Movement is Life

“My motto is ‘Movement is Life,’” says Dr. Cwiklinski. “When patients come in, they usually have some kind of postural dysfunction that leads to pain, and they don’t know how to fix it. We correct the mechanics and posture and then strengthen what’s weak and stretch what’s tight. After a while, they come back and say, ‘Wow, I feel so much better!’”

Treatments have greatly improved over the years, leading to much better outcomes. “There are a lot of continuing education classes that help develop new manual techniques and continued from the previous page skills,” she says. “Twenty years ago, the standard was ultrasound, electrical stimulation, and massage, which didn’t help much. It’s definitely come a long way.”

Paragon offers solutions for various injuries and health issues for patients 8 years of age and older. One of the most common is lower back pain. “It may be from disc herniations, lower back strains or stenosis,” says Dr. Cwiklinski. “Same thing with the neck. We do a lot of cervical treatments such as postural education and soft tissue and joint mobilizations.”

She also enjoys assisting many post-op patients, including those recovering from rotator cuff repairs, or experiencing tendonitis, tears, and strains in the shoulder. For patients suffering from balance problems, the center has a unique overhead harness system that gives them the opportunity to challenge themselves without the fear of falling.

In addition, Dr. Cwiklinski is a certified ergonomic assessment specialist (CEAS) and also certified in LSVT Big for Parkinson’s treatment. She treats vertigo as well.

People sometimes avoid physical therapy because they believe it’s going to hurt. “I’m not going to torture them. Physical therapy should be comfortable, not painful.”

It’s important too for patients to continue the exercises at home and not stop because they feel better. “If you come for therapy, say three times a week for four weeks, and then you feel great and stop, your dysfunction will return,” she says. “You really need to continue stretching and strengthening to maintain your health and your function.”

Paragon Physical Therapy

101 Newark Pompton Turnpike, Suite 10, Little Falls 973-928-1950 or 973-928-1951 littlefalls@fyzical.com

Patrons at Cucina Calandra are in for a real treat this spring and summer, thanks to the authentic Italian restaurant’s beautiful new spring tent, where guests can dine amidst a beautiful garden backdrop under the stars. Live music will also be played every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday night throughout the calendar year.

“Sitting under the tent gives you the feeling of dining under the stars in your own backyard,” says Thomas Calandra, vice president of Calandra’s. “It gives locals a great dining experience close to home instead of having to trek into New York City.”

The stunning dining area, with gorgeous wisteria overhead, is also the perfect place to dine during the day, where visitors can enjoy fresh air garden dining al fresco. Heaters are in place for cooler evenings, making this new eating area perfect for all occasions. The room, which seats up to 100 people, is available for rental for all parties and events, including birthday parties, bridal showers, baby showers, rehearsal dinners, weddings, and more.