SPECIALTIES & TREATMENTS
SPECIALTIES
As Physical Therapists, we are passionate about supporting people in their recovery journey. We create personalized programs to meet individualized goals. We work to address pain, increase mobility, gain body awareness, and improve function. When working with some special populations, the goal is to prevent progression of a condition; in those cases, we help maintain mobility and prevent any loss of function. We treat patients with orthopedic diagnoses, as well as more complex conditions that involve comorbidities. No matter what the diagnosis, we are here to support recovery and patients' unique needs.
During our Pilates sessions, we meet the participants where they are in their connection to their body, and progress from there, making accommodations as needed for unique needs.
ORTHOPEDICS
Orthopedic Rehabilitation can play an integral role in recovery from joint or muscle-related injuries or pain. It uses conservative measures, such as manual therapy, physical therapy modalities, and therapeutic exercise, to treat limitations affecting muscles, joints, and bones. It can take place following an injury such as sports injuries, overuse injuries, or trauma. It can also address aches and pains that seem to come on for no apparent reason. Our treatment focuses on reducing pain, optimizing alignment, and improving the quality of movement, performance, and function. During the examination, we look for areas of loss of interconnectedness or control along with strength, ROM, or endurance limitations. We work to address our findings, whether it’s part of your pre-hab (prior to an orthopedic surgery) or Rehab (following surgery). The progression includes basic and later functional or sport-specific exercises. At First Ray, in addition to prioritizing the injured body part, we consider the entire person in our approach. We look at the big picture, including past injuries, lifestyle, trauma history, and underlying conditions. We consider interconnectedness along the entire movement chain and beyond. Some of the diagnoses we treat: • Neck pain and stiffness • Whiplash injuries • Headaches • Low back pain • Spine surgery or fusions • Herniated discs • Sciatica • Frozen shoulder • Shoulder impingement • Rotator cuff injuries • Tennis elbow/Golfer’s elbow • Carpal tunnel • Wrist and finger pain • Hip and knee replacements • Labral tears • ACL reconstruction • Meniscal repair • Foot and ankle pain • Ankle sprains • Plantar fasciitis Take a look at the Treatment Techniques below to learn more about our approach.
PELVIC HEALTH
Pelvic floor physical therapy (PFPT) is a specialized form of physical therapy focused on the muscles, ligaments, and connective tissues that support the pelvic organs. It’s used to treat a variety of conditions related to pelvic floor dysfunction, in both men and women. Some examples include bowel and bladder dysfunction, pelvic pain, sexual dysfunction, prolapse, diastasis recti, and others. Tziona is a pelvic floor PT and she specializes in treating women (biologically female) to address issues listed above, whether they have had children or not. If a woman is in her postpartum phase (can be up to 3 years), pelvic floor physical therapy can be an important part of her recovery. It may help with the changes and possible trauma her body experienced during pregnancy and childbirth, including the changes in pressure and tension, changes in posture, scarring from C-section, and hormonal changes. This special type of therapy can greatly improve postpartum symptoms and help regain strength and comfort. Pelvic floor PT works to address issues affecting the pelvic floor as well as the entire pelvis and low back. These issues include: • Urinary incontinence • Urinary frequency and urgency • Dyspereunea • Diastasis recti • Generalized core and pelvic floor weakness • Bowel issues • Sense of pelvic heaviness or pressure during activities • Lower back pain • Pelvic girdle pain • Pelvic organ prolapse
SCOLIOSIS
Magdalina is a Schroth P1-certified Physical Therapist through SSOL. The Schroth method is a conservative physical therapy practice for individuals with scoliosis and kyphosis and other structural conditions involving the spine and rib cage. It is often utilized with adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis, Degenerative Scoliosis, and Hyperkyphosis. It can be used to treat patients of all ages and in all stages of treatment: before surgery, after surgery, and especially if surgery is not indicated. Using specific exercises, corrective breathing techniques, and some props, the method aims to elongate the trunk and correct the imbalances of the body. By developing the inner muscles of the rib cage, the method changes the shape of the trunk to correct the structural abnormalities. The result is a decrease in pain, slowing or halting of the spinal curvature progression, and improved cardio-pulmonary function, mobility, and postural stability. While a patient can benefit from having even just a handful of sessions, often a long-term commitment is more beneficial for long-term results. In addition to working with scoliosis patients, Magdalina enjoys treating other spinal conditions, such as Spondylolisthesis, DDD, DJD, spinal stenosis, nerve impingement, and arthritis, among others. In addition to the Schroth Method, her approach includes manual therapy, therapeutic exercise, Pilates-based training, and others (please see orthopedics).
PRENATAL
We offer prenatal Physical Therapy and Prenatal Pilates. Prenatal Physical Therapy is a specialized form of care designed to support expectant mothers throughout their pregnancy. It is a gentle and effective treatment focused on addressing the unique challenges that arise during pregnancy. These issues may include: • Musculoskeletal conditions, such as pain and tension, ie, sciatica, low back pain, neck pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, etc. • Changes in posture due to the growing abdomen and the hormonal changes • Loss of strength and flexibility due to the changes in lifestyle or, at times, medical challenges of pregnancy • Pelvic floor issues (see Pelvic PT section) Our goal is to help you stay comfortable and active, and help prepare you for childbirth. Some of the potential benefits of Prenatal PT and/or Prenatal Pilates during pregnancy are: • Alleviate pregnancy-related pain • Prepare your body for labor, delivery, and baby care • Prepare you for a faster postpartum recovery • Improve your physical functioning • Help reduce swelling in the extremities • Improve your overall strength and flexibility • Optimize your posture and body mechanics • Maintain your fitness levels throughout pregnancy, contributing to quicker recovery after birth • Reduces your stress and promotes overall well-being • Enhances your body awareness and self-care • Offers safe and effective exercise plans throughout the pregnancy stages
ONCOLOGICAL
Only a small percentage of patients undergoing cancer-related treatment are prescribed physical therapy. However, physical therapy can be beneficial in supporting a person through their journey, no matter which stage of treatment they are in. Pre-hab can be beneficial for establishing a baseline. During chemotherapy, a guided appropriate exercise routine, whether in person or remotely, in a group or individually, can help a patient maintain their mobility, strength, balance, circulation, and posture. It can help build confidence and well-being as well as fight the sense of isolation that often occurs during this difficult phase of treatment. During radiation treatment, physical therapy can help prevent post-radiation fibrosis if they are timed appropriately. It can also help the patient feel more energized, as the radiation often causes fatigue and therefore may contribute to a sedentary lifestyle. Physical therapy can also aid in the recovery after any cancer-related surgery by rebuilding strength, addressing scar tissue, improving flexibility, as well as endurance, posture, and general mobility. Physical therapy can help mitigate some of the potential long-term risks of cancer treatment, such as the effects on bone density, the risk of neuropathy, cardiovascular risk, and lymphedema. A guided exercise routine can help with sleep, social support, relaxation techniques, and progression to higher-level activities. The patient must advocate for themselves and obtain a PT prescription from their treating physician when appropriate.
POSTPARTUM
Pregnancy is a miraculous journey of new life, where a woman's body performs the amazing task of growing a human being. This beautiful transformation into motherhood is accompanied by physical, emotional, and hormonal changes. The altered pressure and tension may create a long-lasting impact on the body that warrants attention in the postpartum period. Additionally, delivery, whether vaginal or caesarean, can be physically demanding and may also lead to lingering effects that benefit from intentional recovery. Physical Therapy can be especially helpful in addressing these changes and restoring balance and strength. Our postpartum care focuses on the body as a whole, using a variety of personalized treatment techniques tailored to each individual’s unique needs. Postpartum PT and Pilates — including mom-and-baby group classes — can help you move safely and mindfully during this new chapter, easing common aches and pains while supporting your ability to care for yourself and your little one(s). It’s a gentle, empowering way to rebuild strength, confidence, and connection with your body during this joyful and transformative stage of motherhood. Take a look at the Treatment Techniques below to learn more about our approach.
TREATMENTS TECHNIQUES
OUR TREATMENT TECHNIQUES INCLUDE:
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Manual therapy, including techniques based in osteopathy, craniosacral therapy, joint mobilization, soft tissue mobilization, manual lymph drainage, and acupressure
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Cup therapy/myofascial decompression
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Kinesiotaping
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Modalities such as TENS, PEMF, and Infrared
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HUSO-assisted manual therapy
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Vibration plate
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Gait training
Running assessment and training -
Sport-specific training
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Balance training
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Ergonomics education
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Functional training
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Postural training
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Mindfulness breathing techniques
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Fall prevention education
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Therapeutic exercises
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Flexibility training/stretching
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Targeted self-trigger point-release with tools/rollers
CONTACT US
First Ray Physical Therapy and Pilates
Serving Lynbrook, NY, and Surrounding Areas
Tel: 516-284-6682
Email: firstrayptpilates@gmail.com
Studio Hours:
Monday: 9am - 9pm
Tuesday: 9am - 9pm
Thursday: 9am - 9pm
Sunday:10am -12pm