From the Reform PT Blog


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


Rotator Cuff Surgery? Here’s How PT Supports Shoulder Rehab
Posted by: Reform Physical Therapy in Post-Surgical Rehab on July 28, 2025
Rotator cuff surgery is a big step toward regaining use of your shoulder, especially if you’ve been dealing with pain, weakness, or limited range of motion. But surgery is only part of the journey. What truly determines your outcome is what happens after—and that’s where physical therapy comes in. At Reform Physical Therapy, we guide… Read More


How to Protect Your Back While Lifting Kids, Groceries, and More
Posted by: Reform Physical Therapy in Injury Prevention on July 25, 2025
Back pain is one of the most common reasons people seek physical therapy—and it doesn’t always start with a big injury. Sometimes, it’s the everyday things like lifting your toddler, carrying a heavy grocery bag, or bending awkwardly to pick something up that add up over time. At Reform Physical Therapy, we help people move… Read More


Is Physical Therapy Painful? Debunking the Biggest PT Myths
Posted by: Reform Physical Therapy in Pain Management on July 23, 2025
If you’ve been putting off physical therapy because you’re worried it might hurt—you’re not alone. One of the most common questions we hear at Reform Physical Therapy is:“Is it going to be painful?” The short answer? Physical therapy is not supposed to hurt.Let’s break down this and a few other myths that often stop people… Read More
