Rafael Mastov, MSPT

It depends on what type of scoliosis. There could be structural scoliosis or functional. If it functional where u develop scoliosis over time throughout life course then Yes absolutely physical therapy is a must for realignment of posture, proper postural correction, positioning, stretching one side where muscles are curved and shortened called concave and strengthening the other side which is called convex. There is so much more what therapy does for scoliosis so the answer is yes.

Usually cramps are due to inactivity, energy production is low and dehydration. Need proper stretching techniques, definitely myofascial release - do massage with certain types of strokes over the muscles and proper functional exercises.

any physical therapist should be able to help your child - does not need to be pediatric PT. We all should know treatment protocols no matter if it's pediatric population or geriatric.

Any physical therapist should be able to help your child - does not need to be a pediatric PT. We all should know treatment protocols no matter if it's pediatric population or geriatric.

It all depends depends on the severity of the injury and how well you follow your treatment plan and where the site of the injury. If it's the back it could take between 8-10 weeks sometimes even longer depends on the age and type of strain. If the strain is severe it could take up to 3-6 months to heal. The lesser the strain the quicker it heals within a few weeks.

Normally 8 to 20 sessions 60 minutes each session

Right away - very important to avoid stiffness and adhesions.

Yea absolutely. As a matter of fact it is required to do so. Often times the joints such as hands, elbows feet get swollen and lower backs becomes painful, stiff, etc - the PT plays important role during pregnancy.

Total gym
Wall slides
Bktc - bilateral knee to chest
SLR - straight leg raise
Mckenzie extension ex
Lattisimus dorsi - rotation ex
There are so many different exercises that each therapist needs to show not just write these exercises. Then approximately prescribe the weights with reps.

We need to assess and do evaluation on you and take into consideration your weight, your height, and your age and also the metabolism. There could be multi factors or that could be just a local segmental issue. Then I have to assess if you have ketosis if you have scoliosis, if you have lordosis think of that nature, vital part or your diagnosis there are certain special test we do to assess whether there is a nerve entrapment, or lateral facet stenosis or spinal stenosis. I will palpate certain muscles in the back and assess if your muscles have increased tone or have trigger points or check for fibromyalgia. Another major thing to consider if the pain or discomfort in the back or is it traveling to your legs – if it’s traveling to your leg, then I will try to assess the so it’s not just a straight answer– we need to do a full thorough evaluation on you and come up with a proper diagnosis and a proper treatment plan of care.

Physical therapy can help patients with spinal stenosis – it’s indicated for spinal stenosis.

Yes, yoga is very good for you – With each yoga, basically you are elongating muscle spindle fibers in other words you are stretching every single muscle during yoga. So yoga or Pilates or any physical activities are very good for you.

Physical therapy cannot help patients with sinusitis

Physical therapy can not help with sinusitis. *Rafael Mastov, D.P.T. * Doctor of Physical Therapy www.AdvanceCarePT.com

It could be due to osteoarthritis- heavy physical activity, lack of use, injuries such as sprains or strains, sitting in a constrained area, or sitting on knees for a prolonged period. Occupational related factors are also needs to be considered.

Most importantly for sciatica is to stretching the piriformis muscle that is inflamed and pushing on sciatic nerve. Focus on therapeutic nutrition- what’s deficient - change diet. Nutritional approach treats symptoms pf sciatica.

Activate and elongate meaning stretch a specific muscle of the gluteal (buttocks )region. There needs to be constant activity of your gluteal/piriformis muscle- otherwise your are developing a piriformis syndrome — a condition where inactivity of the piriformis muscles causes pain, numbness, and tingling in your butt and hips. Try to bring one knee opposite to your chest, hold for 5 seconds and then switch. You need to feel that stretch.

Gluteal bridges - helps to lengthen your hip flexors and takes away pressure from sciatica. Basically Lie on your back with hands at your sides, knees bent, and feet planted firmly on the floor.
Contract your glutes and raise your hips until your chest, pelvis, and knees are in a straight line.
Hold this position for 10 seconds, focusing on contracting the muscles in your glutes (butt).
Relax, then repeat one more time.
If you are young, pigeon stretch would be ideal -
Start on your hands and knees.
Bring one leg across your body with your knee bent.
Slowly lean forward until you feel a stretch in your glutes and external hip muscles.
Hold this position for 10 seconds, then switch legs and perform the stretch on the opposite side.
Relax for a few moments, then repeat one more time.

It has been proven that people who engage in physical activity cope with depression faster. The most important is aerobic activity to maximize your endurance and to break that stiffness feeling. Baby steps - it will be hard in the beginning but you will feel satisfaction later. Begin with Walking not running - u dont want to put stress with your weight on your knees. Cycling, swimming, dancing helps a lot. if you live in a house then gardening would be excellent choice of activity, and basic stretching yoga/pilates. Prior to any exercises, stretches are important. Lie on your back, bring one knee to your chest, hold it, count until 5 and the switch to the other knee. Then you can do SLR -
Straight leg raise - very good for your thighs.
Stabilize the muscles on your straight leg by contracting your quadriceps (the group of muscles on the front of your thigh).
Inhaling slowly, lift the straight leg six inches off the ground.
Hold for three seconds.
Exhaling slowly, lower the leg to the floor with control
Relax and repeat 10 times more.
Now you ready for your aerobic/endurance exercises.

Yes - very important to start therapy right away to prevent any calcifications or bone spurs or adhesions. Often times because of pain after surgery, we tend to guard muscles - but with therapy, you will feel secure using those muscles. Also physical therapy will be beneficial for pain reduction.

You should start physical therapy right away - you dont want adhesions to develop. The longer you wait, the more tougher it will get to stretch out the muscles.

Yes Physical Therapy can help you to alleviate the leg pain. We have great weight reduction programs and usually we show specific functional therapeutic activities for leg exercise so that you don’t have to experience pain.