Maria is a teacher and a weekend swimmer. After a rotator cuff repair, she wanted to be able to write on the whiteboard again, and eventually get back in the pool.

The first six weeks

Her arm stayed in a sling while her therapist worked on gentle passive range of motion. The focus was protecting the repair and keeping the shoulder from stiffening.

“Every session had a clear goal. Seeing progress each week made the long recovery feel manageable.”

Maria, patient at Metro Physical Therapy

Rebuilding strength

From week eight she began band exercises and scapular work. By month four she could reach overhead without pain.

Back in the water

Six months after surgery Maria swam her first full lap. She now follows a home program to keep the shoulder strong.

Your first visit is mostly about understanding what is going on and building a plan together. Here is what the hour usually looks like.

Before you arrive

Bring your ID, insurance card and any referral or imaging reports. Wear clothes that let us see and move the area that hurts.

The evaluation

Your therapist will ask about your history and goals, then test strength, range of motion and how you move during everyday tasks.

Your plan

You leave with a clear plan, a few exercises to start at home and a schedule for your next visits.

Long hours at a desk put steady load on the neck and upper back. Posture is only part of the story, but it is a good place to start.

Why the neck takes the load

For every inch the head moves forward, the muscles at the back of the neck work harder to hold it up. Over a workday that adds up to fatigue and pain.

Simple desk changes

Raise your screen so the top is at eye level, keep your keyboard close and support your lower back so you are not sliding forward in the chair.

Move more often

Set a reminder to stand, roll your shoulders and look away from the screen every 30 minutes. Frequent movement matters more than a perfect position.

This summer, patients, families and staff joined our annual community walk to support free rehabilitation programs.

A day on the move

Walkers of all ages completed a three-mile route, with a shorter loop for those still in recovery.

Where the funds go

Money raised supports free balance screenings, fall prevention classes and equipment for patients who need it.

Join us next year

Registration for next year opens in the spring. Follow our blog for the date and route.

Metro Physical Therapy has opened a new clinic in Westchester, offering orthopedic, sports and vestibular therapy.

Services at the new clinic

The clinic offers one-on-one sessions with licensed therapists, a full gym for strength work and private rooms for manual therapy.

Appointments

Next-day appointments are available, and most major insurance plans are accepted.