Specialized Techniques
Advanced Physical Therapy and Specialized Techniques
We use a combination of traditional physical therapy and advanced specialized techniques at Clarkston Physical Therapy & Sports Medicine. Your specific situation and injury will determine what is included in your treatment plan. We can resolve some issues with traditional physical therapy treatment options, while others may benefit from one or more of our specialized techniques. Our team will discuss your options and the advantages of all techniques available to you.
Graston Technique
The Graston Technique is an instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM) method that has set the standard that all other forms of instrument-assisted techniques are compared to. Graston Technique® (GT) therapy is successful in effectively treating most soft tissue conditions, whether they are chronic, acute or post-surgical. Our team has participated in and received advanced training and certification to achieve the highest level of specialization in this practice. It is incredibly effective in treating soft tissue conditions recovering from surgical procedures or chronic and acute injuries. Benefits of this method include:
- Treatment of scar tissue and fascial restrictions
- Faster rehabilitation of soft tissue
- Greater success rate
- Restoration of range of motion and normal function
- Elimination of pain
Personalized Blood Flow Restriction (PBFR) Certification
Resistance exercises are a vital component of optimizing muscular strength and building muscle, according to research completed by the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM). Exercises like these should be completed in reps two to three days per week during rehabilitation. However, people recovering from injuries and elderly individuals often can’t tolerate these exercises due to a low threshold for pain and immobility. PBFR enables us to achieve the same benefits as traditional resistance training exercises without the use of heavy weight or resistance. The result is a significant improvement in strength over a short period. Our clinic is trained to use the latest and highest quality equipment in this area by DELFI for excellent results. BFR allows for significant gains in strength with small load demand in a ridiculously reduced period of time. Research supported! Athletes love this! Our unit is the only research-validated device that calculates Limb Occlusion Pressure (LOP) and then maintains that pressure for a consistent stimulus whether we’re treating an NFL football player or an octogenarian following total knee replacement.
Functional Integrative Dry Needling
Many musculoskeletal injuries and pain problems find relief when dry needling is incorporated with traditional physical therapy exercises and treatments. Neurologic dry needling for pain management and sports rehab programs uses a systematic approach to identify and treat neuromuscular conditions. This has been especially successful with chronic pain. We are trained in applying needles to trigger points, and while the description may sound intimidating, the patient experiences minimal to zero discomfort during the process.
Kinesiotaping
Kinesio tape is often found on Olympic and professional athletes to help support posture and muscles during competition. Kinesiotaping helps restrict the movement of injured joints and compresses soft tissues to reduce swelling. It can also help people in professions that involve hard labor, those who sit at desks for long periods, and people who have injuries to joints, muscles, and tendons.
Exercise Strategies
Stretching and strength training are significant parts of physical therapy, but they have limits if not performed correctly and strategically. We are specialists when it comes to anatomy and movements to ensure we develop a program for optimum success. Your program will be customized and based on biomechanical impairment and the intermuscular relationships of the body parts involved.
Sportsmetrics™ Specialists
Sportsmetrics™ is the most scientifically proven and respected program for knee and ACL injury prevention. We work with athletes to reduce the risk of serious injuries while enhancing their athletic performance. We are this nationally acclaimed program to athletes in our community. This certification means we are trained to implement the program with athletes at every age level as well as incorporate the practice for patients outside of the sports world who can benefit from this method when used in conjunction with their physical therapy.
NG360 – Nike Golf Functional Performance
Is your game limited by pain? Golf involves the entire body working together, pain anywhere in the chain of movement will limit the enjoyment of the game. We use a scientific process of analysis and training to enhance golfers’ athleticism and performance. We can integrate Nike Golf into your physical therapy program as an ongoing exercise component. You don’t have to be prepping for the PGA Tour to enjoy the benefits of this groundbreaking program. It’s appropriate and beneficial for golfers of every age and skill level.
Customized Electrical Stimulation
We utilize and personalize advanced Electrical Stimulation applications. Electrical stimulation is an advanced technique to manage pain, swelling, biofeedback, and spasming. It can also assist with muscle retraining. Benefits include:
- Reduction of swelling
- Reducing pain
- Increasing strength
- Preventing muscle loss
- Increasing range of motion
Manual Techniques
We incorporate a variety of manual techniques into physical therapy programs when it provides added benefit and relief for patients. Your program may include:
- Soft-Tissue Mobilization – This hands-on therapy massages muscles, ligaments, and fascia to break down scar tissue, and release fascial adhesions. This therapy stretches underlying deep tissue limiting joint movement.
- Cupping – We use cups to generate suction on certain areas of the body to help with pain, inflammation, and blood flow. This practice has been around for thousands of years and provides numerous benefits.
- Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (Graston) – We may incorporate instruments into soft-tissue mobilization for many additional benefits including scar tissue mobility, and muscle flexibility, as well as to facilitate proper tissue orientation.
Learn More About Our Techniques
When you visit Clarkston Physical Therapy & Sports Medicine for physical therapy, your treatment program will be unique to you and your injury or pain. We may incorporate one or more of these particular techniques into your program, but we will always make sure you are comfortable with the program before we move forward.
Contact us to schedule an appointment today.