Some Common Treatment Disciplines:
Orthopedic/Sports Rehabilitation: At Northwest Physical Therapy Clinic, Gary Handley, PT treats all musculoskeletal injuries and pain disorders. His goal is to get you back to your previous level of function as soon as possible. Gary utilizes state-of-the-art Techniques and equipment to provide you the highest level of quality outpatient rehabilitation possible.
Pre- and Post- Operative Rehabilitation: At Northwest Physical Therapy Clinic, Gary Handley, PT understands the magnitude of surgery on your body. Utilizing the expertise of our professional staff he provides effective and efficient pre- and post-operative rehabilitation. By keeping abreast of new developments Gary's techniques are centered on up-to-date treatment protocols.
Spinal Rehabilitation: Gary utilizes individualized, comprehensive spinal rehabilitation programs that emphasize manual therapy techniques, dynamic lumbar stabilization and re-education of core muscles. He uses an eclectic approach of many treatment regimens tailored to your specific symptomology and diagnosis.
Functional Capacity Evaluation/Pre-Employment Screening: A functional capacity evaluation (FCE) is a set of tests, practices and observations that are combined to determine the ability of the client/patient to function in a variety of circumstances, most often employment, in an objective manner.
Procedures and Modalities:
There are many therapeutic techniques utilized in the treatment of physical therapy patients. The following are just some of the procedures and modalities used.
Manual Therapy:
Manual Therapy uses skilled hands to physically manipulate joints and stretch muscles and tissues, and uncover the underlying causes of pain and dysfunction to improve range of motion, flexibility and circulation. Specialized manual techniques are used to increase the flexibility of the connective tissue around a joint. These techniques are most commonly performed on the shoulder, ankle, knee, and spine, but can be performed on any joint. Soft tissue or deep tissue mobilization involves manipulation of muscle layers to lengthen tissue, ease muscular tension, and release holding patterns.
Mechanical/Manual Traction:
A therapist administers a pulling force through manual or mechanical means on the spine to correct disc problems, alleviate pain, stretch muscles along the spine, and improve mobility.
Manual Lymphatic Drainage:
Through manual techniques and wrapping the therapist performs gentle manipulation of the lymphatic system to encourage the natural circulation of the lymph through the body to reduce lymphedema, promote healing and decrease inflammation.
McKenzie Protocol:
Spinal disc injuries are very successfully treated using this specialized technique. The program utilizes specific exercises, patient education in self-treatment and injury prevention. Manual techniques such as traction and joint mobilization are used in conjunction with this technique.
Electrical Stimulation Interferential/High-Volt/Neuromuscular Stimulation/TENS:
Electricity is administered to the surface of the skin to retrain muscles, alleviate pain, and reduce swelling.
Iontophoresis:
The use of electric current to deliver medication through the skin. Typically, prescription steroidal anti-inflammatory or analgesics drugs are used. Medication is delivered directly to the area of injury in an attempt to control pain and inflammation. The problems that oral medication can cause are eliminated.
Ultrasound:
Ultrasound consists of high-frequency sound waves which, when applied to human tissue, penetrate deeper than any other modality. The benefits of ultrasound include decreasing inflammation, increasing the histamine response in the cell, increasing the permeability of the cell membrane, increasing the elasticity of collagen fibers and increasing circulation, as well as, pain relief through the local production of endogenous opiates and the slowing of nerve conduction velocities.
Phonophoresis:
The use of sound waves from an ultrasound machine to deliver medication through the skin. High concentration hydrocortisone is the medication most often used with phonophoresis. This modality is one facet of the treatment plan to reduce inflammation, swelling and pain.
Therapeutic Exercise:
A program for range-of-motion and/or strengthening of the patient is developed and progressed by the physical therapist. Exercises are chosen based on the injury, phase of rehabilitation, and goals of the patient. A vast array of equipment and manual techniques are used to provide the motion of resistance. By teaching patients how to do the exercises properly themselves, they can maintain their programs on their own at home.
Gait Training/Gait Analysis:
By observing your walking pattern, problems with flexibility, strength, and posture can be identified and addressed to eliminate pain and restore normal movement.
Work Hardening:
An exercise program is designed and followed to strengthen and condition muscle groups specific to your occupation. Work hardening programs can be longer than a typical physical therapy session.