The Balanced Body Center's Unique Physical Therapy Program
Meghan Kelley, MSPT
Director of Balanced Body Physical Therapy
The Department
Our Physical Therapy Department is unique in its approach to the restoration of health. At the balanced Body Center we have brought together the best chiropractic and physical therapy techniques to provide the best recovery experience for our patients. Many Physical therapy centers focus on the rehabilitation of the muscles after an injury. Our approach recognizes that the muscles are the last group of tissues required to be rehabilitated. Our office is fortunate to have both chiropractors and physical therapists working together towards the same goal.
Our Physical Therapy Program is divided into 4 Phases:
Passive Care
Active Phases 1, 2 & 3
Passive Care:
This phase of care is all about reducing pain as quickly as possible. Our office uses cutting edge technology to get fast results. This may include the application of electrical stimulation; ultrasound, moist heat and ice as indicated to control, reduce and/or eliminate swelling/edema resulting from acute and/or chronic pain. Performance of manual therapy techniques i.e. myofascial release, trigger point work, contract/relax, and other soft tissue mobilization techniques designed to reduce the affects of muscle imbalances, Cervical and lumbar decompression utilizing the "3D Active Trac" decompression table is available in our clinic to help reduce pain from degenerated, arthritic joints and from disc injuries. Cold laser therapy treatment is also available in our office with the Med X Laser system. This uses the latest technologies to reduce pain and stimulate healthy tissue regeneration. For more information on these new advances in pain management see our links listed below.
Active Care:
Phase 1
Active care is where our clinic becomes extremely specialized. It is extremely important to rehabilitate soft tissues such as ligaments, tendons and muscles in the correct sequence. Failure of this order may cause increased pain, fail to yield results and in many cases prevent long term correction. Spinal injuries involve many factors such as misalignment, loss of flexibility and weakness. In phase one of active care our office utilizes a series of unique devices to increase ligament flexibility to structures that have become rigid, strengthen ligaments and tendons that have weakened. This phase usually occurs concurrently with chiropractic care to improve alignment. Activities include repetitive cervical traction exercises, six way stretch exercises, wobble chair exercises, vibration therapy and Postural weighting.
Repititive Cervical traction benefits
Six Way Stretch Benefits
Wobble Chair benefits
Vibration Therapy
Postural Wieghting
Phase 2
Usually this phase begins when flexability, alignment and symptoms have all improved. This phase incorporates all of the above activities and begins the use of isometric exercises developed uniquely to address each patient's needs based on x – rays results. The foundation strength of the spine originates from the tendons and ligaments. The most effective way to rehabilitate these tissues is through isometric exercise. Isometric exercise is a defined by contracting a muscle group without any movement of the body. Our office utilizes specific fulcrum exercises and a device called the link trainer.
Fulcrum Exercises
Link trainer
Phase 3
Phase 3 usually begins once we have confirmed spinal correction utilizing post x – rays. In this phase we have usually established a home protocol for the continued progress of the white tissues (ligaments and tendons). Typical physical therapy can now begin to strengthen the red tissues (the muscles). Usually a few visits are required to establish a home protocol. In cases of severe muscular weakness a short program of in office therapy will be initiated. There are many services that may be provided in this pahse such as:
- Therapeutic activities/exercises for improved range of motion (rom), muscle strength and endurance. Neuromuscular re-education techniques designed to improve/enhance your body's ability to function during your activities of daily living. Exercise is the vital link in the chain and you will receive "one-on-one", professional assistance in tailoring the program that is best for you.
- Instruction in performance of personalized home exercise programs designed to maximize the time spent in the clinic and enhance your ability to self manage your physical signs/symptoms at home, work, sporting activities, etc.
- Exercise philosophy for treatment of spinal dysfunction generally includes "core" exercises designed to stabilize, and improve the strength/ endurance of abdominal/spinal musculature. Additionally, instruction in proper posture and body mechanics at rest and during ADLs is essential to any successful rehabilitation program and is very much a focal point of Peter's self directed programs.
