Physical Therapy

The physical therapists in our clinic are key members of our health care team and an integral part of the health care delivery system. The education and clinical experience of physical therapists uniquely prepares them to coordinate care related to functional improvement and functional disability. Physical therapists help individuals to restore health, alleviate pain, and prevent the onset of disease. The benefits of rehabilitation and physical therapy services are well documented and services are covered in nearly all federal, state, and private insurance plans. Today's physical therapy profession serves a dynamic, comprehensive health care role in improving and maintaining the patient's quality of life.

Physical Therapy intervention begins with a thorough initial evaluation including a history of the pain. By understanding the onset of the pain (sudden/traumatic versus gradual/for "no apparent reason"), positions that seem to make the pain better or worse, and the specific postures and stresses the individual undergoes on a regular basis-for job, recreation, or activities of daily living-the PT can help to get at the underlying problems causing the pain.

After the history taking is completed, the PT takes an objective look at the person. The evaluation includes assessment of spine as well as arm/leg flexibility, strength, and postural alignment among other things. Walking is also observed to note gait abnormalities that might contribute to pain. The person is then taken through motion testing in all directions of either the neck or back (often repeatedly) to help determine the nature of the pain and deficits in motion. After the evaluation, the PT will come up with a "mechanical diagnosis" (versus the medical diagnosis given by a doctor, like degenerative disk disease). Based on the findings, history, and mechanical diagnosis, an individualized treatment program is designed to address the specific deficits that have been identified.

Our physical therapists provide care at the acute, rehabilitative, and preventive stages, and they strive to achieve increased functional independence and decreased functional impairment. Through timely and appropriate intervention, the physical therapist frequently reduces the need for such costlier forms of care such as surgery. Physical therapists provide preventive care that forestalls or prevents the development of functional deterioration and the need for more intense care through hospitalization or extended care facilities.

The Role of Physical Therapists in our Office

• Evaluation and treatment in such areas as musculoskeletal impairments, car and work related injuries, sports injuries, industrial programs, back and neck pain, and other movement disorders of the neuromuscular system;
• Determining the need for services across a broad spectrum of patient   conditions, including the musculoskeletal and neurological, at stages extending from immediate intervention in the acute setting;
• Evaluating the patient's physical and functional status;
• Developing and implementing a personalized treatment plan with specific goals;
• Administering, modifying, and coordinating therapeutic services that focus on posture, locomotion, strength, endurance, balance coordination, joint mobility, flexibility, pain, and functional abilities in daily living.