What will a typical session look like?
As a physical therapist at Advance Physical Therapy, I try to make every session productive, but also predictable. My goal is to teach patients independence with managing symptoms and making some form of exercise into a daily habit to improve overall health. Each session typically starts with a warm-up tailored to a specific diagnosis. Next we move to one-on-one exercise activities and manual physical therapy techniques if needed. That is followed by pain management modalities such as electrical stimulation (often called E-Stim or TENS), ultrasound, ice, moist heat, or one of many other options. This is just a typical session, it may be different for you based on your needs and goals. I am always flexible and ready to work together WITH you to allow you to meet the goals you came in with and function at your highest possible level.
What do you expect from me?
As a patient at Advance Physical Therapy, I expect you to come willing to try. Physical therapy may not be on your bucket list of things to do, but if your doctor recommends it (and sometimes even if he or she doesn’t recommend it), 99.9% of the time it is worth your time. I expect my patients to be honest with me about their symptoms, their willingness and ability to do exercises at home, and their willingness to make modifications to their daily living habits. This information helps me tailor your home exercise program to what is doable for you and also make the right recommendation on how often I should see you in the clinic. I know how busy life can be, however, most of the time decreasing chronic pain or overcoming an acute injury does not happen overnight. It takes a commitment to yourself that you are willing to do what needs to be done to help your body heal and stay that way.
What is your treatment philosophy?
I believe strongly in the importance of pelvic position and its effects on posture. I tend to treat with the exercise techniques taught at the Postural Restoration Institute. I also believe in the power of touch and that almost every person can benefit from some type of physical therapy manual technique. Ultimately, my goal for every patient is to become as pain-free and/or as strong as possible and maintain this status upon discharge. This is accomplished through functional home exercise programs, daily posture and positioning awareness and other healthy habits learned from physical therapy.
What expertise do you have that makes you qualified to treat my condition?
I have been treating orthopedic conditions for almost 11 years. Working primarily in rural settings, I have treated a wide variety of conditions in all ages with great success, allowing my patients to receive quality care without excessive costs or travel to larger cities. Beyond my Masters of Physical Therapy degree, I have completed continuing education courses in post-surgical care, total joint rehabilitation, postural restoration, vertigo treatment, autism and sensory processing, treatment of cerebral palsy, spinal (cervical, thoracic and lumbar) joint mobilization and manipulation, upper and lower extremity joint mobilization and manipulation, women’s health (specifically incontinence), Vasyli orthotic (arch support) fitting and treatment of plantar fasciitis. I’m also one of the only certified LSVT BIG clinicians in the area. LSVT BIG is a specific exercise protocol for the treatment of Parkinson’s Disease.
How do you make sure I receive the best care for my unique situation?
I care about people and I listen to their problems, goals and needs. I’m not here to punch a time clock, I’m here to help you overcome your current symptoms and reach your highest possible functional level. So, with that care and compassion, I make sure that all your needs are addressed and that you feel taken care of, no matter what your situation might be.
