Physical Therapy Treatments

Balance Training

Balance problem is commonly seen in patients with old age, neurologic disorders, hip/ knee/ ankle injuries, and chronic low back pain. It is very important to address balance problems to lower the chances of fall or  re-injury at home. Our Physical Therapists will train your balance through exercises that would challenge your vestibular and musculoskeletal systems. The aim of this exercise is to improve the ability of your body to stay at the center of gravity and improve your proprioception (the ability of your body to sense the position of your joints/ limbs). It may include the use of equipment such as parallel bars, vestibular ball, wobble board, BOSU ball and balance beam.

Ergonomic Assessment

Ergonomic assessment is the evaluation of the worker’s workplace to determine proper work postures to lessen the risk of injury brought by uncomfortable postures, repetitive tasks, and straining of the body. The benefits of good ergonomics range from reducing the company’s cost, improving quality of work, increasing productivity, and helping foster a safe working environment. Some possible modifications may include the use of lumbar support, adjustable tables and chairs, footrests and ergonomic keyboards.

Fall Risk Assessment

Fall risk assessment is a tool used by Physical Therapists to evaluate how likely it is that you will fall. If you have increased risk of falling, your Physical Therapists will provide you strategies to protect yourself from falling and reduce that chance of falling. This includes strengthening of your lower extremities, balance and proprioception training, patient education on proper fall techniques, and environment modification.

Gait Training

Gait training is a set of exercises given by your Physical Therapist to improve your walking. The goal of this training is to strengthen your lower extremities, improve your balance and coordination, and improve your weight bearing. These exercises may include the use of equipment such as parallel bars, cones, harness, etc. You will also be assessed if assistive devices are needed.

Home Safety Evaluation

A Home Safety Evaluation is a tool used especially for the elderly to determine the safety of their living environment. The therapist will visit your home to assess the home environment and make necessary modifications. The therapist will determine which parts of the home are safe or unsafe. Suggestions for home modifications will be given after the assessment.

Manual Therapy

Manual therapy is a form of physical therapy that uses hands to put pressure and manipulate joints. This includes soft tissue work such as massage, to help relax muscles, improve range of motion, promote blood circulation, break scar tissue, and reduce pain. Mobilization is used for joints to reduce tightness and pain. Manual therapy is a conservative treatment proven to treat a variety of conditions such as frozen shoulder, osteoarthritis, neck and back stiffness, soft tissue and joint injuries, and many more.

NeuroMuscular Reeducation

Neuromuscular reeducation is a technique used by Physical Therapists to restore movement by retraining the impaired muscles and building new connections to the brain or spinal cord. This may include the use of splints, ice, sustained stretches, deep tendon pressure, and others. We treat conditions such as dystrophies, neuropathies, muscular disorders, and motor neuron diseases.

Postural Training

Poor posture is a very common problem in the clinic. We usually keep a slouched position for a long time and this causes pain and muscle imbalance. This position tightens the chest muscles and weakens the shoulder and back muscles. Postural training includes training to improve posture in sitting and standing to prevent muscle imbalance and pain. The Physical therapist will assess muscle imbalances around the spine and correct it through exercise. 

Therapeutic Exercises & Modalities

Therapeutic exercises include movements that help reduce pain, increase endurance, restore function and improve strength. This may include the use of equipment such as dumbbells, therabands, vestibular ball, etc. Modalities such as electrotherapy, therapeutic ultrasound, biofeedback and hydrotherapy may be used to help with mobility and pain management.

Vestibular Rehabilitation

Symptoms like dizziness, nausea, tinnitus, vertigo, imbalance or visual disturbances interfere with daily activities and quality of life of many people. Vestibular rehabilitation is a specialized form of physical therapy that helps improve vestibular problems. Your therapist will identify your problems and treat you through habituation, visual stabilization and balance training.