Midland Physical Therapy, Inc.

What Happens at Your First Physical Therapy Appointment?

Never been to physical therapy before? Here’s what you can expect.

Your first appointment isn’t just about finding out where you hurt. Your physical therapist will want to understand how the problem is affecting you.

They’ll talk with you about your symptoms, medical history, activities, and goals. Depending on what brings you in, they’ll also evaluate things like movement, strength, mobility, balance, or other areas that may be contributing to the problem.

From there, your therapist can explain what they’re finding and develop an individualized treatment plan to help you work toward your goals.

And yes — treatment can often begin during that first visit!

Whether your goal is getting back to work, returning to a sport, keeping up with your grandkids, or simply getting through the day with less discomfort, that’s what we’re working toward.

Why Doesn’t Stretching Fix My Tight Muscles?

You stretch. It feels better.

Then a few hours later… you’re tight again.

Sound familiar?

That feeling of “tightness” doesn’t always mean a muscle simply needs to be stretched more. Sometimes strength, joint mobility, movement patterns, repetitive positions, or the demands you’re placing on your body can contribute to that sensation.

That’s why endlessly stretching the same area doesn’t always solve the problem.

A physical therapist can look beyond the tight muscle itself and evaluate how your body is moving to determine what may be contributing to the problem.

Sometimes the answer isn’t more stretching — it’s figuring out why you keep feeling like you need to stretch in the first place!

💙 Meet Brandon! 🤍

Next up in our Meet Midland PT series is Brandon Poen, PT, DPT!

Originally from Bourbonnais, Illinois, Brandon earned his undergraduate degree in Pre-Physical Therapy with a minor in Spanish from Northern Illinois University in 2012 before earning his Doctor of Physical Therapy degree there in 2015.

Brandon brings experience treating a wide variety of orthopedic, sports, and neurological conditions, with special interests in spinal pain, weightlifting movements, and running mechanics. He also provides specialized treatment for men experiencing urinary leakage and overactive bladder and is proficient in Spanish.

Brandon is passionate about continuing his education and has completed additional training in orthopedics, sports, fitness, pain, and other areas of physical therapy to help provide individualized care for his patients.

Outside of Midland PT, Brandon enjoys spending time with his wife and friends, running, weightlifting, reading, and rock climbing. And as an Illinois native, he stays loyal to his Chicago teams — especially the Bulls, Blackhawks, and Cubs!

We’re so fortunate to have Brandon’s wide range of knowledge, enthusiasm, and specialized skills as part of the Midland PT team! 💙🤍

Manual Therapy vs. Massage Therapy — What’s the Difference?

Manual therapy and massage therapy both involve hands-on techniques, but they have different goals, training, and applications.

Manual therapy is performed by licensed physical therapists as part of a broader rehabilitation plan. It includes a variety of skilled, hands-on techniques such as joint mobilizations, soft tissue mobilization, myofascial release, and manual stretching. The purpose of manual therapy is to:

- Restore joint mobility and range of motion
- Reduce pain and inflammation
- Improve movement patterns and function
- Address the underlying causes of movement dysfunction

Manual therapy is often combined with exercise, movement retraining, and education to help patients recover from injury, surgery, or chronic conditions, and to improve their ability to perform daily activities.

Massage therapy is provided by licensed massage therapists and focuses primarily on the manipulation of muscles and other soft tissues. The main goals of massage therapy are to:

- Promote relaxation
- Reduce muscle tension and soreness
- Relieve stress
- Enhance general wellness

Massage therapy is generally not intended to address specific movement dysfunctions or underlying orthopedic issues.

Key Differences:
- Training: Manual therapy is performed by physical therapists with advanced education in movement science and rehabilitation. Massage therapists are trained in soft tissue techniques for relaxation and wellness.
- Purpose: Manual therapy targets specific impairments in movement and function. Massage therapy focuses on relaxation and relief of muscle tension.
- Approach: Manual therapy may involve joint and nerve techniques, while massage therapy primarily addresses muscles and soft tissues.

Manual therapy and massage therapy both use hands-on care, but manual therapy is a specialized intervention within physical therapy designed to restore movement and function, while massage therapy is primarily for relaxation and general wellness. Both can be beneficial, but they serve different roles in your health care!

🟢 MONDAY MOVEMENT MINUTE: What Is Manual Therapy?

You’ve probably heard us mention manual therapy — but what exactly does that mean?

Manual therapy refers to skilled, hands-on techniques physical therapists may use as part of treatment. Depending on your individual needs, this can include techniques directed at joints, muscles, and other soft tissues to help improve mobility, decrease pain, and improve function.

But manual therapy isn’t a one-size-fits-all treatment — and it isn’t the entire treatment plan.

At Midland Physical Therapy, hands-on treatment can be combined with individualized exercise, movement, education, and other techniques based on what you need.

It’s one of the things we’re passionate about: combining skilled hands-on care with a treatment plan designed for the individual in front of us.

What Does Dry Needling Actually Do?

You’ve heard of dry needling…but what exactly is it?

Dry needling is a technique that specially trained physical therapists may use as part of a treatment plan. A very thin needle is inserted into specific areas of muscle or tissue based on the patient’s symptoms and clinical findings.

Depending on the condition and treatment goals, dry needling may be used to help address pain, muscle tension, and movement limitations.

And despite the needles, it isn’t acupuncture! While both use thin needles, dry needling and acupuncture come from different clinical approaches and are used differently.

Most importantly, dry needling isn’t automatically appropriate for every person or every condition. It’s one tool a physical therapist may incorporate into an individualized treatment plan when appropriate.

Have you ever tried dry needling?

💙 Meet Jeff! 🤍

Next up in our Meet Midland PT series is Jeff Pierce, PT!

A Midland native, Jeff earned his Physical Therapy degree from The Medical College of Georgia in 1988, followed by a certificate in Athletic Training from Samford University in 1990.

Jeff’s passion for treating musculoskeletal injuries was inspired by his own experiences participating in youth and high school sports. He has a particular interest in helping patients with shoulder dysfunction and getting them back to the activities they enjoy.

Outside of Midland PT, Jeff stays active with yoga, bike riding, hiking, and bowling. He’s also a cat lover and enjoys cheering on MSU basketball!

We’re so fortunate to have Jeff’s knowledge, experience, and dedication to helping his patients as part of the Midland PT team! 💙🤍

🟢 MONDAY MOVEMENT MINUTE: When Should You See a PT for Shoulder Pain?

Shoulder pain can make surprisingly simple things difficult — reaching into a cabinet, putting on a jacket, washing your hair, sleeping comfortably, or reaching behind your back.

While occasional soreness may settle on its own, pain that keeps returning, limits your movement, interferes with sleep, or makes everyday activities difficult may be worth having evaluated.

Shoulder pain can have many different contributing factors, which is why figuring out why something hurts is important.

A physical therapist can assess your strength, mobility, movement, and function to help determine what may be contributing to your symptoms and develop an individualized treatment plan.

You don’t have to wait until you can barely use your arm before asking for help!

💙 Meet the Team: Sara Green, PT, DPT 💙

Today’s Meet the Team post is a bittersweet one, as we’ll soon be saying goodbye to Sara after her time with us at Midland Physical Therapy.

Sara earned her Doctorate of Physical Therapy from Central Michigan University in 2009 and has more than 17 years of experience as a physical therapist. Throughout her career, she has worked with patients in a variety of settings, bringing her experience, compassion, and dedication to each person she cares for.

Outside of the clinic, Sara enjoys spending time with her family, especially her two boys. 💙

We are so thankful to have had Sara as part of the Midland PT family. She has made a difference not only to our team, but to so many of the patients who have trusted her with their care. We know her patients will miss her just as much as we will!

Sara, thank you for everything you’ve given to Midland Physical Therapy and our patients. We wish you all the best in your next chapter — you will truly be missed! 💙

🟢 MONDAY MOVEMENT MINUTE: Why Does My Knee Hurt Going Downstairs?

Going UP the stairs is hard work, but have you ever noticed that your knee actually hurts more going DOWN?

Going downstairs requires your muscles to control your body as you lower your weight onto the next step. When strength, mobility, or movement mechanics aren’t working together as well as they could, your knee may end up taking more stress than it likes.

And the knee itself isn’t always the only thing worth looking at! Hip strength, ankle mobility, and the way you move can all influence what’s happening at your knee.

A physical therapist can evaluate the whole picture — not just the spot that hurts — and determine what may be contributing to your symptoms.

If you’ve started dreading the trip downstairs, your knee might be trying to tell you something!