"I had severe neck and shoulder pain for about three months. I thought that it might have been a pinched nerve or stressed muscle but I wasn't quite sure exactly what was wrong or what I needed to do to fix it. In the past when I had these problems, I would get a massage and be good to go. The massage didn't work so a friend of mine suggested that I go to a chiropractor. Unfortunately, the chiropractor wasn't going to be a good fit for me because after an initial consultation, x-rays and a follow up appointment, I was told that I would have to come back for follow up treatments 2 times a week for 18-20 weeks. This was NOT an option for me.
I am a super busy person who is constantly in motion and I didn't have the time for this type of treatment. Now, you are likely thinking- why didn't you go to a doctor? The reason being: I am not a big fan of our traditional medical system. I don't want to take any medications to ease pain. I want to learn what I need to do to FIX the pain. I was seeking other options that I thought would be more cost effective and I was worried that Physical Therapy would be way out of my price range. But I had enough.
At the suggestion of another friend and after hearing about my roller-coaster ride, I walked into Maccio PT and met Joe. That day I was in severe pain. I couldn't bend down to put on my shoes or move the right half of my body without screeching out in pain. This was absolutely no way to live and I didn't care how much it cost- if they could help me, it was going to be worth it.
Maccio got me in that day and after the first two stretches I was able to move my head, neck and shoulder. It was nothing short of amazing.
I got stretches to do at home and I had all that I needed to care for myself at home. Two weeks later I had full range of motion again. I can't tell you how grateful I am for the amazing care and expertise of the Maccio Physical Therapy team. It is without question that I recommend them."
-Katherine, May 2016
"I knew there was something wonderfully different about the Maccio Physical Therapy clinic from my first appointment. I'd been suffering from intense, persistent pain throughout my head, neck, back and arm for over a year. An injury had caused severe nerve impingement and dislodged discs in my upper cervical spine, leading to stenosis and associated nerve damage. I sought treatment from several different types of doctors - chiropractors, neurologists, surgeons, pain management specialists, acupuncturists - and found that no one could offer me real answers or relief. The pain had become so intense and constant that I was barely able to function in everyday life. I became depressed and hopeless, being told that the only option was pain management through injections or possibly a surgery with limited success. The injections only lasted a few weeks, after which the pain, numbness, headaches, vertigo and muscle spasms would come back with a vengeance. There seemed to be no help for me, and I was accepting that I may somehow have to learn to deal with it for my entire life.
A coworker of mine knew of the Maccio Physical Therapy clinic and encouraged me to try it out. I am eternally grateful that I did! At my first appointment, Joe Jr. took the time to truly listen and understand my symptoms. He then did a thorough exam, but it was unlike any that I had previously experienced. Through dynamic movements and spinal manipulation, he was able to exasperate or relieve my symptoms instantly. Based on my response, he was able to identify and explain the problem more clearly than any other doctor I had seen. It seemed to me that he understood the spine and associated mechanics better than any of the 'experts' I'd previously visited. I was cautiously hopeful as he told me with confidence that the problem could be fixed with regular, simple dynamic exercises - the McKenzie Method.
I diligently did the exercises, which were quick and easy to fit into my busy schedule. The routine was but a minor inconvenience - far less inconvenient than the horrific pain I had been experiencing. I saw tremendous progress very quickly, within weeks I had extended periods without pain - something I hadn't experienced in months. Joe Jr. adjusted my routine as my symptoms changed and my pain localized, and I increasingly believed I'd found true healing through the McKenzie Method.
Within three months, I was rarely in pain and when I was, I could quickly and effectively reduce symptoms with the exercises. I feel like I have my life back! I am so very grateful to Maccio Physical Therapy for giving me the tools to heal my own body. I tell everyone I know with any sort of joint problems of the wonders of this quick and effective approach. It amazes me that this isn't the first treatment I tried to address spine problems, because it is truly the most phenomenal treatment I've ever encountered. I would turn to the McKenzie Method to address any issue that arose with pain or body mechanics, and Maccio Physical Therapy would be my first stop! I cannot say enough good things about my experience there. The staff is warm, welcoming and prompt. The care is thorough, professional and incredibly effective. The appointments were always on time and never felt rushed. Their goal is to equip you with the tools to heal yourself - something truly rare in a system designed to keep you dependent as a patient.
I strongly encourage anyone with back, neck, or head pain to try this approach, even if it seems like nothing will be able to help. Perhaps this is the one treatment that will give you back a full and pain free life - it certainly was for me."
Elizabeth
" I began physical therapy due to headaches, numbness and neck. When physical therapy was recommended, I was hesitant. I did not want to waste time and co-pay to have a warm pack placed on my neck and maybe some exercises. I had never been to physical therapy, Maccio PT was recommended by a friend.
It worked out very well for me. I was evaluated each visit, taught exercises, and had some hands-on maneuvering of my neck. It seemed to me to be a combination of physical therapy and chiropractic treatment.
I am headache and pain free now, but have exercises prescribed for if these issues come back. I am able to read and work at a computer comfortably now.
The staff was very professional, knowledgeable, friendly, and timely. I would recommend Maccio Physical Therapy and would return if necessary. I really appreciated the text message reminder the day before my appointments. Thank you."
Carol, 2014
"My name is Chelsie and I am 15 years old. About 2 months ago I began coming to Maccio Physical Therapy for my neck. For over a year I was having severe neck pain that was keeping me from doing sports and just everyday things. Joe and Amber showed me specific exercises to do relieve my pain. For the last 2 months of being here and doing those exercises, my pain is much better and is now barely there. I might come back a little once in a while but now I know what exercises to do to relieve it. Now I'm back in MMA and I'm able to exercise without any pain. I am so happy I was recommended to come here by my hairdresser because everyone is very nice here and physical therapy has helped me tremendously."
Chelsie, 2014
I started having neck and shoulder issues in 2006. After the tightness and instability of my shoulder started impacting me daily, I ended up getting shoulder surgery for an enlarged shoulder capsule (from softball pitching). After being cleared to start exercising again, the tightness in my neck still remained. I started going to PT on and off, but nothing seemed to change. So I stopped going for three years - still experiencing tightness every day. I never thought it would get any better, but made the decision to try to get rid of the tightness again anyway. My doctor referred Maccio Physical Therapy and within the first few sessions I already started seeing drastic changes until the tightness in my neck was gone. It is amazing because I thought the constant tightness was something that I would have to deal with every day for the rest of my life. Thank you!
Sam R.
I have been in constant pain for over 10 years due to trauma to my neck. Pain and reduced mobility affected everything I did. Under the care of a neurosurgeon, I began injections in the disks to reduce swelling and relieve pain in my neck. I met Joe at a health fair at just about the same time. The injections seemed to cause more pain so I stopped going for the shots after the second round and kept with the physical therapy. I now am pain free and have more mobility that I have had in years.
Dean
When I first visited Maccio Physical Therapy, I was suffering from headaches and an aching lower back. I had been involved in a car accident a week prior to my visit and my body still had not recovered from the tossing is sustained. I came to see Joe because I was referred by a doctor friend in Chicago - Joe practices the McKenzie method and teaches patients to care for themselves. I liked being an active partner in my recovery. I am now headache free. My lower back doesn't hurt. I am mindful of my posture and have tools to practice if I find myself in discomfort. Thank you!
Stacey
With physical therapy, my terrible headaches have gone! I was really down about them when they told me I was too old for an operation. I am so glad PT was suggested. I was here for the McKenzie Method for my back and it worked. Thank you all so much!
Joan
