HDPT Wakefield Celebrates 10 Years!

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­ ­ HDPT WAKEFIELD Turns 10!  ­ ­

­ ­ Please join HDPT for our 10th Anniversary Open House: Friday, May 20th 12pm-5pm 607 North Ave., Door 16, Wakefield, MA   ­ ­

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­ ­ Stop in and say hello, take a tour of the office, meet the current team and ask a PT any questions! Plus, make sure you enjoy a special treat – we will have our very own ice cream truck!!!!   PLEASE NOTE: Masks continue to be required for both vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals at all times inside licensed healthcare facilities. This requirement applies to patients, residents, staff, vendors and visitors.   As we approach this milestone, we want to extend a heartfelt thank you to our family, friends, referrers and advocates for making HDPT’s 10th year possible. Thank you for supporting our practice through a global pandemic, for continuing to refer us patients, for trusting and believing in us, and for helping to keep HDPT on the map. As our practice continues to thrive, we know that we would not be where we are today without your continued encouragement, and for that we are infinitely grateful.   Thank you,  The Harding & D'Addario families   ­ ­

HDPT Welcomes Antonella Martone, DPT, ATC, LAT to the Team!

WELCOME TO THE HDPT FAMILY!

 

Dr. Antonella Martone imparts her genuine and spirited personality on each and every patient. She is known for her attentive, analytical and ardent rehabilitative treatment style. Antonella’s patients are instantly put at ease by her reassuring and compassionate nature, and she continually puts forward valued, comprehensive and rewarding therapeutic outcomes.

 

Antonella Martone grew up in Saugus, MA and graduated from Austin Preparatory School in Reading, MA. As an honor roll student, she was a member of the Spanish Club and played soccer until she hurt her leg, requiring physical therapy.

 

Antonella attended Merrimack College in North Andover, MA. She went to the School of Health Sciences majoring in Athletic Training. She gained valuable clinical experience through training the Merrimack football, baseball, field hockey and men’s soccer DII teams, as well as through clinical rotations with Andover High School boy’s basketball team and Melrose High School athletic teams. While at Merrimack, Antonella also was a lab instructor for Acute and Emergency Care teaching skills such as splinting, assessing vital signs and spine boarding.

 

After graduating with her Bachelor of Science degree in athletic training and passing her board exams to become licensed, Antonella started working as a research assistant studying the breakdown of data and correlations for a gait analysis research initiative (“The Relationship between Gait Biomechanics, Selected Lower Extremity Strength, Static Lower Extremity Measures and Injury History in Division II Collegiate Middle to Long Distance Runners” conducted by Andrew Cannon MHS, PT, SCS, CSCS PT and Kevin Finn EdD, ATC, CSCS.) She also began working for an outpatient rehabilitation company in North Andover. There she was an Athletic Trainer and Rehab Aide assisting staff physical therapists and providing per diem coverage of area high school athletic events, including games, practices and training room treatments.

 

Wishing to further her career, Antonella began the Doctor of Physical Therapy program at Plymouth State University in Plymouth, NH. Her clinical rotations included working as a student PT at LRGH Hillside Medical Park treating and evaluating patients with varying diagnoses, at the pro bono clinic at Plymouth State treating in the local community for the DPT program’s “Panther PT” clinic, and at area inpatient and outpatient physical therapy practices treating and evaluating different patient populations. She also performed volunteer functional movement screenings (FMS) for middle school physical education students as part of various research studies, as well as worked with the Granite State Adaptive Sports program assisting children with Down’s syndrome and autism rock climb.

 

Unfortunately due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Antonella’s DPT program transferred to remote learning for the final year. However, fortunately during her time at home, she began working at HDPT as a rehab aide. Upon her graduation and gaining her physical therapy license, Dr. Martone stayed with us and began treating patients at HD Physical Therapy in August of 2021.

 

Dr. Martone has a license to practice physical therapy and athletic training in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, is certified in CPR, First Aid and AED and is fluent in Italian and intermediate Spanish. Antonella currently resides in Boston, MA.

 

Outside of work, Antonella enjoys working out, especially running, watching and playing soccer, traveling, the beach, summer and tequila!

HD Physical Therapy Offers Tips to Avoid Aches & Pains this Holiday Season

2021 has flown by and the holiday season is here again. Unfortunately, this can mean added stress, plus aches and pains. Here are just a few tips to stay on track with your health over the holidays while still enjoying all that the season has to offer.

 
*Standing for prolonged periods on a hard surface can lead to back pain and fatigue. When cooking or baking, stand on a padded surface such as a rug or mat. It's also important to avoid hunching over when preparing food. Choose a work surface that is approximately at the level of your forearms when your elbows are bent at a right angle (90 degrees) or at elbow height. Shoulders and upper back will be in better position and this will decrease the risk of upper back, neck and shoulder strain. Maintaining good posture will help you avoid backaches.

*When lifting packages, test the weight by pushing it with your foot first. Carry packages in small loads instead of all at once. Keep the load close to your body when lifting, and always use your legs, not your back. Distribute the weight of shopping bags equally on both sides of your body.

*Find opportunities to move around whenever you can. We often sit in the same position when working from home, online shopping, wrapping gifts or even scrolling through your phone. Try to stop and get up whenever possible, stretch, move around and get your blood flowing to avoid stiffness. Go for a walk with family or friends.

*Don't neglect exercise. With a busy holiday schedule, cold weather and shorter days, it can be tempting to skip your workout. However, it's still important to get regular exercise for your mind and body. Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) and other mood disorders are often exacerbated during the holiday season and exercise can help keep them at bay. Also people tend to consume more calories this time of year and exercise can help you avoid the holiday weight gain and keep your muscles and joints healthy.

*Stay Hydrated - Don’t forget to drink as much water as usual…and then some! Holiday factors such as air travel, drinking, salty foods and caffeine (from coffee, soda or chocolate) can cause and contribute to dehydration. Water also helps fill you up and will inhibit those extra couple of bites of something with higher caloric content.

Move your body. Take some deep breaths and let yourself say no sometimes. Find some healthy food choices this holiday season, but enjoy your favorites as well. Work towards balance!

 

 

HD PHYSICAL THERAPY Recognizes National PT Month By Helping People Overcome Barriers to Physical Activity

According to the Department of Health and Human Services Facts & Statistics on physical activity, more than 80% of Americans do not get enough physical activity despite the proven benefits, such as a reduced risk of some cancers and chronic diseases, as well as improved bone health, cognitive function, weight control and quality of life. As a result, half of adults, 117 million people, have one or more chronic diseases.

Whatever barriers may be preventing you from enjoying the many important health benefits of physical activity, physical therapists can create a safe and effective program to get you moving. We are movement experts who improve quality of life through hands-on care, patient education and prescribed movement. PTs design physical activity plans for people of all ages and abilities specific to your needs, challenges and goals. We work together, and collaborate with other members of your health care team, to maximize your movement and empower you to be an active participant in your care.

 

Here are 5 Common Barriers to Physical Activity and How to Overcome Them:

1. It's too late to start, I'm too old, or I've been physically inactive for a long time. It's never too late to get moving. According to a recent JAMA study, adding physical activity at any age has benefits. In addition to an increased life span, adding the recommended amount of physical activity for your age and ability to your daily routine can help you manage stress, improve memory and brain function, avoid chronic disease and more.

2. It hurts. Movement is crucial to your health, quality of life, and independence. For some people, pain makes movement a challenge. Pain is one of the most common reasons people seek health care. A physical therapist can help you move better and safely manage your pain.

3. I don't have access to a gym or equipment. You don't need a gym membership or fancy equipment to enjoy the benefits of physical activity. You can get plenty in and around your home. Dancing, jogging, walking, climbing stairs, and gardening are all examples of physical activity that you can do without any equipment. To improve your balance, flexibility, and strength, try body-weight exercises at least two days a week. Use household objects like cans or milk jugs to strengthen muscles.

4. I have a chronic disease, condition or disability. Movement is essential for everyone. Whether you use a wheelchair or other assistive device to get around or have mobility challenges due to a chronic condition or a prior injury, there are activities that you can do to challenge your muscles and lungs and improve your health and quality of life. Physical activity can even improve some chronic conditions and prevent others.

5. I'm afraid of hurting myself. The right activity for you depends on your age, ability and goals. A physical therapist can help you identify a safe and effective physical activity plan for your age and ability that addresses your fears and helps you reach your goals.

Choose move movement. Choose better health. Choose physical therapy.

The HDPT offices in Wakefield and Burlington have no waiting lists, are conveniently located right off major highways, have accessible hours, support Direct Access to care (NO referral necessary) and accept every health insurance plan. We are adhering to all safety recommendations and guidelines. Please visit the 'COVID-19 & Physical Therapy' webpage for even more information.

At HD Physical Therapy, we are committed to the health and happiness of our patients. Everyday we work to restore each person's maximal function with consistency and compassion. Offering distinctive, inventive and proven rehabilitation treatment, our devoted professionals strive to deliver a successful and enjoyable experience to every patient we meet. For more information about HD Physical Therapy, please visit https://www.HDPTonline.com and follow us on all social media platforms.

Make WELLNESS a Top Priority and Let HDPT Help!

AUGUST IS
NATIONAL WELLNESS MONTH!

Why a wellness routine should be your top priority, and how HDPT can help you get started!

Wellness: the quality or state of being healthy in body and mind, especially as the result of deliberate effort. An approach to healthcare that emphasizes preventing illness and prolonging life, as opposed to just treating diseases.   2021 has been yet another stressful year so far. Some stress is good, but chronic levels of stress can lead to detrimental effects on our bodies involving the musculoskeletal system, nervous system and cardiovascular systems. Physical therapy can help with way more than just movement; therapists can offer techniques to assist in decreasing chronic stress levels and add balance back to your body...and life!   Here are 5 ways physical therapy can help bring your focus back to basic self-care, reduce levels of stress and help get you back into a healthy routine: 1.) Exercise Regular aerobic exercise will bring remarkable changes to your body, your metabolism, your heart and your mind. Whether chemical or behavioral, it has a unique capacity to exhilarate and relax, to provide stimulation and calm and to counter depression and dissipate stress. Physical therapists can create a safe exercise program specifically for you that helps not only areas of weakness or decreased mobility, but targets the body as a whole. We can also assess you before you begin any other exercise program. 2.) Reduce Prolonged Sitting As some of us continue to work from home, we must be aware that the amount of time we sit during the day is linked to a higher risk of heart disease, diabetes, cancer and death, regardless of regular exercise. Physical therapists can educate you on ways to avoid sedentary time and stand up and move throughout your day in a way that won’t interrupt your daily tasks. A tip: follow the 20-8-2 rule. Sit for 20 minutes, stand for 8 minutes and move for 2 minutes. 3.) Hands-On Manual Therapy Manual therapy is a specialized form of physical therapy delivered with the hands as opposed to a device or machine. It can include manipulation, mobilization and soft tissue work to reduce pain, relax muscles, increase circulation, break up scar tissue, improve tissue extensibility, reduce swelling, inflammation, or restriction, help with flexibility and alignment and induce relaxation and decrease anxiety. Although there is no one answer for how manual therapy specifically works to improve overall function, studies have shown that there are many moving parts that contribute to its effectiveness. After a PT has performed a manual therapy treatment, you typically feel better and our goal as physical therapists is to help people feel better, move better and ultimately live better. 4.) Breathing Techniques In our stressful and fast-paced society, even without a pandemic, many people are susceptible to developing breathing dysfunctions. Breathing is the root of all movement. Daily diaphragmatic breathing is clinically proven to significantly lower cortisol levels (the primary stress hormone), improve relaxation and improve concentration. Talk to your physical therapist about properly learning this breathing technique to lower your overall stress. 5.) Social Benefits Most people find HD Physical Therapy to be a friendly atmosphere with varied conversation and a sense of community. Physical therapists listen to each person’s story, develop personalized plans and create a setting where patients feel safe, comfortable and successful in their ability to achieve their goals. Being in such a positive environment helps boost your overall well being.   So, are you not taking care of yourself? Is stress taking over, mentally and physically? Are you still off of your normal routines? Take a deep breath and seek out physical therapy for help today. Wellness is not a one time thing, it’s a lifestyle.

Skip the MD and See a PT!

Your doctor's office may be very busy right now and there are many reasons for this. People who delayed medical care as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic are now returning to doctors’ offices, sometimes with exacerbated symptoms and conditions. Summer-related activities – vacations, backyard barbecues, pool parties, car trips, and more time spent outside in the sun and heat (when it's not raining) – frequently lead to accidents requiring medical attention. Plus, families with school-aged children are scheduling school physicals, procedures and visits before the school year resumes.

Luckily, you can see a licensed PT in Massachusetts WITHOUT obtaining a referral from an MD first. This is called Direct Access.

 

Direct Access means the removal of the physician referral formally mandated by state law to access physical therapist services for evaluation and treatment. Every state, the District of Columbia, and the US Virgin Islands allow for evaluation and some form of treatment without physician referral. However, many of those states continue to impose arbitrary restrictions on direct access, or only allow for treatment without referral under very limited circumstances.

 

Why It Matters

Direct access restrictions cause unnecessary delays for people who would benefit from treatment by a PT. Delays in care result in higher costs, decreased functional outcomes, and frustration to patients seeking physical therapy treatment.

 

Our Position

Allowing individuals to make decisions regarding their health care is good policy. Direct Access to physical therapy helps remove barriers to care. It helps make PT more convenient and accessible. It ensures that you receive the highest quality of care available, that you are able to access that care quickly, and that it’s the right care for you. It eliminates the need for an additional doctor’s appointment, can save you time and money and can lead to higher satisfaction and better outcomes.

In these challenging times, your health is more important than ever. Not just if you’re working toward recovering from an injury or setback, but also because we know that improving your overall health improves your mood, mindset and well being. So if you are in pain, or something just does not feel right, come see us. It’s easy. Together we will determine a physical therapy treatment plan of care that best fits your needs, or we will refer you elsewhere if care is not appropriate at this time. Whether you define success as being able to return to work, sport or fitness, care for your family or simply tie your shoes without pain, our team consistently helps people achieve those goals.
 

You can start your recovery today.

 

 

 

HD PHYSICAL THERAPY WAKEFIELD Celebrates 9 Year Milestone

 HD Physical Therapy announces that May 15, 2021 marked the company's 9th anniversary!

 

In May of 2012, HDPT co-founders Ed Harding, PTA and Dr. Glenn R. D'Addario, MSPT, DPT, set out to create an exceptional place where they could be of service to as many people as possible. After nine years, they are very proud and excited to be accomplishing just that. Through diligence and dedication, their clinic has grown from the 3 staff members it opened with, to over 25 employees. Most importantly, they have been able to help thousands of patients. They have also mentored numerous high school and physical therapy students. They make many appearances at area health fairs, high schools, colleges and community events, as well as contributed to numerous local charities and their events. In 2013, they received national recognition for their overall success by winning ADVANCE Magazine's "Best PT Practice" silver medal, and in 2015 they were named the Wakefield Lynnfield Chamber of Commerce Business of the Year.

In response to their continued growth and success, they expanded their business and opened a second HDPT location at 99 South Bedford Street, Suite 6, in Burlington, MA in November of 2017.

"As always, we want to extend a heartfelt thank you to our referrers and advocates for helping make HDPT's ninth year an ongoing success, especially through a global pandemic" said CEO & co-founder Ed Harding. "Thank you for continuing to support our family-owned small business, for sending us patients and for giving HDPT such a positive community presence. As we continue to grow and expand, we know that we would not be where we are today without the enduring encouragement of our friends and family," said Harding. "In the last 9 years, we have helped a lot of people, and had a lot of fun doing it. Glenn and I sincerely hope to be able to continue that for as long as we can!"

The HDPT offices in Wakefield and Burlington have no waiting lists, offer same-day appointments, are conveniently located right off major highways, have accessible hours, support Direct Access to care and accept every health insurance plan. The health and safety of their patients and staff is their top priority. They are adhering to every safety recommendations and guideline. Please visit the 'COVID-19 & Physical Therapy' webpage for even more information.