Specialization
- Disc Herniations
- Spinal stenosis
- Cervical, thoracic and lumbar radiculopathies
- Sacroiliac joint pain or dysfunction
- Restrictions and impairments from strokes, traumatic brain and spinal cord injuries.
- Shoulder pain
- Rotator cuff dysfunction
- Arthritis
- Knee pain
- Hip pain
- Plantar fasciitis
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Pinched Nerves
- Peripheral neuropathy
- Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy)
- Generalized weakness
- Debility
- Fuctional Decline
- Cognitive Decline
- Fibromyalgia
- Obesity
- Imbalance
- Gait Deviation
- Cervical myelopathy
- Osteoporosis
- Management of osteoporotic vertebral fractures
Mission
We aim to make a stronger and healthier you. In life, there can be times when we are brought down physically and mentally by restrictions in our bodies, whether by acute or chronic injuries to the musculoskeletal and neurological systems. Dr. Macken is here to help you improve your body functions and walk with you every step of the way so that in the end you can focus on life’s essentials that matter to you: mind, body, and spirit!
On Your Marks. Get Set. Go!
Have you noticed that your usual dancing pace or ability to move has slowed down recently? It’s just not what it used to be. Maybe you’ve wanted to get out there to walk or even run, but you’re simply not feeling up to it. While knee or hip pain might be the obvious culprits, there are many other factors that could be affecting your mobility. Conditions like arthritis, inflammation, back pain, pinched nerve, fatigue, low energy, weakness, neuropathy, imbalance, cognitive decline, fear of falling, or even depression can all contribute to decreased movement. Dr. Macken, a specialist in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, is here to help you improve your health and regain the freedom to do the activities you love.
Take the next step to get to a healthier you!
Book Your Appointment Today with Dr. Macken.
Frequently Asked Questions
Discs are made of both fibrous and jelly like materials that sometimes may lose their integrity, through repeated loading or employing wrong biomechanics while working or even doing some seemingly easy tasks. Not all disc herniations are associated with pain. Once the nucleus pulposus – the soft jelly like material in the disc center – bulges and leaks out, a cascade of inflammation ensues causing acute pain, and if the fragmented disc is large enough pressing against the nerve root, you may experience radiating pain down your extremities. Pain may be aggravated by standing, walking, sitting or lying down. You may ice the affected spinal region, use an anti-inflammatory medication for a very short period of time if your health status allows it, or do specific exercises gradually and as tolerated. The herniated disc over time may be reabsorbed on its own.
Here at Ave Maria Physical Medicine, Dr. Josephine Macken will walk with you every step of the way to return you to prior body functions and activities.
Shoulder pain is a common experience for many individuals at some point in their lives. The shoulder joint is a highly complex structure, providing exceptional mobility that allows us to perform a variety of tasks across different planes without changing our position. This functionality enables activities such as throwing a baseball or tossing a stick for a dog to retrieve.
However, the shoulder is vulnerable to injury due to repetitive use—particularly in manual labor—or as a result of sudden movements, falls, or other unforeseen incidents. These factors can lead to conditions such as rotator cuff tears, impingement syndrome, bursitis, joint subluxation or dislocation, and arthritis, all of which can cause pain and restrict mobility. Additionally, metabolic health plays a significant role in joint integrity; for instance, individuals with diabetes may be more prone to developing frozen shoulder syndrome.
Accurate diagnosis of shoulder conditions is essential to ensure appropriate treatment and facilitate a quicker return to normal function. Untreated shoulder dysfunction can lead to a range of complications, including limited range of motion, muscle atrophy, reduced activity tolerance, and an increased risk of falls.