Author: Brittany Hutchings
Pain Science 101: How Your Brain Influences Recovery
Posted by: Reform Physical Therapy in Pain Management on August 18, 2025
Understanding Pain Beyond the Injury When you think of pain, it’s natural to picture the injured body part — an ankle sprain, a sore shoulder, a stiff back. But pain isn’t just a signal from your body; it’s an experience created and processed by your brain. This means that your thoughts, emotions, stress levels, and… Read More
Everyday Movements That Secretly Improve Your Strength
Posted by: Reform Physical Therapy in Functional Fitness on August 15, 2025
Strength Training Isn’t Just for the Gym When most people think of building strength, they picture weight racks, dumbbells, and resistance bands. But the truth is, your body is building — or losing — strength every single day based on the way you move. At Reform Physical Therapy, we remind patients that strength comes from… Read More
The Link Between Jaw Pain and Neck Tension (and How PT Can Help)
Posted by: Reform Physical Therapy in Pain Management on August 13, 2025
When Jaw Pain and Neck Pain Are Connected Most people think of jaw pain as a dental problem and neck pain as a posture issue. But in many cases, they’re closely linked — and if you’ve been treating one without addressing the other, you may be missing the real solution. At Reform Physical Therapy, we… Read More
How South Portland’s Coastal Weather Affects Joint Pain (and What You Can Do)
Posted by: Reform Physical Therapy in Joint Pain & Arthritis on August 13, 2025
Living in South Portland comes with its perks—gorgeous ocean views, fresh sea breezes, and a vibrant coastal community. But if you’ve noticed your joints aching more when the weather changes, you’re not imagining it. Coastal climates can play a big role in how our bodies feel, especially when it comes to joint health. Let’s break… Read More
The “Mom Shoulder” Fix: How to Prevent Pain from Carrying Car Seats
Posted by: Reform Physical Therapy in Injury Prevention, Injury Recovery on August 11, 2025
Shoulder Pain Isn’t Just a Gym Injury If you’re a parent of young kids, chances are your shoulder pain isn’t from lifting weights — it’s from lifting car seats. While parenting doesn’t come with a manual, it does come with repetitive motions that can lead to serious strain, especially on the shoulder, neck, and upper… Read More
Injury Prevention for Weekend Warriors: What Every Active Adult Should Know
Posted by: Reform Physical Therapy in Injury Prevention on August 8, 2025
Stay Active Without Getting Sidelined Whether it’s hiking, biking, pickleball, or your local rec league, weekends are when many adults finally get the chance to move—and move hard. But with that burst of activity often comes one big risk: injury. If you’re someone who goes from desk to deadlift with little in-between, you might be… Read More
Think You Have to Go Where Your Doctor Refers You? Think Again.
Posted by: Reform Physical Therapy in Patient Education, Uncategorized on August 6, 2025
You Have the Right to Choose Many patients leave their doctor’s office with a referral in hand, assuming it’s the only option available. This is one of the most common misconceptions in healthcare—and one that can directly affect your experience, convenience, and outcomes. Here’s the truth:Referrals are recommendations, not requirements. When it comes to physical… Read More
Tips From Our PTs: Staying Active Through Every Season in Maine
Posted by: Reform Physical Therapy in Community & Outreach on August 4, 2025
In Maine, each season brings its own personality—from snowy winters and muddy springs to humid summers and crisp autumns. Staying active year-round can be a challenge when the weather—and terrain—constantly shifts, but it’s also one of the best things you can do for your long-term health and mobility. At Reform Physical Therapy, we encourage consistent… Read More
How Hormonal Changes Impact Mobility and What You Can Do
Posted by: Reform Physical Therapy in Women’s Health on August 1, 2025
Hormonal shifts affect far more than just mood or energy. For many women, these changes also impact joint health, flexibility, muscle strength, and overall mobility. Whether you’re navigating pregnancy, perimenopause, menopause, or postpartum recovery, it’s common to feel like your body suddenly moves—or responds—differently than it used to. At Reform Physical Therapy, we often hear… Read More
Best At-Home Exercises for Preventing Joint Pain
Posted by: Reform Physical Therapy in Injury Prevention on July 30, 2025
Joint pain can creep in slowly—often without a clear cause. One day your knees feel stiff when climbing stairs, or your shoulders ache after reaching overhead. The reality is that many of these issues stem from small habits that build up over time: poor posture, limited movement, muscle imbalances, or even sitting too much. The… Read More