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- Manual Physical Therapy
- Muscular Imbalances and Joint Restrictions
- Joint Mobilization
- Active Release Techniques® Soft Tissue Treatment
- Sports Medicine
- Orthotics
- Individualized Exercise Programs
- Acute Neck or Back Strains
- Myofascial Release
- Biomechanical Analysis
- Cold Laser
- Photonic Stimulation
- Graston Technique
- ATM Spinal Rehab
- Vestibular Rehabilitation
- Pre- and Post-Natal Pilates
- Alter-G Running Program
- Yoga
- Massage
- Spider Tech Kinesiology Taping
Manual Physical Therapy
Manual physical therapy is a systematic hands-on approach to the assessment and treatment of the neuro-musculoskeletal system. Restrictions or pain in the body that affect muscles, fascia, nerves and all joints respond to manual physical therapy. Manual physical therapy includes specific techniques such as stretching, Active Release Techniques®, joint mobilization, muscle energy, and PNF (proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation).
The goal of manual physical therapy is to restore normal pain-free movement in the body. Each patient or client is thoroughly evaluated by a certified manual physical therapist who will then design and progress an individualized treatment program. This program may include hands-on therapy, a custom exercise program, and biomechanical counseling and information to help prevent further problems.
The benefits of manual physical therapy include:
- Increased strength
- Flexibility
- Better posture
- Improved range of motion
- Decreased pain
- Restoration of normal function
Conditions that can be treated with manual physical therapy:
- repetitive motion secondary to poor posture or injury
- restricted mobility in the spine
- low back pain
- mid back pain
- cervical pain
- stiff neck
- fascial restrictions due to fibromyalgia
- loss of flexibility due to scar adhesions
- sports injuries
- work-related injuries
- trauma-related injuries
- arthritis
- muscle spasm
- piriformis syndrome
- sciatica
- iliotibial band syndrome
- plantar fascitis
- hip pain
- forearm pain
- shoulder pain
- shoulder impingement
Muscular Imbalances and Joint Restrictions
A full assessment of biomechanics and analysis of joint restrictions in the body including the foot all the way up to the spine. We integrate therapies such as joint mobilization and neuromuscular reeducation to improve the timing or neuromuscular firing to promote biomechanically sufficient joints and soft tissues of the musculoskeletal system.
Joint Mobilization
Joint mobilization is the use of skilled, graded forces to mobilize a joint to improve motion and to normalize joint function. It may also be used to reduce or control pain. Joint mobilization techniques are utilized to restore motion. Research has shown that a hypomobile segment in the spine or periphery can contribute to early degenerative changes in that joint. When a joint mobility is impaired or restricted, the structure and the function of the area may begin to break down. Nutrition to the area may decrease within the joint. Synovial fluid exchange is reduced and other joints may compensate for the stiff or hypomobile segments. Many adjacent joints in the area may begin to break down due to excessive use. This can contribute to faulty movement patterns and pain. The muscles surrounding a stiff joint may lose their flexibility and may in time undergo soft tissue restrictions that do not allow the area to be stretched or moved. Over time, significant dysfunction can occur surrounding a stiff joint.
Joint mobilization can improve joint mobility and joint nutrition. Other benefits include decreasing pain, muscle spasm and muscle tension. Joint mobilization is performed in a position of comfort of the client. The therapist positions the joint in its most relaxed position and applies graded forces through his or her hands in appropriate directions. These specific techniques can included soft tissue mobilization, Active Release Techniques®, stretching, various manual resistive movement patterns and neuromuscular reeducation. Stretching and breathing exercises may also be utilized to achieve optimal results.
Active Release Techniques® Soft Tissue Treatment
Active Release Techniques® is a unique form of manual therapy administered by trained professionals to damaged soft tissue, restoring movement and eliminating pain.
How does it work? Muscles are composed of tiny filaments of tissue that run parallel to one another, allowing each muscle to move freely. When a muscle is injured, these filaments tear. Some muscle tissue injuries are sudden like tears and sprains. Others are the result of "cumulative trauma" like carpal tunnel syndrome, tendonitis, and bursitis. Regardless of the cause the body reacts to the injury in a similar way, by filling the damaged area with inferior tissue known as fibrous adhesions. Adhesions can develop between muscles or within muscles. Still, the result is the same; the once parallel filaments of muscle tissue get bound together so they no longer slide and glide freely, impairing movement and causing pain.
ART is the first and only treatment designed specifically to treat these soft tissue problems. Combining an understanding of biomechanics and movement with hands-on manual mobilization and manipulation techniques, ART allows the practitioner to go right to the heart of the problem and resolve it, with a success rate of over 90%.
Sports Medicine
Sports medicine is the specific application of rehabilitation applied to the athlete. Our clinic utilizes manually certified orthopedic sport physical therapists and certified athletic trainers. We as a team apply advanced assessment skills working together for optimal results in the quickest available timeframe.
We work with high level professional athletes, collegiate and recreational athletes from all sports such as running, triathlon, skiing, football, basketball, tennis, golf, dance and cycling.
Some injuries can result from a traumatic episode or a repetitive strain from cumulative activity. Your goal to returning to specific sports and activities is extremely important to us. In addition to providing orthopedic and sports physical therapy, we offer biomechanical movement analysis. Our ability to analyze muscular imbalances, joint restrictions, faulty movement patterns in addition to digital video biomechanical analysis allows us to improve your technique and make sure that your ability to perform a movement is biomechanically efficient.
Orthotics
There are 2 options offered for custom orthotics fittings, Temporary orthotics and Permanent orthotics.
Temporary Orthotics: an off the shelf template is custom made to your foot based balancing out functional movement patterns through postings in the rearfoot and forefoot. The goal is to get compensatory movement patterns and overall balance to significantly improve or neutralize patterns as much as possible. These type of orthotics last for 6 months up to 1 year, depending on wear and tear.
Permanent Orthotics: these are custom made based on a plaster cast taken of the feet in subtalar neutral, along with a variety of measurements/evaluations taken of the feet and lower body. The casts, along with the evaluation information taken, are sent to a lab (Biomechanical Services) and custom made for the primary purpose/use indicated for the orthotics.
Individualized Exercise Programs
Specific exercise programs are designed by our certified physical therapists and carried out in conjunction with our certified athletic trainers and Pilates instructors. By designing an individual and custom program that addresses biomechanical restrictions and faulty movement patterns, we can facilitate a quicker return to function and achieve sport-specific goals. Other elements to our program include cardiovascular conditioning and strength training. Biomechanical consulting and strategies for prevention of further injury are included.
Acute Neck or Back Strains
Many individuals get better without treatment within the first 2 months after a trauma. However, pain or poor posture can perpetuate soft tissue and joint dysfunctions. Injuries can heal with tightness and cause significant soft tissue changes and restrictions. It is most crucial to restore normal movement and strength to injured areas during the first several months after trauma. Goals are to regain full joint mobility free from adhesions (or scar tissue) and to restore strength to the area. Acute treatment can involve modalities, education, gentle mobility and stabilization exercises that can prevent a chronic problem from developing.
Myofascial Release
Myofascial release is a hands-on technique that eases and releases adhesions and restrictions of the fascia and muscle tissue. Fascia is the gel-like connective tissue that helps give our muscles their shape. When fascia thickens or adheres, it can cause pain and dysfunction.
Biomechanical Analysis
We use a digital video process to analyze human motion. It can be a very effective tool to slow down movement. By replaying the movement frame by frame, we can analyze faulty movement patterns, imbalances or specific aberrant motion with individual sport-specific movements or tasks. We use this process to analyze gait, running, walking, sitting or throwing.
Observation of movement analysis is a primary skill used by our physical therapists. This information can determine the source of pain and the primary dysfunction that can be addressed through treatment. We can also utilize the camera to objectively measure your improvement. We can link this information to a computer to generate a permanent record for your reference and to document your improvement. This can also be given to your physician. Other services can include video taping of your customized home exercises for future reference.
Cold Laser
Within the injured musculoskeletal tissue, low-level laser light initiates increased microcirculation, and enhanced tissue regeneration. The overall effects are decreased pain and inflammation, and increased range of motion. When the body has an injury the cells are damaged and fail to function within normal parameters. Low level lasers penetrate deeply into the skin and work by restoring this abnormal cellular function. Physiologic effects include improved metabolism, circulation and tissue healing.
The Erchonia cold laser device has gained recent FDA approval for the non-surgical treatment of neck and shoulder complaints and is being used widely in the NFL and by the USPS Tour de France team doctor. The beneficial effects of the Erchonia laser are currently being researched by leading plastic surgeons for use in liposuction procedures to reduce swelling and speed healing times.
Laser therapy can be helpful with:
tendonitis · frozen shoulder · fractures · post-operative wounds · sprain-strains · scar tissue chronic or acute pain · wound healing · arthritis · migraines · disc herniations · minor nerve damage · carpal tunnel syndrome
Cold Laser Video
(KTVU Channel 2 News, Featuring SOL's Nina Patterson, Director, PT, OCS)
ATM Spinal Rehab
SOLPT is training their entire staff in the ATM2 concept. You can read about this exciting new treatment, which reduces pain, restores function, and is a revolutionary concept that will change the way we treat spinal dysfunction. More >
- Do quick or sudden movements such as bending down make you feel dizzy?
- Do you feel the room spinning or have the sensation that you are spinning?
- Do you have problems with your vision even though your eye prescription has been updated?
- Do you have lightheadedness, headaches or migraines?
- Do you have: Difficulty arising from a chair or bed and or difficulty walking?
- Have you fallen recently with no prior history of falling?
- Have you had a whiplash injury from a car accident?
If you answered yes to more than one of these questions you may have a balance disorder. We can help by working with you, your doctor and a physical therapist trained in vestibular rehabilitation therapy (VRT). VRT is scientifically based and clinically therapeutic in treating persistent dizziness and imbalance1
What to expect: You will have a clinical assessment involving an interview and examination including assessing your posture, balance, strength and eye-head coordination. Your symptoms will be provoked, but only to your tolerance level. Then an individualized treatment plan will be devised to improve your balance, stability and quality of life.
How to start: You can obtain information about scheduling an appointment for VRT by calling Sports +Orthopedic Leaders (SOL PT) at 510-547-1630.
1American Academy of otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery Position Statement, June 1997.
Yoga
Focusing on Iyengar and Ashtanga Vinyasa styles to help patients safely begin a yoga practice, return to yoga, and/or personalize their home practice. SOL offers one-on-one yoga training for rehab as well as post-rehab/performance training, and specialty yoga training for athletes of various disciplines. With classically trained dancers on staff, SOL also offers performance and rehab training for dancers of all styles.
Massage
Massage is a scientific manipulation of the soft tissues of the body. The basic concept and philosophy of massage therapy is to aid the body in the ability to heal itself. Massage can be an important part of a personal health and wellness program. Massage has powerful healing qualities that can counter-act the debilitation effects of modern day life.
Massage therapy increases the circulation of blood and movement of lymph. The direct mechanical effect of rhythmically applied pressure, along with stimulation of nerve receptors, can increase the rate of blood flow. Lymph is a milky white fluid within the body that drains impurities and waste away from the tissue cells. This is vital because a component of these wastes are toxins (lactic acid) which are by products of metabolism. Massage also helps aide in the loosening of contracted, shortened, hardened muscles and can stimulate weak flaccid muscles.
SpiderTech™ Kinesiology Taping
SpiderTech™ Kinesiology Taping is an intervention applied to skin in order to reduce muscular pain and inflammation, allow for the relaxation of overused musculature, and to provide support to underlying joints and muscles during moderate to heavy activity. Kinesiology taping differs from traditional athletic taping in that kinesiology taping enhances the body's natural neurological and circulatory systems while providing support whereas traditional taping obstructs this natural flow.
SOL SANTA CRUZ provides SpiderTech™ kinesiology taping to athletes and active individuals alike. A market leader in the area of kinesiology taping, SpiderTech™ is the preferred provider of taping supplies for this important performance enhancement and pain relief modality.
To learn more about SpiderTech™ kinesiology taping, please visit the SpiderTech™ website.
Photonic Stimulation
The Padres use a hand-held device called the Photonic Stimulator, which emits infrared light that penetrates the skin to stimulate blood flow and circulation in targeted areas. The device, from Computerized Thermal Imaging (CTI), provides temporary relief of minor aches and pains where heat is indicated.
Infrared light “is one of the only physical therapies that acts to create a healing effect,” said Curtis Turchin, CTI’s director of clinical sciences. “Cells that are injured can actually be brought back to life by light.”
This form of light therapy can be used to treat ankle sprains as well as nerve cells damaged from spinal cord injuries.
“This is the single biggest breakthrough in healthcare I’ve seen in 30 years,” said Len Saputo, an internist who is also the founder and director of the Health Medicine Forum.
Saputo said. “This will be something that will be mainstream therapy for professional athletes around the world.”
While infrared light has been used in Europe and Asia for almost three decades, the therapy is relatively new in the United States, only recently gaining FDA approval.
Infrared light “is one of the safest therapies on the market today,” Turchin said. “It has almost no side effects with various positive benefits.”
Athletes can use infrared light therapy before a competition to loosen up muscles and after a game to reduce soreness, pain and swelling.
A practitioner holds the Photonic Stimulator where treatment is needed, just above the skin’s surface. One can adjust the frequency, or the amount of light the device will emit, depending on the patient’s age, weight and muscle mass. When infrared laser light is administered, it reduces sensitivity of neural pathways and causes the body to release endorphins that provide a nontoxic, natural form of pain relief.
Currently, the Padres are the only major league baseball team to use the Photonic Stimulator. CTI has just begun proactively marketing the product, and the company hopes to enlist other pro teams, including baseball, basketball, football and hockey.
Other companies are also marketing infrared light therapy products to athletes. For example, BioScan markets portable Light Patch, Spinal Pad and Knee Saver products that deliver heat through infrared light diodes. The Knee Saver was originally designed for players from the Philadelphia Eagles and then used by other pro football teams.
Unlike ultrasound and electrical stimulation, infrared technology is so gentle that athletes can use it frequently without causing more damage to injuries.
That competitive edge is critical in sports such as baseball, where just a few days or weeks of photonic stimulation can mean the difference between riding the bench and completing the season.
Using the Photonic Stimulator, hip fractures can heal faster and full motion can be restored within just a few treatments, Saputo said. People with back problems, nerve damage, muscular diseases, tennis elbow, burns and other ailments have all shown marked signs of improvement using infrared light therapy.
The technology can also offset the long-term costs of surgery, steroid injections, pain medicines and physical therapy visits.
“You will be seeing infrared light used for all kinds of pain control in the future,” Turchin said. “There will always be a place for ultrasound and electrical stimulation. But there are many situations where doctors will start using light for treatment.”
Infrared light therapy “is really a breakthrough in healthcare and pain management,” Saputo agreed. “In sports medicine it will be a panacea as soon as people recognize it.”
NASA has plans to use infrared lights in space within the next five years to heal astronauts’ wounds or injuries, Turchin said.
CTI has also introduced thermal imaging technology that produces instant color-enhanced pictures that show real-time differences in body temperature where pain occurs.
CTI’s Breast Cancer System 2100 is designed to help doctors detect breast cancer by differentiating between benign and malignant lesions, without performing invasive breast biopsies. The system is still awaiting FDA approval.
Light and heat therapy can be used separately or together, or they can be combined with other treatments, such as acupuncture, physical therapy and chiropractic work.
Both these technologies will undoubtedly play a critical role in the next few years.
“In the 20th century, people were looking at sound as being a powerful tool,” Turchin said. “The 21st century will be a century of the photon, of fiber optic cable and the Internet. You will see lasers and fiber optics play a bigger part in therapy.”
