Physical Therapy / Rehabilitation
Physical therapy employs a number of different therapeutic tools to enable recovery for a very broad array of physical injuries, disorders and long term chronic problems. This page outlines a number of these different tools we use to help manage recovery of soft tissue injuries and disorders, increase your functional range of motion, improve muscular strength, correct posture and body mechanics, restore balance, and reduce your risk of recurrent injury.
Ultrasound (US)
Many different musculoskeletal conditions, such as muscles strains and tendonitis, are treated with ultrasound.
Benefits: High frequency sound waves that produce a form of deep tissue heating, For relief of pain and muscle spasm, Promotes circulation, Relaxes tight muscles/soft tissue – prepares tissues for stretching
Moist Heat (Hydrocollator)
Benefits: Produces a deeper heat than a dry heating pad, Increases local circulation, reduces swelling, relaxes muscles/soft tissue, prepares tissue for other treatments
Cryotherapy [Cold/Ice]
Benefits: Use of “ice packs” or “ice massage” in acute injuries and for pain relief (acute or chronic), Reduces swelling, inflammation, muscles spasm.
Electrotherapeutics (Electric Stimulation)
Benefits: Used in a variety of conditions to reduce pain and inflammation, promote tissue healing, stimulate or promote nerve and or muscle function, muscular re education, biofeedback and sensory integrative therapy. Electrotherapeutics are well researched, not painful and are a foundation of many PT interventions.
Postural Training
Analysis of the body’s posture to identify areas of imbalance and inordinate stress, possibly contributing to a person’s chronic pain or functional impairment. We use corrective measures to restore proper alignment of the musculoskeletal system and reduce undue stress and strain.
Body Mechanics/Ergonomics
This is the way we sit, stand, bend, lift, push and generally position our body to perform simple or complex physical tasks, during regular activities of daily living or within the worksite environment. Chiropractors are trained to understand proper movement techniques and identify incorrect techniques, with the goal of correction to a more efficient and productive movement model.
Neuromuscular Re-education
Retraining of movement, balance, coordination, posture and position sense.
Gait Training
The analysis of the different stages of walking and running to determine any deviations from ideal. Then re-educating the body in the proper movement patterns.
Balance/Coordination Training
Exercises and activities to improve the ability to maintain the body in equilibrium both statically (at rest) and dynamically (with movement).
Therapeutic Exercise Prescription
Exercise is a very common and non-invasive method of treatment used in our office. Exercise can help to improve a patient’s strength, flexibility and range of motion, and can help a patient regain their functional and mobile independence.