In our clinics, our goal is to provide quality, hands-on physical therapy to our patients so that they can improve function, decrease pain and gain an overall improvement in daily life.
Dry Needling
Dry needling is an effective treatment for acute and chronic pain, rehabilitation from injury, and even pain and injury prevention, with very few side effects. This technique is unequaled in finding and eliminating neuromuscular dysfunction that leads to pain and functional deficits.
The treatment procedure involves multiple advances of a filament needle into the muscle in the area of the body which produces pain and typically contains a trigger point. There is no injectable solution and typically the needle that is used is very thin. Most patients will not even feel the needle penetrate the skin, but once it advances into the muscle, the discomfort can vary from patient to patient. Usually a healthy muscle feels very little discomfort upon insertion of the needle; however, if the muscle is sensitive and shortened or contains active trigger points, the subject may feel a sensation much like a muscle cramp, often referred to as a 'twitch response".
Typically, positive results are apparent within 2-4 treatment sessions but can vary depending on the cause and duration of the symptoms, overall health of the patient, and experience level of the practitioner.
Cupping
Cupping is a body work technique based on the common practice of Chinese Cupping therapy.
By creating suction and negative pressure this technique is used to soften tight muscles, loosen adhesions, and lifts connective tissue bringing hydration and blood flow to body tissues.
It is also very helpful following surgical procedures to help reduce swelling and improve blood flow.
Therapeutic Exercise
A physical therapist begins by conducting a thorough evaluation of an individual's physical capabilities through both a medical history and physical assessment. The physical therapist then uses his/her knowledge to shape a treatment care plan containing a slowly-progressing exercise program that is appropriate to each individual's needs. The physical therapist monitors progress, assists with some physical movements and continuously modifies the plan as the client recovers.
Exercises that may be included in a therapeutic program include:
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Strengthening exercises, usually performed with heavy resistance and fewer repetitions.
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Endurance exercises that engage large muscle groups over a longer period of time.
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Flexibility exercises achieved through stretching and movement.
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Balance and coordination exercises that focus on maintaining an individual's center of gravity.
Manual Therapy
Manual Therapy is a specialized form of physical therapy delivered with the hands as opposed to a device or machine.
In manual therapy, physical therapists use their hands to put pressure on muscle tissue and manipulate joints in an attempt to decrease pain caused by muscle spasm, muscle tension, and joint dysfunction.
FMS / SFMA
Functional Movement Screen:
FMS is the screening tool used to identify limitations or asymmetries in seven fundamental movement patterns that are key to functional movement quality in individuals with no current pain complaint or known musculoskeletal injury.
These movement patterns are designed to provide observable performance of basic loco motor, manipulative and stabilizing movements by placing an individual in extreme positions where weaknesses and imbalances become noticeable if appropriate mobility and motor control is not utilized.
Selective Functional Movement Assessment:
The SFMA is the movement based diagnostic system, designed to clinically assess 7 fundamental movement patterns in those with known musculoskeletal pain. The assessment provides an efficient method to systematically find the cause of symptoms, not just the source, by logically breaking down dysfunctional patterns and diagnosing their root cause as either a mobility problem or a stability/motor control problem.
This systematic process allows clinicians to clearly match their intervention to the main problem of the patient. This model efficiently integrates the concepts of altered motor control, the neurodevelopmental perspective, and regional interdependence into musculoskeletal practice.