Have you ever been referred for physical therapy, in pain or unable to function normally; only to learn that the next available new patient initial evaluation appointment is weeks away? First Move Physical Therapy is changing all that! They recognize that lack of availability is frequently an obstacle to the essential access of early treatment needed for acutely painful conditions.
Their early intervention approach distinguishes First Move PT from most traditional clinics. By providing timely treatment for urgent cases of neck and back pain, a patient can call even the day they first notice a painful condition, and First Move PT can initiate treatment immediately.
According to Ephraim Yablok, “Our unique and creative scheduling structure allows us to provide each patient with the time they and we need to provide the necessary treatment.” Therefore and in most cases, the earlier treatment clears the road to some initial relief, with the recovery beginning much sooner. Same day physical therapy intake: where have you ever heard of that?!
Donald Martin, MS, PT, and Ephraim Yablok, MS, PT, DPT, are physical therapists with over 40 years of combined experience. They shared, “When a person develops pain there is frequently a period of time during which they rest, self-medicate, and hope it’ll resolve spontaneously, or begin trying to make appointments with their PCP or other specialist. It can take days or weeks, during which they may be unable to properly function in their home, community and work or school environments. This is where we come in. First Move Physical Therapy combines the traditional services that physical therapy offers, along with a strong emphasis on the timely treatment of painful conditions in an “urgent care” framework. With our decades of experience and specialized skill set, we provide a unique brand of physical therapy and rehabilitation to northern New Jersey and beyond,” points out Martin.
Both Martin and Yablok hold graduate degrees, Martin from Ithaca College and Yablok from Long Island University. Each has already blazed a lengthy trail of care that results in being recognized as top professionals in the field. Thirteen years’ experience working in tandem at a well-known multidisciplinary clinic lead them to develop a unified treatment approach that facilitates caring for patients in an assertive yet compassionate way. Their primary focus underscores treating acute as well as chronic orthopedic conditions such as back and neck pain, shoulder conditions, sports injuries; hip, knee and ankle pain, post-op rehab, and balance disorders. Additionally, Martin is highly skilled in the treatment of vertigo and other vestibular conditions. Yablok has decades of experience working with the pediatric population. Both are expert manual therapists and bring advanced training and treatment methodologies to the management of various musculoskeletal conditions.
“When a person is in pain, they are unable to perform necessary home, work and community tasks. Their families need them, their job needs them, and they want to feel capable of functioning. With this pain comes limited mobility and frustration. We don’t want to miss important events; we are concerned with how long this episode will last,” noted Yablok. He explains that people often feel confused about what they should or shouldn’t do, partially due to conflicting information on the internet and from well-meaning friends and family. “With a proper assessment we can educate a patient on the nature of their issue and provide clarity and direction regarding their role in the recovery process.” When the appropriate intervention is provided early, explain Martin and Yablok, “The outcome is often better and reduces the potential for other issues to arise. Professionally advised self and home care might include some of the following decisions: Is it better to lie down, sit or stand? What activities should I avoid or modify, and how? Should I use ice or heat? Is there a brace, support cushion or other product that can be helpful? What’s a safe position for sleeping? Should I avoid exercise?” Well managed early intervention addresses these issues, and sets a person on a safer and progressive road to healing and recovery.
The First Move clinical approach maximizes interaction with the physical therapist. They prioritize patient education and facilitate the acquisition of the tools and skills that will complement and support the treatment received in the clinic. Further, First Move therapists are also experts in the assessment of mechanical pain. The spectrum of experience in the management of both acute and chronic conditions enables the First Move therapists to accurately assess and identify the appropriate treatment interventions that can initiate relief of pain, and begin the restoration of function.
Martin outlined the considerations for choosing a physical therapy provider. First, he noted that level of experience is key. “Therapists with decades of experience offer a perspective and level of expertise to assess the most relevant and appropriate treatment approach.” Second, he said that generally speaking the fewer people directly involved in your care in a given session or on a session-to-session-basis; the higher quality and more directed an experience. In other words, continuity of care with the same therapist is optimal. He highlighted, “Giving attention to the concept of how many patients the physical therapist schedules per hour, so that appropriate time is planned for individual attention.”
First Move PT provides treatment for conditions in ages ranging from infants with congenital orthopedic conditions such as torticollis, to children and adolescents with sports injuries, to adults and weekend warriors with repetitive strain conditions, for post-operative care and for older adults with chronic joint pain or balance and fall prevention concerns.
Yablok continues, “We are passionate about educating patients regarding the role that lifestyle, body mechanics, and daily routine plays in our physical health. Pain doesn’t occur in a vacuum. There are physical and/or psychological factors that directly contribute to the development of a painful condition. “Sitting culture,” stationary lifestyles, and challenges related to working from home place a consistent level of strain on the spine making us more vulnerable to the development of back, neck and shoulder pain. Emotional stress can trigger an inflammatory response, creating susceptibility to physical pain. This situation necessitates a lifestyle that begs the opportunity for exercise and activities that minimize the physical stressors, and better manage the stresses of life. An integral part of our assessment and treatment process is addressing these and other factors that we often overlook as contributors to the development of pain.”
Martin commented on one thing they wish more people knew about physical therapy. “Under the regulation of Direct Access Care in New Jersey, you can get one month of physical therapy without a referral or prescription. If you have a new pain, don’t live with it! Physical Therapy should be your first line of defense for injuries and pain. Contact your therapist directly to save time and reduce unnecessary suffering. Quicker recovery time and better outcomes result from early treatment. Physical therapists are trained in screening for other serious conditions, and will refer you to an appropriate health care professional if the assessment reveals a need.”
For more information or to schedule a consultation in the new state-of-the-art clinic; contact First Move Physical Therapy by calling (201) 399-0100.
