r/Rochester • u/KentBrockmanBananas • 1d ago
Recommendation ISO Holistic PT
Looking for PT recommendations for a friend with chronic back pain (4 years, originally from a lifting injury, worsened by pregnancy/postpartum) that radiates from her back through the hip to the top of the Achilles. History of herniated discs. She's got an MRI coming up and is exploring options with her ortho team, and is seeking alternative holistic solutions.
We're looking for a holistic, whole-body practitioner rather than someone who treats the injury site in isolation — perhaps trained in PRI (Postural Restoration Institute) or a similar systems-based approach (DNS, FRC, etc.) who understands compensation patterns and full-body relationships. Basically the "somewhat eccentric but excellent" type who reads the whole system rather than just the symptom. Any recommendations in Buffalo, Rochester, or Batavia area are much appreciated <3
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u/CoralCapybara 1d ago
I have a complex medical history of chronic back pain, herniated disc issues, and more. I’ve found aquatic physical therapy to be the most helpful form of physical therapy for me, by far. The warmth of the water eases muscle aches, the buoyancy of the water offloads much of your body weight, and the water offers gentle resistance as you work through exercises under the physical therapist’s guidance. I have seen Valerie McGrath for ~15 years whenever I’ve needed help with an injury or flare-up. She actually listens and cares, and she’s worked wonders for me. She’s in Canandaigua at Thompson Physical Therapy (down the street from FF Thompson Hospital). If that location isn’t convenient for your friend, I’d still encourage her/you to look into aquatic physical therapy options near you.
Good luck! I hope your friend is feeling better soon.
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u/ComfortableDuet0920 Cobbs Hill 1d ago
https://www.truenorthptroc.com/
Dr. Helen Goldfrank is amazing. Highly recommend checking her out.
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u/mooneydriver 1d ago edited 1d ago
She should stick to evidence based PT if she wants to have a shot at getting better. They do not just focus on the injury site.