Physical Therapy

Physical Therapy

Physical Therapy is a medical specialty that includes evaluation and treatment of physical dysfunction or injury using education, manual techniques, exercise and modalities to relieve pain, restore maximum function and prevent disability and/or re-injury. It provides a hands-on component which can partner with physicians who have various medical expertise such as Orthopaedics, Neurology, Internal Medicine or Sports Medicine to name a few.

Our Clinic offers high quality of care and physical therapy interventions including ultrasound, electrical stimulation, hot/cold packs, iontophoresis, phonophoresis, TENS instruction/application, mechanical traction, soft tissue mobilization, manual therapy, gait training, and therapeutic exercise.

Ultrasound utilizes high frequency sound waves, which are absorbed by the tissues resulting in a deep heat.  Significant heating occurs up to 5 centimeters below skin level even though little heat is felt at the skin surface.  This deep heating improves blood flow to injured tissues resulting in faster healing time.  Other benefits include increased extensibility of connective tissue, ligaments, tendons, adhesions, and scars.

Electrical Stimulation promotes increased blood flow, muscle relaxation, and pain relief.  Pain relief occurs through stimulation of nerve endings that perceive “good” sensations, thus blocking pain sensation.  It also promotes release of endorphins (naturally occurring chemicals) in the body, which are “natural pain killers.”

Moist Heat creates an increase in local metabolism, promotes vasodilation and muscle relaxation, and causes sedation of local sensory nerve endings.  When used with ultrasound, it produces a greater increase in tissue temperature to promote healing.

Cold Packs/Ice Packs create vasoconstriction of blood vessels to help decrease swelling and fight the effects of inflammation.  There is a blockage of histamine release,  which also helps minimize inflammation.  Cold therapy can also help to reduce muscle spasms.

Manual Therapy is a variety of hands on techniques used to improve range of motion, joint flexibility, and promote return of function.

Mechanical Traction can be performed on the neck or the low back to help relieve pressure and pain.  Traction is performed with a machine that produces a gentle stretch to the neck or back.  Common indications for use of traction include low back pain, decreased sensation in a limb, nerve related muscle weakness, and extremity numbness, pain, or tingling.

Soft Tissue Mobilizations are manual techniques used to decrease soft tissue pain and tightness.  This can also be used to reduce swelling and promote blood flow.

We also offer Wellness Testing, fitness program instruction and progression, and sports medicine care with sport specific exercise.