"My doctor was pushing for me to get surgery for the four bulging discs I had in my back. However, I wanted to explore my options before just jumping into surgery. I made a good call. Since coming here, my symptoms and pain have improved tremendously. Prior to PT, I was unable to bend my neck up or down without getting dizzy or lightheaded. Now I can move without any problems. I would also wake up in the middle of the night from the discomfort in my neck and back. That too has stopped. The headaches I used to get from the neck and back pain have gone away as well. I feel a lot better and now have more energy. Thank you Maccio Physical Therapy for your help and a big thank you to Linsday for her time. I greatly appreciate it."
-Nalaysha, April 2016
"I came into Maccio PT after the start of acute back pain which was interfering with my ability to stand and walk at work. I am a nurse and heavily depend on my ability to function physically in my profession, as well as enjoy exercising daily. My pain was only present for one week prior to seeking treatment, but I wanted to address it right away and knew Maccio could help (as my husband has success there months prior for similar symptoms). Joe was able to identify my problem immediately and with simple exercises, I was back to normal function and pain free within three weeks! I'm so grateful to have had such a positive experience at Maccio PT. Thank you!"
-Katherine, May 2016
"I arrived at Maccio Physical Therapy confident I was wasting my time, only going there to satisfy a friend who asked to give it a shot, as I was already considering surgery through a neurosurgeon. Why not? I had two bad discs and stenosis of the spine, all proven by MRI. I had already done PT elsewhere, tried shots in the back and nothing was working. I was positive only surgery would help. I told Joseph all this. I was sure I was wasting my time. I'm so glad I was wrong. After working with Maccio PT, I have been able to manage my pain, eliminating my perceived notion that I "needed" surgery. I am sleeping so much better, no more burning down my legs, no more "restless leg" syndrome. My life has improved greatly since visiting Maccio PT. I would strongly recommend making an appointment. If you have been suffering with back pain, especially if you've been told back surgery is your only option…it isn't! Trust me. McKenzie Physical Therapy works and Maccio PT is the place to go. Thank you to the staff at Maccio. I have my life back!"
-Shawn, May 2016
Original Testimonial
When I first came for McKenzie physical therapy I was discouraged with my prognosis. After 17 years of back problems - 4 epidurals, 1 surgery, multiple courses of PT, I wasn't so sure anything would help. Dartmouth-Hitchcock Spine Center referred me to a McKenzie Certified clinic. After 5 visits with Joe, I'm not quite so discouraged. I might say I'm a bit optimistic about my future. I'm still skeptical, but hopeful. Thanks to all the staff.
Gina - Update
I could not believe I could continue to keep my back pain away after all I'd been through. Joe Maccio gave me my
life back. After seeing Joe three years ago I have not had one problem with my back. If you have back problems I
urge you to see him to try to avoid invasive procedures, I only wish I knew about him sooner!
For over a year and a half, pain from sciatica had been bothering me by lodging in a spot near my knees and lower back. This made sitting all day at my computer desk almost unbearable. At home, the pain would wake me up in the middle of the night or keep me from falling asleep. Getting comfortable was seemingly impossible.
I went to my primary care physician who prescribed high doses of ibuprofen, which really did not touch the pain. I visited my chiropractor who did his usual spinal manipulations which helped for a very short while. I sought relief at my acupuncturist whose treatment lasted the longest at keeping my discomfort at bay. But, despite their good intentions, the pain and discomfort returned.
Over the years, I had heard of the McKenzie method of physical therapy but was unsure of how it was different from other forms of physical therapy, not having had any personal experience of either form. However, I had read some testimonials from people who had received treatment with the McKenzie Method and found it helped them.
Consequently, my interest was piqued when an article appeared in a local health magazine highlighting the Maccio Physical Therapy group, who specialize in the McKenzie Method. I quickly made an appointment and now I am very happy that I did so.
From the very first appointment, I was assured that I was in good hands. My therapist was soon able to pinpoint the problem area after a series of diagnostic movements. The exercises she prescribed were immediately helpful in reducing the pain. As the sessions progressed, the pain nearly disappeared completely, much to my delight. I am sleeping much better and not waking up to the pain, allowing me to enjoy my days with freedom of movement. I have even joined the YMCA with the expectation of participating in all of the exercises which had previously seemed a distant dream.
I am very appreciative of the caring and friendly atmosphere of the office and am very grateful for the expertise of my therapist whose dedication guided me to a pain-free life.
Thank you! - Lynn
"I suffer from RA and it had restricted my use of my lower back and hips. There were many times I was unable to lift myself from a sitting position. After about 2 weeks working with the staff from Maccio PT, I began to get up without much pain. After about 6 weeks, I was not having any problems getting up or down anymore. I would like to thank my doctor for taking the time to not load me up with drugs and instead reach out to the Maccio group for help in making me comfortable. They have done a fantastic job working on my issues and have given me instructions on how not to get into that situation again. Thank you ALL!"
Cheryl, 2014
"After having triplets, my body went through many changes. Over time, pain throughout my back was a daily occurrence. The pain prevented me from participating in lots of different activities and increased with sitting or lying. A friend referred me to Maccio Physical Therapy, where I was able to be a part of helping myself. I was shown activities and movement patterns to practice when not in session, which was very helpful. I was able to see the progress and decrease my pain with their help. The approach at Maccio PT worked so well to improve my posture and allow me to resume my daily activities. The staff was also very knowledgeable and patient. Thank you!"
Amy, 2014
"I ruptured a disc in my lower back after exercising and I had immediate pain that actually kept worsening. I lost most motion moving forward and experienced pain sitting, standing, walking, and even sleeping! I was treated by Joe Jr. who quickly identified the problem and started with a treatment that did not include medication. After about 3-5 days I had significant improvement and after about 3 weeks I was back to 90-100%. I was able to resume with my normal exercise routine. I was so happy to have a sustainable method to deal with my injury without the need for medication or surgery. It was hard for me to imagine, with the degree of pain I was experiencing, that I would be able to avoid surgery. But, sure enough, I was cured with only 5 sessions with Joe Jr."
Henry, 2014
"In September of 2010, I got up one morning, got into the shower and my hamstring from the top of my left gluteus to the top of my left calf spasmed so badly that I fell to the floor. I went to my general practitioner who wanted to x-ray my spine. He called in a sports medicine doctor who said that it was a straight forward hamstring strain. I was sent to a physical therapist. I went for about a month with no relief from my pain. I fell down a flight of stairs and fractured my leg (Tibial Plateau Fracture with Displacement). I was sent to a different physical therapist to work on the healed fractured area. During this time the pain in my hamstring persisted, even worsened, the pain was worse than the fracture.
In April of 2012, my orthopedic surgeon sent me to a doctor to see if a "Platelet Rich Plasma" injection would help me. The doctor told me that the affected area was too large to be healed by this method. He x-rayed my spine and hips and told me I had arthritis in my lower back and hips. This is when I was referred to Maccio Physical Therapy.
During my first appointment, Deb asked the magic question. 'Does it hurt more when you cough or sneeze?' I told her that's when it's the worst. She said, 'It's your lower back, not your hamstring.' Within a month of doing the lower back exercises to centralize my pain was gone. After years of getting nowhere and having professionals look at only my hamstring I was able to sleep through the night, get out of my car without crying out, and dance again.
I honestly thought I would never be without that terrible pain.
I was so impressed and grateful; I gave out cards to anyone who had back issues or hamstring issues. Now that I have read the material and gone through the therapy myself it makes perfect, sound sense how this method works.
I looked forward to every appointment rather than dreading it as I did with the other methods. I could feel myself improving each time. The people here knew my name, always accommodated my strange schedule and made me feel at home.
I'll never forget what Deb said to me during my first visit. 'You will dance again.' And I did, I am, and I never thought I'd see that day. Thank you so much, Deb and Everyone!"
Michele (Belly Dancer)
"I have had back pain on and off since 2007. It got really bad in the fall of 2011. I started going to a chiropractor two times a week. This helped for a little while. He didn't feel I was making enough progress so I had an MRI. I was diagnosed with a slipped disc. I then had to go see another orthopedic doctor. I then started PT with a physical therapist and I went there two times a week for four months with little improvement. I was headed for steroid shots or surgery until a friend recommended to my mom I go to somebody who specializes in the McKenzie method.
We called Maccio PT and have been very impressed. We live 2 hours away and Mr. Maccio talked to my mom on the phone for about 1/2 hour before we scheduled my appointment. The office staff was very nice and accommodating. When I came to my first appointment, my pain level was an 8-9 with pain going down my left leg. Mr. Maccio spent a lot of time working with me.
When I left, the pain was out of my leg. After 2 weeks of doing the exercises, the pain has stayed of my leg and my pain level is 1-2. I am only 16 and thought I was done with sports and dance. There isn't anything I can say to thank them for everything they have given back to me. I am going back to my first dance class in five months. I would recommend them to anybody who has any back pain."
Cortney
"I cannot thank you enough. I never imagined that I would be out of back pain. I had been suffering with it for so long I believed that was the way it was going to be for the rest of my life. When I was referred to your office I did have doubts. I had supposedly seen a McKenzie therapist before- boy, was I wrong. The methods you used were definitely more involved. You and your staff were all very kind and caring. You have given my life back to my family and me. Thank you!
I had lower back pain on and off for 10 years. The last 2 years I have been in constant pain. I had seen a chiropractor, a neurosurgeon, and a physical therapist and have had steroid injections. With all that, I had little to no relief of pain and it was getting worse. In October 2011 I was told by my neurosurgeon that my only option was to do a spinal fusion. I was devastated. I'm in my mid-thirties and had no choices except surgery. I was referred to Maccio Physical Therapy by my sister who works with Mr. Maccio's wife. With some hesitation I scheduled an appointment. After a few appointments I started to get relief: I was amazed. I had a little set back and I started to get discouraged. Mr. Maccio never gave up; he was very patient, kind and caring. The methods that Mr. Maccio taught were very different from the prior treatment I had. He has given me the tools so I can control and manage my back pain myself. This is the greatest feeling of accomplishment. I just want to let other people know that you always have options, and should always get more than one opinion before making a major decision such as surgery. I am so glad that I did."
Keri
"When I came to Maccio, it had been more than two years since my back surgery - and I still hadn't recovered. I reherniated the same disc I had surgery on and I was in so much pain I could not sit for the length of a movie. My surgeon told me to 'Cultivate couch activities' and said I should give up on skiing and hiking - my favorite pastimes. I asked him if physical therapy would help, and he said it was useless. But I couldn't bear the thought of never hiking again, and it hurt too much to even walk up a paved hill. When my cousin said the McKenzie Method worked for her, I gave Maccio a call...and in less than a month I can move again! I went to movies and actually enjoyed them instead of getting up to stand in back. I started running again. Finally, I went on a 24-hour road trip and faithfully did my stretches at every rest stop - and my back never hurt! Now, I'm slowly increasing core strength and I intend to return to hiking slowly and carefully, but with the confidence of knowing that the McKenzie exercises will immediately be able to resolve any pain I feel. These exercises have given me back my life."
Kathleen
"In August of 2010, I was in a car accident and experienced bad pain in my lower back. I was referred to a neurosurgeon by the emergency room. After X-Rays, MRIs, and CT scans I was sent to physical therapy. By December, I was no better. My primary doctor sent me to a chiropractor. I felt relief from that for a few hours after the appointment but by the evening, my normal back pain returned. I went back to the neurosurgeon in May of 2011 and said the pain was still there and now radiating down my leg, and something needs to be done. I was told that I should try steroid injections. I had a CT scan after the injections didn't help either and was told I needed a spinal fusion. I saw my primary doctor again and she referred me to a second neurosurgeon who said surgery wouldn't help. After a weekend of complete confusion, I asked my primary to send me to a third neurosurgeon for one last opinion. He said surgery wouldn't help me and said I needed physical therapy again. I was skeptical since I had already tried it for five months and it did nothing for me, but I went anyway. I called Maccio Physical Therapy and had an appointment the same week. After two days, the pain in my leg was gone and after three weeks of the McKenzie Method, I am close to having my normal life back with my two-year-old son! I'm so grateful I went for a second and third opinion! Maccio has really helped me to get my quality of life back to what it was last spring!"
Kristi
When one of my kidneys was removed because of cancer I could no longer take the anti-inflammatory medications I had used for avoiding pain due to arthritis in my spine. Several doctors recommended pain medications that would preclude my driving or operating machinery and therefore cause a complete change in the way I live. Other doctors prescribed physical therapy which I had tried without success. I found Joe Maccio's clinic on the McKenzie Method website and soon afterward I began treatment.
The McKenzie Method is simple. The exercises are not the kind of thing I had expected to find based on past experiences with physical therapy. Joe introduced me to an easy, comfortable, end effective method of improving my physical abilities and controlling pain without my having to use medications which would force me to change my lifestyle. Based in my experience, I advise anyone whose doctor recommends the McKenzie Method to follow that advice. I can report that people at Maccio Physical Therapy were kind, caring, and professional in all aspects of my experience at their clinic. I am nearly pain-free and I am able to do many of the things that bring pleasure and satisfaction into my life. I take particular pleasure in thanking Joe and all of the staff at Maccio Physical Therapy for enabling me to continue in a productive and comfortable life.
Richard
First of all, I would like to thank my doctor for suggesting physical therapy to eliminate the pain in my left leg which was getting worse each morning and also keeping me awake when the pain surfaced at 3 AM. This pain in the leg was somehow connected to the low back pain which I thought I had to live with. After 10 or so sessions of physical therapy at Maccio Physical Therapy, I am a new person. With help, I am now able to climb stairs easily one foot after the other. The low back pain is gone as well as the leg pain. I was guided through exercises using my core body which improved my walking greatly. I feel very good now and would recommend Maccio for anyone needing physical therapy. Incidentally, I am 83-years-old but now I feel like a new 60, pain free!
Irene
I came for back and leg pain from spinal stenosis and the pain was so bad, I couldn't even walk. I was helped by Ruth and Joe and what they gave me to do really helped lessen my pain. If I hadn't had physical therapy, I would probably never be able to walk without a walker or cane again. Thanks to these people, they were really great and got me back on my feet again.
Rosalind
Before starting physical therapy, my mobility was limited, and I spent much of my time lying down. This very much limited my physical work, remodeling, construction, etc. Nothing prior to PT worked, as I had injections in my SI joint and L4-L5 joints in my back. They had no effect and were expensive! I had no more than 20 minutes of relief after chiropractic adjustments. The only positive treatment has been PT. I had stopped taking any pain medication and my blood levels are back to normal. I can't tell enough people how professional and helpful physical therapy has been.
Paul
I began the McKenzie Method of physical therapy on May 14th, 2010. My primary physician recommended that I do this to alleviate the back and leg pain I was having from degenerative disc disease. My pain level was at a 10! I learned about the centralization techniques to get the pain out of my leg and into my back. After only 8 visits, I had completely centralized and I was pain-free! This technique will now be part of a new lifestyle for me.
Patricia
I could not sit, I could not stand nor walk without a helping hand--all bent over with awful pain. I thought I'd never walk again. There was treatment abroad known as PT--Good for the young, but not for me. 'Not so, not so,' said my new friend Joe. 'Just do as we say and you'll be good to go.' Knee pulls and leg stretch and time on the stim. Fancy machines and rocking and bends. Over and over, it was always the same. 'Til one fine day, I ditched the cane!. So while PT's an option for the young and the bold. Thank God it is here for we who are old!
Geraldine
After two years of recurring back episodes, my primary physician urged me to try Maccio Physical Therapy. After a very short time, I've experienced a relief I haven't had in quite some time. However, the aspect of my rehab that really makes me happy is knowing I have the tools to control my back pain if it ever comes again. Great, friendly, knowledgeable staff!
John
For the past 6 weeks. I've been undergoing physical therapy with Maccio. Since this treatment I have stopped taking pills because I can use stretches to subside the pain. My quality of life both physically and mentally have improved over the last six weeks. I've been suffering with this pain for five months now and I feel that I'm having great results with this physical therapy!
David
As I have never gone through physical therapy, I was pleasantly surprised to find that now I can do all my normal routine daily activities. Following my exercises each day, I found the pain lessening each day until it was gone! I will continue the recommended exercises as Joe Jr. mentioned to avoid any further problems. Hopefully I will be able to get on with my life thanks to Joe.
Michelle
In first coming to Maccio PT, I was in a lot of pain doing everyday things that were necessary to function such as sitting, standing, and sleeping. After being hit by a car, my lower back really crippled me. Progressing through physical therapy, my back became better, but my hip began to become very uncomfortable. This was discouraging, but Maccio PT kept the mood and motivation high. They didn't give up and now the problem is fixed! Now I feel much better and I am working to get my strength back and resume my previous active lifestyle.
Madelyn
My doctor had prescribed pain medication that did not work and I had the option to do pain management or physical therapy. When I first came for physical therapy, I had my doubts that it would work. My pain was so severe I couldn't sit or sleep. Some exercises worked great, others did not. Once we found the exercises that would help, I couldn't believe the changes! I was able to sit without any pain and my walking is comfortable again. I'm so happy I went with physical therapy, I never thought I'd be pain-free again and the exercises worked unbelievably well. I would definitely recommend Maccio Physical Therapy.
JoAnn
