SOMA Living September 2025

FROM THE DOCTOR September is National Sickle Cell Awareness Month: How Physical Therapy Supports Those Living with Sickle Cell Disease Every September, we recognize National Sickle Cell Awareness Month, which highlights a complex condition affecting over 100,000 people in the United States. Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) is a genetic blood disorder where red blood cells become rigid and crescent-shaped, blocking blood flow and causing painful episodes known as vaso occlusive crises. While many understand the medical challenges of SCD, fewer know how physical therapy can greatly improve life quality for those living with this condition. • Frequent pain episodes, especially in the back, joints, and long bones • Reduced mobility due to joint damage or chronic pain • Muscle weakness from inactivity during hospitalizations or crises • Fatigue from anemia and chronic inflammation • Postural changes from altered movement patterns to avoid pain These challenges often lead to loss of independence and decreased participation in work, school, and community activities. As movement experts, physical therapists serve as partners in pain management, mobility restoration, and improving quality of life. Our treatment approach tailors to each patient’s unique needs, including pain-relieving modalities, joint protection and mobility training, strength and endurance building, energy conservation strategies, and posture and gait training. September’s National Sickle Cell Awareness Month reminds us that awareness must accompany action. Let’s empower those with SCD to stay mobile, manage pain, and live life fully, showing that guided movement can be a powerful medicine. SCD impacts nearly every aspect of a person’s physical well-being. Individuals may experience:

South Orange Rehabilitation & Wellness We provide professional, individualized and effective physical therapy. Our health and wellness interventions promote healthy living and enhanced quality of life for all athletes and patients.

Specializing in: • Post Surgical Knee & Shoulder • Spinal Decompression for Herniated and Bulging Discs • Cold Laser to Increase Healing

SouthOrangeRehab.com (973) 761-0077 177 Valley Street, South Orange, New Jersey 07079

Dr. Michael Mozia PT, DPT, OCS, Cert.MDT, CSCS 2011-Bachelor of Science in Biology-Seton Hall University. 2014-Doctoral Degree in Physical Therapy-S Seton Hall University 2014-Recipient of the American Physical Therapy Associate Minority Initiative Award.

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