Physical Therapy
Physical therapy centers have many different views on how to practice the art of physical therapy. Some believe that rehab is the main focus and rely on exercise and let the patient work mostly on their own. Others may believe that a hands on approach is the focus and rely on their hand skills to help rehabilitate the patient. Dr. Cristina McDaniel believes that both manual therapy and supervised exercise are equally important and thus, incorporate both aspects into a therapy program specially designed for the patient. Her philosophy is to focus the attention on the patient, being aware of their individual needs, and performing the therapies that will best benefit the patient. Dr. McDaniel combines her expertise and skills, along with an attention to detail to form a comprehensive therapy plan.
Physical Therapy; pre and post surgery
Therapeutic exercise before and after surgery might augment the postoperative outcomes by improving functional status and reducing the complication and mortality rate.
There is high quality evidence that preoperative exercise in patients scheduled for orthopedic surgery is well tolerated and effective. Moreover, there is circumstantial evidence suggesting preoperative exercise for major joint replacement surgery is effective, provided that this is offered to patients.
Postoperative exercise should be initiated as soon as possible after surgery according to fast-track or enhanced recovery after surgery principles.
The perioperative exercise training protocol known under the name ‘Better in, Better out’ could be implemented in clinical care for the types of group of patients scheduled for minor or major elective surgery who are at risk for prolonged hospitalization, complications and/or death. We aim to include this at-risk group, evaluate perioperative high-intensity exercise interventions and conduct adequately powered treatments.
In case of elective surgery, exercise therapy could be initiated preoperatively in patients at risk for unsatisfactory surgical outcomes, and be continued during the early and late postoperative period until maximal recovery of physical function and societal participation is achieved.
Dr. McDaniel, as supervisor of the pre and post operative physical therapy department of one of NYC's (and the USA’s) most prestigious orthopedic hospitals, has many years of experience working with this population and has created a specialized program for the “pre and post op” patients. Her customization of therapeutic exercises to facilitate recovery time is one of her trademarks.
Pilates based Physical Therapy
Pilates have become one of the most sought after exercise programs because it focuses on an entire body workout with an emphasis on posture, core stability, and control of movement. Aren’t these the some of primary goals of physical therapy? So how fitting is it that utilizing the principles and exercises of Pilates incorporated into the PT sessions can only further enhance the physical therapy. Dr. McDaniel utilizes her background in sports medicine PT along with her own personal exercise background to create her unique perspective of Pilates based physical therapy.
Dr. Cristina McDaniel offers treatments for:
re-education
balance/gait
strengthening
orthopedics
neurological disease and impairments
pain management
posture correction
computer related injuries
pre and post natal
post surgical
weight loss
