Physical Therapy & Sports Medicine Centers

13/02/2026

Did you know that stress and anxiety can actually amplify your pain? 💡

It's called the pain-anxiety cycle, and it's more common than you think:

You experience pain → Your stress levels rise → Your muscles tense up → You avoid movement and activities → Your body becomes more sensitive → Pain increases → The cycle continues.

But here's the good news: Your mindset and daily habits can genuinely influence your recovery. 🌟

**Ways to break the cycle:**
• Practice gentle, guided movement (try to find movement that isn't painful)
• Use breathing exercises to calm your nervous system
• Stay engaged in modified versions of activities you enjoy
• Work with a physical therapist who understands the mind-body connection
• Challenge negative thought patterns about your pain

Pain is complex, and it's not "all in your head" - but your brain and body are constantly communicating. When you address both the physical and emotional aspects of pain, you give yourself the best chance at lasting relief.

If you're stuck in this cycle and need support, our team can help you develop a treatment plan that addresses the root causes of your pain, not just the symptoms.

📞 Visit our website or call to schedule an evaluation. Let's work together to get you moving comfortably again.

11/02/2026

Living with scoliosis means managing discomfort—but it doesn't mean you can't do anything to improve your spine or stop it from getting worse.

Jenya came to PTSMC looking for a way to avoid surgery for scoliosis, and through targeted exercises and hands-on PT, she's found real progress.

Every spine is different, and scoliosis requires a personalized approach. Our physical therapists work with you to create a treatment plan that addresses YOUR unique curve, YOUR pain points, and YOUR goals.

If you're dealing with scoliosis-related pain or discomfort, physical therapy can help. Reach out to learn more about how we can support your journey.

10/02/2026

We get it- physical therapy can be intimidating! You might be experiencing pain or discomfort and just want to get back to your life.

That's our goal for you too, to get back to doing the things you love. Today's blog post will empower you with the tools and mindset needed to get the most out of your PT.

Your physical therapy journey extends beyond mere appointments; it's about active participation, understanding your treatment, and becoming the driver of your own success. Let's build a resilient future together, every step of the way. 💪

The true value of physical therapy isn't just in the treatment delivered during sessions, but in the knowledge and skills you gain.

07/02/2026

Winter in New England means beautiful snow... and treacherous ice. ❄️

Every year, we see patients who've suffered injuries from winter slips and falls—from minor bruises to serious fractures that impact daily life for weeks or months.

The good news? Most of these injuries are preventable with the right approach.

5 Tips for Safer Winter Walking:
❄️ Take shorter steps to maintain your center of gravity
❄️ Keep your hands free (not in pockets) for better balance
❄️ Wear footwear with good traction—save the smooth-soled shoes for indoors
❄️ Walk slowly and deliberately on icy patches • Use handrails whenever available

If you do take a fall and experience persistent pain, swelling, or limited mobility, don't wait to seek professional evaluation. Early intervention often leads to better outcomes.

Stay safe out there, everyone! 💙

06/02/2026

We're officially open in Easthampton, MA 🎉

That's right - we are finally expanding into Massachusetts! Our newest clinic is here to serve the Pioneer Valley with the same expert, compassionate care you've come to expect from PTSMC.

Whether you're dealing with pain, recovering from an injury, or working to prevent one, our Easthampton team is ready to help you move better and feel stronger.

Specialties include: ✔️ Orthopedic PT ✔️ Sports Medicine ✔️ Pre/Post-Surgical Care ✔️ Injury Prevention ✔️ Trigger Point Dry Needling

📍 Ready to schedule? Visit ptsmc.com/easthampton or call to book your evaluation.

Welcome to the PTSMC family, Easthampton! 💙

05/02/2026

Physical Therapy and Sports Medicine Centers (PTSMC) clinics recently participated in a fundraising effort to support Honor Flight CT, a nonprofit organization that honors Connecticut veterans by providing them with no-cost trips to Washington, D.C. to visit the national memorials dedicated to their service and sacrifice.

Through the collective efforts of our teams, PTSMC helped raise an impressive $3,651 in support of this meaningful cause. This will help to send a number of local CT veterans to Washington, DC in May 2026. Scott Cameron, Westbrook Partner, shared, “Honor Flight CT has expressed how grateful they are for our support and the effort put into this initiative. This is a meaningful cause, and our engagement truly made an impact.”

Thank you to all who donated to honor our veterans!
Pictured: Scott Cameron with Dan Sparks, President of Honor Flight CT.

04/02/2026

Massage therapy isn't just about relaxation (though that's a nice bonus). For many of our patients, it's been a game-changer for managing chronic pain, reducing muscle tension, improving mobility, and supporting their overall recovery.

Whether you're dealing with persistent tightness, recovering from injury, or looking to complement your physical therapy plan, massage therapy can be a powerful part of your healing journey.

Ready to see what massage therapy can do for you? Visit our website or give us a call to schedule your session at PTSMC Plainville.

03/02/2026

🎉 Congratulations to PTSMC’s 2026 Orthopaedic Residency cohort!

We’re excited to welcome Nick Lopez (New Milford), Katie Reigel (Southington), and Cory Wolski (Avon) as they officially kicked off their first semester on January 27.

PTSMC's Orthopaedic Residency program is designed to help clinicians practice "at the top of their license." Their commitment to continuing education only benefits their patient care.

02/02/2026

We asked the PTSMC team: Patriots or Seahawks? 🏈

The office is getting competitive about it. Now it's your turn—drop your Super Bowl prediction below! Who are you rooting for on February 8th? ⬇️

30/01/2026

Do you ever experience back pain after lifting? Whether it's heavy weights in the gym or boxes, there are multiple reasons your back might hurt.

The first step- don't freak out. Back pain is so common and typically isn't an emergency. Keeping a positive mindset can help with your recovery! Even if you hear a popping noise, it doesn't necessarily indicate an injury.

If you are experiencing severe abdominal pain, fever, or loss of bladder or bowel control, you should seek medical attention.

Read more about the common causes of back pain after lifting (and next steps to take) in today's blog post.

Instead of tolerating discomfort or relying on temporary fixes, consider exploring a comprehensive approach to wellness. It’s time to take control of your health and discover lasting solutions that allow you to move freely and enjoy every moment without pain.

29/01/2026

Fairfield, Wallingford, and Guilford clinicians attended a Cadaver Anatomy Review course with an emphasis on muscles commonly treated with Trigger Point Dry Needling.

This was taught by Chris Petrosino, PT, PHD who is the Chair of Physical Therapy & Human Movement Science and Physical Therapy Professor at Sacred Heart University (and a PT at PTSMC Fairfield).

Why does this matter for patient care? Trigger Point Dry Needling is a technique that uses thin needles to release tight muscle knots (trigger points) that contribute to pain and restricted movement. Our clinicians use this advanced skill to treat conditions like chronic neck and back pain, headaches, sports injuries, and muscular tension.

Continuing education like this ensures our team stays at the forefront of manual therapy techniques, combining hands-on anatomical learning with evidence-based practice. When you come to PTSMC, you're getting care from clinicians who are constantly refining their skills to help you move better and feel better.

28/01/2026

Did you know PTSMC has an accredited Orthopaedic Residency Program? As one of the few private practice residency programs in the state and country, PTSMC's Orthopaedic Residency Program is designed to help clinicians elevate their skills and perform at "the top of their license" and prepare for the orthopaedics specialist certification examination to obtain their OCS certification.

Learn more about the program at: ptsmc.com/careers/orthopaedic-residency/