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Dr. Thomas Dipaolo, DPT

Physical Therapist

Dr. Thomas DiPaolo, DPT, owner of FYZICAL Therapy & Balance Center in Colonia, NJ is the top balance specialist. With a passion for the field and an unwavering commitment to his specialty, Dr. Thomas DiPaolo, DPT is an expert in changing the lives of his patients for the better. Through his designated cause and expertise in the field, Dr. Thomas DiPaolo, DPT is a prime example of a true leader in healthcare. As a leader and expert in his field, Dr. Thomas DiPaolo, DPT is passionate about enhancing patient quality of life. He embodies the values of communication, safety, and trust when dealing directly with patients. Dr. Thomas DiPaolo, DPT is a true asset to his field and dedicated to the profession of Physical Therapy.
Dr. Thomas Dipaolo, DPT
Specializes in:
  • Physical Therapy
  • Fanwood, NJ
  • Accepting new patients

Residual pain from a broken heel?

Dear Sir, I understand completely why youre hesitant about ankle fusion, especially given your current level of activity. Its commendable that youve maintained such an active lifestyle. READ MORE
Dear Sir, I understand completely why youre hesitant about ankle fusion, especially given your current level of activity. Its commendable that youve maintained such an active lifestyle. Given your history, its not uncommon to experience persistent pain, even after initial healing. While the bone itself may have healed, such significant trauma can lead to a cascade of issues over time, impacting the surrounding soft tissues, joint mechanics, and potentially leading to arthritic changes. Its also very possible that a significant component of your pain is indeed related to soft tissue dysfunction. This could include Scar tissue limitations The healing process itself can lead to restricted soft tissue mobility around the ankle, affecting normal movement patterns. Muscle imbalances and weakness Over time, you may have developed compensatory movement patterns to avoid pain, leading to some muscles becoming weak or overused. Ligamentous laxity or tightness The ligaments supporting the ankle could have been affected by the initial trauma, leading to instability or stiffness. Nerve irritation Sometimes, nerves in the area can become entrapped or irritated due to swelling, scar tissue, or altered mechanics. Tendinopathy Chronic stress on the tendons around the ankle due to altered biomechanics can also lead to pain. Regarding your question about other treatment options beyond surgery, as a physical therapist, my primary focus is to explore and optimize conservative management strategies before considering invasive procedures. Here are several options 1. Comprehensive Physical Therapy Evaluation and Treatment This would be my first and strongest recommendation, looking at Mobility Assessing the range of motion in your ankle, subtalar joint, and midfoot. Strength Evaluating the strength of all the muscles surrounding your ankle and lower leg. Balance and Proprioception How your body senses its position in space, which is often compromised after significant injury. Gait Analysis Observing your walking pattern to identify any compensatory movements or inefficiencies. Soft Tissue Assessment Palpating for areas of tenderness, tightness, or scar tissue. Based on this, your treatment plan could include Manual Therapy Handson techniques to improve joint mobility, reduce soft tissue restrictions, and address scar tissue. This could involve joint mobilizations, soft tissue massage, and stretching. Therapeutic Exercise Targeted exercises to improve strength, flexibility, balance, and coordination of the muscles around your ankle and lower leg. We would focus on restoring optimal movement patterns. Neuromuscular Reeducation Exercises to retrain your nervous system to control your ankle and foot more efficiently. Modalities As appropriate, we might use modalities like Cold laser, electrical stimulation, or coldheat therapy to manage pain and inflammation. Activity Modification and Pacing Strategies Wed discuss how to manage your daily activities and exercise to minimize pain flares while still staying active. 2. Optimizing Orthotics and Footwear You mentioned using custom orthotics from the VA, which is excellent. Sometimes, slight adjustments or a different type of orthotic can make a significant difference in pressure distribution and pain relief, especially if your foot mechanics have changed over time. 3. Corticosteroid Injections Cortisone You asked about cortisone. Yes, a corticosteroid injection can certainly be an option. Its important to understand that cortisone typically provides temporary relief by reducing inflammation, but it doesnt address the underlying mechanical issues. It can, however, be a valuable tool to reduce pain enough to allow you to participate more effectively in physical therapy and strengthen the surrounding structures. This would be a discussion to have with your physician, but its certainly a path worth exploring. 4. Other Injection Therapies While cortisone is the most common, your physician might also consider other injections, such as Hyaluronic Acid Injections Less common in the ankle but sometimes used for joint lubrication. PlateletRich Plasma PRP or Prolotherapy These are more advanced options that aim to stimulate healing, but their effectiveness for chronic calcaneal pain needs to be discussed with a specialist. 5. Pain Management Consultation If conservative physical therapy and injections dont provide sufficient relief, a pain management specialist could offer additional strategies. This might include nerve blocks or other interventional procedures, always with the goal of improving your quality of life and function. 6. Acupuncture or Dry Needling Some patients find relief from chronic pain through these alternative therapies, which can target trigger points or nerve pathways to reduce pain. Its crucial to understand that fusion is a significant and irreversible surgery. While it can effectively eliminate pain from a severely arthritic joint by stopping motion, it inherently leads to a loss of mobility, which is precisely your concern. Given your current functional level, I strongly advocate for exhausting all conservative, nonsurgical options first. I recommend scheduling an initial evaluation with a physical therapy to thoroughly assess your situation and develop a personalized treatment plan aimed at addressing the root causes of your pain, not just the symptoms. Good luck!

How long is physical therapy for a child?

This answer really depends on the severity of the injury. A basic ankle sprain is expected to take 2-6 weeks of PT to heal fully.

How does physical therapy help sports injuries?

Absolutely! PT will make your son feel better, will properly manage pain and swelling and will make sure he doesn't compensate in a way that could lead to additional injury.

Is physical therapy recommended after back surgery?

Absolutely! However, you will likely need to wait a few weeks to allow sufficient healing time. Consult with your surgeon regarding how long to wait and get into PT as soon as READ MORE
Absolutely! However, you will likely need to wait a few weeks to allow sufficient healing time. Consult with your surgeon regarding how long to wait and get into PT as soon as possible. Remember, you do not need a prescription from a doctor to start PT.

I am a woman suffering from Jones fracture. What is the course of treatment for this?

See your doctor first for any casting that might be necessary to allow the bone to heal. If it's healed, then most outpatient rehab facilities should be able to help you with the READ MORE
See your doctor first for any casting that might be necessary to allow the bone to heal. If it's healed, then most outpatient rehab facilities should be able to help you with the typical pain relief modalities and exercises.

My daughter is recovering after a paralytic stroke from Guillian Barre syndrome. How should I go about her physical therapy?

I would start with the hospital that she was in. See if they have an outpatient rehab department. If so, try and observe the type of care they give their patients. If you're satisfied READ MORE
I would start with the hospital that she was in. See if they have an outpatient rehab department. If so, try and observe the type of care they give their patients. If you're satisfied that your 7 year old would feel good about going there, then start there. If not, call around to a few pediatric PT centers. If you get nowhere with them, look for rehab facilities that can promise to spend at least 30 minutes of 1-on-1 care with her.

Is joint pain a symptom of gout?

It is a symptom of gout, but you should see your primary care physician for testing in order to confirm. Gentle range of motion exercises may help meanwhile while you're waiting READ MORE
It is a symptom of gout, but you should see your primary care physician for testing in order to confirm. Gentle range of motion exercises may help meanwhile while you're waiting for your results.

What exercises can my mom do to relieve her back pain?

Yes, but not all exercises are appropriate for all back pain patients. So if she tries any of the following and it hurts or just doesn't feel right, she should stop and go in READ MORE
Yes, but not all exercises are appropriate for all back pain patients. So if she tries any of the following and it hurts or just doesn't feel right, she should stop and go in to see a Doctor of Physical Therapy for a proper evaluation.

She can try laying on her back and hugging her knees up into her chest and laying on her back with her knees bent and rocking them side to side. Hold each position about 5 seconds and repeat about 15x. She can also wrap a dog leash or something similar around her foot, lay on her back and pull her foot up to the ceiling while keeping her knee straight in order to stretch her hamstring muscle. Hold this for about a minute. Do these frequently throughout the day. These are no substitute for seeing a therapist, although it may buy her some time while looking for an appt.

Is there a way to reverse osteoporosis?

Bone grows and remodels itself in response to the forces that are placed upon it. Exercise requires muscles to pull on the bones in order to produce movement. Supervised exercise READ MORE
Bone grows and remodels itself in response to the forces that are placed upon it. Exercise requires muscles to pull on the bones in order to produce movement. Supervised exercise from a physical therapist is certainly an excellent start in order to prevent more bone loss. After a few sessions with your PT, and considering your current fitness level and severity of the osteoporosis, you should be able to continue a safe, effective exercise routine, that hopefully will become a way of life.

I get a pain in my lower back when I sit. How can I reduce the pain?

Taking frequent stretch and walking breaks is one way. Another idea is to be sure you're using great posture and ergonomics. The best way is to schedule one or two sessions with READ MORE
Taking frequent stretch and walking breaks is one way. Another idea is to be sure you're using great posture and ergonomics. The best way is to schedule one or two sessions with a PT to get on a program designed to counteract the weakness and tightness you are developing in certain muscles, which is what's contributing greatly to your pain.

My knee hurts every time I try and jog. What could be the reason behind this?

There are many possibilities...arthritis, tendinitis, bursitis, chondromalacia, muscle imbalances caused by tightness and/or weakness, decreased joint mobility in your ankles, READ MORE
There are many possibilities...arthritis, tendinitis, bursitis, chondromalacia, muscle imbalances caused by tightness and/or weakness, decreased joint mobility in your ankles, knees or hips, poor running technique, etc. If you can't figure it out, the best thing to do is see a PT for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan to address issues you may not even know you had.

After a hip surgery, when can I resume exercise?

That's completely up to your surgeon, so that's who you should be asking. But, based on what you said...complete bed rest for 3 months, it seems like you should be able to get READ MORE
That's completely up to your surgeon, so that's who you should be asking. But, based on what you said...complete bed rest for 3 months, it seems like you should be able to get back to exercising the day after your sentence is over. However, if they'll allow you to exercise the upper body in order to save whatever sort of cardiovascular fitness you still have, then you should get permission for that right now.

I have increased twitching in the left thumb. Is that a sign of cervical disc herniation worsening?

Yes, if your disc herniation is at the level that innervates that thumb. I hope you've gotten therapy for that disc problem by now.

I have a constant lower back pain. Can it he managed through exercise?

There are many exercises. Get evaluated by a PT for a proper exercise regimen. There are no short cuts. Spend the time and money on your health and get proper advice from someone READ MORE
There are many exercises. Get evaluated by a PT for a proper exercise regimen. There are no short cuts. Spend the time and money on your health and get proper advice from someone in person.

Can occupational medicine treat Parkinson's?

Look for a therapist certified in LSVT BIG. Don't settle for a video. Do your grandmother a solid and get her proper treatment from a PT in person.

I have a strain in my back after playing hockey. Should I try warm water therapy to ease it?

For just about any injury...ice it for 3 days, then you can use heat if it still hurts.

Why do I have swollen feet inspite of taking anti-inflammatory medicines?

The swelling may not be from an inflamed plantar fascia. You may need to consider endocrine, neurological or cardiovascular issues as well

Can you suggest some stretches for treating my sciatica pain?

Typically, stretching the hamstring, piriformis, and quadratus lumborum helps. But you should be looking to improve your core strength and spinal flexibility, which is only properly READ MORE
Typically, stretching the hamstring, piriformis, and quadratus lumborum helps. But you should be looking to improve your core strength and spinal flexibility, which is only properly diagnosed and treated by seeing a physical therapist