by Bea Peterson
Mary Bradley’s approach to Physical Therapy is to work with the whole person, all parts, all ages, all conditions. “Sometimes I feel like a medical therapist with the goal of improving function for many who experience multiple medical issues, coupled with physical impairments” she said. [private]Mary has practiced physical therapy since 1981, starting as a Physical Therapy Assistant. She received her Masters degree from Mercy College in Dobbs Ferry in 2003. For 16 years she was a therapist at the Centers for Living in Bennington, VT. She now works part time at the Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation at Hoosick Falls in addition to building her private practice.
Bradley’s goal, she said, is to teach people how to care for themselves. She can help “fix” them, but she wants them to stay fixed. “I find that if a person wants to get better, stronger, they do. If they invest the time and effort, progress is inevitable. There are so many preventative programs available that are primarily funded by Medicare. These programs, along with simple and affordable exercise ‘equipment’ can be used effectively during a daily routine and people don’t know about them,” she said. She accepts most medical insurance and is willing to apply for any that she is not able to accept at this time.
Bradley recently became certified in complete decongestive therapy (lymphedema therapy) which is the management of swelling that occurs primarily following the removal of lymph nodes due to cancer treatment. She finds this very specialized and intensive aspect of therapy extremely rewarding and loves to advocate for these individuals. “This treatment is so cool and so effective with all kinds of swelling, even post surgical, which often causes pain and makes movement difficult. Plus, there is a psychological component that needs to be addressed,” she said.
In addition to these skills Bradley added, “I love to work with people on postural awareness and balance and fall prevention.” She is also well versed in most commonly treated orthopedic and general medical diagnoses. She became Wound Care Certified (NAWC) in 2005 and is able to care for most types of wounds and provide education and resources for managing them as well.
Bradley recently purchased fitness equipment for her facility in the Wellness Barn at 4976 Route 7 in Hoosick, near Hoosick Tire. “Another of my goals is to let folks come in and work out at a reasonable rate. That is part of the rationale for therapy,” she said, “developing habits that become lifelong and maintaining goals achieved during therapy sessions.”
Bradley is open from 5 to 7 pm Monday through Thursday for fitness training. She is available for physical therapy appointments Monday through Thursday, including early morning and evening, to accommodate individual work schedules. She is also willing to have Saturday morning appointments, if necessary. Mary can be reached at Eastwick Physical Therapy, 686-9008 or marybradleypt@gmail.com.[/private]