Manual Therapy
Manual physical therapy is a specialized skill of physical therapy using a hands-on technique as opposed to a device or machine. In manual therapy, practitioners use their hands to perform rhythmic stretching motions and deep pressure. These techniques are designed to mobilize joints by loosening up the restricted joint and increasing its range of motion. Manual therapy is also used to relax muscle tissue in order to decrease pain caused by muscle spasm, muscle tension, and joint dysfunction.
Post Operative Rehabilitation
Our therapists provide post-operative treatment for a variety of surgeries such as joint replacement, back surgery, rotator cuff and Achilles repair, and mastectomy. Post-operative patients need physical therapy to facilitate increased strength and decreased edema, allowing them to return to their normal activities. Techniques include but are not limited to exercise and manual therapy, ultrasound, and electrical stimulation.
Orthopedic Therapy
A specialty area of the broader physical therapy profession, orthopedic therapy focuses on the muscular and skeletal systems. It plays an important role in physical therapy by managing orthopedic conditions such as arthritis and other joint issues, neck and back pain, scoliosis, broken bones, or any injury to bones, joints and muscles. Our physical therapists can help ease pain and facilitate healing for these orthopedic conditions and more.
Pain Management
Chronic pain can be mild or excruciating, episodic or continuous, merely inconvenient or totally incapacitating. The most common sources of pain stem from headaches, joint pain, pain from injury, and backaches. Other kinds of chronic pain include tendinitis, sinus pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, and pain affecting specific parts of the body, such as the shoulders, pelvis, and neck. Generalized muscle or nerve pain can also develop into a chronic condition. Because of the mind-body links associated with chronic pain, effective treatment requires addressing psychological as well as physical aspects of the condition.
Craniosacral Therapy
Craniosacral therapy is a gentle form of therapeutic touch that facilitates the self-corrective and natural healing process of your body. By supporting the central nervous system and releasing restrictions throughout the body, Craniosacral therapy may facilitate bring about profound healing.
Lymph Drainage
Manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) is a type of gentle massage intended to encourage the natural drainage of the lymphatic system, which carries waste products away from the tissues back toward the heart. Lymphedema is an accumulation of fluid which can cause swelling and pain in the body. During treatment, the therapist gently rubs, strokes, taps or pushes the skin in directions that follow the structure of the lymphatic system so that accumulated lymph fluid can drain through proper channels. Lymphatic drainage is very gentle and comfortable.
Myofascial Release
Myofascial release is a highly specialized, soft tissue stretching technique used by physical therapists for the treatment of soft tissue dysfunction and pain. This treatment aims to relax tight muscles, improve blood flow and lymphatic circulation, and stimulate the stretch reflex in muscles. Fascia is a thin, tough, elastic connective tissue that supports and protects most structures within the body, including muscle. Release of myofascial restrictions can facilitate other body structures through a release of tension in the whole fascial system.
Ultrasound
Ultrasound is a method of stimulating the tissue beneath the skin's surface using very high frequency sound waves. The primary benefits to ultrasound are: facilitating the healing process due to the increase in blood flow in the treated area; decreasing pain from the reduction of swelling; and the gentle massage of muscles tendons and/ or ligaments in the treated area as no strain is added and scar tissue is softened. Ultrasound is applied using a transducer that is in direct contact with the patient's skin. Gel is applied to both skin and applicator to reduce friction and assist transmission of the ultrasonic waves.
Electrical Stimulation
Electrical stimulation uses an electrical current to cause a single muscle or a group of muscles to contract. By placing electrodes on the skin in various locations the physical therapist can recruit the appropriate muscle fibers. Contracting the muscle via electrical stimulation helps strengthen the affected muscle. The physical therapist can change the current setting to allow for a forceful or gentle muscle contraction. Along with increasing muscle strength, the contraction of the muscle also promotes blood supply to the area that assists in healing. Electrical muscle stimulation, or EMS, is a technique that is sometimes used during physical therapy to help strengthen muscles.
Taping Techniques
Athletic taping may prevent injury or further damage to an existing injury by supporting musculoskeletal structures with sturdy, cloth-like adhesive tape. Athletic taping is commonly used to support ankles, knees and wrists, as these joints come under pressure in many sports and are prone to sprains. Tape can also be used to facilitate lengthening of tight muscles and facilitate recruitment of weaker muscles. The Kinesio Taping Method utilizes flexible latex-free tape applied over muscles to reduce pain and inflammation, relax tired muscles, and support muscles and joints. It is non-restrictive type, which allows for full range of motion. It is also used for preventive maintenance and edema management.
Education
One of the most important keys to wellness is empowerment through knowledge about your condition. Our therapists provide you with “tools” by creating awareness through education that facilitates self-care. Patients with a clear understanding of their condition and plan of care are better equipped to play an active part in the treatment process.