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.
Spinal Decompression
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
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.