Physical Therapy
Blood Flow Restriction
Blood Flow Restriction Therapy (BFRT) is achieved through the application of external pressure over the extremities via a cuff while performing rehabilitation. The applied pressure is sufficient to maintain arterial inflow while occluding venous outflow distal to the occlusion site. The goal of Blood Flow Restriction Therapy enables patients to make greater strength gains while lifting lighter loads, thereby reducing the overall stress placed on the limb. BFRT works by decreasing blood flow to working muscles with the aim of promoting hypertrophy, and preventing disuse atrophy of muscles. This treatment is typically used during exercise, but can also involve the use of compression devices alone.
Cupping
Cupping involves placing several cups over strategic points on the body. Suction is created when the therapist lights a fire inside the cup to warm it, and then places it on the patient’s skin to cool, but modern versions also exist. The resulting suction redirects circulation, allowing blood and other fluids to flow to areas in need of healing. Cupping is generally used in conjunction with other treatments to help alleviate pain. Neck pain, lower back pain, and migraines are among the conditions for which patients have reported favorable results. By helping to improve circulation, especially of blood and lymphatic fluids, internal scar tissue is also broken up. This improves flexibility for the patient, and creates a greater range of motion.
Deep Muscle Stimulation
Deep Muscle Stimulation uses percussion and mechanical vibrations to reach deep into the muscle tissue to stimulate the muscle. Treatments concentrate on general or local muscle spasms to increase muscle metabolism and increase the lactic acid cycle to relieve pain. Deep, rapid, short-duration percussion is the key to the elimination of pain.
IATSM Technique
IASTM is the acronym for Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization. It also is directly associated with the Graston brand. The Graston technique is a type of manual therapy that utilizes specialized ergonomic tools that massage and scrape the skin gently. The Graston technique uses a set of stainless steel instruments to help soft tissue injuries to the connective tissues, muscles, neurological tissues and skin. It is effective for soft tissue injuries like repetitive stress injury, strains, sprains and subluxations. This soft tissue mobilization technique treats a wide number of conditions, including quadricep pain, rotator cuff pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, lower back pain, plantar fasciitis, tennis elbow and even headaches.
Kinesio Taping
Kinesio tape is most frequently used by athletes—especially those who engage in prolonged activities. Runners especially are drawn to Kinesio taping, as the technique is incredibly low-profile and unlikely to get in the way of their running stride. However, Kinesio tape can benefit many people outside of the athletic world, and certainly stretches beyond supporting runners. Those who experience wrist pain after typing all day, or who experience back pain due to their job may also benefit from utilizing Kinesio tape.
Manual Therapy
Manual therapy is a safe, effective and non-invasive treatment method that is used by physical therapists, massage therapists and athletic trainers. Typically, patients visit a manual therapist when they are experiencing musculoskeletal pain. During treatment, your physical therapist may work to relieve pain with joint manipulation, manipulation of the muscles, joint mobilization and kneading. Through this type of physical therapy, our highly-trained and experienced manual therapist is able to implement a hands-on approach to healing that is designed to help manage chronic pain, increase range of motion, reduce inflammation, treat joint structures and promote faster healing.
Myofascial Release
Trigger point therapy, often referred to as myofascial release or pressure point massage, involves the application of gentle yet firm pressure to specific areas along the body, known as pressure or trigger points. This pressure is provided by the hands of a skilled physical therapist trained in pressure point release. Sometimes, a therapist may choose to use certain devices or tools to assist with force application. The manual pressure provided by a therapist during trigger point therapy is intended to relax and normalize trigger points within the fascia, a widespread, sheath-like, fibrous tissue encasing your musculoskeletal structures.
Therapeutic Exercise
The goal of any exercise program is to leave you feeling healthier and stronger than when you began. Therapeutic exercise has similar goals but incorporates a wide range of activities that help you regain or maintain your strength, flexibility, balance, endurance, or stability. Whether you have been injured, experienced an illness, or are simply noticing you are losing your physical abilities, therapeutic exercise can prevent impairment and disability while improving your overall fitness. Typically performed as a part of a physical therapy treatment plan, this type of exercise is prescribed by a physical therapist.
Vasopneumatic Compression
NormaTec Recovery Systems are cutting-edge, commercial grade compression devices that enhance the body’s natural ability to recover. Using NormaTec’s full-length leg, arm, or hip compression attachments rejuvenates muscle tissue and dramatically reduces tightness and soreness. When used as part of a rehab protocol, NormaTec helps to speed recovery, improve outcomes, and increase patient satisfaction.