New Westford Clinic Helps Runners and Active Adults Move Better, Recover Stronger

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WESTFORD, MA — Whether it's a nagging knee that flares up on long runs, back pain that won't settle, or bladder leaks that keep someone from exercising, too many people are told to simply rest and live with it. Dr. Fatema Kanchwala opened Step Forward Physical Therapy in Westford to change that.

"My goal is to help people get back to the things they love, and to stay there," said Kanchwala, a Doctor of Physical Therapy with more than 10 years of experience. "Every session is one-on-one, because getting to the root cause takes time."

Step Forward Physical Therapy takes a performance-based approach to care. The clinic treats all orthopedic and sports injuries, including back and neck pain, hip, knee and shoulder injuries, and recovery after surgery. Treatment plans combine hands-on manual therapy, dry needling, and targeted strength and movement training, with the focus on long-term results rather than short-term relief.

A clinic built for runners

A runner and Boston Marathon finisher herself, Kanchwala has made running one of the clinic's two specialties. Step Forward uses RunEasi, a wearable sensor validated against force plates and 3D motion capture, to give each runner a data-driven report on impact loading, symmetry and stability. From those results, runners get a personalized program to reduce injury risk and improve performance, whether they are training for their first 5K or their next marathon. The clinic also works with local high school cross country and track teams on injury screening and prevention.

Pelvic floor care for everyone

The clinic's second specialty is pelvic floor physical therapy for all genders and every stage of life. Kanchwala treats bladder leakage, urgency, pelvic pain, painful intercourse, prolapse symptoms, constipation, pregnancy and postpartum recovery, diastasis recti, and pelvic health before and after prostate surgery.

"Leaking when you cough or run is common, but it isn't normal, and it is very treatable," Kanchwala said. "So many people don't realize physical therapy can help."

Kanchwala also gives free community talks on pelvic floor health, most recently at the Littleton Senior Center.

Getting started

Step Forward Physical Therapy is in network with select insurance plans and also offers out-of-network care, with superbills provided so patients can submit for possible reimbursement. Appointments are 30 to 60 minutes, and every visit is one-on-one with Dr. Kanchwala.

Step Forward Physical Therapy is located at 319 Littleton Road, Suite 304, in Westford. To book an evaluation, visit stepforwardpt.com or call (978) 799-9680.

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