Spinal Pain and Dysfunction
Spinal segmental dysfunction, in the neck, mid-back and low back, are mechanical problems of the individual joints (facet joints), and the ligaments, discs and muscles that link the vertebrae. Motion of the entire spine is dependent upon the synergy of these individual units.
The root of segmental dysfunction can be from poor posture, repetitive motion, trauma, and sometimes from a simple movement too quickly in the wrong direction.
Symptoms of spinal dysfunction can include: muscle spasm, sharp pain locally or referring into the extremities, stiffness/ loss of range of motion, and headaches.
Initial treatment for cervical, thoracic or lumbar dysfunction is mobilization or manipulation of the involved segments performed by our trained therapists. This may also include hands on treatment to the myofascial or muscular system to relax muscle spasm or retrain faulty holding patterns. An individualized exercise program to prevent recurrence of the dysfunction is an equally important part of your successful program.
Your physical therapy treatment addresses the whole person and is a partnership between you and your therapist. It will include the hands-on treatment and daily exercises as mentioned above, along with postural and body mechanics modification for self care and prevention of recurrence in the future.
In some instances, if you have a bulging disc and the spinal nerves have been compressed, and/ or pain is radiating into the arms or legs, spinal decompression, or traction, may be used as a treatment modality. State of the art mechanical traction is used for the following purposes: distract the spinal joints, widen the openings to the spinal canal formed by the vertebrae, or stretch spinal musculature. Release of disc pressure can reduce pain caused by impingement of nerves exiting the spinal cord.
Myofascial Release and Soft Tissue Mobilization
The purpose of Myofascial Release (MFR) is to treat fascial tension or scar tissue which can be found around muscles, bones, and joints. Fascia is a layer of connective tissue, similar to a spider’s web, that covers and penetrates every muscle, bone, nerve, and internal organ. Trauma, inflammation, and surgical procedures can create myofascial restrictions that can lead to postural changes, loss of range of motion, and ultimately, painful movement. MFR helps to reduce fascial and muscle tension and pain, and can help increase joint mobility, decrease swelling, and restore functional range of motion, postural alignment, and reduce holding patterns.
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 if 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.
Sports Medicine and Golf Rehab
Several of our therapists have training in sports injury rehab and golf rehab.
Call us today! (520)648-3132
UPPER EXTREMITY PAIN AND INJURY
• Rotator cuff tendonitis, tears,
• Tendon repairs
• Carpal tunnel syndrome
• Joint arthroscopy and replacement
• Traumatic injury care
• Elbow tendonitis
LOWER EXTREMITY PAIN AND INJURY
• Ankle sprains
• Knee pain
• Hip bursitis/ pain
• Plantar fasciitis
TOTAL JOINT SURGERY
Comprehensive rehabilitation for:
• Total knee replacement
• Total hip replacement
• Ankle replacement
• Shoulder/ reverse shoulder replacement
• Manual therapy, which uses the massage and manipulation of the body's soft tissues to relieve pain and promote healing
• Preparing the body before orthopedic surgery and rehabilitation after surgery
• General strength training
• Rehabilitation after a bone fracture
• Rehabilitation after a back or neck injury
• Rehabilitation after a sports injury
• Comprehensive musculoskeletal evaluation to determine the cause of and best treatment for acute or chronic pain
– Chronic pain treatment
– Plantar fasciitis
- Benign Positional Vertigo
- Central vestibular loss
IN NETWORK (contracted):
• Medicare Part B
• Blue Cross Blue Shield
• Blue Cross Blue Shield Advantage
• Department of Labor
• Medrisk WC
• Tricare (authorization required on most plans)
– Active duty
– Tricare for Life
• Triwest (authorization required)
OUT OF NETWORK POLICIES
Various out of network policies accepted.
• Patients required to call their insurance to verify specific benefits.
• Self Pay Policy available