The key to effective treatment is a relevant assessment.  We find that many people have never had an assessment that correctly reveals the nature of their problem.  A physical therapy exam includes a focused look at the biomechanics and functioning of the involved area to determine the causes of the problem.  Many problems have multiple components, and some are unusual or not obvious.  Because of the variety of different training we have, we can look at problems from many different perspectives, often finding aspects that have been ignored previously. 

Based on the needs of the person, we create a treatment plan. For those patients with acute conditions, we work to promote healing, reduce inflammation, and reduce swelling and pain.  Our techniques may include Muscle Energy Technique to correct a malpositioned segment, (i.e. sacrum, pelvis, spine), Strain-Counterstrain to reduce spasm or excessive muscular tone, Lymphatic Drainage to restore normal fluid flow, or Soft Tissue Mobilization to reduce compression of tissues. Therapeutic taping may be very helpful in stabilizing an injured area and relieving tension, thereby allowing it to heal more quickly.  We offer guidance and instruction to help manage the condition at home. 

When the condition has moved beyond the acute state, a wider range of treatment options can be used.  Joint Mobilization and Manipulation are skilled manual techniques that restore normal pain-free mobility to joints that are stiff, stuck, painful or malpositioned.  When there is a muscle imbalance, it can be corrected with a neuromuscular technique such as Strain-Counterstrain, or PNF (Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation) or specific exercises to stretch, strengthen or coordinate.  Evaluating and recommending modifications in work site positioning, athletic form and other environmental factors can make a big difference for many people.

In a chronic or long-term condition, we must evaluate thoroughly and find what other practitioners may have missed. It’s of course different with each person, and we have to be a detective.  We use all the above-mentioned evaluations and treatments and then look further.  Often we find “knots” or trigger points in the muscles that are causing pain. There can be localized sites of inflammation that the body can’t resolve on its own.  Frequently the fascia is bound down and doesn’t allow normal tissue flexibility, thus compressing structures in the area.  Sometimes there are tensions and fixations in the viscera (abdominal organs) that contribute to the symptom complex.  At times the normal balance and rhythm to the craniosacral system is thrown off and needs to be balanced.  A person may be deconditioned and weak in some muscles so that some areas become strained.  Working with a person with a long-standing condition may take time and patience, but we often find they can make significant improvements quickly when given the appropriate treatment. 

 Here is a description of many of the techniques we use in our practice:

 ·       Joint Mobilization and Manipulation are skilled manual techniques that restore normal pain-free mobility to joints that are stiff, stuck, painful or malpositioned.  They may be extremely gentle gliding movements of one bone on the adjacent bone to relieve pain, establish circulation and normal motion in a painful, irritable joint.  They can also be more firm to stretch the deep joint ligaments when there is less irritability.  Manipulation can release fixations in the joints to restore full mobility. 

  ·      Soft Tissue Mobilization is a technique that releases trigger points in muscles, breaks adhesions that restrict tissue mobility, and restores proper length to the tissues in the body.  The soft tissue, or fascia, is an interconnected system, and restrictions can have far-reaching effects.  We have found that clearing these restrictions helps posture, balances joint movement, and clears a lot of aches and pains.

·         Myofascial Release is a form of soft tissue mobilization that stretches the body in positions that evoke deep release of tensions.

·         Muscle Energy Technique is an ingenious technique to reposition bony segments utilizing active contractions of the patient in precise positions with manual resistance by the therapist.  It is very effective for sacral torsions, pelvic, spinal and rib malpositioning.

 ·       Craniosacral Therapy works to balance and harmonize the structure and rhythmic movements of the bones of the cranium (head), the dural membranes in the cranium, the dura mater in the spine, and the sacrum.  This system, called the craniosacral system, plays a role in autonomic regulation, and can get thrown off balance by injury or stress.  This hands-on treatment is very calming, and also very helpful for facial or head injuries.

·         Visceral Manipulation assesses the movement and vitality of organs and other deep structures in the body and finds areas of tension.  It can help organ problems such as constipation, abdominal pain, pelvic pain, or breathing difficulty.  Because of organs’ attachments to the skeleton, as well as reflex relationships, we have found many “musculoskeletal problems” are helped by this technique.  Neil and Michelle both took the full series of Visceral Manipulation classes by French Osteopath Dr. Jean-Pierre Barral. 

 ·        Mechanical Link uses a recoil technique to release tensions and fixations in the body.  There is a methodical evaluation that identifies the principle component of a disorder.  The technique is like a reverse manipulation, consisting of a sudden release of pressure focused on a specific tissue or segment. 

·         Strain-Counterstrain Technique uses positioning and holding to reprogram muscles that are in spasm or have too much contraction.  During and following a trauma such as a car accident or fall, the nervous system directs the muscles to contract, in a protective mode.  This state sometimes persists well after the event, perpetuating the pain and dysfunction.  This technique effectively reprograms the nervous system control to restore normal functioning.

  ·      PNF (Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation) is a specialized exercise approach that uses manual resistance by the therapist that stimulates the return of function in neurologic and orthopaedic conditions.

·         Personalized Exercise Programs:  Many people who come to us benefit from guidance and instruction in a customized program, such as spine stabilization for back pain, or rotator cuff protocols.

·        Therapeutic Taping uses special tape to stabilize or reposition an area of the body to relieve pain, facilitate healing, reduce edema, or help with neuromuscular re-education (learning to coordinate movement more efficiently).

 ·      Therapeutic Massage from a physical therapist focuses on each individual’s areas of tension or restriction, and complements the overal physical therapy program.

·         Iontophoresis is a procedure that uses an electrical device to deliver medication or a specific chemical transdermally (no needle) to reduce pain, reduce inflammation, or to help dissolve calcium deposits in a soft tissue. It is effective for calcific tendonitis.

·         Ultrasound is a warming pulse of high frequency sound waves that push fluid through an area.  It is helpful to clear inflammatory debris and stimulate circulation.

 ·       Orthopaedic and Post-Surgical Rehabilitation:  We often work in collaboration with orthopedists and other physicians to help resolve orthopedic problems.  After surgery, patients need help with reducing swelling, managing pain, restoring range of motion and returning to full functioning.  We help problem solve and safely progress each patient.

·         Sports Rehabilitation:  Resolving sport injuries and optimizing athletic performance benefits from a customized assessment and treatment.  Darren has specialized training and interest in athletes and their unique issues.  

·        Vestibular Rehabilitation works with problems of dizziness, vertigo or balance problems.  An assessment reveals if the problem stems from an inner ear disorder, cervical spine problem, or brain dysfunction.  Effective interventions are often possible.  Judy has special interest in these problems.

  ·      Neurologic Rehabilitation:  For individuals who have suffered stroke, Parkinson’s, or other neurologic condition, physical therapy can offer many interventions to optimize functioning.  Judy has specialized in Neurologic PT, and has taught this subject in several PT schools.  She does an individual assessment and customizes treatment for each person.

·         Motor Vehicle Accident Treatment:  We have a great deal of experience helping people following an auto accident.  Our approach is very hands-on and customized to each individual. We find a manual therapy approach gets people through the recovery period quickly.  

·       

·