Physical Therapy Services
Physical therapy is appropriate for anyone suffering from pain, loss of range of motion, weakness, impaired coordination, balance, or loss of function. All physical therapy appointments start with a thorough evaluation to determine the exact nature of your problem. Your medical history is reviewed in detail in order to establish that your symptoms are indeed arising from your neuro-musculo-skeletal system. If this is not the case, a physician consultation or diagnostic imaging may be necessary. Objective tests and measures give the therapist a good idea of what needs to be addressed in order to meet your goals. We will then establish a plan together that will lead to success in terms of returning you to the activities that are most important to you. The most common treatment techniques are described here.
Manual Therapy
Manual Therapy includes the skilled use of the clinician's hands to mobilize and/or manipulate the patient's joints, muscles, and other soft tissue. Some techniques utilized in manual therapy include muscle energy, functional indirect technique, strain-counterstrain, myofascial release, manual traction and friction massage.
Neuromuscular
Re-education
Neuromuscular Re-education is the re-training of movement, balance, coordination, kinesthetic sense, posture, and/or proprioception. Body mechanics instruction and education regarding the nervous system (Pain Neuroscience Education) is also included in this physical therapy treatment modality.
Therapeutic Exercise
Therapeutic Massage
Therapeutic Exercise includes exercises aimed at lengthening tissue, strengthening muscle, and building resilience in the body through graded exposure to higher and higher demands. Patients are routinely given a home exercise program to help maintain gains in mobility made during a session of manual therapy.
Therapeutic Massage is also used in physical therapy. It is distinct from manual therapy in that it includes elements aimed at muscle relaxation such as effleurage, petrissage and/or tapotement (stroking, compression, percussion). It is an adjunct to specific manual techniques, but it is rarely used in isolation for physical therapy purposes.