Monday, May 23, 2016

Back to enjoying dance: Michael's success story


"The upper back inflammation localized and eventually subsided..the low back pain was immediately greatly diminished."

“I was having pain in my middle and upper back. I am familiar with several types of muscular pain and this felt nothing like that. If anything- it felt like bruising, even though there was no bruise or swelling. In addition, I was having worsening pain in my lower back. I dance at least twice weekly and these problems affected my ability to perform certain moves and my overall enjoyment of dancing. 

During the course of several weeks, I also experienced worsening pain in one of my shoulders that was greatly exacerbated by dance movements that involved bearing my partners weight. The pain radiated into my arm and made holding my partner quite painful. 

Wednesday, May 18, 2016

One more try at physical therapy before surgery, discharged pain free: Shawn's success story



“I arrived at Maccio Physical Therapy confident I was wasting my time, only going there to satisfy a friend who asked me to give it a shot. 

I was already considering surgery through a neurosurgeon. Why not? I had two bad discs and stenosis of the spine, which were all proven by MRI. I had already done PT elsewhere, tried shots in the back and nothing was working. I was positive only surgery would help. 


I was sure I was wasting my time. I’m so glad I was wrong. After working with Maccio PT, I have been able to manage my pain, eliminating my perceived notion that I “needed” surgery. I am sleeping so much better, There is no more burning down my legs- no more “restless leg” syndrome. 

My life has improved greatly since visiting Maccio PT. I would strongly recommend making an appointment. If you have been suffering with back pain, especially if you’ve been told back surgery is your only option…it isn’t! Trust me. McKenzie Physical Therapy works and Maccio PT is the place to go. Thank you to the staff at Maccio. I have my life back!” –Shawn, May 2016

Tuesday, May 10, 2016

"I want to learn what I need to do to FIX the pain" : Katherine's Success Story

“I had severe neck and shoulder pain for about three months. I thought that it might have been a pinched nerve or stressed muscle but I wasn’t quite sure exactly what was wrong or what I needed to do to fix it. In the past when I had these problems, I would get a massage and be good to go. The massage didn’t work so a friend of mine suggested that I go to a chiropractor. Unfortunately, the chiropractor wasn’t going to be a good fit for me because after an initial consultation, x-rays and a follow up appointment, I was told that I would have to come back for follow up treatments 2 times a week for 18-20 weeks. This was NOT an option for me. 

I am a super busy person who is constantly in motion and I didn’t have the time for this type of treatment. Now, you are likely thinking- why didn’t you go to a doctor? The reason being: I am not a big fan of our traditional medical system. I don’t want to take any medications to ease pain. I want to learn what I need to do to FIX the pain. I was seeking other options that I thought would be more cost effective and I was worried that Physical Therapy would be way out of my price range. But I had enough. 

At the suggestion of another friend and after hearing about my roller-coaster ride, I walked into Maccio PT and met Joe. That day I was in severe pain. I couldn’t bend down to put on my shoes or move the right half of my body without screeching out in pain. This was absolutely no way to live and I didn’t care how much it cost- if they could help me, it was going to be worth it. 

Maccio got me in that day and after the first two stretches I was able to move my head, neck and shoulder. It was nothing short of amazing. 

I got stretches to do at home and I had all that I needed to care for myself at home. Two weeks later I had full range of motion again. I can’t tell you how grateful I am for the amazing care and expertise of the Maccio Physical Therapy team. It is without question that I recommend them.” 

–Katherine, May 2016

Thursday, May 5, 2016

From Sleepless Nights to a Pain Free Life: Nalaysha's Success Story


“My doctor was pushing for me to get surgery for the four bulging discs I had in my back. However, I wanted to explore my options before just jumping into surgery. I made a good call. 

Since coming here, my symptoms and pain have improved tremendously. Prior to PT, I was unable to bend my neck up or down without getting dizzy or lightheaded. Now I can move without any problems. The headaches I used to get from the neck and back pain have gone away as well. 

I feel a lot better and now have more energy. Thank you Maccio Physical Therapy for your help and a big thank you to Linsday for her time. I greatly appreciate it.” 
–Nalaysha, May 2016

Friday, April 22, 2016

Gymnast is back to a "Happy Handstand" after PT

Anne, April 2016

“Being in pain is no fun. On February 8, 2016, I was in a car accident which caused a seat belt injury to my left ribs. The E.R. said nothing was broken, but after three weeks of taking pain meds and still suffering, I began to experience back and side spasms. This led me to go to an on-call, where they were hesitant to send me to P.T., but finally agreed. I immediately called Maccio PT.

I chose Maccio PT because I had previously been successfully treated here. As an avid runner, I was referred there by a Orthopedic Sports Dr. about three years ago when I was experiencing plantar fasciitis in one foot, a stress reaction in the other foot and lower back issues. Since following the Maccio treatment plan, I had been running pain free, until the accident occurred.

With this injury it hurt to breathe, cough and sneeze- let alone run, jump or workout! This made my job as a gymnastics coach almost impossible. Skills that I normally demonstrate or spot on a daily basis were just too painful to do. Thankfully Joe and Lindsay knew exactly what exercises to prescribe for me. By following their plans, I quickly progressed so that after a week I could start running again. By one month I was able to spot and demonstrate at the gym again.


By choosing Maccio I have witnessed, now twice, the successful application of the McKenzie Method on four different areas of the body. Thank you Joe Sr. and Lindsay for getting me back to “joyful” running and being able to have a “happy handstand!”


This is why we do what we do!

Tuesday, January 19, 2016

MRI vs. MDT: Martha made her choice, so can you!

"Four years ago I herniated two discs in my lower back after lifting some heavy boxes.
The doctor I saw gave me a sheet of exercises and told me it would take some time to
heal. After one year, I was pain free. I felt good for 2 years and then out of the blue my
back started hurting again- only this time it was much worse. I went to another doctor
who ordered an MRI and gave me a referral for physical therapy. I chose Maccio because
I had researched the Mckenzie Method online and wanted to try it. When I arrived
at Maccio, I was taking 20 pills a day to control the pain and it wasn’t really
working. After 6 sessions I felt much better and by 9 sessions I was off of all pain
meds. When I returned to the doctor, he said my MRI showed a sever herniation of
discs and the only way to fix it was surgery. It has been six months and I feel great. I
also feel able to manage my own symptoms and am educated on how the back and
spine works." -Martha

Friday, January 8, 2016

Tricia's Success Story: "Within four weeks I was running on a treadmill with no pain."


Five years ago, I was running and stepped into a deep pot hole. I felt and heard my back crunch. I was in excruciating pain! I went to my primary doctor who sent me for an MRI and physical therapy. I went through the cycle of therapy to no avail. I was then sent to a "spine specialist" who said they could do surgery but wouldn't guarantee it would fix me. I then sought the expertise of a well known chiropractor. He would crack and snap me, which seemed to work, until I started running again. He told me I just couldn't run any more. As an avid runner, running 6 miles a day, I was heartbroken.

I took a year off of running and found my back issues getting worse. It hurt anytime I'd do anything - lift heavy objects, sit in the car, or just sit for more than 15 minutes. I decided if I was going to be in pain anyway, I would just start running again. But soon it became unbearable. So, back to the primary, another MRI, more physical therapy, thousands of dollars spent on things that "might help" and nothing- no change! I finally decided to take another year off of running. 

Then, about six months ago, my right leg started to give out for no reason. I remember thinking: I"m only 46 and very active, why is this happening? I was told everything was a result of my back. I was sent for yet another MRI and to yet another physical therapist. I had countless appointments in which I was put in traction, along with other treatments, but I was in more pain now than when I started! I knew something had to change. Again I reached out to my primary. I was prescribed Hydrocodone and given the number to Maccio Physical therapy, a certified McKenzie Spine Specialist. 

They actually listened to me and everything I had to say. Within my first visit they had figured out a crucial key to fixing me. Within four weeks I was running on a treadmill with no pain. With the McKenzie Method I never had to take any pain medication and I feel amazing! They were right there teaching me how to listen to and fix my own body. They are amazing! Thank you for my life back!  

With the McKenzie Method I never had to take any pain medication and I feel amazing!!  My therapist was right there teaching me how to listen to my own body and fix myself! They are AMAZING!! Thank you for my life back!!  - Tricia, October 2015