Three Ways Our Hand Therapists Can Help with Neurological Concerns

Neurological disorders impact how the brain communicates with your body’s muscles, making everyday activities a challenge. Most people with these conditions benefit from multidisciplinary care, including hand, occupational, and physical therapy.

Stroke Recovery

After a stroke, patients often struggle with weakness or paralysis in the hand and arm. Hand therapy helps retrain the brain and body to perform daily tasks. Treatment may include:

  • Repetitive task training to improve control
  • Strengthening exercises using grip tools
  • Training in methods for managing daily life skills 

Parkinson’s Disease Support

Parkinson’s can cause stiffness, tremors, and problems with fine motor control. Hand therapy focuses on improving precision and reducing hand fatigue through techniques such as:

  • Finger dexterity drills
  • Handwriting exercises
  • Strategies to minimize tremors during tasks

Multiple Sclerosis Management

MS affects the central nervous system and can cause hand weakness and numbness. Therapy helps improve coordination and ease spasticity using strategies such as:

  • Training in the performance daily tasks using assistive devices and equipment  
  • Strength training with light resistance
  • Sensory re-education to manage numbness or tingling

What About Physical Therapy?

While our hand therapists focus on fine motor skills and upper limb use, our physical therapists also support these patients, helping them restore or maintain large movements, balance, posture, and more. Combined, both approaches help individuals move more easily and regain control of their daily lives.

Celebrating Professional Care’s Cassidy Weeks:
A Rising Star in Lacrosse 

Don’t let her quiet demeanor deceive you; Cassidy Weeks is an incredible force, and we are excited about the thrilling journey ahead as she prepares to represent not just one, but TWO NATIONAL TEAMS!

A proud native of Bayport, New York, Cassidy played as a midfielder throughout her school years, also joining the Yellow Jackets, a travel lacrosse team from Long Island. After graduating from Bayport High School in 2018, she continued her academic and athletic journey at Boston College, where she earned both her Bachelor’s degree in Neuroscience and her Master’s degree in Healthcare Administration while playing for the Eagles lacrosse team.

Last summer, Cassidy was invited to play for the Sixes National Lacrosse Team in Indianapolis, where she showcased her skills against elite international competitors. This past June, she was among a select group of talented players representing the United States at the Pan-American Lacrosse Association (PALA) Women’s Championship in Auburndale, Florida.

As if her summer wasn’t already packed, Cassidy is also part of a newly formed professional Women’s Lacrosse League (WLL) and was chosen to play in the July 4th All-Star Games set to be held in Kansas City. However, the most significant preparation ahead is her upcoming trip to China in August, where she will proudly represent the United States in the Olympic World Games!

We are proud to announce Kayleigh Catalano as this year’s Professional Care Scholarship recipient! Each year, Professional Care grants this scholarship to a deserving Pat-Med graduate pursuing a career in the field of Physical Therapy.
Kayleigh has spent ten years as an enthusiastic dancer with Stage Door School of Dance, and has performed with the Patchogue-Medford Raiderettes throughout her high school journey. This fall, she plans to enroll in the Medical Assistant Program at Hunter Business School and aims to earn her Associate’s Degree at Suffolk Community College to become a Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA).
When asked about her interest in the medical field, Kayleigh revealed that her close relationship with her grandmother, who faced health challenges, deeply influenced her. Witnessing the exceptional care her grandmother received inspired Kayleigh to dedicate herself to helping others.

Let us help you get there! Check out our Adult Fitness classes this Summer!

Let us help you get there! Check out our Adult Fitness classes this Summer!


Staff Spotlight:

Welcome Keith To the Professional Care Medical Massage Team!

Keith Weber is a licensed massage therapist who obtained his certification in 2024 after graduating from the Swedish Institute College of Health Sciences. He also holds a Bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science, which provides him with a profound understanding of human anatomy, movement, and physical rehabilitation. Specializing in medical massage, Keith focuses on helping clients manage pain, recover from injuries, and improve mobility through targeted, therapeutic techniques. With a solid foundation in both clinical and holistic care, he is dedicated to supporting individuals on their path to improved health. Whether addressing chronic conditions or acute injuries, he approaches each session with compassion and a results-oriented mindset. For Keith, massage therapy transcends mere profession; it is a meaningful avenue to foster healing and create a lasting impact.


Did you know we can see you for Occupational & Physical Therapy with or without a referral from a doctor? Call us today for more information!

“Professional Care Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation is amazing. I had an ankle injury and my doctor sent me to them, and I couldn’t be happier. Dr. Brooks Comeno is an outstanding doctor, who truly cares about every one of his patients, and his entire staff makes me feel welcome and right at home every time I go there. I would highly recommend them to everyone, I promise you will not be disappointed. I would never go anywhere else. I have complete confidence in them. Thank you Dr. Brooks and the whole staff for everything you have done!!”

Samantha H.