Services

Physical Therapy (Physiotherapy outside of the US) is the healthcare practice of restoring, maintaining, and improving physical function. Treatment interventions may include: manual therapy, exercise, neuromuscular reeducation, gait training, functional mobility training, posture training. I treat a wide variety of musculoskeletal conditions  across age ranges from the head to the toes, as well as neurologic conditions, such as stroke and Parkinson's. I also have extensive training in vestibular issues, including hypofunction and vertigo.

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Below is a short list and description of my specialties.

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. 

Dry Needling (DN):

Dry Needling is the practice of using monofilament needles inserted intramuscularly to promote a positive effect. DN works by restarting the inflammatory process through histamine release, resetting the neuromuscular junction by balancing the reuptake of neurotransmitters, and promote release of endogenous opioids for pain relief. It also downregulates pain signals and  promotes brief release of cortisol to control inflammation. Needles can also be used to manipulate soft tissue. It is not to be confused for acupuncture from Traditional Chinese Medicine. While we as PTs use acupoints due to their neural pathways to a target region, we do not use them to alter energy/qi flow across meridians.

Parkinson's Disease (PD):

 PD is a neurodegenerative movement disorder 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 lifestyle behavior, 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 are not mutually exclusive. Wellness is rather a large part of physical therapy, especially in the vision and mission of Tao of Physical Therapy.

I encourage new and existing patient/clients to take part of group exercise classes to complement ongoing treatment an home exercise plans.

Due to space restraints, I am not currently offering classes. However, I am knowledgable of many of our local community-based exercise classes that may meet your needs and population.

As space permits, classes will be offered include: PWR!Moves (for Parkinson's), martial arts, strength and conditioning, balance.