Manual Therapy
Manual Therapy is defined by the American Physical Therapy Association as: A clinical approach utilizing skilled, specific hands-on techniques, including but not limited to manipulation/mobilization, used by the physical therapist to diagnose and treat soft tissue and joint structures for the purpose of modulating pain; increasing range of motion (ROM); reducing or eliminating soft tissue inflammation; inducing relaxation; improving contractile and non-contractile tissue repair, extensibility and/or stability; facilitating movement; and improve function.
Manual techniques such as Fascial Manipulation, Fascial Distortion, Myofascial Release, Triggerpoint and Triggerband Releases, Joint Mobilizations, Soft Tissue Manipulations and Deep Tissue Massage and Manipulation can be used during the treatment session.
Fascial Manipulation (FM) is unique in that the therapist looks at the body as a whole, not just "where it hurts" or where the problems appear to be. Most of the time, fascial alterations away from the affected painful area are the actual cause of the problem. The fascial structures in other areas may be causing abnormal (or unbalanced) pull or stress on the muscles, joints or nerves that cause you to feel pain, limited movement or even altered sensations in a different part of your body. The fascia forms a very intricate network throughout the body and each area of the body is connected in some way to every other area.
Fascial Distortion Model (FDM) is “an anatomical perspective in which the underylying etiology of virtually every musculoskeletal injury is considered to be comprised of one or more of six specific pathological alterations of the body’s connective tissues (fascial bands, ligaments, tendons, retinacula, etc). This model not only allows for strikingly effective manipulative treatments for diverse afflictions such as pulled muscles, ankle sprains, and frozen shoulders, but the results are objective, obvious, measurable and often times immediate.”
Myofascial Release (MFR) is a soft tissue therapy for the treatment of skeletal muscle immobility and pain. Fascia, which is a tough connective tissue, covers every facet of the body and spreads throughout the body in a three dimensional web. Trauma, posture or inflammation can create a binding down of fascia resulting in excessive pressure on nerves, muscles, blood vessels, osseous structures and/or organs. This binding down restricts normal movement creating compensations and possibly pain with movement. MFR works to release these restricted tissues and promotes circulation and fluid movement.
Total Body Balancing (TBB)
TBB is a total body evaluation and a 5-phase osteoarticular treatment approach. A postural analysis is done with asymmetries noted followed by a treatment. TBB uses gentle movements to relax muscles, fascia, joints and ligaments while improving circulation of blood, lymph, nerve and energy flow. The treatment is done on the entire body.
TBB searches for the root cause of a patient’s pain. Every part of the body is interconnected and interrelated. Treatment incorporates the entire body to facilitate the release and removal of the barriers which are preventing the healing of an injured area.
Graston Technique
Graston Technique is an instrument assisted soft tissue treatment which brings pain relief and improved function to patients who have been injured in the course of their activities.
Astym Technique
Astym is a therapy that regenerates healthy soft tissues and eliminates or reduces unwanted scar tissue that may be causing pain or movement restrictions.
Kinesio Taping
Taping can be used to enhance the effects of the treatment performed. The tape can be used to affect the circulatory/lymphatic, neural, muscular and fascial sytstems as well as joints. Kinesio Taping is used to change muscle tone, move lymphtic fluids, correct or facilitate movement patterns and improve posture.
Lymphedema/Edema
The lymphatic system plays an important role in the immune function and in the fluid flow and removal of waste products in your body. This system works with the circulatory system. Lymph fluid passes through lymph nodes throughout your body. Lymphedema is when there is a stagnation of the lymph fluid, which results in swelling in a part of the body. Lymphedema is associated with some type of malfunction or obstruction of the lymphatic vessels or lymph nodes. Lymphedema can be associated with cancer, infection, inflammation, radiation, surgery or traumatic injury. The goal of treatment is to reduce the swelling, the maintain the reduction, to facilitate an improvement in a patient’s quality of life and a return to manageable living and working environments.
The treatment components of Complete Decongestive Therapy (CDT) are Manual Lymph Drainage (MLD), Compression Bandaging, Vaso-Pneumatic Pump, Graduated Compression Garments, Meticulous Skin Care, Exercises and Patient Education. Treatments might include all or parts of the CDT. Each patient has an individualized treatment program.
Edema is a normal response of the body to injury or inflammation. Edema results when small blood vessels become “leaky” and release fluid into nearby tissues. Treatment might include MLD, Soft Tissue Manipulation, Vaso-Pneumatice Pump and use of Compression Garments. Not all edema can be treated.
Fitting of Compression Garments
Five Strong Physical Therapy carries compression wear from a variety of companies. Patients will be measured and fit with the appropriate compression garment and/or stocking.