"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
"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.
