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Our highly educated and experienced
staff members assist patients with orthopedic, neurological,
myofascial and rheumatologic conditions; to regain and
return to activity. Post surgical rehabilitation is
also provided to assist patients to return to functional
capacity quickly.
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Occupational Therapy
helps individuals regain their independence after illness
and injury, which have interfered with normal function.
We create individualized programs to help patients relearn
activities of daily living, including dressing, bathing,
cooking, and home management. Proper body mechanics,
ergonomics, and adaptive techniques are taught to enable
individuals to return to a productive life.
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Work hardening
is a highly structured, goal oriented, individualized
treatment program designed to maximize the individuals
ability to return to work. We use real or simulated
work activities in conjunction with conditioning tasks
to progressively improve the biomechanical, neuromuscular,
cardiovascular and psychosocial functions of the patient.
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The primary effect
of massage is to produce mechanical stimulation of the
tissues by rhythmically applying pressure and stretching
which includes movement of lymph edema and mobilization
of muscle fibers, tendons, scar tissue and adhesions.
Patients will notice increased circulation, pain relief,
stimulation of the healing process, and increased joint
movement.
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Research has shown that
aquatic therapy is best performed in a heated pool 92
to 94 degrees in chest high water. We adhere to these
standards and have individualized programs by a licensed
therapist. Individuals who cannot tolerate dry land
therapy enjoy exercising in this virtually weightless
environment.
Aquatic Testimonials
( Watsu, one of the aquatic techniques utilized at the
Center has proven beneficial to many patients).
WATSU is one of the most relaxing
experiences I’ve ever had. I remember when I was
a kid I wanted to be able to float in water. This gave
me the sensation of floating and I was able to stretch
more than usual because I felt weightless. The serene
feeling stayed with me for the rest of the day. WATSU
is a remarkable experience that I highly recommend to
anyone who is under stress. (Doesn’t that apply
to everyone?)
A.C.,
Diagnosis Fibromyalgia
WATSU for me has been a very beneficial
part of physical therapy for two reasons. First, the
relaxation part of WATSU is incredible. I’ve never
been so relaxed, not even while sleeping, as I am during
this therapy. Feeling totally weightless, all the muscles
are allowed to relax. Second, the movement, stretching
and gentle massage allow me more activity, or movement.
Third learning trust in the WATSU therapist. That way
you can achieve the most from the relaxation. The qualities
received seem to linger well after I’ve left the
pool. I feel like a wet noodle!
C.A., Diagnosis Cervical
and Lumbar Strain
My first encounter with WATSU has
been at this Care Center, and I must say I thoroughly
enjoyed the experience. I have pain from my neck through
my shoulders to my back. With this method I was able
to relax, and release the stress and tension from my
body. I believe the stretch maneuvers are unattainable
unless performed by this therapy. I feel more limber,
and my pain eased thanks to WATSU.
D.L., Diagnosis Cervical
Injury
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Mood and anxiety disorders are common and
severely limit the likelihood of recovery from chronic pain.
Depression and chronic pain often go hand in hand. Self-management
and improved coping skills are taught which often allow patients
to function at a much higher level, despite ongoing pain.
Chronic pain patients often feel very isolated
and misunderstood. It is helpful to learn pain management
techniques in a group, to see that others experience similar
feelings, and to help group member to encourage one another.
The goals of education are to eliminate misperceptions or
misunderstandings regarding chronic pain, to decrease anxiety,
and increase the patients motivation to take an active role
in pain management. Pain management will fail if the patient
really believes that their spine cord is severed, or does
not understand the relationship between stress, muscle tension,
and pain. Topics of the classes may include: Differences between
Acute and Chronic Pain: Gate Control Theory of Pain: Hurt
versus harm: Circular relationship between pain, anxiety,
and depression: Need for exercise and physical conditioning
or a movement group, pilates, yoga.
Biofeedback is a technique in which
patients are trained to improve their health by using signals
from their own bodies. Within the framework of a multidisciplinary
program, it is usually used to help tense and anxious patients
learn to relax and cope with their pain, which helps them
increase functionality faster. Biofeedback can help patients
learn to minimize migraine and
tension headaches, and many types of pain.
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Although publicity has focused on the anesthetic
uses of acupuncture, in China and Europe, acupuncture is commonly
used to treat a wide range of conditions including sprains/strains
and other injuries. Pain such as neck, shoulder, low back,
and sciatica, tension and migraine headaches, osteoarthritis,
bursitis, depression, female disorders, asthma, and gastro-intestinal
disorders. In the United States it is most commonly used to
treat pain conditions, stress-related disorders and addictions.
Reflexology is a science
based on the principle that reflexes, or areas, in the feet,
hands and other parts of the body related to the internal
organs and others structures of the body. Therapists work
by applying pressure on specific points that related to each
and every organ of the body through a system of energy pathways.
Using foot, hand, or ear analysis, and then applying palpation
to these points.
Today there is no
concise explanation of the rationale of how and why reflexology
works, that is accepted by the medical fraternity. Professionals
should not postulate about the benefits of reflexology, because
only the recipient can attest whether that are in pain prior
to treatment. There are comparatively few that leave with
the same degree of pain and discomfort. This is a technique
the patient and family or friends can learn to aid in the
self management of pain, they can learn the points for their
specific pain and take this knowledge home with then for use
as needed.
Food plays an important role in the onset
of pain. Inadequate levels of thyroid hormone can completely
frustrate attempts to eliminate myofascial pain. Hypoglycemia
is a perpetuating factor related to impaired energy metabolism.
Allergies can be another perpetuating factor, as can diets
with too much refined sugar. Many individuals with chronic
pain consume a diet that is too high in carbohydrates, a diet
which has been found to antagonize pain problems. There are
problems with respect to sensitivities and abnormal reactions
( pain flare-ups) to various foods and chemical used to process
or protect foods. These can act to aggravate and "perpetuate"
chronic pain. The chronic stress of pain problems causes depletion
of vital nutrients.
Evaluation of patients diet, and education
regarding foods to avoid, foods which act to reduce pain,
and the appropriate preparation of foods is addressed in treatment.
Patients are provided an understanding and the role of vital
nutrients in the restoration and rehabilitation of their chronic
pain.
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Care Center physicians provide medical
management, prescribe and/or adjust medications, and provide
counseling and assist the patient in understanding the basis
and implications of his/her treatment. The physicians who direct
the program are licensed and board certified as Pain Management
and Rehabilitation specialists. See
our Interdisciplinary Pain Management Team
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Rehabilitation
Occupational
Therapy
Work
Hardening
Massage
Therapy
Aquatic
Therapy
