Pioneer Valley On The Move

Pioneer Valley On The Move Physical Therapy, Running Gait Analysis, Walking Gait Analysis, Movement Assessments

At PVOTM, you will have one-on-one care by myself, a physical therapist and movement specialist. Every client receives individual treatment based on their presentation and goals. I treat those who are injured, and those who are looking for preventative care to avoid injury. I am also a certified running gait analyst, and provide specific movement assessments for runners. Making very specific changes in running alignment can make you more efficient and allow you to run faster and avoid injury.

Quick Tip Tuesday!This is an example of collapsing mechanics while running: loss of knee window (green arrow), and pelvi...
10/07/2025

Quick Tip Tuesday!
This is an example of collapsing mechanics while running: loss of knee window (green arrow), and pelvic drop (red line). Pelvic drop refers to the hip on one side dipping down too much, and a loss of knee window means your knees are coming too close together or even touching.
🦴 Collapsing mechanics can reduce the capacity of bone to absorb force effectively. This is especially detrimental when running downhill (due to the higher forces on the body), and can cause micro stress to the bone.
🦴 This Quick Tip video demonstrates a motor learning drill to improve a hip drop pattern.
If you notice your knees touching each other while running, I would recommend a running gait analysis to improve your individual running mechanics, strength, and mobility to reduce likelihood of injuries.

⛳️ Happy National Golf Lovers Day!Today isn’t just about celebrating the love of the game — it’s also a great reminder o...
10/04/2025

⛳️ Happy National Golf Lovers Day!
Today isn’t just about celebrating the love of the game — it’s also a great reminder of all the health benefits golf provides. Walking the course promotes cardiovascular fitness, swinging builds flexibility, and spending time outdoors helps reduce stress and boost your mood. It’s a sport that blends movement, focus, and social connection — a fun way to support both physical and mental well-being.

My husband and kids started playing golf in our backyard this year, and I love that it’s something they can all enjoy and learn together!

Quick Tip Tuesday!Runners with an anterior pelvic tilt (APT) are more susceptible to hamstring strains because the forwa...
09/30/2025

Quick Tip Tuesday!
Runners with an anterior pelvic tilt (APT) are more susceptible to hamstring strains because the forward-rotated pelvis keeps the hamstrings in a chronically lengthened position, especially near the hip where injuries are most common. In this position, the hamstrings are less efficient at generating force, and the glutes often become inhibited. Glute bridges help address APT by strengthening the glutes, retraining pelvic control through a posterior tilt, and balancing out tight hip flexors, which improves movement efficiency and reduces stress on the lower back.

09/24/2025

Today is National Women’s Health and Fitness Day!

This day brings national attention to preventable health issues such as osteoporosis and breast cancer, which disproportionately affect women. Regular physical activity, especially weight bearing and strength training exercises, can lower your risk of breast cancer and help maintain bone density to prevent osteoporosis. Activities like walking, hiking, and dancing help stimulate bone growth and slow bone loss. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate intensity exercise per week, along with two days of strength training.

09/23/2025

Throw back to one of my favorite quick tips with my awesome helpers!
Warming up and cooling down are two important ways to limit workout-related sprains and strains. This video demonstrates a series of exercises that can be used for a dynamic warmup, especially good for kids. Each exercise should be done for 30 seconds, and can be repeats for a longer warmup. Enjoy!

Quick Tip Tuesday!Adding a fan in front of your treadmill helps mimic outdoor running conditions. When you run outside, ...
09/16/2025

Quick Tip Tuesday!
Adding a fan in front of your treadmill helps mimic outdoor running conditions. When you run outside, air naturally cools your body and provides resistance. On a treadmill, without that airflow, your body heats up more quickly, which can make the run feel harder and increase your perceived effort. A fan keeps you cooler, reduces overheating, and makes your treadmill run feel more like running outdoors.

I love receiving messages like this! This came from a patient diagnosed with a labral tear and hip impingement, who is n...
09/12/2025

I love receiving messages like this! This came from a patient diagnosed with a labral tear and hip impingement, who is now back to running—without needing a cortisone injection or surgery. With movement-based physical therapy and guided return-to-activity, she’s made steady progress. The right movement can be the best medicine!

09/09/2025

Quick Tip Tuesday: run in the middle of a treadmill!
Running in the middle of the treadmill helps you maintain proper posture, allowing for a natural arm swing and a slight forward lean that mimics outdoor running.
Running too far forward on a treadmill can shorten your stride and limit your natural arm swing, making your posture more upright and less efficient. It also increases the chance of bumping the console or gripping the handrails, which disrupts proper running mechanics.

09/02/2025

Quick Tip Tuesday!
Today’s tip is about body mechanics when lifting! Keep your back straight, hinge at your hips and bend at your knees, and hold the weight close to your body. Exhaling as you lift the weight, and inhaling as you lower it helps protect your core and reduces strain. Breathe well, move well, lift well!

08/26/2025

Quick Tip Tuesday!
Is stability a challenge when exercising?

Using a stick during lunges and single leg exercises helps improve stability, making it easier to maintain good posture and alignment. It provides light support to reduce wobbling, allowing you to focus on proper technique and core engagement without the risk of losing balance.

If balance is still a challenge, holding a chair or table gives you more support and stability.

08/19/2025

Today’s quick tip demonstrates diaphragmatic breathing. Diaphragmatic breathing is an effective way to promote relaxation and reduce stress, helping to lower your heart rate by engaging the body’s natural relaxation response.

Address

40 Bowles Road
Agawam, MA
01001

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 1pm
Tuesday 8am - 1pm
Wednesday 8am - 1pm
Thursday 8am - 1pm
Friday 8am - 1pm

Telephone

+14134541674

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Pioneer Valley On The Move posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Practice

Send a message to Pioneer Valley On The Move:

Share

Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on LinkedIn
Share on Pinterest Share on Reddit Share via Email
Share on WhatsApp Share on Instagram Share on Telegram