Mike Stranges, D.P.T., joined the Laura Stevens Team as a Physical Therapist in 2015. Get to know him and learn more about physical therapy in this interview.

Why did you decide to become a physical therapist?
I was in physical therapy in high school after I acquired a lumbar injury while playing soccer. While other doctors wanted to perform surgery, Laura was able to fix my back and get me back to playing soccer. It was then, that I decided that physical therapy would be a good career; it was something that I would enjoy while at the same time, making other people better.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
I get to treat a wide range of individuals, from children to the elderly.
What is the most challenging part of your job?
Time management between patients. I try to spend as much time with everybody, but due to that, I get backed up at times.
What gives you the most satisfaction?
Seeing smiling faces as people have less and less pain.
Do you have a treatment philosophy or does it vary from patient to patient?
My treatments always vary patient to patient and I try to incorporate many different manual techniques. A patient may respond to one technique but not another, so I am constantly changing my approach and tailor it to each individual patient. As patients get stronger and more functional, exercises will change too.
What do you think the biggest misconception about physical therapy is?
That a physical therapist is going to fix an injury by himself/herself. There is always homework (home exercise program) that must be done to achieve maximum results.

What are some of the common injuries that you see in your practice?
We see all types of injuries. Everything from sprained ankles to hip and knee replacements to neurological disorders. Most common injuries would be lumbar injuries, shoulder impingement and tendonitis.
Are there preventative measures you would recommend to avoid these injuries?
The number one thing that can prevent injuries is correct posture in everyday activities. This starts in sleeping positions and also can be applied to sitting positions and correct lifting mechanics. For more information, contact us. We’re here to help!
What is the one thing you wish your patients would do more of?
I would have to say their home exercise program. To maintain the results of each physical therapy session, exercises must be performed at home.
What’s your top tip for living a healthy lifestyle?
I have two tips - the first is to eat healthy. The second is to be active! There are many exercises that can be performed to stay healthy, from walking to running to bike riding and many other activities.
What’s your favorite place to spend time outdoors in the Hudson Valley?
I am an avid hiker, so my favorite place is Harriman State Park. I have hiked in many state and national parks across the country and Harriman is still one of the most beautiful places I have seen. There are hundreds of miles of hiking trails, beautiful lakes, and mountains that overlook the Hudson River. In some spots, you can even see the Manhattan skyline!
If you have any questions for Mike, please contact us anytime.