The Path to Recovery Starts Here

Dr. Jack Zuckerman, PT Total Recover PT PC Staff Total Recover PT PC Staff

By Christine S. Maxwell, photo by Dan Epstein

Total Recovery PT PC in Little Falls uses a multidisciplinary approach to pain and injury. According to Dr. Jack Zuckerman, PT, owner, “we look at the entire body in a systematic way regardless of the condition you’re coming in with in order to determine the root cause of the problem. Very commonly, pain in one part of the body is the cause of a problem in another part of the body.”

The Little Falls team includes five physical therapists, three acupuncturists, a chiropractor, patient care coordinators, and an office manager. The practitioners may treat various ailments through physical therapy, acupuncture, and chiropractic care. “We use evidencebased treatments as an alternative to surgery. Successful treatment begins with a thorough examination to find the root cause of the problem. Once that is determined, we formulate a specific treatment plan catered to the patient. The outcomes from this approach result in better and faster recovery,” Dr. Zuckerman states. When determining a course of action, patients get an individualized program which can encompass one or more of these modalities, focusing on eliminating pain and restoring mobility of the affected area. Physical therapists are movement specialists who observe how the body interacts with the general environment. They use manual therapy (also known as a hands-on approach) and prescribe specific corrective exercises based on the patient’s need to strengthen dormant or inefficient muscles. The spine is the body’s foundation and getting the spine in

proper alignment and movement are paramount to recovery. Commonly, physical therapists will work with the chiropractor to realign the spine and the body’s foundation. They focus on postural analysis and use their hands, tools, and traction table to help align the spine better.

For patients experiencing a lot of pain, acupuncture is an excellent way to helps alleviate pain and tight muscles quickly and effectively. Acupuncturists also use a number of techniques including cupping, trigger point dry needling, and massage to treat a variety of conditions such as headaches, aching muscles, and joints and many other common conditions.

In addition to these manual treatments, Total Recovery is equipped with cutting edge, state-of-the-art technology to accelerate the healing process. These devices increase the blood flow to the injured area thus decreasing recovery time. The first device, Radial Pressure Wave Therapy (“Shock Wave”), is a handheld device that heals different tissue injuries by resetting the body’s healing cycle.

Another device is called Class IV Deep Tissue Laser therapy. It is a computerized hand-held device that transmits infrared light to penetrate deep tissues to decrease pain, inflammation, and promote overall tissue healing. “We are one of the few medical facilities in New Jersey that has this device. Professional athletes use this device for healing routinely, but now it is accessible to our patients here in Little Falls,” states Dr. Zuckerman. This device works very well as an ancillary tool for conditions like arthritis, post-surgery, or chronic pain. It has been shown to cut the healing process down in half the time when combined with physical therapy.

“Total Recovery’s mission is simple. We want to provide our community with patient centered quality care and get you back to doing the things you love.”

Total Recovery PT PC

72 Main St., Little Falls | 973-857-1616 www.totalrecoverypt.com