Category: Physical Therapy Tips

Older adult improving balance training fall risk with a physical therapist.

Why Balance Training Reduces Fall Risk by Up to 40%

Posted by: in Physical Therapy Tips on March 4, 2026

As we get older, many people start to notice changes in their balance, and these changes make balance training fall risk programs more important than ever. Feeling unsteady is common, but it’s not something you have to accept. With the right exercises, you can improve your stability, move with more confidence, and lower your chances… Read More

Woman holding her lower stomach, showing discomfort that may relate to pelvic floor problems.

Signs You May Benefit From Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy

Posted by: in Physical Therapy Tips on March 2, 2026

Many people experience pelvic floor symptoms like leaking, pressure, or pain but don’t realize these issues are coming from the pelvic floor muscles. These symptoms can feel confusing or even embarrassing, but they are common and very treatable. At Reform Physical Therapy – South Portland, we help women across Maine understand what their bodies are… Read More

Mom holding her toddler with pain from mom shoulder.

Mom Shoulder: Why Lifting Kids Causes Shoulder Pain (and How PT Helps)

Posted by: in Physical Therapy Tips on February 27, 2026

If you’re a mom, you already know your shoulders work overtime. You carry car seats, lift toddlers onto your hip, bend over cribs, drag diaper bags, and reach for everything your kids drop. It’s nonstop. Over time, all that lifting adds up. Before you know it, your shoulder starts to feel sore, tight, or even… Read More

Elderly-man-holding-lower-back-in-pain reform physical therapy

Is It Sciatica or Just Tight Muscles? How to Tell the Difference

Posted by: in Physical Therapy Tips on February 25, 2026

Pain in your lower back or leg can feel confusing, and many people aren’t sure if they’re dealing with sciatica or tight muscles. Both can cause discomfort, but they behave very differently. Understanding the difference early helps you choose the right care and get relief sooner. At Reform Physical Therapy, we help patients across Maine… Read More

How Physical Therapy Helps After a Total Knee Replacement

Posted by: in Physical Therapy Tips on February 23, 2026

Recovering from a total knee replacement can feel overwhelming. But knee replacement physical therapy helps you heal safely and regain strength. After surgery, your knee feels stiff, swollen, and weak. PT gives you clear guidance and steady movement so you can return to daily life with confidence. At Reform Physical Therapy, we help patients across… Read More

Physical therapist evaluating new patient during first session at Reform Physical Therapy.

What to Expect During Your First Week of Physical Therapy

Posted by: in Patient Education & Recovery Guides, Physical Therapy Tips on November 3, 2025

New to PT? Here’s What Happens First Walking into physical therapy for the first time can feel a little uncertain. Will it hurt? What will they make me do? How long will it take to feel better?At Reform Physical Therapy, we want your first week to feel empowering, not intimidating. From your initial evaluation to… Read More

Physical therapist helping an older adult practice balance exercises indoors to prevent winter falls and build leg strength.

From Slippery Sidewalks to Strong Steps: Winter Balance Tips from Our PTs

Posted by: in Fall Prevention & Balance, Healthy Aging & Mobility, Physical Therapy Tips on October 31, 2025

Why Winter Challenges Your Balance Winter in Maine is beautiful — but it can also be a challenge for your footing.From icy sidewalks and snowy driveways to wet entryways, even the simplest walk to your car can turn risky. At Reform Physical Therapy, our team sees an increase in balance-related injuries every winter — slips,… Read More

Physical therapist assessing an athlete’s movement to prevent injury at Reform Physical Therapy.

Why Every Athlete Should See a PT Before They’re Injured

Posted by: in Physical Therapy Tips, Sports Injury Prevention on October 29, 2025

The Smartest Athletes Don’t Wait for Pain Most people think physical therapy starts after something goes wrong — a pulled hamstring, a sprained ankle, or post-surgery rehab. But at Reform Physical Therapy, we see things differently. The best athletes don’t wait for an injury to happen — they work with a PT before it does.Seeing… Read More

Older adult performing safe resistance exercise

Maintaining Strength as You Age: Safe Exercises for Every Decade

Posted by: in Exercise & Strength Training, Healthy Aging & Mobility, Physical Therapy Tips on October 27, 2025

Strength Has No Age Limit Getting older doesn’t mean slowing down — it just means moving smarter.Whether you’re in your 30s, 50s, or 70s, your muscles, bones, and joints thrive when you stay active and strong. At Reform Physical Therapy, we help patients of all ages maintain strength safely through guided movement and personalized exercise… Read More

Physical therapist guiding patient through a stretching warm-up

Why Stretching Feels So Good: The Science Behind Your Warm-Up

Posted by: in Injury Prevention & Recovery, Movement & Mobility Education, Physical Therapy Tips on October 24, 2025

Ever notice how a good stretch can make you feel like a brand-new person? Whether it’s that first big morning stretch or a few shoulder rolls before shoveling snow, there’s a reason your body craves it. At Reform Physical Therapy, we often remind patients that stretching isn’t just about flexibility — it’s about preparing your… Read More