We believe that in order to reach your goals, you need one-on-one time with your own personal therapist.  Our approach of combining highly skilled therapy with closely monitored personalized care has been widely recognized.  H&D Physical Therapy, physical therapy Sunset Park Brooklyn, has been chosen as the sole provider of therapy services for 10 fortune 500 companies.

In the mid-90’s, insurance carriers started becoming more profit-driven than they had ever been before. This aggressive bottom-line focus was reflected in greatly reduced reimbursements that affected how physical therapy was delivered. 

Many providers responded by looking for ways to double, triple or even quadruple the number of patients they could see in an hour.  As a result, the quality of care suffered. If you had neck pain, there was only enough time to look at your neck and then treat your neck.  

Greg and Rob refused to treat patients as if they were part of an assembly line. They said, ‘Enough is enough’ and in 1997 H&D Physical and Occupational therapy was established with a mission to provide one-on-one integrated science-based holistic therapy.

What does that mean?

Every small child knows some version of Them bones.  You might be humming it right now—…the hip bone’s connected to the back bone, the back bone’s connected to the neck bone…

Our musculoskeletal system is truly an extraordinary feat of (bio)engineering. An interconnected and complex chain of events is required every time we move.  Pain often occurs when there is a disruption somewhere in that chain and it is possible that pain in one area may be caused by a problem located in a different part of the body.

For example, wrist pain, numbness, or tingling in the fingers are hallmarks of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. Typically, this is caused by a compressed nerve in the wrist due to repetitive movements such as typing or using a mouse.  However, these symptoms might actually originate from poor posture, tense muscles, nerve compression in the neck and pain traveling down the arm and into the hand.  These two diagnoses cannot be differentiated if an isolated symptom approach is used.  Integrated evidence-based holistic therapy means we consider biomechanics, your lifestyle and how you work to arrive at the correct diagnosis. 

Our Treatment Philosophy

We treat people, not body parts.  Our PTs and OTs give you their undivided attention during your session. If you are in pain, we are on a quest to discover “why?” After we ask, ‘Where does it hurt? we take the time to ask: 

• When does it hurt?
• What position are you in when it hurts?
• How does it affect your day?
• Where else in your body might you be weak or stiff?
• Have you had these symptoms in the past?
• What does your typical day look like (sleeping, eating, stress levels, etc.)?

Equally important, we take the time to really listen to your answers.  This often uncovers surprising root causes for the pain or injury.  In fact, we once cured a right-handed pitcher’s recurring elbow pain by treating his left foot.

Using a systems approach, we analyzed his pitching form, and saw that when his left foot landed on the ground, he was a bit off balance which resulted in an inefficient movement pattern. This movement pattern increased stress to the right elbow. 

By improving his left foot mobility and balance, his right elbow pain disappeared.  A symptom approach that focused solely on treating the elbow pain, without addressing the root cause, would not have produced the same successful outcome.

We have thousands of stories like this one.  Whether you’ve never tried physical therapy before, or you have and it didn’t work for you, we offer a new perspective and the personalized one-on-one care you deserve.  Schedule an appointment today.

If you have questions regarding treatments available, or whether PT is appropriate for you, please contact us. We would be happy to discuss your situation in advance of an evaluation session.

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Gait and balance disorders are a leading cause of falls in older adults and often result in injuries, disabilities, loss of independence, and diminishing quality of life. Preventative measures like early indication and appropriate intervention are key factors in working to prevent dysfunction and possible damage. The talented physical therapy team at H&D Physical Therapy is dedicated to providing you personalized physical therapy Sunset Park Brooklyn with one on one care at our Park Slope office.

What is Gait?

Gait refers to the pattern of movement used when a person walks or runs. Relying on the:

• Ears
• Eyes
• Brain 
• Muscles
• Sensory nerves

Movement of the body, in relation to walking, requires all of these aspects to be properly functioning in order to work. Problems with these areas can lead to both temporary or long-term walking difficulties, falls, or injury if not properly treated and addressed. Known as gait disorder, comprised of many variations, all can affect your quality of life and put you at greater risk of harming yourself. Though common in older adults, gait issues are a major cause of falls in this group; the majority of changes in gait are caused by underlying medical issues and should not be viewed as a natural part of aging. Common causes include arthritis and orthostatic tension but are also often side effects of more serious conditions like stroke, cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, ALS, and other brain disorders/injury. In younger people with gait issues, causes usually stem from developmental problems such as flat feet and bowing of the legs.

How Does Gait Affect Your Balance?

When a person walks, their gait is the pattern of their limb movements. The capacity of the body to retain its center of gravity while remaining upright is known as balance. The brain, neurological system, sensory organs, and musculoskeletal system all work together to control gait and balance. A dysfunction in any of these areas can lead to gait and balance issues, as well as an increased risk of falling. Some people experience gait issues without experiencing any alterations in their balance. However, if a person has balance issues, it frequently impacts their gait. Common symptoms of gait and balance trouble include:

• Difficulty walking
• Trouble maintaining balance
• Unsteadiness or swaying while standing or walking
• Difficulty rising from a seated position
• Slowed walking pace

As a result, a person may experience:

• Dizziness
• Lightheadedness
• Vertigo
• Motion sickness
• Double vision
• Muscle tightness or spasms
• Weakness in the leg muscles
• Weakness on one side of the body
• Pain when moving makes it difficult to maintain balance
• Numbness in the feet
• Reduced perception of where body parts are in space

What can physical therapy Sunset Park Brooklyn do for me?

Each patient has their own set of symptoms and diagnosis, requiring unique plans of treatment. Standardized balance and fall risk assessments can help evaluate a person’s balance and mobility and help guide our physical therapists in creating a course of action right for you. Treatment may include:

• Balance and gait exercises to improve mobility and reduce the risk of falls
• Manual therapy to address soft tissue and joint mobility
• Resistance exercises
• Functional muscle lengthening and strengthening
• Use of orthotics or assistive devices

The team here at H&D Physical Therapy can help to learn to manage and minimize your gait and balance issues to provide the physical therapy Sunset Park Brooklyn you require to give you back as much mobility as possible.

H&D Physical Therapy – specializing in physical therapy Sunset Park Brooklyn

If you have questions regarding treatment options or whether physical therapy is appropriate for you, please contact us or book an appointment today. We would be happy to discuss your situation in advance of an evaluation session.

Injuries to the body can happen anytime and anywhere. Whether it’s during a sports game, car accident, or surgery, recovery is important to getting back to daily life. H&D Physical Therapy provides high-quality rehabilitation to anyone in need. Balance is something that can be negatively affected after an injury. Physical therapy Sunset Park Brooklyn at our Park Slope office can help improve balance for better wellness. 

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What is Balance?

Balance comes from the vestibular system. It is located in the inner ear that sends messages to your brain about head positioning. There are two vestibular structures by each ear that act as levels in your head. The vestibular system works together with the visual system to create balance. Eyesight is important to be able to see the objects around you. Nerve endings in the proprioceptive system can become damaged caused by injuries. This can cause miscommunication signals to the brain, negatively affecting balance. 

How to Detect Bad Balance

Balance can be altered after an injury. Doctors can assess patients if they feel their balance is off. Signs of vertigo or spinning sensations can occur if the body’s equilibrium is affected. Trained professionals at physical therapy Sunset Park Brooklyn can detect symptoms of off-balance and create a program to help the patient in need. 

Exercises to Improve Balance At Physical Therapy Sunset Park Brooklyn

• Standing on one leg.
• Walking in a straight line.
• Using balance beams and wobble boards.
• Yoga.
• Pilates. 

Complete these exercises a few times a week to increase balance! Improvements in balance should be seen if the exercises are completed regularly.

What Can Good Balance Enhance?

• Athletic Performance.
• Headache Prevention
• Everyday mobility. 
• Joint movement.
• Muscle tightness prevention.

Contact H&D Physical Therapy For Physical Therapy Sunset Park Brooklyn

To learn more about H&D Physical Therapy, click here.

To make an appointment click here.

To schedule an at-home visit, click here.

To book a telehealth appointment, click here. 

Physical therapy Sunset Park Brooklyn is available to help anyone in need at our Park slop office. Injuries to the body are physically and mentally exhausting. It is a struggle that no person should face on their own. Our professionals are working together to give the highest quality of care. Improving balance creates an increase in daily functions. Getting patients on the right track physically leads to a better life mentally. H&D Physical Therapy is ready to help.  

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If you’ve ever felt dizzy, lightheaded, or as if the room was spinning around you, the feeling can be very bothersome. While the average person experiences these feelings at least once in a while, if they are persistent, it may be a sign of a balance issue.  Numerous body systems, such as the muscles, bones, eyes, joints, ears, nerves, heart, and blood vessels, work to maintain your balance. When one or more of those systems are not working properly, it may result in balance issues. Having a good balance means you can control and maintain your body’s position when both are moving and still. Proper balance helps with walking, getting up, climbing, bending, etc. Maintaining your balance is important for everyday life activities. Contact H&D Physical Therapy for physical therapy Sunset Park Brooklyn at our Park Slope office.

What are Balance Issues? 

Balance issues involve the inability to stay upright and maneuver confidently. When you cannot control your body’s position, you may feel unsteady and off-balance. These feelings may occur either when still or while moving. The sensations often include dizziness or vertigo, a spinning or falling sensation.  Balance issues are a common symptom of several conditions, most of which do not need medical treatment. Although, if you are experiencing balance problems, it is important to seek the advice of a doctor. There may be several ways to correct your balance problems: physical therapy Sunset Park Brooklyn. 

Symptoms of Balance Issues 

If you have a balance issue, you may suffer from several symptoms. Some of these may include: 

• Dizziness or vertigo (spinning sensation) 
• Falling or feeling like you are going to fall 
• Lightheadedness or faintness 
• Blurred vision 
• Unsteadiness 
• Confusion or disorientation 
• Nausea and vomiting 
• Diarrhea 
• Changes in heart rate and blood pressure 

Symptoms may come and go, either over short or long periods. Seeking physical therapy Sunset Park Brooklyn and the advice of a medical professional can help diagnose what these symptoms are indicating. 

What Causes Balance Issues? 

There are several causes of balance problems in the body. Some common causes of balance problems include: 

• Head or neck injuries 
• Infections 
• Inner ear problems 
• Circulation problems like high or low blood pressure 
• Nervous system diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease, Multiple Sclerosis, or Parkinson’s disease 
• Pregnancy 
• Medicines 

Many people are more prone to balance issues as they get older. For older generations, physical therapy can help reduce the risk of balance problems and maintain proper balance. 

The inner part of the ear responsible for balance is called the vestibular system, or the labyrinth. Problems in the inner ear cause some balance issues. One condition, labyrinthitis, occurs when the labyrinth is infected or swollen, usually followed by vertigo and imbalance. Labyrinthitis can also be caused by respiratory, viral, and bacterial infections. 

Diseases of the circulatory system, like a stroke, can create dizziness and balance issues, and low blood pressure. Check with your doctor if you notice a balance issue when taking medications. 

How to Manage Balance Issues 

First, you should see your doctor, who will be able to address and diagnose your balance problems. They will likely perform tests and analyses to determine what you are suffering from. 

Treatment for balance issues depends on the cause. It may include balance retraining exercises or vestibular rehabilitation. Physical therapy Sunset Park Brooklyn designs customized programs for each client suffering from balance problems. Additionally, you may need to adapt to diet and lifestyle changes. Limiting salt intake and avoiding dietary triggers can help with balance problems. 

Some medications may be prescribed to control balance issues. Also, positioning procedures can move particles in the ear and reduce impaired balance. Or, in the case you have Meniere’s disease or acoustic neuroma, your doctor may recommend surgery. 

Physical Therapy Sunset Park Brooklyn

If you suffer from balance issues, it is important to seek advice from your doctor and implement the suggestions and lifestyle changes they recommend. In many cases, physical therapy treats and manages balance issues. H&D Physical Therapy is here to help with your conditions and work to improve your balance. Contact us today to make an appointment and correct your balance issues.

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Hip surgery, usually a hip replacement, is performed when the hip joint is badly damaged to the point where severe pain is not improving, there is a reduced range of motion, and your mobility has been severely compromised. The hip is one of the largest joints in the body. Therefore, hip pain affects many parts of our daily lives and how the rest of our body moves. 

Recovery after hip surgery can be long and difficult. The specialists at H&D Physical Therapy will use physical therapy Sunset Park Brooklyn, after hip surgery to speed up recovery and strengthen the joint overall. For more information on physical therapy after hip surgery, continue reading below.

What post-surgical symptoms can physical therapy help with?

After hip surgery, some post-operative symptoms are common. Physical therapy can be used to reduce these symptoms and get you back to where you were in strength and mobility wise, before the injury. These symptoms include:

• Pain
• Loss of strength
• Scar tissue
• Adhesions
• Loss of range of motion and flexibility
• Nerve damage

These symptoms can be frustrating and make a recovery difficult. H&D Physical Therapy can help! We offer physical therapy Sunset Park Brooklyn, which can help reduce these symptoms. Our doctors will create a treatment plan best suited to your goals and work with you to reach them.

How can physical therapy help after hip surgery?

Physical therapy is beneficial after hip surgery because it can strengthen the hip joint, increase flexibility, increase range of motion, improve balance, and restabilize the joint. The professionals at H&D Physical Therapy can use physical therapy Sunset Park Brooklyn, to help you get back to your lifestyle before surgery. Continue reading below to learn specific physical therapy exercises that can be performed after hip surgery to help with recovery.

Ankle pumps:

To perform ankle pumps, a patient lies on their back with their ankle pointed and pumps their ankle up and down. This can be performed ten times every hour to improve mobility. 

Quadriceps sets:

This exercise is performed by having the patient lie on their back and tighten their quadriceps while pushing their knees towards the ground. This can be repeated ten times, two times a day. 

Gluteal sets:

This exercise is performed by tightening and squeezing the glute muscles while lying down on a flat surface. This exercise can be performed ten times, two times a day.

Heel slides:

Heel slides are performed by having the patient lay on their back, starting by bending the leg on which the hip surgery was performed and slowly sliding the heel towards the hip and back to the ground. This exercise can be performed ten times, two times a day.

Sitting knee flexion:

The sitting knee flexion exercise is performed by having the patient sit on a chair with a towel on the chair. The patient’s feet should be flat on the ground. The patient then bends the leg on which the hip surgery was performed while the other leg’s foot is slid back, held for a few seconds, and slid back to the starting position. This exercise can also be performed ten times, two times a day.

Physical Therapy Sunset Park Brooklyn

The physical therapists at H&D Physical Therapy have years of experience treating patients who underwent hip surgery to get back to their lifestyles before surgery. Our specialists use physical therapy Sunset Park Brooklyn, to help their patients regain strength, balance, range of motion, and flexibility. They use a mix of strength training, resistance training, stretching, lengthening exercises, and core strengthening exercises to speed up the recovery process. If you have recently had hip surgery, contact H&D Physical Therapy today for help getting back to your typical lifestyle!

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Do you experience jaw pain or stiffness? Do you have trouble controlling the muscles in the jaw? If so, you may be dealing with temporomandibular disorder (TMD). TMD can cause significant pain and make controlling the muscles in your jaw incredibly difficult. Fortunately, our team at H&D Physical Therapy provides physical therapy Sunset Park Brooklyn to restore as much joint function as possible! 

What is the TMJ?

The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is the joint that connects your jaw bone to your skull. This joint impacts your ability to talk, eat, yawn, and more. Since this hinge joint makes so many different movements possible, it is highly common for people to experience dysfunction in this area. If you are experiencing the following symptoms, you may be suffering from temporomandibular disorder (TMD):

• Jaw pain
• Fatigue
• Trouble opening the mouth completely
• Popping sound when moving the jaw
• Ear ringing
• Dizziness
• Neck pain
• Headaches

TMD can cause a wide range of problems, including poor teeth alignment, chronic jaw clenching, poor posture, fracture, and lockjaw. Our physical therapists at H&D Physical Therapy, physical therapy Sunset Park Brooklyn, can help patients with TMD ease their joint pain, regain normal jaw movement and function, and lessen stress on the jaw. 

Physical Therapy for TMD/TMJ Disorder

H&D Physical Therapy provides treatment to patients dealing with TMD. Our team of physical therapists will closely evaluate your condition and select the proper treatments for you. Some of the ways that physical therapy can help TMD include:

• Reduced swelling.
• Manual therapy to improve jaw movement. 
• Improved posture. 
• Targeted pain treatments. 
• Improved ergonomics. 
• Improved jaw function when talking or chewing. 

Contact Us 

TMD symptoms can be significantly disruptive to your everyday life. At H&D Physical Therapy, physical therapy Sunset Park Brooklyn, our movement experts will provide effective, personalized treatments to manage your condition and improve your overall quality of life. To learn more about physical therapy for TMD, be sure to contact us today and request an appointment!