Physical Therapy St. James, NY

Island Sports Physical Therapy in St. James NY,  is clean, well-equipped, and conveniently located. ISPT has been serving many local communities such as Smithtown, Hauppauge, Lake Grove,  Ronkonkoma, and St. James. Island Sports Physical Therapy in Smithtown NY prides itself is committed to providing high-quality very nurturing experiences for patients. We dedicate ourselves to personalized attention throughout your rehabilitation. Our staff is friendly and supportive of all your needs. Patients of all ages, children and adults population will find ISPT of Nesconset accommodating to their needs.

DAN DONATO, P.T., DIRECTOR

Dan has been serving the Nesconset community with his high level of physical therapy skills since 1995. He brings with him diverse clinical experiences from over 20 years in practice. He values helping their patient’s regain their full functional goals, whether returning to work, sports, or everyday activities.  Dan received his physical therapy degree from Daemen College in Buffalo, NY.

DYAN NUNZIATO, DPT

Dyan attended The University of the Sciences in Philadelphia where she earned her Doctorate degree in Physical Therapy.   She has been a member of the ISPT team for over 10 years.  Dyan also has over 10 years’ experience in acute care working in the hospital which allows her to understand patients’ experiences directly out of surgery and through the outpatient stage of therapy.

Contact Us For Physical Therapy in St. James, NY

PHYSICAL THERAPY FOR SPINE CONDITIONS

Your spine plays a serious role in your body by supporting your head, shoulders, and upper body. It also makes a tunnel for the set of nerves that connect your brain to the rest of your body. Unfortunately, injuries and conditions can arise in the spine resulting in the need for treatment from spine physical therapy near St. James. Long Island Physical therapy in St. James NY is one treatment method used to resolve multiple spine conditions. At Island Sports Physical Therapy, we can address your spine condition and give it the proper attention.

HERNIATED DISK

One spinal condition that can be resolved with physical therapy is a herniated disk. Disks act like cushions between each vertebra in your spine to prevent them from scraping each other. If too much stress is put on your back, a disk can tear or break, causing a herniated disk. As a result, your arms or legs can become painful or feel numb. Medication like painkillers, the best physical therapy in St. James NY, can help relieve a herniated disk. Our physical therapists are committed and will show you positions and exercises designed to minimize pain treatment.

OSTEOARTHRITIS

Osteoarthritis is another condition that can get better with physical therapy treatment. If the cartilage on your vertebrae wears down, the vertebrae start to rub against each other. This results in back pain or stiffness. Women are more susceptible to getting osteoarthritis, which also tends to worsen with time. The condition cannot be reversed; however, symptoms can be eased with medication or physical therapy. Physical therapy can help alleviate pain and increase the range of motion.

SCIATICA

One other condition that can be treated with physical therapy is sciatica. Sciatica occurs when pain shoots down into your leg from your lower back. The cause of this can be due to your sciatic nerve receiving pressure from spine problems like a herniated disk or bone spur. Sciatica can be relieved by using hot and cold therapy, stretching, or exercises during spine physical therapy near St. James.

WHAT TO EXPECT DURING PHYSICAL THERAPY

The goal of physical therapy is to decrease discomfort and increase movement. During physical therapy services in St. James NY, our provider will first talk to you about your condition and perform an examination to get you back on your feet. Our physical therapist may examine your range of motion, strength, functionality, and balance. After reviewing the severity of your condition, you will be told clear instructions on how to go about physical therapy treatments. More than one method of physical therapy can be used. Here at ISPT we accept most major medical insurance to treat patients! Some of these methods include:

• Exercises and stretches
• Ultrasound therapy
• Electrical stimulation and TENS
• Joint mobilization
• Massage therapy
• Hot and cold therapy

CONTACT US FOR PHYSICAL THERAPY IN ST. JAMES NY

Spinal conditions should not be left untreated as they can worsen over time and bring more pain and discomfort. Spinal conditions should be addressed with physical therapy in St. James NY. Our Island Sports Physical Therapy staff can diagnose and treat various spinal conditions you may be suffering from. Contact our practice if you are in need of physical therapy to bring relief.

WHAT IS MANUAL THERAPY USED FOR?

Manual therapy is a specialized form used during Physical Therapy St James NY. It consists of physical therapists using their hands to manipulate the body rather than working with machines or equipment. At Island Sports Physical Therapy, we offer manual therapy during sessions with our physical therapists. Continue reading to learn how manual therapy can be beneficial to you.

WHAT IS MANUAL THERAPY?

Manual therapy can be used to treat a variety of symptoms and conditions. It is most effective when used alongside other rehab techniques such as exercise or pain-relieving modalities offered during Physical Therapy in St. James NY. During manual therapy, pressure is put on muscle tissue, and joints are manipulated. The technique can be beneficial to the body by doing the following:

• Increasing muscle flexibility
• Relaxing muscles
• Improving range of motion of a joint
• Decreasing pain

HOW TO DECIDE IF MANUAL THERAPY IS RIGHT FOR YOU

Typical physical therapy can consist of exercises, hot or cold treatments, rehabilitation, or manual therapy. During your first session of Physical Therapy St James NY, the physical therapist will examine and assess your symptoms and concerns. They will also ask you about your medical history and administer tests to measure the following:

• How well you can move around
• How well you can walk
• Your heartbeat and rhythm while active
• Your posture and balance

The objective of the assessment is to find out what form of physical therapy will be most beneficial to your condition. Manual therapy can be the type of physical therapy our physical therapist recommends if you need a hands-on approach.

THERAPEUTIC TECHNIQUES USED DURING MANUAL THERAPY

Manual therapy is considered a hands-on treatment because the physical therapist physically maneuvers your body with their hands. Some examples of the techniques the physical therapist may use during manual therapy include:

• Soft tissue massage- Strokes or gliding motions are done on muscular or connective tissue to relax tissues, increase mobility, or decrease pain in the region.
• Joint manipulation- The joint is taken beyond its normal range of motion to improve mobility and decrease pain levels.
• Joint mobilization- The joint is slowly and repeatedly moved within its range of motion to promote mobility and increase its range of motion.
• Friction massage- Massage is used to break up scar tissue to promote healing and reduce pain.
• Passive stretching- Extending muscles to improve range of motion and flexibility.

CONDITIONS PHYSICAL THERAPY IN ST. JAMES NY MAY HELP

Manual therapy can help relieve symptoms associated with certain injuries and conditions. Some examples of conditions manual therapy can help treat include:

• Ankle and foot problems
• Hand and wrist issues
• Hip problems
• Knee injuries
• Low back pain
• Muscle spasms
• Neck pain
• Shoulder pain

CONTACT OUR OFFICE: PHYSICAL THERAPY IN ST. JAMES NY

Manual therapy gives a hands-on treatment approach. It can help relieve pain and improve the range of motion of particular body parts. If you are interested in meeting with one of our physical therapists, contact our facility. At Island Sports Physical Therapy, we offer Physical Therapy St James NY to help our patients recover.

HELPFUL EXERCISES AFTER A JOINT REPLACEMENT

Was your knee or hip pain preventing you from getting enough physical activity? If you have recently undergone a joint replacement, it is a great idea to commit to a new exercise program. Immediately after your surgery, you can get a personalized rehabilitation plan from Physical Therapy St James NY. The exercises you are given will ensure you return to an active lifestyle in no time.

IMPORTANCE OF EXERCISE AFTER JOINT REPLACEMENT SURGERY

Exercising after a joint replacement of the hip or knee is crucial in recovery. Building up muscles around your new hip or new knee at Physical Therapy St James NY will make sure the joint stays in shape. After the surgery, you will have gotten rid of that nagging pain that was preventing you from being able to work out and exercise in the first place. Now that the joint is in better shape, you can enhance and maintain physical fitness for your overall health. Another reason why exercise is so important is that it is needed for balance. After surgery, your balance may be affected.

THE BEST EXERCISES AFTER A JOINT REPLACEMENT

If you go to Physical Therapy St James NY after your joint replacement, our physical therapist will give you exercises that will help your recovery. Overall, your workout should contain aerobic activity and exercises for strength, balance, and flexibility. All of this together can target the muscles you need for mobility and balance. Going on walks and riding a bike is also helpful as long as you are doing this with the strengthening exercises. Simply walking and riding a bike alone does not have the same effect.

• Aerobic activities are activities that make your heart beat faster. Using an elliptical machine, bicycles, or going on a walk can get the heart rate up. Soon after your surgery, while you are in the hospital, you will be told to take a few steps. It is important to get moving as soon as possible, even if that means getting in a few steps on the day of the surgery. As time goes on, you will be able to put more weight on your leg and go farther distances to get your heart rate up. Although a simple one, walking is a great form of exercise right after surgery. Most surgeons and at Physical Therapy St James NY do not recommend running right away. If you want to get back to higher impact activities, talk to our physical therapists, and we can help find ways to modify the activities.
• Exercises at Physical Therapy St James NY for strength, flexibility, and balance help with muscle mass and bone density. Following your joint replacement, the strengthening exercises will target the quadriceps, glutes, and hip abductors. These strengthening exercises and balance exercises should be done two to three times a week. When it comes to flexibility, you should perform exercises such as hamstring stretches and heel cord stretches. Climbing stairs is a very simple exercise that increases your flexibility and strengthens your knee or hip. It is very important to focus on taking one step at a time and take the first step with your strong leg. Once you have been successfully walking up the steps one at a time, you can gradually climb the stairs foot after foot.

CONTACT US: PHYSICAL THERAPY ST JAMES NY

At Island Sports Physical Therapy, our physical therapists at Physical Therapy St James NY are committed to getting you back to your physical best and will make sure that you are fully recovered so that you can get back to your main hobbies without pain or discomfort. Throughout your recovery process, we will evaluate your progress and give you more exercises to expedite the process. If you have just undergone joint replacement, come to Physical Therapy St James NY to commit to an exercise plan.

PHYSICAL THERAPY EXERCISES YOU CAN DO AT HOME

Physical Therapy St James NY is a type of care that aims to ease pain and help you function, move, and live a better life. Anybody can benefit from physical therapy. Those with medical conditions, illnesses, or injuries use physical therapy to recover and alleviate symptoms. It helps to encourage an active and healthy lifestyle that improves overall health and well-being. Contact ISPT today!

Even if you are not looking to partake in Physical Therapy in St. James NY for an illness or injury, doing some common exercises and strengthening movements can help relax muscles, reduce painful aches, and make your body feel better. 

BENEFITS OF DOING PHYSICAL THERAPY AT HOME 

Physical Therapy St James NY is important in the lives of so many people because of the many benefits it provides. Not only does it help those looking to recover, but it improves the lifestyle of the already-healthy. There are several benefits of physical therapy: 

• Eliminating or reducing pain 
• Avoiding surgery 
• Developing mobility 
• Recovering from some injury 
• Improving balance 
• Preventing falls 
• Managing age-related issues 
• Strengthening and stretching muscles and joints 
• Improving overall function 

EXERCISES TO DO AT HOME: PHYSICAL THERAPY IN ST. JAMES NY

To promote a better overall healthy lifestyle, follow these simple exercises for PT at home by Physical Therapy St James NY. 

Hamstring Stretch 

First, lie on your back, raise your left leg, and clasp your hands around the back of your thigh. Pull your knee close to your chest while slowly straightening your knee. You should feel a stretch on the back of your left thigh. Don’t worry about straightening your leg if you feel a good stretch. Hold the position for about 30 seconds, then repeat it on the opposite leg. 

Piriformis Stretch 

Start this stretch by lying on your back with your knees bent and your feet flat on a flat surface. Take your right ankle, and then lift it up and cross it over your left knee. You then clasp your hands around your left thigh and pull it towards your chest. You should feel this stretch around the right buttock, hip, and back of the thigh. Hold for this position for about 30 seconds, then repeat on the opposite leg. 

Standing Hip Flexor 

Stand up facing a bench or chair with both your feet pointing forwards. Put your left foot on the bench with your foot planted past your knee. Slowly shift your weight forwards towards the bench. You should feel some stretch on the front of the right hip, maybe some in your right calf. Hold this position for about 30 seconds, and continue to repeat it on the opposite leg. 

Thoracic Extension 

Either stand or sit up straight on a chair with your hands behind your head. Extend your upper back squeezing the shoulder blades down and back. Hold for a second or two, and then return to the starting position. Complete about 10 repetitions at a time. 

Lumbar Extension 

Start by standing straight and place your hands on your lower back. Slowly bend backward as far as you can. Focus on arching your lower back, and hold for a second or two. You can then return to the starting position and repeat the stretch about 10 times. 

Cervical Retraction 

Start the exercise in a seated position with your shoulders being pulled back and down. Look straight forward and tuck your chin in. Try to hold this position for a couple seconds, then try to bring your chin straight back without moving your head downwards. Return to the starting position and repeat numerous times. 

PHYSICAL THERAPY IN ST. JAMES NY

If you are looking to retain the benefits of Physical Therapy in St. James NY, Island Sports Physical Therapy is the place to go. With comprehensive evaluations, individualized treatment, and the personal attention you deserve, you will be leaving our doors after each session with more confidence and health. Contact us today to schedule your appointment. 

HEAT VS. ICE: WHICH ONE SHOULD YOU USE?

When dealing with an injury or sore muscles, you’re likely looking for a way to manage your acute symptoms quickly. Heat and ice therapy are both beneficial for treating pain, but each treatment works better for specific situations. Our team at Island Sports Physical Therapy in St. James NY would like to discuss when you should use heat or ice therapy for an injury. Continue reading to learn more!

HEAT VS. ICE: WHICH ONE SHOULD YOU USE?

Heat and ice each play essential roles in treatment, but it can be tricky to understand which to use. The general rule of thumb for most injuries is to use ice first and heat later. Most acute injuries cause your body to react with swelling and inflammation, so ice can be used to cool down the inflamed tissue and reduce swelling. Using heat for acute injuries would cause an opposite reaction, so it is best to use heat during recovery as you return to total health. Here are some conditions and injuries where you should use ice:

• Acute Injury
• Overuse Injuries
• Arthritis
• Muscle Strain or Sprain
• Migraine
• Tendinitis

If you have any of the following painful conditions or injuries, heat therapy may help alleviate your pain:

• Neck Stiffness
• Muscle Injury
• Back Pain
• Muscle Spasms or Aches

Both heat and ice should be a part of your overall rehabilitation plan. While both of these methods can help alleviate some of your symptoms, working with experienced physical therapists at Island Sports Physical Therapy to get to the root cause of your injury and ensure a full recovery is essential.

CONTACT US FOR PHYSICAL THERAPY IN ST. JAMES NY

Knowing the right times to use ice or heat therapy can significantly increase the effectiveness of your treatment. At Island Sports Physical Therapy, our team of therapists are committed to providing here to evaluate your condition and determine the best course of treatment to get you back to an active and pain-free lifestyle. Be sure to contact us to learn more about ice and heat therapy and request an appointment today!

See What Patients Have To Say 

I would recommend it to anyone. Everyone was professional and seemed to have knowledge of various conditions. Also took time to answer every question. – Ricky B.

Overall just great people, it makes going to PT easier! – Joe Keleher

Dan is absolutely amazing, not only does he help, he’s super personable and actually cares. Hands down the best PT out there, would not go anywhere else. – Tyler Richmond

Very professional and clean facility. Shows genuine interest in making sure you are back to normal. – Jacqueline Rose-Bennett