Types of Physical Therapy Treatment

The following are the different types of treatments Peak Physical Therapy & Sports Performance provides :

Manual Therapy

It is the art and science of using hands- on evaluation and treatment skills to determine a proper diagnosis and effective treatment techniques. These may involve joint mobilizations, soft tissue massage, stretching, muscle energy techniques, strain/counterstrain , myofascial release, acupressure, craniosacral therapy, and much more. These techniques require a therapist go through extensive training to learn how to perform.

Soft tissue Massage

Various massage techniques utilized to release restrictions in muscles and the fascia. These can vary from gentle to deep techniques depending on the individuals needs. Some of the more commonly used techniques at Peak include deep tissue massage, cyriax friction, myofascial release, the MELT method, effleurage, graston technique and petrissage.

Neuromuscular Re-Education

Neuromuscular re-education is used to help re-train the muscles and the nervous system after any type of injury. Damage occurs to our  nervous system and the associated muscles and may require specific techniques and exercises to help regain strength, balance, coordination, and agility. Some of the techniques might include balance activities, functionally based re-training activities, PNF exercises, ADL(activities of daily living) simulations, and much more.

Joint Mobilizations

A manual technique in which the therapist positions and moves the affected joint in order to properly stretch the joint capsule. These mobilizations are graded from 1-5 in varying degrees of intensity for what is required.

Traction

A technique that can be employed manually or via traction unit in which you attempt to open a joint that is either very stiff or pinching on a painful nerve or structure. The most common forms of traction are for the neck(cervical spine) and low back(lumbar spine).

Cold laser Therapy

A powerful modality that uses a class IIIB light cluster that penetrates deep into the affected area to promote a quicker healing process for all types of soft tissue injuries.

Ultrasound

A commonly used modality in which a sound head rubs gel over the affected area and penetrates sound waves to stimulate circulation and/or mechanical changes to stimulate healing of injured soft tissue.

Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Massage (IASTM)

IASTM is an advanced soft tissue mobilization technique used at all of Peaks’ locations. It utilizes specialized tools to release soft tissue adhesions that may be otherwise difficult to release with traditional massage techniques. Many of our therapists have specialty training using the Graston technique which has become a very popular IASTM technique.

Electrical Stimulation

This is a modality that can be used for many different reasons. Different waveforms can be used to decrease swelling(edema), decrease pain, increase range of motion, or increase strength. Some of the types used at Peak include interferential, pre-modulated, TENS, Russian, and Hi-Volt.

Therapeutic Exercise

Exercises prescribed by your physical therapist to specifically address your needs. These vary widely including strengthening, balance and proprioceptive exercises, sport-specific exercises and many more.

Work Conditioning

Physical therapy activities that work specifically on activities that relate to someone’s job duties. These can include such things as lifting boxes and carrying objects up stairs . The therapist will get a detailed description from the patients’ employer to determine what the patients’ job duties require.

Hot/Cold Therapy

Hot packs are often used to increase circulation prior to working on the muscles and/or joints that are stiff. Cold packs and ice cups are generally used to reduce circulation in order to minimize pain and swelling after a treatment.

Aquatic Therapy

Pool therapy is used in instances in which the patient would benefit from being in an environment where reduces the impact of gravity is helpful. For instance it may be used with someone who has had a lower extremity surgery and can’t walk well on the affected joint. It can also be used for conditions such as arthritis, back pain, balance problems and much more. A physical therapist is actually in the pool with the patient guiding them in the appropriate exercises.

Dry Needling

Dry needling is a form of therapy in which fine needles are inserted into myofascial trigger points (painful knots in muscles), tendons, ligaments, or near nerves in order to stimulate a healing response in painful musculoskeletal conditions.  Dry needling is not acupuncture or Oriental Medicine; that is, it does not have the purpose of altering the flow of energy (“Qi”) along traditional Chinese meridians for the treatment of diseases.  In fact, dry needling is a modern, science-based intervention for the treatment of pain and dysfunction in musculoskeletal conditions such as neck pain, shoulder impingement, tennis elbow, carpal tunnel syndrome, headaches, knee pain, shin splints, plantar fasciitis, or low-back pain.

Kinesio- taping

Technique using specialized tape to help either inhibit(relax) or stimulate certain muscle groups to achieve a desired result. This is a very popualr technique for athletes as well as general inflammatory conditions such as patella-femoral syndrome(knee cap issues).

Biofeedback

A technique in which a biofeedback machine is place on a specific muscle that either doesn’t work hard enough or works too hard. The machine gives signals to the patient and therapist to help them either relax or activate the desired muscle. This is commonly used at Peak for women’s health issues such as urinary incontinence and pelvic pain.

Sports Retraining

Exercises specifically designed to help our patients return to the sport they love. Many of the exercises and techniques involve simulation of the activity or exercises such as plyometrics to help them excel in their sport or activity.

Spinal Stabilization

Specific exercises designed to strengthen the spine without causing unnecessary stress. This is a crucial training technique for individuals with acute or chronic spine conditions.