From the Reform PT Blog
No, You Don’t Have to “Push Through” Pain to Get Better
Posted by: in Pain Management on August 25, 2025
The “Push Through It” Myth Many people believe that working through pain is a sign of determination — that the only way to recover from injury or surgery is to grit your teeth and keep going. But here’s the truth: pain is a signal, not a challenge to overcome at all costs. While some mild… Read More
How to Stay Injury-Free During Maine’s Hiking Season
Posted by: in Injury Prevention on August 22, 2025
Hiking in Maine: Beauty Meets Challenge From the rugged peaks of Acadia National Park to the peaceful trails of Bradbury Mountain, Maine offers some of the most breathtaking hiking in the country. But with uneven terrain, steep climbs, and unpredictable weather, the hiking season can also bring a higher risk of injury. Whether you’re a… Read More
Growing Pains in Kids: When to See a Physical Therapist
Posted by: in Pediatric Physical Therapy on August 20, 2025
Understanding Growing Pains It’s common for kids to wake up in the middle of the night with aching legs, especially during growth spurts. These episodes are often referred to as growing pains — a term used to describe muscle discomfort in children that isn’t linked to an injury or illness. While most growing pains are… Read More
Pain Science 101: How Your Brain Influences Recovery
Posted by: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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