
Dr. Ruth Reid-Thornton, MD
Physiatrist (Physical Medicine) | Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation
4901 Fort Hamilton Pkwy Brooklyn NY, 11219About
Dr. Ruth Reid-Thornton is a physiatrist practicing in Brooklyn, NY. Dr. Reid-Thornton is a medical doctor specializing in physical medicine and rehabilitation. As a physiatrist, Dr. Reid-Thornton focuses on a patients ability to function, and can treat multiple conditions that affect the brain, nerves, spine, bones, muscles, joints, ligaments and tendons. Dr. Reid-Thornton can diagnose and treat pain that is a result of injury, disease or a disabling condition. Physiatrists often lead a team of physical therapists, occupational therapists and physicians in a patients treatment or prevention plan.
Education and Training
Howard University Medical School MD
Board Certification
Physical Medicine and RehabilitationAmerican Board of Physical Medicine and RehabilitationABPMR
Provider Details

Dr. Ruth Reid-Thornton, MD's Expert Contributions
FREE Chronic Pain Masterclass
Are you tired of living with chronic pain? Ready to take control and find relief? This masterclass is your golden ticket to a pain-free future! ⠀I am excited to invite you all to join me on July 9th at 3 pm PST for a life-changing Chronic Pain Masterclass that's completely FREE! ✨ Whether you're...
Swollen knee?
If you had trauma to the knee it could be a hematoma collection of blood. Most likely it is fluid from inflammation. You also could have an infected knee, in which case it would be pus. You should see your primary care provider. READ MORE
How long is physical therapy after finger surgery?
The length of time for therapy after any surgery varies. Many require 6 months of therapy, some less, dome more. READ MORE
How long does it take to get strength back after COVID?
Hi. I do not know the answer to that. Many people are getting Long Covid, meaning they have symptoms persisting Long after the active infection was treated. You should have physical therapy or at least a home exercise program. Eat lots of fruits, vegetables-look for the anti-inflammatory diet on my social media posts. There are also Long covid support groups which may be of hrlp.yo you. If you need further assistance from me please check out my website where you can make an appointment. Or you can sign up for a free 30 minutes phone consultation found on my social media platforms. Best to you, Dr. Ruth READ MORE
Can tight neck muscles cause difficulty breathing?
Hi, I would need more information to better answer your question. Generally when people talk about tight neck muscles they are talking about muscles at the back and sides of the neck. These would not affect breathing. However it is possible that there is a connection if your difficulty breathing is due to stress, anxiety or panic attacks. Stress and tension can cause neck pain and tightness as welll as difficulty breathing. As stated I would need more information to answer this. If you would like my help or more information check out my social media posts or go to.my website: www.chronicpainrescue.com READ MORE
How do I get my sciatic nerve to stop hurting?
Sciatic nerve pain can be helped with certain exercises including stretches of the back and hamstrings pkys exercises to strengthen core muscles. I have had heat success using homeopathy medicines for nerve pain such as sciatica. They are safe, inexpensive, don't interact with other prescriptions. If your pain has been persistent at least 2 weeks, yes-yoi should see a doctor.. if you would like to work with me or find more information to help your sciatica, check out my posts on social media or visit my website: www.chronicpainrescue.com READ MORE
Can migraine headaches be cured by physiotherapy?
I believe exercise is medicine so certainly physical therapy can help. Sometimes what people call migraine headaches are not actually migraines. And some migraine headaches require other interventions than physical therapy. If I can be of further assistance please look for my social media posts or check out my website: www.chronicpainrescue.com READ MORE
Does physical therapy help shoulder impingement?
Absolutely PT can help with shoulder impingement. You should have relief within 2 or 3 months, especially if you do assigned home exercises in addition to the therapy sessions. There are some people that do not respond to therapy. In which case an MRI of the shoulder and a referral to an orthopedic surgeon may be needed. If you would like more help or assistance from me please visit my social media posts or my website : www.chronicpainrescue.com READ MORE
Is physical therapy necessary after foot surgery?
Hi, physical therapy is necessary for most people after surgery in order to regain strength, range off motion, balance and functional mobility. If you already can do everything than you don't need it. At least see physical therapist for the evaluation. If you and they agree that your fully independent, then no further intervention is needed READ MORE
What are good activities for stroke patients?
Sorry that you had a stroke. 3 months ago. If you're able to ask questions in an email that suggests to me that your stroke was not severe. Recovery from stroke can be immediate ( like with a TIA-transienr is chemical attack() or typically can take up to 2 years. Our brains have neuroplasticity which means it can modify. New nerve networks can form and grow, replacing nerves which died during the, stroke with mew ones. In fact there are many cases where people had neurological Recovery years after the stroke. So, exercises that are good include walking and anything that cause you to exercise ghe part of the body that became weak from.the stroke. I've heard of domeone who had a paralyzed hand who took swimming lessons 26 years after the stroke and the hard started working again. Best to you and if you need further assistance please check out my social media posts and/or my website: www.chronicpainrescue.com READ MORE
Does tennis elbow require surgery?
Usually tennis elbow is treated without surgery. You should see an occupational therapist who will give you exercises READ MORE
What is the best doctor to see for back pain?
You can start with your primary care doctor. My opinion is the best doc to see first (or after your pcp) is a physiatrist or physical medicine and rehabilitation specialist (my specialty). After an interview and exam they can determine your diagnosis or cause of your pain, refer you for physical therapy, prescribe pain medications, or depending on their skill sets and your needs may perform procedures to help relieve pain faster. If 2 to 3 months of PT is ineffective then other specialists or studies are needed. If you need further assistance from me please visit my social media pages or website: www.chronicpainrescue.com READ MORE
Can a chiropractor help with dislocation?
Depending on the extent of your dislocation you may need surgery. You can get more than one opinion to decide. When deciding on a chiropractor it's good to see of other patients are happy with their cars. If I can be of any assistance reach out on social media or via my website: chronicpainrescue.com READ MORE
What exercise can I do for knee pain?
To answer this I would need more information,like what is cause of your knee pain? Three are exercises I could recommend for osteoarthritis. For some they woyld be able to do them and for others those same exercises could cause pain, in which case I would modify the exercises. If I can be of more assistance please reach out on social media or my website: www.chronicpainrescue.com READ MORE
How does physical therapy relieve pain?
Physical therapy helps relieve pain in several ways. They apply modalities like heat, ice pack, diathermy or electrical stimulation. They guide you in stretching exercises to help increase range of motion, decrease tightness or muscle contraction and strengthen the muscles which support your shoulder joint. When the muscles around the joint are stronger then the joint can move with less pain, despite the presence of things like osteoarthrits. If I can be of further assistance please reach put on social media or my website: www.chronicpainrescue.com READ MORE
What is the fastest recovery time for ACL surgery?
I don't have an answer for that. I will say that the better shape a person is going into surgery, generally the sooner they recover. READ MORE
Is it OK to lift weights with scoliosis?
Lifting weights may be beneficial for scoliosis. It would depend on the amount of weight, what the actual exercise is, maybe other factors as well. READ MORE
Can scoliosis be corrected through exercise?
Short answer is sometimes. It depends on several things including the severity of the scoliosis, is it progressing. . One should see spine specialist regarding this. READ MORE
Why does my lower back hurt after exercise?
I would have to know more about your back pain and what are the exercises you are doing. You can arrange a free 30 minute consultation if you go to my social media pages (FB, YT, IG or Pinterest): chronicpainrescue. Or you can go to www.chronicpainrescue.com to make an appointment. READ MORE
Is physical therapy necessary after hip replacement?
After hip replacement surgery physical therapy is necessary. There are hip.precautions you must follow until the joint fully heals which takes ~ 3 months. The length of time therapy is needed varies. READ MORE
Can chronic wrist pain be cured with acupuncture?
Maybe. If you are considering trying acupuncture you should give it a try.. You should know after a few visits if it Is effective. Should you need further help please visit my website or call for an appointment READ MORE
Areas of expertise and specialization
Professional Memberships
- American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
- American Academy of Physician Life Care Planners
- Academy of Holistic and Integrative Medicine
Dr. Ruth Reid-Thornton, MD's Practice location
Practice At 4901 Fort Hamilton Pkwy
4901 Fort Hamilton Pkwy -Brooklyn, NY 11219Get Direction
STATEN ISLAND, NY 10301Get Direction
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Dr. Ruth Reid-Thornton, MD's reviews
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Get to know Physiatrist Dr. Ruth Reid-Thornton, who serves patients in Long Beach, California.
An experienced specialist in physical medicine and rehabilitation, Dr. Reid-Thornton has been practicing medicine for over 20 years.
As the Founder of Chronic Pain Rescue in Long Beach, California, she has dedicated her practice to helping people suffering from chronic pain without the need for opiates. She strives to help others understand that diet, exercise, and other interventions can truly make a difference.
For high quality of living, Dr. Reid-Thornton has helped her patients rehabilitate from injuries or complications of disease through a range of treatment and rehabilitation techniques, including the application of holistic and integrative medicine principles.
Certified in homeopathy, she can recommend medicines and supplements which are safer to use than most products, and is uniquely qualified to provide Life Care Planning.
Regarding her educational background, Dr. Reid-Thornton earned her Bachelor of Arts degree from Wellesley College in 1984. She then went on to earn her medical degree from the Howard University College of Medicine in 1991, after which she performed her internship at Howard University Hospital in 1992 and her residency at SUNY Downstate in 1995.
With expertise in musculoskeletal and neurological conditions, the doctor is a Diplomate of the American Board of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation (ABPMR). The mission of the ABPMR is to serve the public by improving the quality of patient care in physical medicine and rehabilitation. This is accomplished through a process of certification and maintenance of certification that fosters excellence and encourages continuous learning.
Board-certified in holistic and integrative medicine, Dr. Reid-Thornton is also a Diplomate of the American Board of Integrative Holistic Medicine.
Among her professional affiliations include the American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, the American Academy of Physician Life Care Planners, and the Academy of Holistic and Integrative Medicine.
Physical medicine and rehabilitation, also known as physiatry and physiatrics, is a branch of medicine that aims to enhance and restore functional ability and quality of life to those with physical impairments or disabilities. Physiatrists treat a wide variety of medical conditions affecting the brain, spinal cord, nerves, bones, joints, ligaments, muscles, and tendons.
Residing in Long Beach, Dr. Reid-Thornton enjoys spending time with family and friends, going to the theater, and singing.
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- Dr. Caroline O. McCagg M.D.65 JAMES ST EDISON NJ 08820
- Dr. Neil Chatterjee MD1320 York Ave New York NY 10021
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Nearest Hospitals
KINGS COUNTY HOSPITAL CENTERl
451 CLARKSON AVENUE BROOKLYN NY 11203COLLEGE MEDICAL CENTERl
2776 PACIFIC AVENUE LONG BEACH CA 90806MILLER CHILDREN'S HOSPITALl
2801 ATLANTIC AVENUE LONG BEACH CA 90806CAREPOINT HEALTH - BAYONNE MEDICAL CENTERl
29 EAST 29TH ST BAYONNE NJ 7002STATEN ISLAND UNIVERSITY HOSPITALl
475 SEAVIEW AVENUE STATEN ISLAND NY 10305