Graston / IASTM Technique
The Graston technique is an Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization Technique (IASTM). This technique offers relief from soft tissue tightness and other inflammatory conditions, such as: tendinitis, bursitis, fasciitis, epicondylitis, muscle strains, post-surgical scarring / fibrosis and other and soft tissue conditions. IASTM tools are metal instruments, with various shapes and sizes to contour to different body regions.
Kinesio-Taping
The Kinesio Taping Method, (“Kinesiotaping”), can affect the circulatory/lymphatic, neural, muscular, and fascial systems, as well as the joints. Kinesiotaping is currently being used by our therapists to change muscle tone, move lymphatic fluids, correct movement patterns, and improve posture. Kinesiotaping differs from athletic strapping tape and the traditional McConnell Taping Method. The special tape is a is a latex-free hypoallergenic cotton fiber tape with an acrylic heat-activated backing that stretches only along its longitudinal axis. The tape can be stretched 40%-60% of its resting length. Kinesiotaping gives support and stability to joints and muscles without affecting circulation and range of motion. The nice thing about this taping technique is that it can get wet in the shower and can last up to 3-4 days without being removed.
Soft Tissue Cupping
Cupping technique can be done wet or dry. The cupping device can be of varying sizes and are typically made of rubber material formed in a cup shape to produce suction over tissues. Soft tissue cupping is the combination of massage movements and negative pressure with the use of a suction device on the skin. Just as in the art of soft tissue massage, the art of cupping draws fresh blood and lymph into the tissue to accelerate the healing response. The creation of suction (or negative pressure) from cupping disperses or drains stagnation caused by the accumulation of cellular waste, such as lactic acid and other toxins that form deep within muscle tissue or joint as a result of injury, trauma or overuse.
Light Therapy
Using our Dynatronics hand-held, light therapy probe, our therapists can apply penetrating LED light to help heal tissues, by producing elastin and collagen, and improving circulation. Light therapy helps to relax blood vessels in the treated region. It is beneficial for reducing inflammation and treating TMJ disorder, shoulder bursitis, elbow epicondylitis and plantar fasciitis.
Balance Vibration Plate
Whole body vibration plate training boosts muscle strength, coordination and balanbce and is used by elete athletes in their training gyms. We offer the same equipment, with a wide variety of exercises for both lower extremities, core and upper body. Vibration training also has cardiovascular and lymphatic benefits (reduced inflammation and swelling). And if you are a Senior, research studies show that vibration plate training reduces the risk and frequency of falls in the elderly and improves their response to surface changes. It also improves the function of walking in patients with neurological conditions, such as Parkinson’s and Stroke (CVA).
Biofeedback
Biofeedback is a training tool that helps patients control their symptoms or conditions associated with muscle tension or weakness. Some of our biofeedback tools are simple devices with gauges to show the patient their level of activity when they attempt to contract or relax their muscles. We also have a computerized biofeedback device with surface electrodes, that can painlessly read the muscles’ activity as the patient contracts or relaxes. These devices are useful with these conditions:
- Muscle Tension:
Headaches, TMJ Pain, Whiplash, Anxiety or Stress Reactions, Overuse Conditions, Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy (RSD) and Torticollis - Muscle Weakness:
Post-Surgical Recovery, Postural Weakness, Muscle Strains or Tears, Pre-Surgical Conditioning, and Paresis / Partial Paralysis and Bell’s Palsy.
Direct Current Stimulation
This type of portable, Direct Current (DC) stimulation is unique in treating partial paralysis of muscles, also known as, paresis and in helping to restore short-term muscle paralysis caused by Peripheral and/ or Central Nervous System (CNS) disorders. It is most commonly used to prevent disuse muscle atrophy. Conditions typically treated with this device include: Bell’s Palsy and Foot Drop.
McConnell Taping
The purpose of the McConnell Taping Technique is to correct patellofemoral alignment of the knee. It is also known as “Patella Taping”. The objective is to use a special tape to create a mechanical realignment of the patella in the femoral groove, to help tracking, allow for proper strengthening and reduce pain. Once the patient is taped and pain free, they can engage in corrective exercises and resume normal activities of daily living. Indications for this technique include: knee osteoarthritis, patellofemoral pain syndrome and chondromalacia.
McKenzie Method
The McKenzie methodology is based on evaluating and treating low back and neck pain, in a very specific was using repeated movements and sustained positions. With the aim to elicit a pattern of pain response, called “centralization”, the symptoms are forced to migrate town the midline of the body (spine) and out of the extremities (arms, legs). From the centralized area of pain, a single direction of repeated movements or sustained positions give rise to lasting relief and eliminate of pain spinal pain entirely.
Spinal Traction
Spinal traction is a treatment that involves a static or dynamic device that allows for stretching of the spine, while a patient is relaxing on a treatment table. This is also known as decompression therapy. The basic principle is to relieve pain and promote optimal healing for bulging, degenerative or herniated discs. Spinal traction can also be used to relax muscles that are tight or in spasm. Traction therapy works to create a negative intra-discal pressure to promote retraction or repositioning of the herniation or bulge. Spinal Traction can also be very useful in alleviating radiating arm and / or leg pain.
Schroth Method
The Schroth Method for scoliosis is a conservative exercise in a three dimensional approach to elongate the trunk and correct imbalances of the spine. The goal is to develop the inner muscles of the rib cage in order to change the shape of the upper trunk and to correct any spinal abnormalities. The physical therapist will instruct the patient in specific exercises to straighten, centralize and de-rotate the spine with corrective breathing techniques. The Schroth Method can use used to treat scoliosis patients of all ages, and can be utilized to treat in all stages of scoliosis, including after surgery.
Active Release Technique (ART)
Active Release Technique (ART) is a soft tissue system and movement based massage technique that treats conditions that are often a result from overused muscles. Our physical therapists use their hands to evaluate the texture, tightness and movement of muscles, fascia, tendons, ligaments and nerves. Abnormal tissues are treated by combining precisely directed tension with very specific patient movement patterns.
Muscle Energy Technique (MET)
Muscle Energy Technique (MET) is a gentle manual therapy intervention that mobilizes joints and relaxes muscles using subtle muscle contractions to relax hypertonic tissue and mobilize joints through active participation of both the therapist and patient. MET is an excellent gentle alternative to traditional thrust manipulation to treat stiff joints and muscle “cramps or spasms” due to overuse or strain. For the treatment of shortened and tight muscles, the affected muscle is gently stretched to it longest pain-free range. The patient then performs a series of 3-5 submaximal muscle contractions of about 5 seconds each. The procedure encourages the muscle to naturally relax and results in improved range of motion and decreased pain related to muscle stiffness.
Strain / Counter Strain Technique (SCS)
Strain Counter-strain is a manual therapy intervention used to relax muscle spasms and trigger points through comfortable positioning and gentle pressure. When a trigger point, or area of specific muscular tenderness, is located on a patient, the therapist positions this muscle in a shortened and comfortable position, thus encouraging the muscle to naturally relax. Once the ideal length for relaxation is reached, the therapist manually applies moderate pressure to the trigger point for at least 90 seconds. The effect is decreased hyperactivity and pain related to the specific muscle.
