expert type icon EXPERT

Dr. Ruth Anne Reid-thornton, M.D.

Physiatrist (Physical Medicine)

Dr. Ruth Reid-Thornton is a physiatrist practicing in Brooklyn, NY. Dr. Reid-Thornton is a medical doctor specializing in physical medicine and rehabilitation. As a physiatrist, Dr. Reid-Thornton focuses on a patients ability to function, and can treat multiple conditions that affect the brain, nerves, spine, bones, muscles, joints, ligaments and tendons. Dr. Reid-Thornton can diagnose and treat pain that is a result of injury, disease or a disabling condition. Physiatrists often lead a team of physical therapists, occupational therapists and physicians in a patients treatment or prevention plan.
Dr. Ruth Reid-Thornton, M.D.
  • Brooklyn, NY
  • Howard University Medical School
  • Accepting new patients

What can I do about my shoulder pain?

Hi. I have posted a few shoulder exercises on my FB and IG pages. They help if you have pain and decreased range of motion. You should see your health care provider so you can READ MORE
Hi. I have posted a few shoulder exercises on my FB and IG pages. They help if you have pain and decreased range of motion. You should see your health care provider so you can know the cause of the pain. You may need to work with a physical or occupational therapist.

Is physical therapy useful?

Absolutely Physical Therapy is useful. The sooner after the accident the better. I would add, though, make sure you go to a reputable therapy center. Check put reviews that other READ MORE
Absolutely Physical Therapy is useful. The sooner after the accident the better. I would add, though, make sure you go to a reputable therapy center. Check put reviews that other patients have posted about it. Some places that deal with no fault or worker's comp are unfortunately just in it for the money and hire less than qualified people, therapy aides and no licensed therapists actually work there. If you're not given therapeutic exercises, at least after the first couple of visits, find somewhere else. Physical therapy is much more than hot packs and TENS units. Hope that helps. You can find suggested exercises on my FB or IG pages @chronicpainrescue. Feel better soon

Can physical therapy help a pinched nerve?

Physical therapy can help with pinched nerves. They will also give you exercises to do at home and when you're better and have been discharged from therapy, you should continue READ MORE
Physical therapy can help with pinched nerves. They will also give you exercises to do at home and when you're better and have been discharged from therapy, you should continue to do the home exercises to stay well

Is physical therapy effective?

Physical therapy is effective. The therapist can give you therapeutic exercises to stretch and strengthen. They can also teach you techniques to avoid having whatever problem you READ MORE
Physical therapy is effective. The therapist can give you therapeutic exercises to stretch and strengthen. They can also teach you techniques to avoid having whatever problem you have

Why does my knee hurt?

What you're describing sounds like patellofemoral syndrome. Pain is at the front of the knee or around the knee cap. Check out my page on FB, YT or IG @chronicpainrescue for exercises READ MORE
What you're describing sounds like patellofemoral syndrome. Pain is at the front of the knee or around the knee cap. Check out my page on FB, YT or IG @chronicpainrescue for exercises for knee pain. And if you would like to work one on one with me, you can schedule an appointment on my website www.chronicpainrescue.com.

Do physiatrists prescribe meds?

Yes physiatrists are medical doctors and we do prescribe medications

What can we do for daughter's turf toe?

Mild cases of turf toe respond to rest, ice and elevation. You may also want to get her a turf toe brace to immobilize the toe for several weeks. Only severe cases require surgery. READ MORE
Mild cases of turf toe respond to rest, ice and elevation. You may also want to get her a turf toe brace to immobilize the toe for several weeks. Only severe cases require surgery. See your doctor again in a couple of weeks if she's not better.

How can I improve my walking after ankle surgery?

I suggest you see a physical therapist who can work with you to improve your walking

Swollen knee?

If you had trauma to the knee it could be a hematoma collection of blood. Most likely it is fluid from inflammation. You also could have an infected knee, in which case it would READ MORE
If you had trauma to the knee it could be a hematoma collection of blood. Most likely it is fluid from inflammation. You also could have an infected knee, in which case it would be pus. You should see your primary care provider.

How long is physical therapy after finger surgery?

The length of time for therapy after any surgery varies. Many require 6 months of therapy, some less, dome more.

How long does it take to get strength back after COVID?

Hi. I do not know the answer to that. Many people are getting Long Covid, meaning they have symptoms persisting Long after the active infection was treated. You should have physical READ MORE
Hi. I do not know the answer to that. Many people are getting Long Covid, meaning they have symptoms persisting Long after the active infection was treated. You should have physical therapy or at least a home exercise program. Eat lots of fruits, vegetables-look for the anti-inflammatory diet on my social media posts. There are also Long covid support groups which may be of hrlp.yo you. If you need further assistance from me please check out my website where you can make an appointment. Or you can sign up for a free 30 minutes phone consultation found on my social media platforms. Best to you, Dr. Ruth

Can tight neck muscles cause difficulty breathing?

Hi, I would need more information to better answer your question. Generally when people talk about tight neck muscles they are talking about muscles at the back and sides of the READ MORE
Hi, I would need more information to better answer your question. Generally when people talk about tight neck muscles they are talking about muscles at the back and sides of the neck. These would not affect breathing. However it is possible that there is a connection if your difficulty breathing is due to stress, anxiety or panic attacks. Stress and tension can cause neck pain and tightness as welll as difficulty breathing. As stated I would need more information to answer this. If you would like my help or more information check out my social media posts or go to.my website: www.chronicpainrescue.com

How do I get my sciatic nerve to stop hurting?

Sciatic nerve pain can be helped with certain exercises including stretches of the back and hamstrings pkys exercises to strengthen core muscles. I have had heat success using READ MORE
Sciatic nerve pain can be helped with certain exercises including stretches of the back and hamstrings pkys exercises to strengthen core muscles. I have had heat success using homeopathy medicines for nerve pain such as sciatica. They are safe, inexpensive, don't interact with other prescriptions. If your pain has been persistent at least 2 weeks, yes-yoi should see a doctor.. if you would like to work with me or find more information to help your sciatica, check out my posts on social media or visit my website: www.chronicpainrescue.com

Can migraine headaches be cured by physiotherapy?

I believe exercise is medicine so certainly physical therapy can help. Sometimes what people call migraine headaches are not actually migraines. And some migraine headaches require READ MORE
I believe exercise is medicine so certainly physical therapy can help. Sometimes what people call migraine headaches are not actually migraines. And some migraine headaches require other interventions than physical therapy. If I can be of further assistance please look for my social media posts or check out my website: www.chronicpainrescue.com

Does physical therapy help shoulder impingement?

Absolutely PT can help with shoulder impingement. You should have relief within 2 or 3 months, especially if you do assigned home exercises in addition to the therapy sessions. READ MORE
Absolutely PT can help with shoulder impingement. You should have relief within 2 or 3 months, especially if you do assigned home exercises in addition to the therapy sessions. There are some people that do not respond to therapy. In which case an MRI of the shoulder and a referral to an orthopedic surgeon may be needed. If you would like more help or assistance from me please visit my social media posts or my website : www.chronicpainrescue.com

Is physical therapy necessary after foot surgery?

Hi, physical therapy is necessary for most people after surgery in order to regain strength, range off motion, balance and functional mobility. If you already can do everything READ MORE
Hi, physical therapy is necessary for most people after surgery in order to regain strength, range off motion, balance and functional mobility. If you already can do everything than you don't need it. At least see physical therapist for the evaluation. If you and they agree that your fully independent, then no further intervention is needed

What are good activities for stroke patients?

Sorry that you had a stroke. 3 months ago. If you're able to ask questions in an email that suggests to me that your stroke was not severe. Recovery from stroke can be immediate READ MORE
Sorry that you had a stroke. 3 months ago. If you're able to ask questions in an email that suggests to me that your stroke was not severe. Recovery from stroke can be immediate ( like with a TIA-transienr is chemical attack() or typically can take up to 2 years. Our brains have neuroplasticity which means it can modify. New nerve networks can form and grow, replacing nerves which died during the, stroke with mew ones. In fact there are many cases where people had neurological Recovery years after the stroke. So, exercises that are good include walking and anything that cause you to exercise ghe part of the body that became weak from.the stroke. I've heard of domeone who had a paralyzed hand who took swimming lessons 26 years after the stroke and the hard started working again. Best to you and if you need further assistance please check out my social media posts and/or my website: www.chronicpainrescue.com

Does tennis elbow require surgery?

Usually tennis elbow is treated without surgery. You should see an occupational therapist who will give you exercises

What is the best doctor to see for back pain?

You can start with your primary care doctor. My opinion is the best doc to see first (or after your pcp) is a physiatrist or physical medicine and rehabilitation specialist (my READ MORE
You can start with your primary care doctor. My opinion is the best doc to see first (or after your pcp) is a physiatrist or physical medicine and rehabilitation specialist (my specialty). After an interview and exam they can determine your diagnosis or cause of your pain, refer you for physical therapy, prescribe pain medications, or depending on their skill sets and your needs may perform procedures to help relieve pain faster. If 2 to 3 months of PT is ineffective then other specialists or studies are needed. If you need further assistance from me please visit my social media pages or website: www.chronicpainrescue.com

Can a chiropractor help with dislocation?

Depending on the extent of your dislocation you may need surgery. You can get more than one opinion to decide. When deciding on a chiropractor it's good to see of other patients READ MORE
Depending on the extent of your dislocation you may need surgery. You can get more than one opinion to decide. When deciding on a chiropractor it's good to see of other patients are happy with their cars. If I can be of any assistance reach out on social media or via my website: chronicpainrescue.com