks Maccio Physical Therapy! Also, the
scheduling and reception was extremely friendly and professional. I’ve never
been to an office with more flexible scheduling when making appointments to fit
my busy schedule.
-James
Wednesday, June 26, 2019
"Time does not matter with MDT"
I have suffered with neck pain and migraines since an auto
accident in 1992. I’ve had chiropractic treatments and other physical therapy.
Joe Maccio is the only doctor that truly helped me. With a few exercises I am
basically pain free and have movement in my neck again. I no longer have pain
that interferes with everyday life. I highly recommend Maccio PT to anyone
dealing with pain every day. Thank you!
"Why We Always Check The Spine"
"Why We Always Check The Spine"
I came to Maccio Physical Therapy after having debilitating
knee pain for 3 months straight. Worried that it might be a meniscus tear due
to recent tendon injuries, I saw an orthopedic doctor who completely dismissed
me as soon as he saw me, claiming it was a result of slight bow leggedness due
to being female.
Disheartened by this experience and determined to get
better, I met Joe Jr and his team the following week. Joe was very respectful
and listened to me intently as I described my symptoms. Since my pain came and
went randomly, they suggested the problem wasn’t with my knees but instead with
my spine. After just four or five visits my pain started to go away. I was
amazed at the results and so happy Maccio Physical Therapy could help me. I’m
happy to be pain free and back to my regular activities!
Another Self Taught Success Story x2
Another Self Taught Success Story x2
I came in with lower back pain in 2017 where I couldn’t walk
10 steps without having to lay flat on the floor and cry. A neighbor told me
about Maccio and after Joe saw me just a few times, my pain started to subside
and I could walk for longer and longer. After a month I was pain free. I was
sent home with “tools” to help my back remain healthy and I still use the
exercises today.
Due to the success of my lower back, when I encountered neck
pain, I knew right where to go. Again, slowly but surely, with the exercises,
my neck pain began to subside. This is one special place! I have maintenance
routines to keep me going – I would be one big lump of pain without Maccio
Physical Therapy.
Thursday, June 20, 2019
MDT: The other option to relieve pain
MDT: The other option for pain relief!
When I first went to physical therapy at Maccio Physical
Therapy, I was very doubtful that physical therapy alone was going to be able
to help my pain. I was in excruciating pain to where I could not work, sleep or
function. My neck, cervical spine and left arm were causing me to have severe,
constant pain to where there was no comfortable position. I was given steroid
medication, medication for nerve pain and then narcotic pain medication so that
I could sleep, and none of it seemed to help. I also went to pain management,
where the next step would be epidural injection if physical therapy did not
help. Thankfully, my physical therapy with Lindsay Carlton was successful to
where I could work and carry on in my life without extreme pain, and I regained
strength in my hand that I was worried I would not do. I would highly recommend
Lindsay and Maccio Physical Therapy to anyone!
-Brenda
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