Rehabilitation Assoc. of Long Island

At Rehabilitation Assoc. of Long Island you will receive evaluation and treatment by a team of therapists with over 30 years of experience. The team is headed by Dr. Walter Gaudino. He graduated from Columbia University with an M.S. in Physical Therapy and then went onto become a Physician who specializes in Musculoskeletal and Neurologic Rehabilitation. Each patient is evaluated by Dr. Gaudino and then treated by him and his staff. Each patient receives treatment by the same practitioner to ensure continuity of care. Our office is conveniently located in Syosset on Jericho Turnpike. We have a full gymnasium, traction and disc decompression machines; Neuromove (Biofeedback triggered electric stimulation) ; electrotherapy; ultrasound. Our office is handicapped accessible. Special Services include: Spasticity treatment with Botox Motor recovery Electro diagnostic testing Osteopathic manual therapy Injection Therapy Testimonials: "After a few months of treatment my back pain is gone and I no longer have balance issues" Narinder B. "The quality of care I received from Dr. Gaudino and his staff was outstanding. The Dr. took time and effort to relieve my shoulder pain" Bob T. "When I first arrived at Rehabilitation Assoc. I could not move my arm. After hands on therapy and exercise, my pain was gone and I had full range of motion back thanks to Dr. Gaudino" Hank V. Patient Information on selected topics: 1.Herniated Disc Disease What is a herniated disc? Discs are small, circular cushions between the bones of the spine (vertebrae). Normally, discs act as shock absorbers to cushion your vertebrae from each other as you move. A herniated disc is a disc that has bulged out from its proper place in your back. A herniated disc may press on nearby nerves and cause severe pain. How does it occur? When a disc is damaged, the soft rubbery center of the disc squeezes out through a weak point in the hard outer layer. A disc may be damaged by an accident or by repetitive wear and tear on your back. Many times people can not recall a specific inciting event. What are the symptoms? Symptoms include: • Back pain • Numbness, tingling, pain, or weakness in one or both legs (this is called sciatica) • Changes in bladder and bowel habits. Symptoms of a herniated disc in your neck may also develop gradually or suddenly. You may wake up and feel a sudden aching. Or you may have a twisted neck that you cannot straighten without extreme pain. You may also have numbness, tingling, or weakness in one or both arms. How is it diagnosed? The first step to diagnosis is a thorough history and physical examination of the affected areas. You may have one or more of the following tests: • X-rays of your spine. • M.R.I or CT scan of the affected area. • Electromyography and nerve conduction tests tell how the muscles and nerves are functioning. Treatment: Over 90% of patients do well with non- surgical treatment. With proper care most of the herniated discs resolve within 3 to 6 months. Do Not rush into surgery. The first step in treatment is to relieve the pain. Many treatments are available: • Spinal decompression, segmental traction and spinal manipulation. • Physical therapy including heat, cold, and electric treatments. • Medications including nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories, such as Motrin, muscle relaxers, oral steroids, and pain medications • Trigger point and Epidural steroid injections. As your pain lessens, exercises to strengthen your back muscles and joints are essential to prevent further episodes of pain. This therapy involves learning how to control the movement of your spine to prevent another episode of back pain. 2. Shoulder Pain: Shoulder problems are common. At least 5% of the general population will experience an episode of shoulder pain during the year. The prevalence of shoulder dysfunction is higher in some sports and occupations, such as tennis and electrical work. Evaluation: Sometimes it is difficult to diagnose the cause of the pain. Shoulder movement is very complex and involves many muscles and joints. Shoulder pain may also be refereed from a pinched nerve in the neck. The most common causes of shoulder pain are bursitis, rotator cuff syndrome, arthritis, bicipital tendinitis and cervical radiculopathy. Dr Gaudino will review your symptoms and give you a through examination to find out the cause of your shoulder pain. You may need X-rays and other tests to pinpoint the cause of your pain. After making the diagnosis a personalized treatment plan will be implemented for you. Treatment: In general the first goal of treatment is to relieve pain. Then the goal is to prevent further episodes of shoulder pain. Treatments may include: • Physical Therapy treatments using electrical stimulation, heat, cold, ultrasound, manipulation, and exercise. • Anti-inflammatory medication or other pain medications • Injection of lidocaine and corticosteroid medication into certain areas around the shoulder to reduce inflammation and pain. The goal of rehabilitation is to relieve your pain and return your shoulder to normal function. Everyone recovers from injury at a different rate. By participating in a rehabilitation program you will be able to relieve the acute pain and help prevent further episodes of shoulder pain.