Services

Aquatic therapy combines the physical properties of water and the ultimate modality of exercise. Increased buoyancy results in decreased weight bearing through the joints and spine and creates a more comfortable environment to exercise. The result: improved flexibility and strength, decreased pain, overall increased fitness and return to normal activities. Diagnoses that may respond well to aquatic therapy include:

The ASTYM system is a therapy approach that addresses problems such as scarring, fibrosis, and degeneration that occurs in soft tissue as the result of trauma, surgery, or overuse.

Our Certified ASTYM Providers use instruments along the skin's surface to locate and stimulate problematic areas and begin the body's healing process.

As the body heals, prescribed exercise and activity help to guide the healing allowing return to activities without pain and limitation.

Individuals with vestibular or inner ear disorders often experience problems with balance and position or movement-related dizziness. These primary symptoms are often accompanied by secondary symptoms associated with reduced activity levels. Secondary symptoms include decreased strength, loss of range of motion, and increased tension (particularly in the cervical and shoulder region), leading to muscle fatigue and headaches.

VRT is exercise-based therapy used to alleviate both the primary and secondary symptoms of vestibular disorders. Upon evaluation with a physical therapist, specific exercises are prescribed, and consist of eye/head movements, balance, and gait exercises with the goal of facilitating central nervous system compensation for vestibular loss.

The benefits of proper treatment provided by an experienced therapist are many, including quick recovery. Diagnoses that may respond well to VRT include:

Licensed Athletic Trainers provide sports medicine coverage at local high schools, sport associations, and community events. We combine efforts with our local physicians and specialists to create a comprehensive team to facilitate the care of athletes from injury to return to play.

Effective non-surgical treatment for fecal and/or urinary stress and urge incontinence. Proven behavioral interventions include progressive pelvic floor muscle exercises, biofeedback and electrical stimulation. Patients are taught methods to reduce bladder irritability including the effects of diet on bladder control.

This treatment is effective for post-surgical recovery or for patients trying to avoid surgery. Currently, this treatment is available for both men and women.

Pain is often easily eliminated with flexibility, strengthening and postural exercise, including aquatic exercise, as well as body mechanics training. In the post-partum phase, as new mothers care for their infant, musculoskeletal problems may persist or worsen. These problems, specifically lower back pain, respond well to the conservative holistic approach of physical therapy.

Many women are unsure of how to exercise safely during and after pregnancy. A physical therapy consult includes a musculoskeletal evaluation and history of exercise, prescription of appropriate exercises and progression of exercises specific for each individual patient.

Menstrual cramps and discomfort can be relieved or eliminated with electrical stimulation, the use of ice or heat, and appropriate relaxation techniques and exercises.

Fibromyalgia Syndrome/Chronic Fatigue Immune Deficiency Syndrome are difficult syndromes to manage without the proper knowledge of effective self care techniques, non-irritating stretches and exercises, including aquatic exercise, proper nutrition, and pain management strategies. Patients undergo a complete musculoskeletal evaluation prior to treatment and exercise program. Progressive training in body mechanics, flexibility exercises and spine stabilization exercises help the patient to prevent/manage pain. The goal of treatment is independent management of symptoms by the patient.

Pelvic and abdominal pain can be effectively treated with conservative physical therapy techniques, once a physician determines that a patient is not a candidate for medical/surgical intervention. Pain is often caused by scar tissue, muscle spasms, flexibility and strength deficits, and muscle imbalances. A full musculoskeletal and pelvic floor evaluation by a physical therapist will determine the plan and course of treatment. Pelvic floor muscles and soft tissues are treated with ultrasound, electric stimulation, ice, scar mobilization, relaxation, strengthening, and biofeedback. Treatment also includes postural and body mechanics training, flexibility and strengthening exercises, and manual physical therapy.

As an adjunct to medical management, patients undergo complete musculoskeletal evaluation. They are prescribed an individualized program of postural and corrective exercises, education, pain management treatment and techniques, and self care strategies. Fall prevention and weight bearing exercises are an integral part of the program. Patients are taught safe body mechanics to avoid forward bending and twisting which may cause vertebral fractures.

Any woman placed on restricted activity levels during pregnancy will benefit from a physical therapy consult. Patients are instructed in energy saving body mechanics, comfortable positioning and how to avoid Valsalva Maneuver during movement. Women benefit from maintaining good general physical condition, monitoring of heart rate, and the safe use of ice, heat and massage for pain management.