Neuromuscular Re-education (NMR)

Neuromuscular Re-education (NMR) is a highly specialized technique that uses specific stretching, strengthening, and biomechanical exercises to heal soft tissue injuries. The body’s response to soft tissue injury is inflammation, resulting in scar tissue and fibrous adhesions in the muscle and surrounding the joint. This scar tissue limits normal movement patterns and predisposes the patient to re-injury. NMR techniques focus on the entire musculature surrounding the injury site and release painful scar tissue and fibrous adhesions. As the patient progresses, NMR increases mobility, promotes pain-free healthy tissue, and re-establishes the normal movement patterns of the body.

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Proprioceptive Neuro Facilitation (PNF)

PNF, fully known as proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation, is an advanced form of flexibility training that involves both the stretching and contraction of the targeted muscle group. PNF is currently the fastest and most effective way known to increase static-passive flexibility.

Based on functional human anatomy and neurophysiology, PNF uses input from sensory receptors found in muscles and tendons to improve motor function. It is best used to increase flexibility, range of motion, strength, and overall balance of the musculoskeletal system.

In therapeutic sessions, PNF patients are shown sequenced movements through visual means and feedback, manual pressure and body positioning, and other therapeutic modalities. PNF is good for muscle strength development, increasing endurance, and improving coordination. By correcting muscular imbalances, increasing holding power and promoting relaxation, PNF can be helpful in improving overall health and well being.

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Interferential current (IFC)

Interferential current (IFC) is a commonly used treatment for the relief of pain and the promotion of soft tissue healing. IFC machines work by producing two electrical frequencies that work together to stimulate large nerve fibers. These frequencies ease the transmission of pain messages at the spinal cord. Because of the frequency, the Interferential wave is very comfortable and deep tissue penetration can be adjusted to stimulate tissue, reduce pain, and increase blood flow.

Interferential has been in use for many years and its effectiveness and safety are well documented. It has been used extensively for managing post-surgical, post-traumatic acute pain, edema and inflammation reduction. IFC is also commonly used for any of the following conditions…

• Joint injuries
• Strains or sprains
• Increasing circulation
• Bursitis and tendonitis
• Pain control

IFC differs from TENS because it allows a deeper penetration of the tissue with more comfort and increased circulation. Anecdotal evidence suggests that the IFC units may be useful for patients who have not had relief from TENS.

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Ultrasound

For soft tissue healing, Ultrasound Therapy uses high frequency sound waves, well beyond the range of human hearing, which cause molecules in the tissues to vibrate, producing heat and mechanical energy. Ultrasound treatment dramatically speeds the healing process by increasing blood flow, relaxing muscle spasm, and repairing damaged tissue. It creates permanent, physical changes and repairs both hard and soft tissues problems.

Ultrasound therapy is used to treat musculoskeletal injuries, back and joint conditions, limited range of motion, soft tissue injuries, and chronic conditions. Its effectiveness has been enhanced over the years by studies which helped determine optimum techniques and patterns of application, and a wide range of injuries have shown to be responsive to this popular, non-invasive therapy.

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Custom Orthotics

There are a number of reasons why most of us have some degree of flat feet, but mostly it comes down to body weight, gravity and concrete. The first two are constantly flattening the foot down against the hard surfaces we live on. The ligaments that support the bones of the foot get stretched out and our arches drop. With all the different products advertised to relieve foot pain and deformities, picking the right one for your needs can be confusing and difficult. Many people simply turn to standard orthotics, which use a wedge under the heel that does not correct foot posture.

Custom orthotics cradle the entire foot and lift the arch, restoring foot posture. To be effective, orthotics must make full contact with the entire foot, especially with the corrected arch position, in order to have the mechanical power and efficiency to control the foot. In addition, it must be rigid enough to maintain this corrected position against the person’s weight and gravity, yet flexible enough to yield on impact. To meet these requirements, custom orthotics are made from a cast of your own feet which ensures a proper fit, something no off-the-shelf product can possibly accomplish. Custom orthotics are the best way to hold up the arches, correct the way your feet work, and fight body weight, gravity and concrete.

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Kinesiotaping

Kinesio Tape is a highly elastic form of sports tape that is used to give support and stability to the muscles without restricting circulation or movement. Healthy muscles are constantly contracting and extending within a normal range. However, when a muscle over-extends or over-contracts (such as with heavy lifting) it can become inflamed. Healthy muscles have natural spacing between the skin and the muscle allowing for the circulation of bodily fluids. When a muscle is inflamed, stiff, or swollen, the space between it and the skin lessens and the muscle becomes compressed. This pressure causes the person to experience pain. Normal sports taping of an affected joint or muscle supports the area, but also further compresses it causing a decrease in circulation. Kinesio Tape is unique in the way it supports an affected area while also rehabilitating it. It is very light and comfortable on the skin causing no compression or alteration of normal circulatory flow. Kinesio tape has an elasticity of about 140% of its original length thus allowing full motion, but preventing over-stretching of the muscles. Its water resistance allows it to be worn for 3-5 days while bathing normally.

The Kinesio Taping Method was developed by Dr. Kenzo Kase nearly 25 years ago in Japan, and it has since become the gold standard for therapeutic rehabilitative taping. Kinesio Tape is effective for a variety of conditions such as plantar fascitis, achilles tendonitis, knee and shoulder pain, ankle sprains, neck or back sprains, and carpal tunnel syndrome.

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