Treatments

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Physical Therapy

Manual Physical TherapyAt Giving Nature Center we employ Manual Physical Therapy (PT). Manual Physical Therapy draws upon several disciplines in pain management and physical therapy. Initially Manual PT was the foundation of the two leading alternative health care systems – Osteopathy and Chiropractic. Since that time Manual Physical Therapists have offered strong contributions to world of physical therapy, thereby establishing a presence and unique voice in the science and art of physical rehabilitation and strengthening.

By combining disciplines, Manual PT creates unique solutions for your injury or weakness. A basic premise of Manual PT is that the individual needs of every patient vary. Your treatment is based upon your diagnosis, the category of the condition, and your stage of recovery. Our therapists literally use their hands to manipulate, stretch, lengthen, and re-educate the injured or recovering body part, and to alleviate or diminish pain. As a result movement is increased or restored. In short, we normalize the affected area, enabling you to regain normal movement and function. Circulation improves, oxygenation to the injured body part is enhanced, and pain is eventually alleviated. As you heal and become ready for additional dimensions of physical therapy, we introduce strengthening exercises. In this way you are able to build muscle strength and stamina, as well as gain the agility you need to return to the lifestyle you know and love!

Post Surgical Care

What to Expect After Surgery

Throughout your surgery and initial phase of healing, your body has been sedentary – working at a slower metabolic pace. As you start to work with the physical therapist you may feel a bit weaker than prior to surgery. The Physical therapist is working from the doctor’s prescription for your care, and should be able to gauge your ability to progress. Work steadily and pace yourself. True Healing occurs when periods of work and rest are proportionately balanced.

Your body’s bone and tissue have been moved during the surgical procedure. At one end of the spectrum this in and of itself will produce atypical sensations and at the other end of the spectrum, there is post operative pain. You will have pain medication to manage any initial discomfort. When your physician suggests that you start your PT, we will work with you sensitively, gradually introducing weight and movement to injured area.

Expect miracles but by all means work within what is reasonable for your age, weight, overall health and place in the timeline of your recovery. Do not overdo anything. You are the only one who can assess your progress and always communicate with your physical therapist. Pain is a barometer. It can indicate whether you’re doing too much or too little. At best it tells you when you’re doing ‘too much too soon.’ An athlete can tell you that he or she works consciously with pain; it informs their training. Too much would leave them fatigued. Too little and they’ll never build the stamina needed to win. A good attitude will expedite your recovery. If you find you’re unable to maintain a positive state, seek the support you need from family, friends and if need be – by a professional. The body is inextricably connected to your emotional and mental states. If negative feelings go “unchecked” they can magnify the normal aches and pains that are typical in the recovery process. It is not a reflection on you if you feel frustrated. Most people experience varying degrees of frustration at some point in life and especially in recover from injury. You simply need to counter the feeling with a positive action.

Physical Therapy Modalities

There are several schools of physical therapy and many treatment options. We work in conjunction with your physician to provide the combination of therapies that will expedite your healing process and grant you the very best range of motion, drawing from the following approaches:

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