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Physical Therapy A-Z
Some of the manual techniques that we utilize at PT Plus include: soft tissue mobilization, myofascial release, joint mobilization, muscle energy techniques, craniosacral therapy, and strain/counterstrain techniques to name a few. All manual therapy is complimented with instruction in therapeutic exercise, and individualized exercise programs. Finally, we utilize traditional modalities such as heat, ice, ultrasound, and electrical stimulation to maximize your recovery. The physical therapists at PT Plus would like to offer our sincere thanks to all the pioneers in our profession. Some of these professionals are listed below, and many of them have been our mentors and teachers.
Primal Reflex Release Technique (PRRT):
PRRT is a systematic approach to the evaluation and treatment of primal reflexes which are over stimulated. This over stimulation of the primal reflexes maintains pain and keeps painful patterns active. By utilizing the bodies built in protective reflexes, the practitioner can restore normal movement patterns and decrease pain. This technique was developed by John Iams, PT.
Soft Tissue Mobilization (STM):
STM is a hands on approach to provide movement of the soft tissue (muscle, skin, fascia, viscera, etc) and to restore homeostasis (normal range of motion, strength, blood flow, etc) to the tissue.
Myofascial Release (MFR):
MFR is a hands on approach to treat dysfunction in the body by accessing the muscles and fascia. Fascia is a specialized connective tissue that encompasses all tissues in the body. It is often described as a “web” that is interwoven throughout the body providing support and communication. MFR treatment can be direct (gently guiding tissue into areas of restriction) or indirect (gently guiding tissue away from areas of restriction). MFR is the three-dimensional application of sustained pressure and movement into the fascial system in order to eliminate restrictions. MFR can be an effective therapeutic approach in the relief of cervical pain, back pain, fibromyalgia, scoliosis, neurological dysfunction, restriction of motion, chronic pain, and headaches. Many practitioners have led to the development of MFR including Janet Travell, MD, Andrew Taylor Still, MD, DO, John Upledger, DO, OMM, and John F. Barnes, PT, LMT, NCTMB.
Joint Mobilization:
Joint mobilization is a system of moving the joints in specific ways to achieve changes in function. Often joints are mobilized in ways that the body is unable to move them, called accessory movements. Accessory movement is necessary for normal joint motion. Joints can also be moved in physiological motions (those movements the body is normally able to reproduce). Joint mobilization of the spine is often called spinal mobilization. Typically, in physical therapy mobilization is understood as a repetitive passive movement of varying amplitudes of low velocity applied at different parts of the range of motion depending on the effect desired. Some of the well known pioneers in this field include John Mennell, MD, Phillip Greenman, DO, FAAO, Geoffrey Maitland, PT, James Cyriax, MD, B.J. Palmer, DC, Andrew Taylor Still, MD, DO, and William Garner Sutherland, DO.
Muscle Energy Technique (MET):
MET utilizes the principle of reciprocal inhibition to improve mobility in the musculoskeletal system. Often referred to as contract/relax, gentle isometric contractions are performed against resistance provided by the therapist. These techniques are used to strengthen weak muscles, stretch tight muscles and fascia, mobilize joints in which movement is restricted, and to improve local circulation. MET was developed by Fred Mitchell, DO.
Craniosacral Therapy (CST):
CST is a hands on treatment of the skull and its sutures, the spine, and the connective tissue including the dura mater. Gentle pressure (often less than 5 grams of force) is applied in specific directions to correct cerebral and spinal imbalances. Also described as an osteopathic technique for finding and correcting cerebral and spinal imbalances or blockages that may cause tissue, emotional and postural dysfunction. Those accredited with promoting and developing this technique include William Garner Sutherland, D.O., and John Upledger, DO, OMM.
Lymph Drainage Therapy
A hands-on method to promote movement of the serous fluid in the tissue into the lymph vessels and toward the heart. This can be helpful to improve lymph edema, swelling and soft tissue congestion that may impede the healing process.
Myofascial Trigger Point Therapy
The term, “trigger point”, was described by Janet Travell, MD, as a specific tender point in skeletal muscle. These trigger points can be the source of musculoskeletal pain as well as chronic pain. These points are defined as localized areas in which the muscle and connective tissue are highly sensitive to pain when compressed. Pressure on these points can send referred pain to other specific parts of the body. The application of sustained pressure on these points and stretching afterwards can relieve pain and function can be restored.
Strain/Counterstrain (SCS):
Developed by Lawrence Jones, DO, this noninvasive treatment helps decrease protective muscle spasms and alleviates somatic dysfunction in the musculoskeletal system. The position that relieves the referred pain is held for ninety seconds. The neuroscience behind this technique utilizes the muscle spindle and the inherent ability to act as a pretensioner. By placing the soft tissue in a relaxed position, the muscle spindle is able to reset to a more normal length, therefore eliminating tightness. After resuming the original position and pressing the trigger point, the referred pain is gone.
Visceral Manipulation
Visceral manipulation enhances the normal mobility, motility and tissue motion of the organs of the visceral system. Hypertonicity, displacement, and adhesions can all cause organs to function poorly, creating chronic irritation and fixed, abnormal points of tension. The visceral organs are dependent on their ability to move freely in the visceral cavity to then work correctly and efficiently. When they are pulled out of their effective positions, they cease to function properly. By freeing each organ to work compatibly with the others, a therapist can potentially alter and improve the structure and functioning of the entire body. Pioneers in this technique include Jean-Pierre Barral, DO, and Frank Lowen, LMT
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