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Dr. Daniel Prata, PT, DPT, COMT

Physical Therapist

Dr. Daniel Prata PT, DPT, COMT is a top Physical Therapist in Fairfield, . With a passion for the field and an unwavering commitment to their specialty, Dr. Daniel Prata PT, DPT, COMT is an expert in changing the lives of their patients for the better. Through their designated cause and expertise in the field, Dr. Daniel Prata PT, DPT, COMT is a prime example of a true leader in healthcare. As a leader and expert in their field, Dr. Daniel Prata PT, DPT, COMT is passionate about enhancing patient quality of life. They embody the values of communication, safety, and trust when dealing directly with patients. In Fairfield, NJ, Dr. Daniel Prata PT, DPT, COMT is a true asset to their field and dedicated to the profession of medicine.
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21 years Experience
Dr. Daniel Prata, PT, DPT, COMT
  • Clifton, NJ
  • Seton Hall University
  • Accepting new patients

I'm only 23 and experiencing knee pain during exercise. Why?

just knee pain doesn't correlated with Rheumatic diseases. Usually effects smaller joints like hands and feet and is bilateral. Not big joint and only 1. Also, just running READ MORE
just knee pain doesn't correlated with Rheumatic diseases. Usually effects smaller joints like hands and feet and is bilateral. Not big joint and only 1. Also, just running or swimming is not great on the body. you need to do other exercises to tolerate the stress you put on your body while running, prolonged walking, and swimming. Try weight training

I have a constant lower back pain. Can it he managed through exercise?

Constant? Does your symptoms change with position or activity? If there is no change in your symptoms, you see your MD as it can be something more than just a orthopedic problem. READ MORE
Constant? Does your symptoms change with position or activity? If there is no change in your symptoms, you see your MD as it can be something more than just a orthopedic problem. If there is change, that's great. That means its more than likely orthopedic/musculoskeletal related. Specific exercises? you would need to be evaluated. Call a reputable physical therapist in your area to be evaluated and see what they recommend

I have a 12 hour desk job and my body feels very stiff by the end of the day. Please suggest some desk exercises.

any exercises will help. Do whatever you like to do best

Knee replacement therapy

depending on what kind of work you do. If you do office work, you can be back to work 4-6 weeks however you still will need to undergo physical therapy. Walking normally is usually READ MORE
depending on what kind of work you do. If you do office work, you can be back to work 4-6 weeks however you still will need to undergo physical therapy. Walking normally is usually 6-8 after surgery. It all depends on how well your body responds to the surgery.

Is there a way to reverse osteoporosis?

There are some studies show that there can be a reversal but there definitely can retard or stop the progression. Medications, healthy diet, and regular exercise is key. Being READ MORE
There are some studies show that there can be a reversal but there definitely can retard or stop the progression. Medications, healthy diet, and regular exercise is key. Being evaluated by a physical therapist is a good idea as the physical therapist can evaluate you and understand where to begin with your exercises based upon the assessment.

Daniel Prata, PT, DPT, COMT

What are the main factors causing sciatica in people?

Symptoms radiating down the leg, which is commonly known as sciatica, can be caused from 3 main factors. Vertebral disc herniating and compressing nerve, stenosis causing compression READ MORE
Symptoms radiating down the leg, which is commonly known as sciatica, can be caused from 3 main factors. Vertebral disc herniating and compressing nerve, stenosis causing compression of the spinal nerves and if symptoms don’t cross below the knee it can be facet arthritis . If it’s your mom, and she is over the age of 50, it’s more than likely stenosis. Good thing is that physical therapy that helps improve mobility and stability that can significantly help. And just being active is very helpful. Some people may need epidurals/facet injections, medications, and surgery however that should be the last resort considering there is a growing body of evidence showing physical therapy is as good or even superior to more aggressive treatments. If your mother’s legs are giving way, she has had changes in bladder and bowel function, or she has sensory changes to her genitalia, you need to seek medical treatment immediately. If not, get evaluated by a competent physical therapist

How long should I be on physical therapy to ease my injury due to lifting weights?

That would depend on the type of injury. This is a question that you should feel comfortable asking your physical therapist.

I have a very painful ankle due to an injury that occurred last week. What should I do?

If it's been 1 week and the pain is very severe, seek treatment. A PT can evaluate and determine if you have any instability or potential fracture. If you do not have good rehab READ MORE
If it's been 1 week and the pain is very severe, seek treatment. A PT can evaluate and determine if you have any instability or potential fracture. If you do not have good rehab potential, they will refer you out for X-rays for fractures and, depending, MRIs for soft tissue injuries.

Can disc hernia cause issues with hands and legs?

Your neck affects your arms. Your low back affects your legs. If your arms and legs are both symptomatic, you may have either something going on or you have central component like READ MORE
Your neck affects your arms. Your low back affects your legs. If your arms and legs are both symptomatic, you may have either something going on or you have central component like a myelopathy. You should seek medical treatment.

Is it normal to have pain and swelling after an arthroscopic surgery?

You should consult with the surgeon. It can be normal. If your dad is greater than 40 years old, more than likely he had an arthritic knee. If they did a meniscectomy, then it READ MORE
You should consult with the surgeon. It can be normal. If your dad is greater than 40 years old, more than likely he had an arthritic knee. If they did a meniscectomy, then it can be normal. Studies show the only reason why you have a meniscectomy is if you failed conservative treatment (physical therapy, cortisone injections, viscosupplement injections) or if your knee gets stuck. The older you are, the worse your prognosis following a knee replacement.

What is electrical stimulation for?

Distracts your mind while you're on it. There is little therapeutic effect.

What could be the reason behind mid back pain?

If your mid back pain changes with movement or positions, than its more than likely a musculoskeletal problem (joint, ligament, disc, nerve, muscle). If its constant and you are READ MORE
If your mid back pain changes with movement or positions, than its more than likely a musculoskeletal problem (joint, ligament, disc, nerve, muscle). If its constant and you are unable to alleviate your pain, than you should immediately consult your physician as it can be related to your heart or other visceral/organ referred pain such as stomach, gallbbladder, kidney etc. It can be temporary but I am unsure unless i was to perform a physical examination. Also, pain itself is not a predictor of whats going on. If your pain goes away, you still may have the causes of your pain such as restrictions to your muscle, joints, nerves or weakness/lack of stability. Hopefully this helps and points you to the right direction. See a physical therapist for a evaluation. If you are located in North New Jersey area, give us a call

Left shoulder wider than right shoulder. What are the possible reasons?

You may be having impingement of the shoulder and should seek treatment from a physical therapist.

What is dry needling in physical therapy?

Dry needling is a technique where a therapist attempts to reduce spasm of a muscle using a acupuncture needle. It's not acupunctures as we are not working on these magical "meridian READ MORE
Dry needling is a technique where a therapist attempts to reduce spasm of a muscle using a acupuncture needle. It's not acupunctures as we are not working on these magical "meridian pathways" and are treating muscle that we are very qualified to treat. That being said, I have taken courses and utilized the treatment, but the research questions in efficacy. I tend to use techniques that are less "aggressive" in a sense where I am not penetrating through the skin. Last resort and when presentation indicated, I would use dry needling. However, that being said, if you hate needles, then don't bother, you more than likely will not have a positive experience. This is where Therapeutic Pain Neuroscience comes into play.

After a back surgery, when can I start with physical therapy?

It varies amongst the literature and by surgeon. I personally like to get patients going quickly (within 3-4 weeks after surgery), but you need to respect your surgeons wishes. READ MORE
It varies amongst the literature and by surgeon. I personally like to get patients going quickly (within 3-4 weeks after surgery), but you need to respect your surgeons wishes. They know exactly what they saw and what they did. Follow your surgeon's instructions. However, make sure you do physical therapy at some point after surgery.

Once in a while I sleep on my hand and it gives me shoulder pain. Can you suggest some exercises I can do?

Your body typically will wake you up and tell you "move out of this position please" by making your hand numb. That's not really an indicator that you need therapy. However, it READ MORE
Your body typically will wake you up and tell you "move out of this position please" by making your hand numb. That's not really an indicator that you need therapy. However, it may be a sign you have hypersensitivity to your nerve, which may need some neurodynamic treatments. Find a therapist that is competent in neural mobilizations (if that's the reason). You should be evaluated with a proper physical examination by a physical therapist to see what is causing your symptoms.

Can physical therapy help in treating pain due to tennis elbow?

Yes. It's a very common diagnosis we treat. Neural sensitivity and referred pain from cervical spine needs to be ruled out first. Then, proper grading of movement and stress to READ MORE
Yes. It's a very common diagnosis we treat. Neural sensitivity and referred pain from cervical spine needs to be ruled out first. Then, proper grading of movement and stress to the impaired tissue needs to be done afterwards.

I am experiencing pain around my hip. Will physical therapy help me?

If you have no trauma, then a physical can help. However, you need to be evaluated by a physical therapist to determine that.

How long does Guillain-Barré syndrome take to get treated with physical therapy?

You heard correctly . There is no prognostic indicator or test to determine how long it will take. I am sorry I can't be of any more assistance

I have recently put on a lot of weight and feel stiff around my hands and thighs. What can I do?

Honestly, be evaluated by a PT who does SFMA/FMS assessment to determine what activities is most appropriate to start with and then how to progress it. Also, make sure you perform READ MORE
Honestly, be evaluated by a PT who does SFMA/FMS assessment to determine what activities is most appropriate to start with and then how to progress it. Also, make sure you perform activities that you enjoy doing. Exercise is a great way to help with depression as it is one of the best ways to get body to create more serotonin.