"i gained extensive knowledge about the body and how to make it heal properly and at a very moderate, gentle pace. I really loved every appointment. The staff is very caring and understanding. They work hard to get you to your best and help the healing process with uplifting your spirit at the same time. It was a pleasure being a patient here. Thank you all. You'll be missed."
We offer Massage Therapy. Please call for details at 781-284-0559
Personal Training. Please call for details at 617-593-3176
Speed & Conditioning Training
North South Physical Therapy is a multidisciplinary rehabilitation and wellness company that provides the highest quality care, fitness and nutritional services to our clients. We strongly believe that addressing our clients unique goals and helping them reach maximum physical function is possible through teamwork, respect, professionalism and passion. Our goal is to tirelessly work towards enhancing the rehabilitation and fitness experience on all levels.
August News
SEPTEMBER HAPPENINGS
Summer is almost gone and we are getting ready for a new season at NSPT. This has been a busy season with lots of events for our team and fall will be no different. Please check below for a list of upcoming events which we will be participating. We hope to see you there!
9/02 - MIT Community Health Fair 12:30-3:30pm @ Kresge Oval at MIT
We had our annual summer outing on Wednesday, August 27 at the Boston Winery. It was great to see everyone from all the clinics! We got a tour of the winery, sipped on wine, and laughed a ton with comedian Paul D'Angelo. We also said goodbye to Hayli, who's going into the Police Academy and to Tanya, who's moving back to New York. Good luck to the both of you, we'll miss you!
The Role of Physical Therapy in Women's Health
Ever since the #1 New York Times bestseller entitled "Men Are from Mars, Women Are from Venus" by John Gray was published, more and more people have asked the question "What makes men and women so different?". Gray's use of analogies and metaphors to highlight key differences between genders has made the book a modern classic.
Although Gray's work was focused on relationships between spouses, it is important to understand that there are several physical and physiological attributes that are unique to women, and physical therapy plays an important role in women's health.
Three functions in particular, are unique to women. These include menstruation, pregnancy, and lactation. These functions are intricately tied to complex hormonal patterns in women, which also influence behavior.
Some of the fundamental physical differences between men and women include:
Men have more muscle mass than women.
Women tend to have a higher proportion of body fat than men. This fat is generally stored in the breasts, hips and buttocks.
Men tend to have more body hair (especially facial hair)
Physical therapists understand the physical differences (and unique needs) of the female population and are uniquely qualified to assist women to live healthy, pain-free lives.
Healthy Aging for Older Women
Specific actions need to be taken to ensure healthy aging for older women. Physical therapy can help identify (and eliminate) risk factors for falls and fractures. Regular strengthening and weight bearing exercise can slow down the reduction in bone density as women age. You may be asked to visit your physician to learn about the risks and benefits of hormone replacement therapy. Screening for calcium, vitamin D and vitamin B12 deficiency is also recommended. Pelvic floor dysfunction and incontinence can also be treated with physical therapy.
Here are some of the conditions (some of which tend to be more common among women) in which physical therapy can play an important role:
Osteoarthritis
Osteoporosis
Breast and other cancers
Rehabilitation following breast surgery
Lymphedema
Post-menopausal heart disease
Chronic myofascial pain
Patellofemoral pain syndrome
Hypermobility syndrome
Multiple sclerosis
Sacroiliac (SI) joint dysfunction
Fibromyalgia
Ailments unique to female athletes
Physical therapy helps reduce discomfort and recovery before, during and after pregnancy. Pregnancy related issues include heel pain (plantar fasciitis) and associated aches and pains.
Physical Therapy and Women's Health
Exercises and techniques to treat issues specific to women include:
Muscle retraining – This creates body awareness (how you get in and out of your car, how you bend to pick things up, how you sit, overall posture, etc.) and improves movement patterns. Kegel exercises to strengthen weak pelvic floor muscles in addition to Pilates can be very beneficial.
Exercise Therapy – helps improve mobility, strength, and endurance. This also strengthens bones and joints.
Modalities – Application of heat and/or ice, electrical stimulation therapy, and massage therapy to reduce pain, stiffness, and swelling.
Manual therapy – helps improve joint and soft tissue flexibility and mobility by using repetitive and specific hands-on movements and motions.
Every physical therapy program is different and is customized to the patient's needs. Women have unique physical and physiological attributes that physical therapists take into consideration. In fact, a section of the American Physical Therapy Association is dedicated to specialization in women's health.
Physical therapy can make a difference to every member in your family at some point. Give us a call today, and ask us about what we can do for you.