PHYSICAL THERAPY MODALITIES

Physical Therapy - A branch of physical medicine that uses physical agents to treat neuro-muscular-skeletal conditions such as:

  • Chronic Pain
  • Cervical/Neck Pain
  • Thoracic/Upper Back Pain
  • Lumbar/Low Back Pain
  • Shoulder Pain
  • Elbow Pain
  • Hip Joint Pain
  • Knee Pain
  • Foot and Ankle Pain
  • Wrist and Hand Pain

Cold Pack - Ice or cold is favorable because it:    

  • Causes local anesthesia
  • Decreases pain
  • Causes vasoconstriction and decreases swelling
  • Decreases muscle spasms

Moist Heating Pack Heat - is favorable because it:

  • Increases circulation
  • Decreases pain
  • Decreases muscle spasms
  • Promotes relaxation

Electrotherapy-Electrical Muscle Stimulation Therapy - is indicated for:

  • Relaxation of muscle spasm;
  • Prevention or retardation of disuse atrophy
  • Increasing local blood circulation
  • Muscle re-education
  • Immediate post surgical stimulation of calf muscles to prevent venous thrombosis
  • Maintaining or increasing range of motion
  • Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation and Interferential Current Therapy
    (Interferential, Premodulated, High Volt, Microcurrent) for:
    Symptomatic relief of chronic intractable and/or management of post-traumatic or post surgical pain.

Direct Current Therapy - is indicated for: 

  • Relaxation of muscle spasms.

Ultrasound Therapy - is intended to generate deep heat within body tissues for the treatment of selected medical conditions such as:

  • Relief of pain
  • Muscle spasms
  • Joint contractures
  • Increase circulation

Massage/Soft Tissue Mobilization - is the manipulation of soft tissues intended for therapeutic purposes:

  • Promotes relaxation
  • Increases circulation
  • Decreases pain and muscle spasms
  • Decreases blood pressure
  • Decreased inflammation/swelling

Therapeutic Exercise Activities/Physical Conditioning - is intended to promote:

  • Healing
  • Decreased pain symptoms
  • Cardiovascular endurance
  • Physical Fitness
  • Musculo-skeletal strength and endurance
  • Balance and coordination
  • Flexibility
  • Decreased stress
  • Increased energy
  • Decreased muscle spasm

Work Hardening
Work Hardening is an individualized treatment, highly structured, goal oriented, multi-disciplinary program designed to maximize an individuals ability to safely return to the workforce after an injury.  The program includes:

  • Instructional and goal orientated treatment by reputable doctors, licensed physical therapist, assistants, and technicians.
  • Simulation of work environment is a primary component
  • Proper Body Mechanics and Lifting Techniques
  • Progressive Resistive Strengthening Exercises
  • Cardiovascular Training
  • Addressing issues of safety and productivity
  • Physical tolerances and work behaviors
  • Behavioral Counseling in a group setting by Licensed Professional Counselor (designed to help patients understand and deal with their pain and issues related to their injury).
  • Vocational Counseling by a Licensed Professional Counselor (designed to help patients; after an injury learn how to answer questions at a job interview, resume writing, networking, job leads, etc.).
  • Stretching & Stabilization-Home Exercise Program
  • Educational group lectures

Work Conditioning

Work Conditioning is an intensive program, goal oriented in nature; specifically designed to aid patients in regaining physical strength, flexibility, and cardiovascular endurance.  The program is designed to ensure that the patient is capable of enduring a workday by restoring physical capacities, and function before safely returning to work.  The program includes:

  • Instruction and specific functional coaching by reputable licensed physical therapists, assistants, and technicians
  • Proper Body Mechanics and Lifting Techniques
  • Aerobic Conditioning
  • Progressive Resistive Strengthening Exercise
  • Stretching & Stabilization Home Exercise Program
  • Educational group lectures
  • Less comprehensive than Work Hardening

Functional Capacity Evaluation

A “Functional Capacity Evaluation” is a 2-4 hour performance based evaluation that centers on major physical tolerance abilities.  This evaluation gathers data to determine consistency of effort and employability; consists of a battery of tests related to:

  • Work activities
  • Work postures
  • Job Simulation/Dexterity
  • Lifting, Carrying, Pushing, Pulling
  • Range of Motion
  • Cardiovascular Endurance
  • Psychological Factors