physical therapy services
Joint Mobilization
Joint mobilization is a technique with which your therapist manually (with hands or other assistive tools) moves an isolated joint in a specific direction, distance, force and speed. Typically it is done to assist a joint in moving in a way that you as the patient have been unable to move it independently. When done correctly t will lead to improved mobility and reduced pain.
Joint Manipulation
Joint manipulation is a form of joint mobilization which is done at high speed, referred to as a “thrust.” It is the most aggressive form of joint mobilization and can create a cavitation or a “pop.” Manipulations are done much less frequently than lower grades of joint mobilization, but are typically very effective when performed under correct circumstances, namely, patients who possess very specific set of characteristics within a clinical prediction rule.
Therapeutic Cupping
An ancient method of healing designed to create separation between soft tissues and draw blood into the area under the cup. Capillaries open during this process, which triggers the body to replenish the area with fresh, nutrient-rich blood flow. You may recognize this technique as it was made popular most notably by Michael Phelps in the 2016 Summer Olympics.
Homunculus Training for Proprioception
There is a region within the human brain called the “homunculus” that contains a “map” of small areas delegated to controlling motor function. Each body part has a small area within this map that is delegated to control that specific body part only. As a muscle become weak, the area associated with that muscle becomes smaller, less defined, and less bright on an MRI. As this muscle is retrained, the MRI will demonstrate that this area actually grows in relative volume, while also becoming brighter, with more defined borders. As we work together, we target these weak areas within the brain map to generate this phenomenon.
Soft Tissue Mobilization
Soft tissue mobilization is the use of the therapist’s hands to create local myofascial and muscular mobilization. The technique can be done in a variety of patterns and depths. It can be critical in reducing muscle guarding, promoting blood/lymph flow, reducing pain and decreasing feelings of tension. Patients often feel their best following soft tissue mobilization, which allows them to incorporate new movements with less pain during the path to recovery.
Kinesiotaping
The use of kinesiotaping has been widely researched and discussed for decades. My use for K-Tape typically comes in the form of using the tape to stabilize a joint into a position that I have deemed to be advantageous for the patient during my exam. This allows patients to exercise and perform daily activities at home while the joint maintains a position that is less aggravating to the injured tissue.
Dry Needling
Dry needling is done by inserting mono-filament needles directly into the tissue. The purposes are variable, however the goal is typically to create a micro-immune response within the targeted tissue. From this, the tissue receives a rush of nutrients and oxygen which helps reduce pain and release trigger points or “knots” out of their contracted state.
Corrective Exercise
This is probably the most important component of any therapeutic plan. It begins with evaluation, where we will find the muscles within your body that are not being used correctly. During corrective exercise, you will learn to isolate and activate these muscles in ways that you never have before. It is done with immense focus and with the help of verbal, tactile, and visual cues from your therapist throughout every nuance of movement. We will ensure that you are activating the muscles correctly, thereby giving your body the support it needs to disperse forces evenly.
McKenzie Method
When you move your body, spacing within the joints is affected. Using the McKenzie Method, we explore extremely specific movements using varied combinations of repeated physiological directions and distances in order to find the movement that creates the perfect spacing within your joint, and ultimately provide IMMEDIATE relief. This method is incredibly effective in treating neck and low back pain, particularly when symptoms radiate down the arm or leg.
Blood Flow Restriction
Blood flow restriction (or Kaatsu) training involves using a tourniquet at the proximal part of the limb you are training. The pressure of the band occludes venous return out of the limb, while still allowing arterial blood flow to enter the area. Research over the last several years has sky-rocketed on this training method, which indicates its effectiveness and safety in creating muscle hypertrophy. The biological effects of this method include cell swelling, fast-twitch fiber activation, increased IGF-1 and HGH release, and enhanced satellite cell activity.
Ultimately, this technique allows a person to train with a very low load while creating effects similar to that of training at a very high load. It is a great method to load tissues surrounding joints that are painful to move.
Graston Technique
This technique is a version of soft tissue mobilization that is performed with the use of a metal instrument. The instrument helps to create added pressure to the targeted area and provide more aggressive treatment to tightened areas.
Sport and Job- Specific Training
Once the patient has learned how to properly activate and strengthen the appropriate muscles, they must learn to apply these gains to the activities which are most important to them. This application process is paramount and skilled. It is where things “all come together” and patients experience the tremendous satisfaction of gaining their lifestyle back, and even better than before.