Predominant in young and middle-aged women, Fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) is a musculoskeletal system disorder characterized by chronic pain and tender points. Tender points are specific places on the neck, shoulders, back, hips, arms, and legs. These points hurt when pressure is put on them.
Cryotherapy
Cryotherapy or Cold Therapy - used to cause vasoconstriction (the blood vessels constrict or decrease their diameter) to reduce the amount of fluid that leaks out of the capillaries into the tissue spaces (swelling) in response to injury of tissue. Ice or cold is used most frequently in acute injuries, but also an effective pain reliever for even the most chronic pain.
Medical Weight Loss
The joy I now experience every day because of my weight loss and physical strengthening enables me to pay it forward to those who continue to struggle with life issues. With love and appreciation...........
Pelvic floor muscle tension or pain may occur in the anatomical sling of muscles which support the bladder, uterus and rectum. It can be caused by muscle imbalances, nerve or joint problems, scar tissue from surgery, childbirth, endometriosis or after radiation. Pelvic pain can also be caused by hemorrhoids, anal fissures, organ prolapse or constipation.
Ultrasound - ultrasound uses a high frequency sound wave emitted from the sound head when electricity is passed through a quartz crystal. The sound waves cause the vibration of water molecules deep within tissue causing a heating effect. When the sound waves are pulsed, they cause a vibration of the tissue rather than heating. The stream of sound waves helps with nutrition exchange at the cellular level and healing. Studies have shown that ultrasound is helpful for ligament healing and clinically, for carpal tunnel syndrome, and muscle spasm.
For many patients, one of the primary objectives is pain relief. This is frequently accomplished with hands-on techniques, modalities such as ultrasound, electrical stimulation, and/or heat or cold therapy. Movement often provides pain relief as well. Your physical therapist will provide you with the appropriate exercises not only for pain relief but to recover range of motion, strength, and endurance.
Iontophoresis
Iontophoresis - medications are propelled through the skin by an electrical charge. This modality works on the physical concept that like charges repel each other, therefore, a positively charged medication will be repelled through the skin to the underlying tissues by the positively charged pad of an iontophoresis machine. Iontophoresis is usually prescribed for injuries such as shoulder or elbow bursitis.
Wound Care - Some therapists specialize in the treatment and care of wounds. This is accomplished by the removal of unviable tissue (debridement), the application of special dressings and prescription drugs/ointments, and the use of ultrasound, electrical stimulation, and aquatic modalities to promote healing. Exercise and patient education are also routine components of a wound care program.
Joint Replacement
Knee Replacement
In some cases, physical therapy techniques can be painful. For example, recovering knee range of motion after total knee replacement or shoulder range of motion after shoulder surgery may be painful. Your physical therapist will utilize a variety of techniques to help maximize your treatment goals. It is important that you communicate the intensity, frequency, and duration of pain to your therapist. Without this information, it is difficult for the therapist to adjust your treatment plan.
Aerobic Exercise - The American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) defines aerobic exercise as "any activity that uses large muscle groups, can be maintained continuously, and is rhythmic in nature." Aerobic means in the presence of oxygen. In other words, your body is burning its fuel (glucose) in the presence of oxygen. It is performed at less than 85% of your maximum heart rate. An aerobically fit individual can work longer, more vigorously and achieve a quicker recovery at the end of the aerobic session. Jogging, cycling, swimming, aerobics classes, and rowing are examples of aerobic exercise.
Physical Therapy
Little did I realize, the very event that seemed so catastrophic would turn out to be a major, positive turning point for me as an athlete. At the risk of sounding corny, it really was all thanks to Janet and Mike Lee at Acorn Physical Therapy. My rehab experience with them was off the charts. I became strong in so many ways - first of all, physically (yeah!!), and not just my knee. I am now actually stronger and more balanced than I've ever been. But I also worked hard on my emotional muscles - muscles I didn't dream would need so much attention. With Mike's coaching every step of the way, I now feel that when I stand at the top of a steep run for the first time back, I'll be ready. Fears of re-injury might pop up, but I'll know how to deal with them.
Neck Pain
Back Pain
Aquatic Therapy
Aquatic Physical Therapy - Aquatic therapy takes advantage of the physical properties of water to assist with the rehabilitative process. Buoyancy, turbulence, hydrostatic pressure, and thermal properties of water can assist with the rehabilitation of a patient. Those suffering from chronic pain, osteoarthritis, fibromyalgia, rheumatoid arthritis, lumbar fusion surgery, or with a limited weight-bearing status are just a few of the many different patient populations that can benefit from aquatic therapy.
Manual Therapy
Exercises typically performed on a cylinder or half cylinder of foam for self-joint mobilization, postural exercise, core stability, and balance training.