The PULSE The PULSE OCTOBER 2026
NATIONAL PHYSICAL NATIONAL PHYSICAL THERAPY THERAPY MONTH MONTH
Expertise in Motion
Address October is National Physical Therapy Month. It is a good time to reflect on the profession we chose, recognize the work we do, and appreciate the difference it makes in people’s lives every day. For 26 years, PTSMC has helped hundreds of thousands of patients improve their quality of life by moving better, feeling better, and living healthier lives. This happens one patient at a time, in every PTSMC clinic, every day. We help people return to work, get back to activities they enjoy, recover after surgery, manage chronic conditions, and maintain their independence. That is the real impact of physical therapy. What makes me proud is that PTSMC has always been about people. Our clinicians, front desk teams, PT Aides, and clinic leaders bring their knowledge, care, and commitment to every patient interaction. As a result, PTSMC has earned the trust of patients and healthcare providers across CT and now MA. National Physical Therapy Month is also a good time to look at where our profession is headed. We continue to face a shortage of physical therapists, and that creates real challenges for our teams and the patients who need care. At the same time, demand is growing because more patients, providers, employers, and payers understand
the value of conservative care. People are turning to physical therapy (and to PTSMC) for musculoskeletal conditions, balance disorders, vestibular dysfunction, pelvic health, chronic disease management, and many other needs where we improve outcomes and quality of life. Unfortunately, greater demand has not brought reimbursement that reflects the value of our work. Physical therapists help reduce healthcare costs, prevent unnecessary procedures, and improve patient outcomes, yet payment rates continue to fall short. This is a major challenge for our profession, and one we need to keep addressing. One way we do that is by showing our results. Over the next year, we will put more focus on collecting and sharing meaningful outcomes data so patients, providers, employers, and payers can see the difference our care makes. When we can clearly demonstrate better outcomes, we are in a stronger position to advocate for our profession, our patients, and fair reimbursement. Thank you for the work you do and the way you represent PTSMC. You improve people’s lives every day, and I am proud of what we have built together. I look forward with confidence to the future of our profession. Happy National Physical Therapy Month.
Announcements
401(k) Updates
BI-ANNUAL SAFE HARBOR EMPLOYER CONTRIBUTIONS
On October 21, 2026 PTSMC will make Safe Harbor Contributions to employee 401(k) accounts. The contribution reflects 3% of eligible earnings between January 1, 2026 – June 30, 2026. Employees who were active in the 401(k) plan between January and June will receive this contribution. Direct all 401(k) questions to Mallory Izmirlian.
Join us for an OPEN HOUSE & Ribbon Cutting
FREE & OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
IN THIS ISSUE
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Employees pg 3-5 Promotions & New Role!
PTSMC Benefits Hub pg 6 Have a Benefits Question?
PTSMC NORWICH
Thursday, Oct. 8 | 5pm-7pm 113 Salem Turnpike, Unit 11 www.ptsmc.com/norwich
Main Feature pg 7-8 Expertise in Motion
RSVP BY SCANNING THE QR CODE
MARK YOUR CALENDAR WELLNESS EVENT! Oct 31 at 9:30 am come hike Sleeping Giant in Hamden, CT with fellow employees, O ct 31 family, and friends. Perfect time to get some exercise before indulging in Halloween treats! RSVP here:
November #GetMoving Challenge Coming Soon: Start planning for 30 minutes of movement for the 30 days of November! More details coming soon.
Highlights & Happenings pg 9-14
Clinicians Corner pg 15-16 The Role of Cadence Training in Runners with PFP
#GetMoving Halloween Hike
PUMPKIN DECORATING CONTEST 2026
Each clinic will decorate a pumpkin for patients, friends and family to vote for the “BEST PUMPKIN”! Oct 14-21 Pumpkin Deliveries Oct 27 Upload Pumpkin Photo Oct 28- Nov 1: Voting Nov 2: Winner Announced! Click the pumpkin to learn more about this annual spooky tradition
2026 Holiday Drives
The most wonderful time of the year is approaching- the season of giving! Time to start planning your holiday drives to help give back to PTSMC local communities. Already know your clinic's plans? Click here to get your flyers made and sent your way.
October DEI Forum Thursday, October 22 2:30-3:00 PM Topic: The Hidden Rules of the Workplace: Exploring Workplace Subculture RSVP by email to: Marilex.Harwood@ptsmc.com
Welcome
ptsmc employees
Katie Berner Essex PT Aide
Sayla DeStasio Essex PT Aide
Rae Edwards New Milford Traveler PT
John Grace Essex PT Aide
Brielle Laferriere Orange PT Aide
Isabella Lopez Barbosa New London PT Aide
Sue Stringer Swansea PSC
Xing Hua Swieson New London PT
ome Back! Welc
Julia Lombardi Fairfield PT Aide
Emma Montero Fairfield PSC
Armani Mayes Watertown PT Aide
Victoria Polansky Lock Street Traveler PT
Not Pictured New Employees Poppy Acheson, Westbrook PT Aide Katie Benson, Glastonbury PT Aide Audrey Bosse, Middletown PT Aide Lillian Carter, Newtown PT Aide Zenaida Charway, Glastonbury PT Aide Natalie DiCapua, Fairfield PT Aide Paige DiMinico, Middletown PT Aide Alexa Diorio, Southbury PT Aide
Natalie Kostrzewa, Fairfield PT Aide Maryann Macdonald, Easthampton MA PT Aide Isabella Petrillo, Orange PT Aide Paige Petrovich, Manchester PT Aide Hayley Quiles, Lock Street PT Aide Ray Raymond, East Hampton PT Justin Smith, Westbrook PT Aide
October Anniversaries Years
Year
Micah Lee Linda Mullin Michele Sember Shelby Pocius
PT Aide PSC PT Aide Director
Tori Anderson Verifications Amari Boyd PSC Seth Cherwin PCC Alli Ewellindley Auth. Rep. Daniel Criscoll PT Aide Harry Georges AT Xhulia Mekshi PT Aide Jackie Maldonado PSC Emma Smith PT Aide Sarah Redle Auth. Rep. Veronica Rondinelli PT Aide
Guilford Lock Street Branford Employer Services Admin Bristol Norwich Authorizations Westbrook Employer Services New Haven Waterbury Middletown Authorizations Wethersfield
Promotions Congratulations to Andrew Kalach on his promotion to Fairfield Co-Director!
Congratulations to Harrison Picard on his promotion to Fairfield Co-Director!
Promotions
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Congratulations to Tracy Laramore on her promotion to Senior Billing Coordinator! Tracy’s journey with PTSMC spans nearly two decades and reflects her dedication and commitment to excellence. She joined PTSMC 18 years ago as a part-time Patient Services Coordinator in our Watertown clinic and later played a key role in supporting the relocation of our Waterbury clinic. Tracy then stepped into one of PTSMC’s first PSA positions, helping to shape and support clinic operations.
After relocating to Indiana in 2022, Tracy remained connected to the PTSMC community and returned just a year later as a Billing Coordinator, providing remote support to our growing in-house Billing Department and Virtual Patient Services team. With her extensive experience in patient services, clinic operations, and revenue cycle management. Tracy has been instrumental in the growth and development of our Billing Department. She is also a recent graduate of ALMDP where continued her personal and professional growth as a leader. In her new role as Senior Billing Coordinator, Tracy will oversee Billing Department operations, drive process improvements, optimize billing workflows, and continue to be a valuable resource for our clinics and RCM team. Tracy shared, “I am deeply grateful for the trust that has been placed in me and honored by the opportunity to take on this new role. As I begin this next chapter, I am committed to doing my very best to support our clinics, contribute to our shared goals, and help drive our continued success.” Jenn Detlefsen, Senior Director of Revenue Integrity, shared, "Tracy shows up each and every day with a genuine desire to do her best and help in any way she can. Her dependable, kind, and thoughtful approach makes her a trusted resource and brings out the best in those around her. I’m incredibly grateful for all that Tracy brings to the team and look forward to seeing her continued growth and the positive impact she’ll make leading the billing team!"
New Role
Congratulations to Amanda Kell, Middletown PT, in her added role as Culture & Engagement Coordinator! Amanda joined the Middletown team in 2023. She has supported some of their team bonding experiences over the years, her favorite, their annual field day competition. Amanda will continue as a PT in Middletown, offering this new role the perspective of a clinician who is boots on the ground each day. In this role, Amanda will be leading the PTSMC Wellness Program and its initiatives such as the #GetMoving challenges. She will coordinate engagement programs and traditions, like the Pumpkin Decorating Contest, Annual Holiday Drives, and March Madness competition. Additionally, creating opportunities for employees to get together such as hiking or social hours. She will also be supporting the coordination of companywide gatherings. Amanda will also be a member of the PULSE committee. No doubt everyone will start to receive emails and video messages from Amanda on ways to engage and build lifelong relationships with each other. When asked what she is most looking forward to in this added role, Amanda shared, "I love creating opportunities for people to connect, get together, and enjoy fun activities. I’m also excited to spearhead The Wellness Program... putting the PHYSICAL into PTSMC! I’m looking forward to meeting and connecting with people from all of our different clinics along the way." Mallory Izmirlian, Director of Culture & Engagement, shared that she is most looking forward to "Amanda's energy and passion for people. She is someone who believes and showcases PT for Life culture every day and wants to bring that feeling to others. Amanda will help us create more and new opportunities for PTSMC employees to connect with each other, and we need that fresh enthusiasm to make these moments happen more often!"
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If you've been a patient at PTSMC Bristol, Ryan Nguyen has probably asked you two questions: "What's your favorite food?" and "What's your favorite karaoke song?" His own answers, hard shell tacos and Taylor Swift's "You Belong with Me." For Ryan, these questions are not just icebreakers, they're where good care starts. Two years ago, Ryan was looking for a practice with a strong culture, one that valued the therapeutic alliance and would let him treat a mix of outpatient, pediatrics, and sports. Classmates who had worked with Matt Baronowski (Bristol Partner) in Avon told him he'd fit right in with Matt. What sealed it was finding a company that cares about how they help people, not just what they do. Ryan loves making patients feel comfortable and welcome, and helping them have a good time while they work through an injury. Most of all, he loves that he gets to be himself while helping people feel better. Since joining the Bristol clinic in 2024, Ryan embraced many of the opportunities available to him. He completed the DOCS program, became a CI, achieved his CMTPT certification, and very recently (just the other week) graduated LMDP! A little nervous at the start he quickly developed a camaraderie fellow clinicians, making those nerves slide away, and left each session with the feeling that Sandy Wickman Mason (COO), Mike Durand (CEO), and Alan Balavender (Owner & Partner) believed in all of them. Ryan has been a swimmer since 5th grade, and he swam club at UConn. In high school his brother got him into lifting, and he fell in love with how it made him feel, especially paired with swimming for cardio. He still stays as active as he can. While studying for boards, he'd hike to waterfalls to relieve stress, and he's recently picked the habit back up. His favorite trails include the Camp Sloper Black Trail, Castle Craig, and Mount Greylock. Another piece of Ryans childhood that shaped who he is, was Camp Sloper. He started at YMCA Camp Sloper in 4th grade and later became a counselor. Originally, he didn’t want to be a counselor, but then he saw the impact he could have on kids and that he could be a role model for them. One of the camp's five pillars was simple: have fun. Ryan learned that fun is contagious. If you aren't having fun, the people around you aren't either. He brought that lesson into physical therapy, and it's why he works to bring positivity to every visit, so each patient leaves with a good experience. So next time you're at Bristol, have your karaoke answer ready. Ryan taught himself how to do a backflip during covid, and he can still do it!
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s t i f e n e B Have a ? n o i t s e u Q The Benefits Hub and HR Team Are Here to Help We hope your experience with the Benefits Hub is going well! Our goal is to make benefit information easy to access and help you get the most out of the benefits available to you.
Benefits questions can come up at any time, especially when you’re experiencing a life change or simply want to learn more about your coverage. That’s where the Benefits Hub can help!
Have You Ever Wondered... I’m turning 26. How do I enroll in medical coverage?
Where can I find information about our Employee Assistance Program (EAP), whether or not I’m enrolled in medical benefits? I just got married or had a baby. How do I add my dependent to my benefits? Where can I find information about our EDGE Fitness membership benefit?
I’m thinking about making changes to my current benefits. Can I change my medical, dental, or vision coverage now, or do I need to wait until Open Enrollment? What will my cost be if I add a dependents to my coverage? How do I add the HSA dollars I earned through our rewards program? What other benefits and resources are available to me?
These are just a few of the questions you may have throughout the year. The Benefits Hub is available to help you find information when you need it.
Not Sure Where to Start?
And Remember, HR is Always Here to Help!
New to the Benefits Hub or not sure where to begin? Start with the first tab, “New to the Hub? Start Here,” and then check out “Tips on How to Use the Hub.” Both are designed to help you easily navigate the Hub and find the information you need.
The Benefits Hub is a convenient resource, but it doesn’t replace your HR team. If you have questions, need additional information, or simply aren’t sure where to start, please reach out to us. We’re always happy to help!
Visit the Hub PTSMC Benefits Hub
NATIONAL PHYSICAL THERAPY MONTH
Expertise in Motion
At PTSMC, our clinicians bring their own interests, passions and expertise to the care they provide. In honor of National PT Month, we’re highlighting the sports medicine of PTSMC by sharing stories of three clinicians who have pursued specialized certifications in sports medicine, performance and athletic care. Their stories reflect the ways passion and clinical excellence come together to keep expertise in motion.
VESTIBULAR REHAB
Rick Purdy PT, CMTPT (New Haven PT), specialization in vestibular rehabilitation grew from seeing a need that was not always being met in the early 2000's. Rick encountered patients struggling with dizziness, vertigo and imbalance who had not found relief elsewhere, and he saw how meaningful vestibular rehabilitation could be for them. He began receiving referrals for student athletes with concussions, and he utilized his vestibular training to develop a program to treat this condition. Rick built that expertise over years of focused learning. He began with Susan Herdman’s Vestibular Rehabilitation textbook, continued through numerous in person courses, and eventually completed Vestibular Rehabilitation: A Competency-Based Course certification, frequently called the "Herdman Course" or "Emory Course", at Emory University in 2011. Much of his continuing education since then has remained focused in this area of PT. Today, that knowledge reaches beyond the patients Rick treats. In addition to working with student athletes recovering from sports related concussions, he has shared his expertise through instructing courses for PTSMC’s DOCS program , PTSMC and Yale ATs, the APTA CT, and the local community.
SPORTS PHYSICAL THERAPY
For Quinn McAnaney PT, DPT, SCS, CSCS, CMTPT/DN (Guilford Assistant Director) that path started long before physical therapy school. Growing up in Illinois, Quinn played soccer and baseball, eventually joining the Chicago Fire Academy and later playing collegiate soccer at Michigan State University. His own experiences with patellar subluxations and PT gave him an early understanding of what it means for an athlete to be sidelined and what it takes to get back to the activities they love.
After PT school, he felt there were still areas where he wanted to grow in his ability to confidently treat athletes at a high level, therefore, he completed a Sports Physical Therapy Residency with ATI PT in South Carolina. His residency helped prepare him to pursue his Sports Clinical Specialist certification. The SCS certification was his continuation commitment to learning and growth and an opportunity to provide the highest level of care to athletes he works with. Quinn recommends the SCS for those interested in improving their competency and confidence in sports PT in an outpatient setting or in college and professional athletics.
BALLET SPECIALIST
8 For Brianne Dwyer PT, DPT, L1 BSPTS-Rigo (Southington PT), specialization offered a way to connect her clinical work with a longtime personal passion: dance. Brianne pursued the Progressing Ballet Technique (PBT)certification to add a structured approach to alignment, strength training and technique to the clinical skills she was already using with dancers. The training also gave her tools she could bring into community engagement and cross training opportunities with local dance studios. Getting there required more than classroom learning. The weekend long course was highly participatory, with dance specific exercises and significant core work. Brianne completed the course postpartum after having twins and describes the experience simply as “quite humbling.”
She now uses that training with her dance medicine population, particularly ballet dancers, incorporating exercises designed around alignment, strength and technique into treatment and home programs. The specialty means more to Brianne than adding another clinical skill; it allows her to keep her passion for dance alive! Her work has allowed her to treat recreational, competitive, preprofessional and professional dancers of all styles. She also gets to work with professional theater productions and touring Broadway shows which brings not only a different clinical challenge, but interactions with performers of different backgrounds.
DIFFERENT PATHS, SHARED PURPOSE
Quinn, Rick and Brianne each arrived at their specialties differently, through personal experience, an unmet clinical need or a passion they wanted to keep connected to their work. What their stories share is a willingness to keep learning. When clinicians continue building on expertise, the impact extends beyond an individual credential. It shows up in the care they provide, the knowledge they share and the communities they serve. This National Physical Therapy Month, we celebrate the many ways our PTs continue to develop clinical excellence and the expertise they bring back to their patients every day.
HIGHLIGHTS Celebrating our people, clinics, and communities
Clinicians from Avon, Bristol, Glastonbury, Newington, New London, Waterbury, Wethersfield, Janet & Heather, exhibited and attended UCONN ISM & Women's Center for Motion & Performance- Symposium: The Female Athlete Across the Lifespan.
ALMDP
ALMDP met on September 9 with guest speaker Caty Mulligan for Attracting, Interviewing, Offering & Onboarding training. Pictured top left to bottom right: Emily Fillion, Caty, Sandy Wickman Mason, Marilex Harwood, Christine Spirtt, Chris Colley, Shelby Pocius & Evelyn Villarreal Laclede.
Steve Platt, Justin Marceau & Chris Chimento, attended Quinnipiac’s 5th Annual PT Professional Networking Event. They met and spoke to QU students about what we have to offer at PTSMC. Steve participated in a panel discussion to share his experience as both a PT and Partner.
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NOW OPEN IN SWANSEA, MA Congratulations to Conner Gavin on opening the doors to PTSMC’s newest clinic on September 23! Let’s get to know a few things about Conner and his journey to Partnership and opening day...
When did Partnership become something you wanted to pursue? I started with PTSMC as a PT Aide. I saw the opportunity that partners had to make a space their own and make an impact in the health of their communities. The partners and leadership I was surrounded by really made me think it was a role I could see myself having.
262 Swansea Mall Dr Suite 505 Swansea, MA 02777
Jen Ashman did two talks this summer on BPPV at the local Simsbury and Granby senior centers.
What are you most excited about making your own? I get really excited about making an impact on those around you. Being a place in the community where people know they can be heard, cared for and be excited about going for their needs. The knowledge and pride that comes with knowing I can provide that place, be that clinician for people within the community truly excites me and is a foundational thought in the motivation I have as a new partner.
What would you tell someone who thinks they may want to become a Partner someday? If you’re excited to go to work every day and see your patients, confident in who you are as a clinician, feel like you want to do more and make it your own, and have that extra gear that fuels a go-getter mentality, you’re already ready for the next step. The finer details and questions will be addressed by the amazing people at PTSMC along the way.
On September 13, the PTSMC Stride to Provide 5k Run/Walk was ready to rumble; unfortunately, so was the weather! Despite transitioning into a virtual race, the support from everyone who showed up was palpable. Elena Kelleher and the Wallingford team raised $6,649 and donated 11 pairs of shoes plus a full box of food to Master's Manna. Shout out to the PTSMC staff and community who came together in the rain for an excellent cause. Can't wait for next year!
Fab 5 Tom (Kirsch) is very knowledgeable, very caring and has improved my mobility. He listens patiently and plans workouts depending on how one is feeling that day. Never pushes but also helps you with challenging workouts. -Avon Liza (Peressini) was very, very caring and helpful. I noticed an improvement in my knee! -Danbury Chris Colley presented to students at SCSU discussing the role and responsibilities of a PTSMC Practice Liaison.
On the Road with the PLs Nate Houston (Avon), Brian Greer (Glastonbury), & Mike Antunes (Middletown) met Dr. Amy Wasterlain (hip & knee specialist) with MOSA. Rebecca Ferlazzo (Glastonbury), Agata Sarna (Newington), Katie Redman (West Harford) & Jill Cristaldi (Wethersfield) met with Dr. Catherine Graziani & Dr. Ashley Garcia from Gynecology and Obstetrics Women's Health CT Rocky Hill. Janet & Heather represented PTSMC at the CT Family Physician's Conference. Clinicians from Manchester, Plainville, Southbury, Waterbury, plus Chris & Janet met with Dr. Michael Weber from UConn Musculoskeletal Institute and Surgery Center.
Clinicians from Fairfield, Orange & Shelton attended a dinner in Westport with Dr. Shyam Desai (OSG), hosted by Abbott Medical Devices. Dana Colonese (Orange) met with Audrey Atkinson APRN from Yale Pediatrics. Heather was out in Swansea connecting with regional providers, identifying community contacts, and coordinating introductions for Conner Gavin (Swansea). Janet met Dr. Anil Adisesh from UCONN Health Occupational & Environmental Medicine and connected him to Shelby Pocius (Employer Services). Heather & Chris attended the Yale Wellness Mixer. Chris met with Tim Cook, Orthopedic PA at CT Ortho in Orange. Heather participated in the Yale Health Plan Employee Health Fair.
I get treatment from Meghan (Blanusa). My daughter has also had treatment from her. She is very knowledgeable, thoughtful, and patient. I have had 2 injuries back-to-back that she treated. Her care has been a significant reason I have healed and been back on track quickly. Meghan's knowledge has been invaluable in making it possible for me to still train safely during both my injuries. I have used all the exercises she has given me to stay on track physically and mentally during my injuries. I would and have recommended PTSMC and Meghan to others. -Naugatuck The PT facility is extremely professional and provides strong, exemplary physical therapy for many various conditions. -Watertown NATE (Gockel)! He is the reason I would recommend PTSMC. He's friendly, smart, professional, communicative, and really knows his stuff! -West Hartford
Clinic Anniversaries! Celebrating years of care and community Year Wallingford
Southington 2010 Wethersfield 2019
Glastonbury took on the physioball challenge testing their coordination and balance. This will be easy... right?
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CAUGHT IN THE MEDIA! Showcasing how fun PT can be, Caleb Mere (Plainville) takes on a patient in a plank air hockey challenge!
CLINICAL EXCELLENCE
SIPTA
Congrats DOCS Grad!
Congrats to the following PT Aides who completed the Skills Introduction for PT Aides Program:
Matt Salisbury , PTA Bristol PTA
The most influential part of the DOCS program was the handson practice of manual skills. When it comes to what’s next for my continuing education, I took a course on Vertigo, BPPV, and balance with The American Institute of Balance. I've been interested in those cases as they trickle in.
Student Program Update
GRADUATES
Alex Belmore, Lock Street Katelyn Cervini, Groton Carli Ciavarelli, Danbury Brooke Cole, Southington Sayla DeStasio, Essex Natalie DiCapua, Fairfield Jared Ezer, Easthampton, MA Colin Feeney, Southington Emily Forcade, Watertown Carson Gotimer, Newington John Grace, Essex Deagan Granville, Newtown Riley Hahofer, Wallingford Natalie Kostrzewa, Fairfield Sreya Mothukuri, Fairfield Mariah Niday, New Haven Bella Petrillo, Orange Riley Worboys, Southington
CI’s with September Students Jeff Panepento & Colleen Petridis, New
“This was my first clinical rotation so I don’t have anything to compare it to but this experience at PTSMC was amazing. My CI was incredible, fostering a strong mentor relationship with open communication. They were a fantastic teacher who I learned so much from. The facility, staff and group of patients all made for a fantastic opportunity in which I not only deeply enjoyed but learned a lot from.” -Student on first affiliation
Milford, will host Drew DiSorbo from Naugatuck Valley Community College.
CI’s Shout Out! A special shout out to Erik Schmitt, Wesbrook, who stepped up to take on a clinical extension placement. His dedication to clinical education helped the student achieve their goals and stay on track with their program’s curriculum. Thanks for going above and beyond, Erik!
Happenings!
Congratulations to Conner Gavin who married wife Sam Rollings on Sept 6!
Morgan Gelfand married husband Nathaniel Morrison on Sept. 17!
The Wallingford crew attended Morgan Gelfand’s wedding and has so much fun celebrating together!
Congrats to Connor Sharp who proposed to fiancé Kathryn this past Memorial Day!
Miranda Jasienowski welcomed baby boy Oliver Edgin Jasienowsi!
Congratulations to Nick Saledo on his engagement to fiancé Helen!
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Westbrook enjoyed an End of Summer Soiree at NEBCO in Branford. They also enjoyed a paddle boat cruise around Branford Point.
Vlad Smolgovskiy offered assessment & education at Fleet Feet West Hartford's Wednesday nights running group event.
Westbrook had a send off party for Tyler Forchielli (PT Aide) and Suhani Patel (PT) at Coastline Brewing Company.
Hamden celebrated Dolly Parton Day on Sept 25- get it, “9 to 5”!
Mike Antunes rocked a Vikings helmet for a whole day after losing bet to patient Chuck!
Admin staff got together for an end of summer and start of fall potluck, featuring a few little celebrities!
Clinicians Corner
The Role of Cadence Training in Runners with PFP Mary Kalberg PT, DPT Danbury Physical Therapist
Patellofemoral pain (PFP) is a multifactorial condition that can be frustrating to patients when it limits their ability to participate in an activity they enjoy. One hurdle that physical therapists often face when treating runners with PFP is how to help patients to continue running while they have persistent symptoms. Although training load may have to be adjusted, altering running mechanics may allow patients to continue running while managing symptoms. Researchers found differences in running mechanics between individuals with and without PFP, including decreased cadence in individuals with PFP. 1 This raises the question: can cadence retraining help to decrease pain in runners with PFP? Running at a lower cadence leads to longer stride length at a given speed compared to running at a higher cadence. This alters joint mechanics and leads to increased impact and stress through the patellofemoral joint, which can contribute to PFP symptoms in running. 2 Researchers in one study found that a 10% increase in cadence led to a 16% decrease in joint stress and a 19% decrease in joint reaction force in the patellofemoral joint. 3 It has also been found that runners with PFP who have had cadence retraining have decreased pain even 6 months after the intervention when compared to runners with no gait retraining. 4 Metronome training is an effective way to increase cadence in the clinic. This provides an external cue that the patient can use to easily match the desired cadence. 5 Although the number 180 steps per minute is commonly used as the target for “ideal cadence,” research does not support this particular value. Instead, it has been shown that a 5-10% increase in cadence can assist in reducing PFP symptoms. 6 To apply this in the clinic, start by having the patient run on the treadmill at their typical speed for a baseline run. After giving them between three and five minutes to adjust to the treadmill speed, count the number of foot strikes on one foot for 60 seconds. Multiplying this value by two will determine the patient’s cadence, and increasing this value by 5-10% will provide the patient’s new target cadence. Use this value on a metronome app and begin training, instructing the patient to match their footsteps with the metronome sound. Faded feedback has been shown to be effective for improving cadence without having the patient rely on the metronome. 6 There are different ways to do this, and it should be individualized based on the patient’s needs. For example, a clinician can start by having the patient use the metronome for 100% of the time during the first session, then progress to 2minute on/2-minute off intervals, and finally progress to 1-minute on/3-minute off intervals until discontinuing the metronome training. Once metronome training is discontinued, recalculate the patient’s cadence, inquire about symptoms, and determine whether metronome training should be reintroduced based on the patient’s symptoms and response to the intervention. 6
16 When treating a patient with PFP, it is important to remember that it is multifactorial, and it should be treated accordingly. While gait retraining can be one treatment for this condition, it is essential to examine and treat the other contributing factors that may be leading to PFP symptoms. The clinical practice guideline for PFP contains Level A evidence for using targeted exercise therapy, particularly for both the hip and knee. 7 Hip strengthening should target the posterior and lateral hip musculature, and knee strengthening should be done in both open and closed-chain positions. 7 Exercises should be a foundational component to increase lower extremity strength, decrease pain, and improve outcomes. 7
For runners experiencing patellofemoral pain, increasing cadence by 5-10% can be a tool we can use as clinicians to help establish a more favorable gait pattern which can decrease stress on the patellofemoral joint which may lead to decreased symptoms. It is important to know that this is only a component of the treatment and should be used in conjunction with progressive strengthening exercises for knee and hip musculature. Ultimately, the goal is not just to increase cadence in runners, but to help them return to the activity they love and be able to complete it without pain.
Click Here for References
WHY Refine your objective cervical spine
Cervical Spine Manual Therapy Management Hosted by Physical Therapy & Sports Medicine Centers
WHERE
WHEN
PTSMC Southbury 775 Main St S Unit 70 Southbury, CT 06488
October 17 & 18 8am - 5pm Sat & Sun
REGISTER NOW Registration deadline is October 7
*For more course details click the link below: ptonice.com/our-courses/cervical-spine/
2026 PTSMC Sponsored Courses Institute of Clinical Excellence: Cervical Spine Management October 17-18, 2026 Location: PTSMC Southbury
2026 DOCS Program Courses Introduction to the Assessment & Treatment of the Concussed Patient November 7, 2026 Instructed by: Rick Purdy, PT, CMTPT, New Haven PT Location: PTSMC New Haven
examination Improve your understanding of current best evidence for cervical spine manual therapy Refine your techniques with cervical and thoracic mobilization and thrust manipulations Improve your exercise selection for cervical and thoracic spine mobility impairments
CLICK HERE FOR ALL COURSE REGISTRATION LINKS!
Editorial Team & Content Contributors Co-Editor Marilex Harwood
Co-Editor Mallory Izmirlian
Contributor Alan Balavender
Contributor Meghan Blanusa
Contributor Sandra Boccialetti
Contributor Juliann Chacko
Contributor Mike Durand
Contributor Emily Fillion
Chief Executive Officer
Senior Marketing Coordinator
Contributor Kristen Forster
Contributor Amanda Kell
Contributor Aneesa Mohamed
Contributor Caty Mulligan
Administrative Office Assistant
Training & Development Coordinator
Contributor
Contributor
DEI Lead & Senior Internal Communications Coordinator
Clinical Excellence Coordinator & Naugatuck PT
Culture & Engagement Coordinator
Contributor Bri Rivera
Director of Culture & Engagement
Director of Human Resources
AVP of Operations
Sandy Wickman Mason Chief Operating Officer
Practice Liaison
JOB OPPORTUNITIES PT AIDE Essex Middletown New London Southbury Swansea MA Westbrook Windsor
Orange Assistant Director & Director of Student Program
Janet Tarasuk
Administrative Assistant
PT Avon Bristol Danbury East Hampton Glastonbury Groton Lock Street Manchester Naugatuck New Haven New Milford Newington Newtown Norwich Putnam Simsbury Southbury Wallingford Watertown Westbrook Windsor
Owner & Partner
PSC Groton Westbrook PCC Westbrook Industrial & Tactical AT Putnam Admin Business Performance Analyst (FP&A)
Referral Bonus Opportunities ADMIN Hourly: $500 ADMIN Salary: $1000 ADMIN Director: $2000 AT: $1000 PT/OT: $2000
PTA: $1000 PSC: $500 PT Aide: $25 at time of hire, $100 after 180 days of employment.
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Clinic Director Danielson
Contact Karen Havlicek if you are interested in a position
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