Our services explained
Our therapists believe in an individualized and hybrid approach to restoring and optimizing function. We use a foundation of movement science based on the teachings of Shirley Sahrmann and use movement system diagnoses to guide our treatment, which includes active, guided exercise and hands-on manual therapy techniques.
Patient Education
Our primary intervention as physical therapists is to provide clear and thorough education about the human body and how it moves. We teach our patients how to effectively manage symptoms, take care of their bodies through proper movement and to prevent the recurrence of injury.
Movement Systems Impairment (MSI) Evaluation
The foundation of our treatment lies in our understanding of the human movement system. Our therapists take a full-body approach to the evaluation process and analyze how patients are moving globally to pinpoint the CAUSE of symptoms rather than just address the SOURCE of symptoms. This approach leads to a focused plan of care that produces LONG-TERM outcomes.
Manual Therapy
We use a wide variety of manual stretching and joint mobilization techniques to increase muscle length and joint range of motion, respectively. Additionally, our therapists are GRASTON certified in Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM), using stainless steel instruments to address muscle restrictions and tissue adhesions to improve range of motion and decrease pain.
Neuromuscular Re-education
Using a combination of verbal/tactile feedback, our therapists utilize motor learning principles to teach our patients how to effectively recruit muscles to optimally ambulate, transfer, lift, bend, balance and perform functional tasks. Additionally we use a slow motion video playback system to review progress with our patients and show them how to improve their movement impairments.
Modalities
We offer therapeutic ultrasound, neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES), transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), cold laser, cryotherapy and moist heat to supplement our treatment sessions and improve tissue extensibility, promote healing, and decrease pain.
Homeschool Physical Education Exercise Programs
All our students are guided through a comprehensive and specifically tailored gym exercise program that addresses their key movement impairments. To maintain progress, students are also given a printed individualized home exercise program (HEP) to take home after training.
Gait Training w/ or w/o Assisted Devices
We also work closely with a local orthotics and prosthetics clinic. We are able to screen individuals to see if they are candidates for these products and can be referred. Using our gait training balance bar, we are able to use cues and bio-feedback to assist in normalization of gait patterns.
Preventative & Functional Movement Screening
We offer a wide variety of fitness and health screenings including balance and fall risk assessments for the elderly and sports specific ACL injury prevention programs for our young athletes. Our therapists are also certified in Functional Movement Screening (FMS), which allows them to screen both recreational and elite athletes using Gray Cook’s method of 7 items to find deficits in flexibility, asymmetries in balance and compensatory motions. FMS is used nationwide with collegiate and professional athletes to assist them in performing at their highest potential while addressing movement deficits, a key in preventing future injuries.
Strength and Conditioning Programming
Once traditional physical therapy is completed, we offer stage 4 strength and conditioning to help our patients to reach or even exceed their pre-injury performance level. As you return your sport, active job or weekend recreational activities, our therapists can serve as your personal trainer and push you to reach your fitness goals. We utilize a variety of safe and effective training tools such as the TRX Suspension Trainer, TRX Battle Ropes, NordicTrack treadmill and elliptical, agility ladder, kettlebells and much more.
Join the movement specialists family
The environment at Movement Specialists Physical Therapy is a friendly, professional, and clean place of learning and healing, where patients are considered a part of our extended family.
We provide flexible hours for our patients needs and offer services and treatment 6 days a week, Monday through Saturday.