Services

Physical Therapy, or Physiotherapy, is the healthcare practice of restoring, maintaining, and improving physical function. Physical therapists utilize "Evidence Informed Practice," therefore, the profession is always evolving with new research clinical discoveries. There are several fields of physical therapy, including: orthopaedic, neurologic, geriatric, pediatric, sports, cardiopumonary, lymphedema, and more. Treatment interventions may include: manual therapy, exercise, neuromuscular reeducation, gait training, etc.

Functional Manual Therapy^ (FMT):

FMT is an active and dynamic treatment system that will require us to work together to reach our goals. This is not a passive form of therapy. Within this approach, I would assess and treat soft tissue and other mechanical restrictions, and train the system to efficiently contract muscles and recruit motor units for improved function and injury prevention.

Graston Technique^ (GT):

GT is a trademarked and highly effective form of Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization. I use a variety of stainless steel tools, specified for treatment region and treatment goals, in a stroking and scraping fashion to mobilize fascial restrictions, improve blood and lymphatic circulation, and even to facilitate or inhibit muscles. Although GT is a treatment system of its own, I often use it to complement my FMT treatment.

Parkinson's Disease (PD):

PD is ia neurodegenerative disease typically characterized by tremor, small amplitude movements, dystonia (cramping sensation associated with PD), shuffling gait, balance disorder, small voice, impaired fine motor control, and sometimes freezing of gait. Furthermore, there are non-motor signs and symptoms, including: active dreams, vivid dreaming, depression/anxiety, apathy, hallucination, fatigue, and dementia or other cognitive impairments.^ Not all people with Parkinson's can be classified on the same scale, and not all will display the same signs and symptoms. Furthermore, there are atypical Parkinson's, or Parkinsonisms, that present like typical PD, but will key characteristic differences and tend to progress much quicker. Currently, there is no cure for Parkinson's. Parkinson's Disease, including atypical PD, is not a life ending diagnosis. It is definitely life changing, and will require a lifestyle makeover in a lot of people who are newly diagnosed, but again, not life ending. No matter what the diagnosis is, the only thing that is shown to slow the progression of the disease is high intensity physical activity.^ So EXERCISE will be the most important thing, and must be made into a daily habit. I treat PD using the PWR!Moves system, which is essentially the building blocks of functional movement.^ Unlike typical orthopaedic physical therapy, the primary goal for Parkinson's-specific PT is not the impairment, but the function. I will help regain (or maintain) functions such as: sitting and standing from a chair, getting off the ground, bed mobility, prevent falling, prevent freezing, etc. Additionally, you will be provided whole-body exercises to help improve large amplitude movements, weight shifting, stiffness, coordination, etc. I am also LSVT BIG certified and have had training alongside medical doctors, neurologists, occupational therapists, speech therapists, nurses, and social workers to maximize my understanding of this disease. This is truly a team approach, and the earlier we assess and treat your function, the better the outcomes.

The primary goal of wellness is health promotion. Physical therapy and wellness is often not mutually exclusive. Wellness is rather a large part of physical therapy, especially in the vision and mission of Tao of Physical Therapy.