Core Stabilization
Core stabilization (or core strengthening) has been around for many years. In Physical Therapy and rehabilitation, core stabilization means that activation of the trunk muscles must occur first in order for us to create a stable base of support that allows us to move our arms and legs. Making the trunk muscles stronger keeps the spine stable and helps the body stay balanced with movement — preventing falls and injury.
Most people think of the “core” as just being the abdominals (stomach muscles) when in fact the “core” muscles run the entire length of the torso from the hips to the shoulders. When these muscles contract, they stabilize the spine, pelvis and shoulder girdle and create a solid base of support. This allows us to stand upright and move on two feet, shift our weight and move in any direction. This distribution of weight protects the back from injury. An effective core conditioning program needs to target all muscles of the core to be effective.
Benefits of Good Core Strength: Reduction in Back Pain and Prevention of Injury, Improved Athletic Performance, Improved Postural Imbalances
Exercise
Exercising daily plays a crucial role in the process of healing and recovering from injury or disease. This is the goal of physical therapy exercises. Stretching and strengthening activities are only a few types of physical therapy exercises. Balance, joint control, and muscle re-training are other types of important physical therapy exercises.
Massage Therapy
We bring you the best in both medical and relaxation massage modalities. Massage is used in conjunction with physical therapy when deemed medically appropriate. Our massage therapist works closely with the physical therapy team to help you meet your goals. Each massage is individualized for your needs so that you leave feeling refreshed and restored.
Manual Therapy
Manual Therapy is a clinical approach to orthopedic physical therapy that utilizes highly skilled and specific hands-on techniques, which may include manipulation/mobilization of joints, soft tissue mobilization, mobilization of neural tissue, or assisted movement or stretching. Such manual techniques are used by the physical therapist to evaluate and treat soft tissues and joint structures for the purpose of decreasing pain, increasing range of motion (ROM), reducing or eliminating soft tissue inflammation, inducing relaxation, improving tissue repair, extensibility, and/or stability, enabling or encouraging movement, and improving function. Physical therapists with advanced certification in manual therapy have also been trained according to a model of examination and treatment that focuses on the root causes of pain rather than solely on symptoms. This allows a comprehensive and very effective style of treatment for a wide variety of musculoskeletal disorders.
Vestibular Rehabilitation
Vestibular Rehabilitation is the treatment of dizziness and balance disorders. The vestibular system coordinates a person’s posture and balance. When it is impaired, a person may feel dizzy and/or nauseated, and may have difficulty with standing, walking, and other physical movements. They may avoid activities or learn to compensate with altered movement patterns that can ultimately lead to pain or other muscular dysfunctions. Vestibular therapy can include head, eye, and body exercises that can treat the symptoms of dizziness and imbalance. Individual treatment programs may also include other strength and conditioning exercises to improve function which may have been impaired by a patient’s vestibular disorder.
Orthotics Fabrication
Orthotics are customized shoe inserts designed to support or correct musculoskeletal abnormalities. Orthotics can allow the muscles, tendons and bones of the feet and legs to function at their highest potential. This then also allows improved total body posture and mechanics during upright activity. When appropriately prescribed, orthotics can decrease pain and/or increase stability. They may also prevent the development or potential progression of dysfunction as well as assist in the recovery of optimal function after injury. Orthotics can be specifically made to work with a variety of shoe styles – from casual or athletic to formal. They can be adapted to function during a wide variety of activities and stressors.
