Conditions Treated

Musculoskeletal injuries

• We see patients with complaints of pain or loss of function, such as weakness or stiffness, throughout all areas of the body. This includes the spine, as well as the shoulders, elbows, hands, wrists, hips, knees, ankles, feet, and even TMJ problems! These patients may have suffered a known injury, or may have developed physical problems gradually over time. We have the expertise to thoroughly assess and diagnosis the root cause of the problem and to develop a treatment plan in conjunction with the patient and referring physician to get the patient back to good health and pain-free function.

Chronic pain

• Many people suffer from chronic pain and have tried a variety of treatments to get relief. We take pride in helping these patients, using patient education to help them understand the nature and behavior of their pain, a tailored therapeutic exercise approach including a home exercise program, as well as highly-skilled manual therapy techniques to improve soft tissue and joint mobility.

Spine injuries

• Our therapists work closely with the physical medicine and orthopaedic departments to ensure everyone is on the same page with treatment of back and neck pain and stiffness, including conditions which affect the nervous system, such as sciatica. The McKenzie Method has proven to be very effective in the treatment of back and neck pain, and we have two certified manual therapists on staff with extensive training in the use of hands on techniques for the spine as well as the extremities.

Post-surgical care

• We believe that it is important to have good continuity of care for patients recovering from orthopaedic surgery, and it is very convenient for the patients, as well as the providers, to be able to walk down the hall to consult directly if any questions or concerns arise during the rehab process. Our therapists will guide you through your recovery with thorough patient education regarding the nature of the surgery and self-care instructions for what to do and what to avoid with activities of daily living. We will develop a tailored and progressive exercise program to restore your function, and include modalities to help control pain and swelling, such as electrical stimulation.

Foot pain

• We utilize manual therapy techniques, such as Astym, to help with connective tissue remodeling for problems like plantar fasciitis. We also work with patients who have had other ankle and foot problems, such as acute or recurrent ankle sprains/instability, shin splints, and toe pain and dysfunction, among other problems. Our therapists do a thorough assessment of the entire patient, asking questions about symptoms and making sure to rule out the spine as a potential source of foot pain.

Rehab for wide range of athletic injuries

• ACL rehab, both pre-op and post-reconstruction
• Rotator cuff repair
• Meniscus repair
• Strains/sprains
• Overuse injuries
• Running injuries
• Throwing-related injuries

Concussion program

• We use a team-based approach to concussion management. Our therapists partner with physicians from the physical medicine and orthopaedic departments to provide individualized care for those who may be at risk for, or who have suffered from, a concussion.
• This involves pre-injury/pre-season baseline testing, evaluation and management of acute or chronic injuries, and progression through concussion protocol for return to sports and normal life activities.

Return to sports functional progression

• FMS (Functional Movement Screen)
• Y-balance assessment and training
• Return to running program
• Treadmill gait analysis
• Return to throwing program
• Plyometric training
• Sport-specific movement training
• Injury prevention program

Certified Hand Therapist (CHT)

• Our hand therapy department is located on the 3rd floor at the Medical Associates West Campus between the physical therapy and podiatry departments. Our therapist will guide you through the rehabilitation process by answering questions, addressing concerns, and utilizing a variety of treatment options. These may include, but are not limited to: orthoses fabrication or recommendations for prefabricated splints, patient education for self-care, activity recommendations, including adaptations and modifications for daily tasks during recovery, a customized home program that may include exercises, scar/soft tissue mobilization techniques, edema management, pain reduction strategies, wound management, desensitization techniques, and much more. Our goal is to guide you through recovery to achieve optimal functioning in daily activities.

Splint fabrication

• Our hand therapists fabricate custom-made orthoses for a variety of upper extremity diagnoses for both surgical and non-surgical patients.

Post-op care

• Common diagnoses treated by our hand therapists following surgical management include diagnoses from elective surgeries as well as injuries that have occurred:
  • CMC arthroplasty
  • Carpal tunnel release
  • Flexor and extensor tendon repairs
  • Radius and ulna fractures (e.g., ORIF, External Fixators)
  • Phalanx and metacarpal fractures (e.g., CRPP)
  • TFCC repairs
  • Amputation
  • Proximal row carpectomy
  • Irrigation and debridement surgeries
  • Dupuytren's contracture releases
• Conservative management of hand and wrist problems
• Tendonitis, Tendinosis, Tenosynovitis
• Ligament sprains
• Non-operative fractures
• Nerve injuries
• Arthritis
• Burns

Aquatic therapy

• Aquatic therapy is appropriate for a wide variety of diagnoses, including chronic pain, arthritis, tendinitis, low back pain, radiculopathy, stenosis, sciatica, general weakness, and balance difficulties.

Vertigo/dizziness

• Symptoms of a vestibular disorder:
  • Dizziness
  • Vertigo or spinning sensation
  • Imbalance
  • Falls
  • Nausea
  • Visual disturbances
  • Headache
  • Hearing loss
  • Tinnitus
  • Pain and ear fullness
• Common vestibular disorders:
  • Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV)
  • Labyrinthitis
  • Vestibular neuritis
  • Meniere’s disease
  • Post-concussion syndrome
  • Vestibular migraine

LSVT BIG Program

• Parkinson’s disease
• Brain injury
• Atypical and secondary Parkinsonism's
• Multiple Sclerosis
• Balance and falls
• Spinal cord injury
• Stroke
• Pediatric neurological conditions

BIG for LIFE

• The LSVT BIG for LIFE program is offered to those individuals who have completed the LSVT BIG protocol in physical therapy. We offer this additional exercise and fitness class 2 times a month, on the first and third Thursday, from 12-1 pm. There is a $10 per class fee associated with this class. The purpose of the class is to allow patients to continue with the exercises and movements that are done in the BIG program in a group setting with other similar participants.

Pediatric rehab

• There are many childhood disorders and diseases that cause movement dysfunction that can be treated by physical therapy. These include, but are not limited to:
  • Developmental delay
  • Torticollis
  • Cerebral Palsy
  • Autism
  • Down syndrome
  • Toe walking
  • Orthopaedic conditions including back pain, sports injuries, fractures, and orthopaedic surgeries
• What is the role of a pediatric PT?
  • The role of the pediatric physical therapist is to evaluate and provide treatment for motor skill delays by developing the strength and range of motion that children need to move through their environment easily and effectively. In addition, we may also assess posture, flexibility, gait, balance, and coordination. We can also assess motor development using standardized testing for age equivalents. The long-term goal of pediatric physical therapy is for the child to be able to participate in quality age-appropriate gross motor skills.

Fall risk/balance problems

• The most common causes of falls include weak muscles, unstable balance, dizziness, vision problems, side effects from medications, and environmental hazards.
• For older adults, falls are one of the greatest causes of serious health problems. For patients over the age of 65, 25% with hip fractures die within six months, 25% lose significant function, and 50% experience a decrease in mobility. Modifying the factors that lead to falls will increase mobility and confidence, both critical to maintaining a more independent lifestyle.
• The Biodex Balance System uses static and dynamic testing and training technology which can improve balance, agility, strength, and overall mobility, allowing you to avoid falls.

Prosthetic training for amputee patients

• Development of an individualized program of pre-prosthetic exercises to help maintain ROM and improve muscle strength in both the post-operative and intact limbs. This will also include abdominal and back exercises to improve trunk control and reduce back pain. Pre-prosthetic limb exercises can help prevent the occurrence of prosthetic gait deviations.
• Coordination with the prosthetist to ensure proper post-operative limb care in preparation for a prosthesis, as well as fitting and adjustment of the prosthesis.
• Gait analysis and gait training under direct therapist supervision, in conjunction with the prosthetist so that adjustments can be made.
• Neuromuscular re-education and progression of home exercise program to return patient to independent functional mobility.

Lymphedema

• Certified Lymphedema Therapist with a 135-hour certification in Complete Decongestive Therapy treatment through Klose Training to provide comprehensive treatment for patients with lymphedema, chronic venous insufficiency, and other edema related conditions.
• Lymphedema is a condition caused by a blockage in the lymphatic system that typically results in excessive, localized swelling and is most typically found in one extremity, though can be found bilaterally or in other regions of the body. Lymphedema can be congenital or acquired, and is most often acquired when lymph nodes have been removed or damaged with cancer treatment.
• If you have Lymphedema or unsure and want to find out more, contact your provider for a referral or call our office today for an appointment. Our provider will evaluate, assess, and empower you with education to help you recognize the earliest signs and symptoms of lymphedema and if indicated, collaborate with you to create a customized treatment plan that best suits your needs and goals.

• Functional capacity evaluations
• Ergonomic evaluations
• Post-offer Employment Tests (POET)
  • Work with employers to develop customized tests
• Injury rehabilitation

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