We use the latest therapy technology to make sure your treatments are effective and produce the quickest results.
We take a hands-on approach when using Manual Therapy, which can help increase range of motion, decrease swelling, inflammation, and pain. In addition to this, Manual Therapy can also increase recovery time as we are able to manipulate the soft tissues of the body for better healing outcomes.
Muscles, nerves and tendons can be described as soft tissues in the body. By applying pressure to the target area, soft tissue mobilization relaxes muscle tension, decreases inflammation and pain as well as breaking up scar tissue and promoting circulation.
Joint mobilization utilizes the physical therapist’s ability to twist, pull or push bones into certain positions. By using this technique, restricted joints are loosened and range of motion is increased. Joint mobilisation also helps decrease pain and aid in flexibility and alignment.
Developed by Dr. Bruno Chikly, lymphatic drainage is a unique way to aid in drainage of lymphatic fluids. When using this method your physical therapist is able to palpate and map out the lymphatic vessels throughout the body in order to assess and enhance overall circulation and also determine different pathways for drainage of stagnant body fluid.
The HIVAMAT is a machine we use that acts as an electro-massage. Using either our hands or a wand, we manipulate the soft tissues to help increase the healing process, similar to the Manual Therapy approach. The difference here is the electric current that helps get deeper into the tissues for advanced healing for injuries such as; burns, acute trauma, surgical care (after weeks of post-op), sports injuries, superficial wounds, edema & lymphedema and much more. HIVAMAT cannot be used on individuals with PaceMakers, or blood clots. It was first used locally by the San Antonio Spurs, now most sports teams utilize it for rapid healing gains.
Developed by Physiotherapist Robin McKenzie, Physical Therapists using the McKenzie method are able to evaluate and manage different issues arising from the musculoskeletal system. Issues coming from the spine, extremities, muscles and tendons can be identified, a management plan can be indicated, and a recovery pathway can be created using the McKenzie Method.
This approach utilizes a cold laser that doesn’t burn the skin, but rather speeds up the healing process at the mitochonria level. Stimulating the cells in the body to increase productivity in healing, the Cold Laser approach yields great results in the healing process in injuries related to swelling, surgical incisions, cuts, rashes as well as acute injuries. Trained by Joe Kleinkort, PT in the 1980’s before it was FDA approved on wounds and burns, Dr Schonhoff added it to the treatment of debridement at the Baptist Hospital System under their Institutional Review Board. It is now FDA approved.
Strain Counterstrain was developed by Dr. Lawrence Jones as a treatment for neuromuscular and musculo-skeletal disorders.
Myofascial Release is a safe and very effective hands-on technique that involves applying gentle sustained pressure into the Myofascial connective tissue restrictions to eliminate pain and restore motion. This essential “time element” has to do with the viscous flow and the piezoelectric phenomenon: a low load (gentle pressure) applied slowly will allow a viscoelastic medium (fascia) to elongate.
During massage therapy we are able to manipulate the soft tissues of your body — muscle, connective tissue, tendons, ligaments and skin, using varying degrees of pressure and movement. Massage therapy helps reduce stress, lessen pain and muscle tension, increase relaxation and improve immune function.
A paraffin wax unit is a machine that heats and holds paraffin wax, a type of wax used for candles. The wax is intended to completely cover the hand (or other body parts such as the feet). Its warm temperature is meant to provide relief from arthritis pain, sore joints or sore muscles.
Dry needling is a technique physical therapists use for the treatment of pain and movement impairments. The technique uses a “dry” needle, one without medication or injection, inserted through the skin into areas of the muscle. Dry needling is not acupuncture, a practice based on traditional Chinese medicine and performed by acupuncturists. Dry needling is a part of modern Western medicine principles and supported by research. Physical therapists use dry needling to release or inactivate trigger points (A trigger point is a taut band of skeletal muscle located within a larger muscle group.) to relieve pain or improve range of motion. Preliminary research supports that dry needling improves pain control, reduces muscle tension, and normalizes dysfunctions of the motor end plates, the sites at which nerve impulses are transmitted to muscles. This can help speed up the patient’s return to active rehabilitation. Trained by Dr. Ken Cooper, PT/DC techniques he has used since the 1980’s, Dr Schonhoff is certified in Dry Needling, originally created by Dr Janet Travell, MD an expert in trigger points.
Typical Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) units are intended for temporary pain relief in sore and aching muscles or for symptomatic relief of chronic pain. TENS units are typically limited in functionality.
Interferential current (IFC) electrical stimulation is Intended for symptomatic relief of acute, chronic, and post-traumatic or post-surgical pain. IFC is similar to TENS, but generally more effective and powerful.
Neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) is intended for relaxing muscle spasms, preventing muscle atrophy, increasing blood circulation, maintaining or increasing range of motion, and especially for re-educating the neuromuscular system. NMES is focused on therapeutic use/rehab.
Pelvic Muscle Rehabilitation (or pelvic floor rehabilitation) is a non-invasive, non-surgical treatment for Pelvic Muscle Dysfunction. Pelvic Muscle Dysfunction may include any group of clinical conditions that includes Urinary Incontinence, Fecal Incontinence, Pelvic Organ Prolapse, sensory and emptying abnormalities of the lower urinary tract, defecatory dysfunction, sexual dysfunction, and chronic pain syndromes, (including vulvodynia). Bio-feedback utilizes an intracavity vaginal or rectal sensor to train the patient to voluntarily contract or relax the pelvic floor muscles correctly as well as document strength gains from treatment session to session. Muscle training that utilizes sEMG may improve the effectiveness of muscle relaxation efforts while strengthening weak pelvic muscles and reducing pain.
Vestibular rehabilitation therapy (VRT) is a specialized form of therapy intended to alleviate problems caused by vestibular disorders, primarily vertigo and dizziness, gaze instability, and/or imbalance and falls. A customized exercise plan is developed from the findings of the clinical assessment. Dr. Schonhoff was trained by Susan Herdman, PT, PhD et al at Emory University in Atlanta.
Balance Training exercises are used to improve steadiness so that daily activities for self-care, work, and leisure can be performed successfully. Exercises used to improve balance should be designed to address each patient’s specific underlying balance problem(s). Additionally, balance exercises should be designed to reduce environmental barriers and fall risk. For example, the exercises should help improve patients’ ability to walk outside on uneven ground or walk in the dark.
We monitor our patients Pulse, Oxygen Saturations and Blood Glucose levels, to ensure we provide the best care possible with the resources we have. We have multiple Therapeutic Techniques utilizing hands-on care to treat our patients with Diabetic problems, please call our office for more information.
When working with patients who have undergone some sort of orthopedic procedure or condition, we aim to get patients back to their independence. We teach our patients how to use their Assistive Devices (wheelchairs, walkers, canes, etc.) as well as body mechanics to ensure our patients return to their optimal performance. We encourage all patients who have undergone an Orthopedic Procedure or condition to schedule with us as soon as possible.
With Facial Paralysis patients, we focus on what our patients desire most, their smile, eye closure, eating and drinking normally with the best treatment course. We work with patients who have Bell’s Palsy, Ramsay-Hunt Syndrome and many other facial paralysis conditions. We may use Electrical Stimulation, Neuro-Muscular Reeducation, Manual Therapy, appropriate exercise and other techniques.
We work with patients who have Gait (walking) abnormalities, due to injury, post-operative care, issues with balance, fatigue, weakness, lack of Range of Motion/Coordination and various other causes. Gait Training is necessary to ensure we get you back to being able to do your every day activities, whether it be just walking to the mailbox, in the grocery store, doing yard work, exercising, or walking the dog, we will be here to help you achieve your goals.
One of the biggest concerns our patients have, regardless of their diagnosis, is their strength and ability to do things on their own. In addition to following your Physician’s Orders, we also offer a Maintenance Program (prices vary), in which patients can come in and use our facility, but have our guidance and expertise, to ensure they keep their health and wellbeing, improving.
