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Dr. Daniel Prata, PT, DPT, COMT

Physical Therapist

Dr. Daniel Prata PT, DPT, COMT is a top Physical Therapist in Fairfield, . With a passion for the field and an unwavering commitment to their specialty, Dr. Daniel Prata PT, DPT, COMT is an expert in changing the lives of their patients for the better. Through their designated cause and expertise in the field, Dr. Daniel Prata PT, DPT, COMT is a prime example of a true leader in healthcare. As a leader and expert in their field, Dr. Daniel Prata PT, DPT, COMT is passionate about enhancing patient quality of life. They embody the values of communication, safety, and trust when dealing directly with patients. In Fairfield, NJ, Dr. Daniel Prata PT, DPT, COMT is a true asset to their field and dedicated to the profession of medicine.
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22 years Experience
Dr. Daniel Prata, PT, DPT, COMT
  • Clifton, NJ
  • Seton Hall University
  • Accepting new patients

While running I fell, and I have a gigantic bruise on my thigh. Do I just wait it out?

I would wait it out until next week. I wouldn't heat or ice to be honest. I would allow the injury to go through its inflammatory phase for a couple days. Gently stretch, and I READ MORE
I would wait it out until next week. I wouldn't heat or ice to be honest. I would allow the injury to go through its inflammatory phase for a couple days. Gently stretch, and I would go on a stationary bike to keep it mobile. If it's the front of your thigh, you're able to straighten your knee, and your leg doesn't buckle when weight bearing, I think you just have a good old fashioned contusion. Don't heat it. After about 5-6 days, you can ice it.

Daniel Prata PT, DPT, COMT

How can I treat my sciatica pain with physical therapy?

Without a proper examination, it would be difficult to tell you what treatment to perform. Do you feel better if you stand? Do you feel better if you sit? or any prolonged position READ MORE
Without a proper examination, it would be difficult to tell you what treatment to perform. Do you feel better if you stand? Do you feel better if you sit? or any prolonged position provokes pain? Physical Therapy most of the time helps. I would get evaluated

My son is training in skating. Does he require physical therapy?

Great question. I am a big fan of evaluating people once a year as a yearly exam. Everyone understands the importance of being examined by their primary care physician, however, READ MORE
Great question. I am a big fan of evaluating people once a year as a yearly exam. Everyone understands the importance of being examined by their primary care physician, however, they do not perform a physical examination. Physical Therapists are movement experts and can be very helpful identifying mobility restrictions, weakness, poor stability etc that could be addressed before problems begin. That's my opinion

Can yoga help me get over my body stiffness?

Yes. Any exercise can. Keep moving and choose something you enjoy doing.

Is strength training better for weight loss?

Great question. The answer is.....a combination of both. Weight training is great for weight loss and great to improve physical capacity. Having more muscle tone increases metabolic READ MORE
Great question. The answer is.....a combination of both. Weight training is great for weight loss and great to improve physical capacity. Having more muscle tone increases metabolic activity. Cardio is also good to improve overall cardiovascular endurance and cardiac output. There has been a significant amount of research showing that weight training is just as vital, if not more vital, then cardio for weight loss. That being said, you have to make sure you are in a caloric deficit. If you weight train and eat more calories than you should, you will only just "bulk up" .

What is Kinesio tape?

It's placebo =) Some people respond well to K-taping. I do it seldomly, but for some, it helps. Theirs no harm in trying it as long you have no allergic reactions to the adhesives. READ MORE
It's placebo =) Some people respond well to K-taping. I do it seldomly, but for some, it helps. Theirs no harm in trying it as long you have no allergic reactions to the adhesives. Active care is the most beneficial

What is athletic taping?

It's typically used to provide support to a joint/area. It does not prevent injury, but may help with some support. If anything, it may just be providing a false sense of security. READ MORE
It's typically used to provide support to a joint/area. It does not prevent injury, but may help with some support. If anything, it may just be providing a false sense of security.

I have faint but consistent knee pain. What could it be?

Yes, physical therapy can help. If the pain occurs with movement or activity, but dissipates with rest, physical therapy should help. Your knee/knee cap may be stiff and can respond READ MORE
Yes, physical therapy can help. If the pain occurs with movement or activity, but dissipates with rest, physical therapy should help. Your knee/knee cap may be stiff and can respond well to manual therapy and certain activities. Schedule with a PT to have them evaluate you by performing a thorough physical examination.

Daniel Prata PT, DPT, COMT

How is cerebral palsy managed with physical therapy?

Yes. The key words is managed. CP can not be cured, but it can help with mobility and function. PT will help the individual/parents on what they can do to make their child as READ MORE
Yes. The key words is managed. CP can not be cured, but it can help with mobility and function. PT will help the individual/parents on what they can do to make their child as functional as possible

Can physical therapy help me with my sciatica pain?

Yes. The better question is, why are you not doing physical therapy already? Make sure you go to a physical therapist who does hands on therapy or a McKenzie qualified therapist. Daniel READ MORE
Yes. The better question is, why are you not doing physical therapy already? Make sure you go to a physical therapist who does hands on therapy or a McKenzie qualified therapist.

Daniel Prata, PT, DPT, COMT

Can physical therapy help my leg pain?

You can see a physical therapist to make sure you have the mobility and stability to run. You can also just educate yourself on proper exercise principle and loading principles READ MORE
You can see a physical therapist to make sure you have the mobility and stability to run. You can also just educate yourself on proper exercise principle and loading principles so that way you can modify your own program. Either way, become educated. Lastly, don't forget to implement strength training/weight training into your program along with dietary changes.

Daniel Prata, PT, DPT, COMT

Can you please suggest some neck exercises that can be done while sitting and working?

Google search McKenzie cervical retraction with extension. That “usually” helps.

Daniel Prata, PT, DPT, COMT Lic#40QA01212000

Can physiotherapy help relieve back pain in pregnancy?

Absolutely. You will need to be evaluated to determine the cause of your pain. Most likely in the SI area. May need some hands on treatments along with strengthening exercises. READ MORE
Absolutely. You will need to be evaluated to determine the cause of your pain. Most likely in the SI area. May need some hands on treatments along with strengthening exercises. An SI belt may also be appropriate, however, you need to be evaluated.

Daniel Prata, PT, DPT, COMT

What could be the cause of a painless swelling in baby’s tibia bone?

I would love to answer that question, but there could be many factors. If the baby doesn't have a bruise showing the baby kicked something, I would bring the baby to have it looked READ MORE
I would love to answer that question, but there could be many factors. If the baby doesn't have a bruise showing the baby kicked something, I would bring the baby to have it looked at by their pediatrician. Without mechanism of injury, I would always err on the side of caution. More than likely it's nothing and it was related to the baby crawling or playing but as a dad, I would have it checked out further.

Daniel Prata, PT, DPT, COMT

Is joint pain a symptom of gout?

It can be. Typically, joint pain affects the smaller joints such as your toes. It can be in your bigger joints, but it can be other things such as rheumatoid arthritis, scleroderma, READ MORE
It can be. Typically, joint pain affects the smaller joints such as your toes. It can be in your bigger joints, but it can be other things such as rheumatoid arthritis, scleroderma, etc. It's in your best interest to further investigate with simple blood work. In regards to exercise, no matter what you have, exercise is always beneficial. However, speak to a physical therapist to determine which exercises are for you at this given time. The wrong exercise at the wrong time may be more negative than positive. When in doubt, listen to your symptoms. Increase in pain longer than a 24-hour period is usually a sign of either too much activity or wrong activity.

Daniel Prata PT, DPT, COMT

When I type on the computer I am having a pain in my wrist. What could be the reason?

Based on the information provided, its tough to tell. Do you have pain in the wrist when grabbing/carrying/manipulating things in standing or any other position then just sitting. READ MORE
Based on the information provided, its tough to tell. Do you have pain in the wrist when grabbing/carrying/manipulating things in standing or any other position then just sitting. deos your wrist pain changed with head movements such as if you look up or turned all the way to either direction? If it just when you type, you may be suffering inflammation to either your wrist flexors/finger flexors or extensors. I would try to do some wrest stretches, followed by wrist and gripping exercises. If symptoms persists, get evaluated to find out the causes of your pain.

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

twitching/fasciculations in itself is not a sign of disc herniation. Weakness, numbness, tingling, and decreased reflexes are more common signs of disc herniation. Also, remember, READ MORE
twitching/fasciculations in itself is not a sign of disc herniation. Weakness, numbness, tingling, and decreased reflexes are more common signs of disc herniation. Also, remember, many people have herniated discs without any pain or symptoms. Do not get caught up on the MRI results as most people recover with rehabilitation.

After a hip surgery, when can I resume exercise?

discuss this with your surgeon as there are many "hip bone" surgeries. 3 months of bed rest is a very long time and I am not familiar of any common surgery that recommends "bed READ MORE
discuss this with your surgeon as there are many "hip bone" surgeries. 3 months of bed rest is a very long time and I am not familiar of any common surgery that recommends "bed rest" for 3 months

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

running is a activity just like pitching in baseball is a activity. Just running is like telling a Major League Baseball pitcher to just through a ball as hard as they can 100 READ MORE
running is a activity just like pitching in baseball is a activity. Just running is like telling a Major League Baseball pitcher to just through a ball as hard as they can 100 times a day......they will injure themselves very quickly. Running/jogging is a great Activity, but you need to make sure you are physical fit to tolerate the demands of running. I recommend supplement jogging with other exercises such as weight training

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

you should avoid sitting for so long during the 16 hours. For example get up for 1 minute every hour just to stretch out. Do some McKenzie standing extensions (youtube it). READ MORE
you should avoid sitting for so long during the 16 hours. For example get up for 1 minute every hour just to stretch out. Do some McKenzie standing extensions (youtube it). Also, when you are not working, i would highly recommend to exercise (weight training, cross training, pilates, yoga) any exercises that gets you moving all over to counter balance the sedentary job you have.