Dr. Rafael Mastov, DPT

Physical Therapist

100 Plaza Real S Ste C Boca Raton FL, 33432 Show map

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Rafael Mastov is a physical therapist practicing in Boca Raton, FL. Rafael Mastov specializes in physical treatment to help a patient reduce pain, restore mobility, rehabilitate an injury, or increase movement and overall function. As a physical therapist, Rafael Mastov can treat multiple conditions with exercises, ultrasound, electrical stimulation, joint mobilization, heat, ice, massage, laser or light therapy and more. Rafael Mastov will create a treatment plan based on the patients specific injury or condition, and might target a specific body part or body system based on the individual.

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Dr. Rafael Mastov, DPT

Dr. Rafael Mastov, DPT's Expert Contributions

My Answers

Is physical therapy effective for scoliosis?
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. READ MORE
Can physical therapy help with daughter's leg cramps?
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. READ MORE
Will pediatric physical therapy help my son walk on his own?
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. READ MORE
Will pediatric physical therapy help my son walk on his own?
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. READ MORE
How long does a muscle strain take to heal?
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. READ MORE
How long should physical therapy last for shin splints?
Normally 8 to 20 sessions 60 minutes each session READ MORE
After back surgery, how soon can I resume physical therapy sessions?
Right away - very important to avoid stiffness and adhesions. READ MORE
Is it safe to undergo physical therapy during pregnancy?
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. READ MORE
What exercises would you recommend for a healthy spine?
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. READ MORE
What could be the cause for pain in my middle back?
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. READ MORE
I have spinal stenosis. Will exercise help?
Physical therapy can help patients with spinal stenosis – it’s indicated for spinal stenosis. READ MORE
Can yoga help me get over my body stiffness?
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. READ MORE
Is there any physical therapy for preventing sinusitis infections?
Physical therapy cannot help patients with sinusitis READ MORE
Is there any physical therapy for preventing sinusitis infections?
Physical therapy can not help with sinusitis. *Rafael Mastov, D.P.T. * Doctor of Physical Therapy www.AdvanceCarePT.com READ MORE
I have faint but consistent knee pain. What could it be?
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. READ MORE
Can you suggest some stretches for treating my sciatica pain?
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. READ MORE
I have recently put on a lot of weight and feel stiff around my hands and thighs. What can I do?
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. READ MORE
Should I have physical therapy after elbow surgery?
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. READ MORE
Is it advisable to undergo physical therapy after knee replacement surgery?
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. READ MORE
Can physical therapy help my leg pain?
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. READ MORE