Tag Archives: STAR Physical Therapy

Direct Access Physical Therapy

Direct Access: Physical Therapy Without A Physician Referral

direct access physical therapy PTandMe

Did you know that almost all states allow consumers to be treated by a qualified physical therapist without a referral from a physician? It is called direct access and most of our PT&Me partnering locations are able to provide direct access to physical therapy to your community.

EXPERIENCED PHYSICAL THERAPISTS

Quality and consistency of care are the cornerstones of our partnered clinics. Everything the clinics do is directed towards developing and fostering these behaviors. Quality means doing things that work. Licensed physical therapists design programs of care that have been proven to be effective treatment interventions. You can expect individualized, hands-on care.

HONEST AND TRUSTWORTHY

Your well being is our primary concern. Our direct access physical therapy clinics will always do what is best for you. After your initial physical therapy evaluation, your physical therapist will recommend the appropriate plan of care for you. They will not waste your time or money if physical therapy is not your best option for a full and quick recovery.

PHYSICIAN PARTNERS

Our partnered direct access physical therapy clinics have wonderful relationships with numerous physicians in and around your community. If you choose to receive physical therapy via direct access, your therapist will communicate appropriately with your physician at your discretion. If you are new to the area or you do not have a physician and need one, they will be happy to help facilitate a referral to a doctor for you.

* Not applicable to patients in federal or state funded programs, such as Medicare, Medicaid or Tricare

For more information about direct access physical therapy and to see if your state participates, go here:

Direct Access Physical Therapy

physical therapy near me

This article was written by STAR Physical Therapy  – with over 65 locations throughout TN. For more information on STAR Physical Therapy, visit them online at www.STARpt.com 

PT News

This Month in PT News. Featuring articles from PTandMe partnering clinics!

1. Age Appropriate Strength & Performance Training
Written by Joe Chiaramonte AT, ATC, CSCS at The Center for Physical Rehabilitation and Therapy – Grand Rapids, MI

In recent years there has been much discussion on training for our adolescent athletes and what is appropriate, whether it be how much, how soon, how specialized? Read more

2. Breast Cancer Rehabilitation
Written by the Therapy Team at the Jackson Clinics- Northern Virginia

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, which is an annual campaign to increase awareness of the disease. Physical Therapy is an integral part of breast cancer rehabilitation. Read more

3. Show Hope Video Shares Impact of STAR Physical Therapy
Written by the Therapy Team at STAR Physical Therapy – Tennessee

STAR Physical Therapy’s mission, To Serve, knows no boundaries. Read more

solar eclipse

2017 Solar Eclipse Celebration

The 2017 Solar Eclipse is Monday August 21st, so be sure to view this once in a lifetime event by visiting one of our many PT & Me physical therapy clinics. Some of our PT & Me clinics (in or nearest to the solar eclipse path) will be hosting viewings during this time and distributing solar eclipse viewing glasses. Find out if physical therapy can help you and join in on the solar eclipse fun! Be sure to check with your local PT & Me provider (based on the total eclipse path) by viewing the map shown below.

For more information on physical therapy clinics near the solar eclipse path or near you click here.

For NASA information on the 2017 Solar Eclipse click here.

hip pain physical therapy

What is Causing Your Hip Pain?

The hip is a large weight bearing ball and socket joint. We use our hips to help move our legs, and for the most part it’s stable and doesn’t give us a whole lot of trouble.  That’s not the case for everyone however. Let’s take a look at hip pain and what the main culprits are.

The Most Common Types of Hip Pain
The most common type of hip pain is arthritis which literally means” swelling of the joint”. Osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and traumatic arthritis are 3 types of arthritis that may ultimately require surgical intervention such as a hip replacement. Other traumatic injuries, birth deformity or childhood hip disease can also cause hip joint damage.

Osteoarthritis is caused by wear and tear of the joint and is typically seen in people 50 years or older. The articular cartilage becomes soft and wears down causing pain, loss of range of motion, and swelling.

Rheumatoid Arthritis is an autoimmune disease whereby your body’s immune system attacks your joints causing pain and swelling.

Traumatic Arthritis can occur following a severe hip injury or fracture. In this case, the trauma causes cartilage damage which can lead to hip pain and stiffness over time. Avascular Necrosis is a condition following a traumatic injury to the hip whereby the blood supply to the femoral head is compromised resulting in pain and damage to the articular cartilage.

For more information on hip pain or what to expect from hip replacement recovery check the articles below:

       
This article about hip pain was provided by PTandMe physical therapy partner: STAR Physical Therapy. More information about STAR Physical Therapy and their 65 locations throughout TN  can be found on their website at www.STARpt.com

PT News for July 2017: PTandMe

This July in PT News… Featuring articles from PTandMe partnering physical therapy clinics!

1. Hands-On Physical Therapy Effective for Common Shoulder Conditions
Written by the Physical Therapy Team at Rehab Associates of Central Virginia
click here for more information about this great group of clinics

Shoulder problems are one of the more common issues that affect the musculoskeletal system, as its prevalence in the general population has been reported as high as 4.8%. The most common shoulder condition that causes pain is shoulder impingement syndrome (SIS) Read more

 

2. Is Dry Needling Right for You?
Written by the Physical Therapy Team at ARC Physical Therapy Plus in Shawnee, KS
click here for more information about this great group of clinics with locations in Kansas, Missouri, and Iowa

Dry needling is growing in popularity; learn the basics, and if it’s right for you from ARC Physical Therapy Plus physical therapist Diana Dickey. Read more

 

3. Winning the Battle Against Arthritis
Written by the Physical Therapy Team at STAR Physical Therapy
click here for more information about this great group of clinics with over 60 locations throughout TN.

Osteoarthritis is a slow progressive breakdown of joint structures that can significantly impact mobility, function, and independence. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that causes inflammatory joint symptoms. Physical therapy for both OA and RA are to regain/maintain range of motion, reduce pain and improve function. Read more

Isokinetic Devices

Isokinetic Devices for the 21st Century Therapist

Isokinetic Devices

Isokinetic devices have had their time in the spotlight of the rehab world. Like an actor past his prime, these monstrous machines mostly sit in dark lonely corners collecting dust. Some get used regularly but only as a place for sitting and storing odds and ends. However, companies such as CSMi (Computer Sports Medicine Inc.) among others have revived this once proud and prominent piece of equipment and have applied modern technology and rehab principles to bring about a new golden age of isokinetic devices and rehab.

Historically, isokinetics was introduced in the late 1970s and hit it’s stride in the 1980s through the 90s. Various protocols were created in this time and have been researched extensively creating the body of knowledge we now have. Unfortunately, isokinetics lost favor as healthcare laws changed and the industry started the search for more low-cost treatment regimens.

ISOKINETIC DEVICES TESTING
There are now fewer therapists who know how to use the equipment and most that do are unaware of the improvements that have been made over the last twenty years. Historically, joints are measured at two or three varying speeds but only in the concentric mode of contraction. While this is still the gold standard of testing, it fails to assess the all important eccentric mode of contraction. Recently, CSMi introduced the interrupted stoke test on their machine, the Humac Norm, which allows the therapist to separate concentric and eccentric modes. Our muscles function as eccentric controllers of motion and the ability to test this provides us with a better view into the muscle’s strength and function.

There are other testing modes available as not all patients are appropriate for isokinetic testing. Isometric testing is something all therapists use daily in the form of manual muscle testing(MMT). However, this is not a precise measurement and can vary between therapists. Testing a patient isometrically on a machine is a safe, effective and precise test for your older, untrained and post-surgical patients. It provides an exact amount of torque as compared to the MMT 5-point system. Additionally, proprioception can be assessed for either velocity or joint position matching.

TREATMENT
In addition to testing, isokinetic devices offer various treatment modes are where these machines show their true capability. Continuous Passive Motion can be utilized for regaining range of motion, reducing swelling and pain, reducing apprehension and muscle guarding and regaining musculotendonous mobility.

Active Assisted Programs can be utilized to regain end-range motion and multi-angle isometrics can be utilized to increase joint stability and neuromuscular control within the entire available range of motion. Also, proprioception training can be utilized to enhance positional and motion control.

Strength training with eccentric loading allows for targeted strengthening by isolating the eccentric beginning in slower speeds and progressing into deceleration training to mimic plyometric loading.

Isotonic strengthening programs are available for various purposes. One is power training which is utilized to increase concentric explosiveness. Another is used to prepare patients for an independent gym program. Finally, dynamic isotonic control training includes the ability to load the concentric and eccentric motions at different torques and utilizes games and other programs as visual feedback to the patient.

ARGUMENTS AGAINST ISOKINETICS
One argument against isokinetics concerns patellofemoral, post-op ACL and knee osteoarthritis patients. Open chain knee extension has been labeled public enemy number one for these patients and while this has been examined extensively, steps such as limiting the range of motion, using anti-shear devices and techniques, altering patient positioning and matching the appropriate treatments to the patient reduces shearing and compression, improves safety and ultimately debunks this myth.

Now, I know that critics of isokinetics will also argue that isolating muscles is not functional. That would be true if a therapist utilized these machines as the sole treatment. But by incorporating it into an eclectic approach, patient outcomes are maximized. Your lower extremity patients will still perform scapular and thoracic control exercises and you will still strengthen the core. Soft tissue work and joint mobilization will still be needed and functional training must still occur. However, if one link in the chain is weak, the entire chain will fail. Utilizing these machines throughout the course of rehab to find and isolate those weak links is what will take your patient’s recovery of function to the next level. This is true for all of your extremity patients, nit just knees. Remember, a functional movement cannot occur with a dysfunctional or unbalanced segment.

This information was written by Daniel Bodkin, PT, DPT, ATC – STAR Physical Therapy, Columbia (North), Tennessee
Established in 1997 with one clinic and one mission – to serve. Today, STAR Physical Therapy has grown to offer that direct service in more than 60 clinics, and while they’ve grown, one thing that has not changed is their commitment to you, their communities, and their employees. Their foundational mission is “To Serve.” Their commitment to the patient and physician is to provide clinicians that are “great mechanics of the human body™.” For more information click here.

Total Knee Replacement Prehab: Move to Improve Your Outcomes

Total Knee Replacement_FBsize

Many people with arthritis favor their joints over time in an effort to relieve pain and thus become weaker in their leg muscles or lose range of motion. However, the better shape you are in before surgery the better your results will be after surgery so it is important to strengthen your leg muscles and work on your range of motion. Before surgery your physical therapist will teach you appropriate exercises to help improve strength, range of motion, and balance. They will also teach you how to walk with an appropriate assistive device such as a walker or cane in the immediate post operative recovery period. Finally, they will discuss precautions and advise you in a few short term home adaptations such as removing loose rugs to help make your recovery easier and safer.

Prehab Goals
• Develop an exercise program with your PT to help you
• Improve strength
• Improve range of motion
• Improve balance
• Gait training — Review walking with an appropriate assistive device such as a walker or cane in the immediate post operative recovery period
• Discuss precautions and review a few short term home adaptations that can help make your recovery easier and safer

walker lady

Pre Surgery Exercise Plan
Make every effort to begin these exercises as early as possible before your surgery. Only do what you are able to do without increasing your pain. It is important for you not to exacerbate your pain prior to surgery. Ice packs for 15 minutes following your exercises may be helpful to reduce any soreness in your knee.

This information was written by STAR Physical Therapy, an outpatient physical therapy group with 60 locations in Tennessee, offering more than 15 comprehensive specialty services. STAR Physical Therapy was established in 1997 with one clinic and one mission – to serve. Today, they’ve grown to offer that direct service in more than 60 clinics. While they’ve grown, one thing that has not changed is their commitment to you, their communities, and their employees. For more information click here.

More about knee replacements and physical therapy can be found here:

total knee replacement

December 2016 Events

Check out our Physical Therapy Monthly Events Calendar! Focusing on events from PTandMe.com participating physical and occupational therapy clinics. Read more to find out what’s happening in your community in December 2016!

GEORGIA PHYSICAL THERAPY EVENTS

ROME, GA
DATE: November 23rd – December 16th 2016
Advance Rehabilitation Canned Food Drive
CLINIC: Advance Rehabilitation – Rome
Help Feed the Hungry This Holiday Season.
Advance Rehabilitation is accepting food donations at all locations through December 16th
Pantry Program Needed Items are:
• Canned Vegetables (low sodium or no added salt)
• Canned Fruit (in its own juice or 100% juice)
• Canned Tomato Products (low sodium or no added salt)
• Canned Tuna/Chicken (low sodium)
• Boxed Potatoes
• Boxed/Bagged Stuffing
• Whole Grains
• Brown Rice

All South Georgia locations are accepting donations along with Columbus, GA.
For more information about Advance Rehabilitation, visit them online at http://www.advancerehab.com.

MICHIGAN PHYSICAL THERAPY EVENTS

GRAND RAPIDS, MI
DATE: December 6th 2016, 5:30PM – 6:30PM
CPR Downtown Yoga Classes Begin!
CLINIC: The Center for Physical Rehabilitation – Downtown Grand Rapids
Join the Academy at CPR’s Downtown location for an “All Levels Yoga Class”. Whether you are new to the mat, or an experienced student, this class is designed for everyone to work at their own ability and comfort level. New students will be exposed to basic poses and body positioning, while more experienced student will be challenging their body through variations in poses they have mastered.
For more information about The Center for Physical Rehabilitation, visit them online at http://www.pt-cpr.com.

SALINE, MI
DATE: December 10th 2016, 10:00AM – 1:30PM
Saline Area Chamber of Commerce Treasure Trail to Santa
CLINIC: Physical Therapy In Motion – Saline
The event is the Saline Area Chamber of Commerce Treasure Trail to Santa at the Saline Shopping Center. Children will go on a treasure trail starting at Physical Therapy in Motion, stopping at all of the businesses for a treat, and end at Busch’s to see Santa. Carriage rides, photo booth, and a petting farm will be available. For more information about Physical Therapy In Motion, visit them online at http://www.physicaltherapyinmotion.com/.

NEW JERSEY PHYSICAL THERAPY EVENTS

NEW MILFORD, NJ
DATE: November 23rd – December 23rd 2016
Spread the Warmth Blanket & Jacket Drive
CLINIC: Madison Spine & Physical Therapy – New Milford
Please support the Madison Spine & Physical Therapy charity campaign by donating today! On December 23rd They will drive into NYC with the Donations & Hand Them Out to Those Who Could Use a Little Warmth!
Items needed are:
• JACKETS
• BLANKETS
• BOOTS
• GLOVES
• HATS
• SCARVES
YOU DONATE, MADISON SPINE DELIVERS! Let’s all come together and make a difference! All locations are accepting donations now. For more information about Madison Spine & Physical Therapy, visit them online at http://madisonspinept.com/physicaltherapy.

TENNESSEE PHYSICAL THERAPY EVENTS

PULASKI, TN
DATE: December 8th 2016, 11:30AM – 1:00PM
Sudden Violence: Surviving an Active Shooter
CLINIC: STAR Physical Therapy, LP – Pulaski
Giles County Workforce Employer Outreach Committee invites you to join us for an informative lunch and learn. Lunch Provided by STAR Physical Therapy.
Speaker: Barry Crotzer, Agent – TN Homeland Security
Located at: First National Bank Building, 206 South 1st Street, Pulaski, TN
Please RSVP by Tuesday, December 6th online: https://goo.gl/forms/0ckSzRdplrMv89m13
We look forward to seeing you there!
For more information about STAR Physical Therapy, LP, visit them online at http://www.starpt.com.

MURFREESBORO, TN
DATE: December 14th 2016, 12:00PM – 1:30PM
Sudden Violence: Surviving an Active Shooter
CLINIC: STAR Physical Therapy, LP – Murfreesboro
The WEOC is an ongoing effort by the TN Department of Labor & Workforce Development to reach out to Tennessee employers and provide valuable information to foster economic development and to promote our services. Lunch Sponsored by STAR Physical Therapy.
Speaker: Barry Crotzer, Agent – TN Homeland Security
Located at: Rutherford County Chamber of Commerce, 3050 Medical Center Parkway, Murfreesboro, Tennessee 37129.
Please RSVP by Tuesday, December 12th online: https://goo.gl/forms/qWqCr8LJoPdSk6Ex1
We look forward to seeing you there!
For more information about STAR Physical Therapy, LP, visit them online at http://www.starpt.com.

postoperative physical therapy

Postoperative Physical Therapy

Postopertive physical therapy after surgery

Postoperative physical therapy after a Total Hip Replacement is essential to your recovery. Your physical therapist will follow your physician’s protocol and will focus on range of motion exercises, progressive strengthening exercises, gait training, balance training, and activity specific training to meet your specific needs. Modalities such as ice and e-stim may be used to help reduce discomfort and swelling. It is very important to complete your home exercise program as directed by your physical therapist and physician.

RANGE OF MOTION EXERCISES
Swelling and pain can make you move your knee less. Your physical therapist can teach you safe and effective exercises to restore the range of motion to your knee so that you can perform your daily activities.

STRENGTHENING EXERCISES
Weakness of the muscles of the thigh and lower leg is typical after surgery. Your physical therapist can determine the best strengthening exercises for you with the goal of no longer needing a cane or walker to walk.

post op

BALANCE TRAINING
Specialized training exercises can help your muscles “learn” to adapt to changes in your world such as uneven or rocky ground. When you are able to put your full weight on your knee without pain, your physical therapist may add agility exercises so that you can safely and quickly change directions or make quick stops or starts. They may use a balance board that will challenge your balance and knee control. These exercises will be safe and fun.

GAIT TRAINING
Your physical therapist will work with you in retraining your gait following your surgery using appropriate assistive devices such as a walker or cane. They will make sure that you will be able to safely and confidently go up and down stairs, negotiate curbs, and inclines, etc.

ACTIVITY SPECIFIC TRAINING
Depending on the requirements or your job or the type of recreational activities you enjoy, your physical therapist will tailor your program so that you can meet your specific demands.

This article about postoperative physical therapy was written by STAR Physical Therapy, an outpatient physical therapy group with over sixty locations in Tennessee. Established in 1997 with one clinic and one mission – to serve. Today, they have grown to offer that direct service in more than 60 clinics, and while they’ve grown, one thing that has not changed is their commitment to you, their communities, and their employees. For more information click here.

at the gym

At the Gym: Exercising Do’s and Dont’s

AtTheGym#2_FBsize

In the second installment of our “At The Gym” exercise series we examine the proper ways to exercise at the gym from start to finish. If you have any sudden significant increase in pain, swelling, or discoloration while performing or following exercise, discontinue immediately and contact your therapist at your next therapy session.

Plus Push Up 1

PLUS PUSH-UP

START POSITION
• Get on elbows and knees.
• Knees bent
• Straight or neutral back done by drawing the stomach in and the buttocks down.

ENDING POSITION
Push elbows into mat while trying to increase the space between the shoulder blades (round out your back between the shoulders).DON’T

DON’T
• Drop the head.
• Raise the buttocks or let the low back excessively curve inward.

Plus Push Up 2

PLUS PUSH-UP: STAGE 2

START POSITION
Push-up position

ENDING POSITION
• Push hands into mat while trying to increase the space between shoulder blades.
• Rounded upper back appearance.

DON’T
• Drop the head.
• Raise the buttocks or let the low back excessively curve inward.

Scapular Depression

SCAPULAR DEPRESSION

START POSITION
• Seated with shoulder blades drawn downward (don’t shrug shoulders).
• Hands hold just outside of the curvature of the bar to comfort.
• Knees bent underneath knee pad and feet on the floor.
• Keep your back straight with a slight posterior lean from the hips.

ENDING POSITION
Bring bar to chest with elbows bent.

DON’T
• Lift feet off the ground.
• Rock at the waist.
• Elevate or let shoulders pull forward.
• Hyperextend the low back as you pull in.

Empty Can 1

EMPTY CAN

START POSITION
Standing with hands at your side and thumbs pointing downward with feet shoulder width apart.

ENDING POSITION
Arms raised to about 60⁰ with thumbs facing down and slightly to your side.

DON’T
• Swing body back and forth.
• Shrug shoulders.
• Lift above 60⁰.

Full Can
FULL CAN

START POSITION
Standing with hands in front of you with thumbs pointing upward and feet shoulder width apart.

ENDING POSITION
Arms raised to 90 – 120⁰ with thumbs facing up.

DON’T
• Swing body back and forth.
• Shrug shoulders.
• Lift above 120⁰.

This information was written by STAR Therapy Services, an outpatient physical therapy group with six locations in Houston, Texas. At Star Houston Therapy Services, their number one priority is the patient. They strive to provide individualized treatment with hands-on, compassionate care. They perform comprehensive evaluations and encourage patient input for treatment planning and goal setting. For more information click here.

View the complete Exercising Do’s and Don’ts series below:

   

   

exercising do's and dont's