Physical Therapy Services

Physical Therapy Services provides evaluation and treatment of musculoskeletal problems. The department specializes in rehabilitation for performance and sports injuries, orthopedic disorders, overuse syndromes, and traumatic injuries. This unit is staffed with full-time physical therapists, a physical therapy assistant, and rehabilitation aides. Many of the therapists hold academic appointments with the Department of Physical Therapy at the Steinhardt School of Culture, Education, and Human Development.

Rehabilitation programs include manual therapy techniques, progressive exercise programs, and up-to-date equipment for treatment and testing. The department is housed in a state-of-the-art facility with a full gym featuring cardio and strength training exercise. Private treatment rooms are available.

As per SHC guidelines, a referral is required to receive treatment from Physical Therapy Services.

1. Keep feet on the ground. Make sure that your feet are touching the floor or a footrest when seated. Knees should be at a 90-degree angle. This distributes weight better and takes pressure off the upper body. Consider investing in a height-adjustable chair, or use a stool.
2. Sit up straight. Make sure that you sit tall with weight on the buttocks and feet. The pelvis should be straight up and down. Chairs with adjustable backs and arms aid in proper sitting posture.
3. Eyes level with screen. A good rule of thumb is to make sure the top of your head is parallel with the top of the screen “top-to-top.” Anything less could lead to neck strain.
4. Forearms parallel. Make sure that your forearms are parallel to the floor and the elbows are at a 90-degree-angle. Your forearms should rest on chair arms or on your desk to bear your upper body weight.
5. Shoulder blades settled. Shoulder blades should be settled on the back of the ribs, not in an arched or hunched position. This includes while talking on the telephone. Use a speakerphone, telephone headset, or cradle/shoulder rest for the telephone headset. These will help prevent unnecessary neck strain.
6. Correct mouse positioning. Place your mouse near the keyboard so you do not have to reach for it. Reaching for the mouse can over-stretch and fatigue your muscles.
7. Rest the eyes. Look away from the computer as often as possible and focus on distant objects. Staring uninterrupted at a computer screen for long periods of time can cause eyestrain and headaches. An anti-glare screen can help prevent eyestrain.
8. Take a break. Take a break from the computer at least every 20 minutes.
9. Stretch and move. Do stretches such as head turns, shoulder rolls, and marching in place while seated.
10. Watch for problems. Pay attention to warning signs such as headaches, fatigue, muscle pain, or cramping and make adjustments early.

Compiled from information available through the American Physical Therapy Association.

1. Wear both straps. Use of one strap causes uneven distribution of the weight of the backpack. By wearing both shoulder straps, the weight is better distributed thus promoting a symmetrical and well-aligned posture
2. Wear the backpack over the strongest back muscles. The backpack should rest evenly on the middle of the back near your center of gravity. It should not extend below the low back. Shoulder straps should be adjusted to allow you to put on and take off the backpack easily and allow for free movement of your arms.
3. When buying a backpack, consider the following:
   • Look for a padded back to reduce pressure on back, shoulders and underarm regions and wide, padded shoulder straps.
   • Narrow straps can hinder circulation, cause numbness or tingling in the arms and may cause weakness in the hands.
   • Hip and chest belts transfer some of the backpack weight from the back and shoulders to the hips and torso and multiple compartments help to better distribute the weight of the backpack while keeping items secure and easily accessible.
4. Lighten the load. Keep the load at 10-15 percent of your body weight. Carry only those items that are essential for the day and organize the content by placing the heaviest items close to the back. If you need to carry a lot, consider a backpack with wheels.