At San Jose Physical Therapy, our specialized knowledge
of highly effective, yet gentle techniques is another distinctive
feature of the services that SJPT provides. These techniques are
not as forceful as techniques frequently used in traditional physical
therapy. Aggressive stretching techniques (sometimes used by therapists
in other clinics) may temporarily increase pain and spasm and thereby
slow progress. In this office, gentler techniques that are highly
effective, yet still appropriate for acute/chronic pain including
geriatric populations are used. These are combined with an extensive
individually tailored exercise program and instructions in body mechanics
for optimal and rapid return to function.
Many patients are sent to SJPT after poor results at other therapy
clinics for their recurrent/long-standing pain syndromes, as our
reputation for effective treatment has spread over the south Bay
Area.
Although we all have solid experience in more traditional therapeutic
manual therapy techniques like joint and soft tissue mobilization,
we have combined them with more cutting edge, alternative techniques
to achieve the best possible results. Techniques like Myofascial
and Neurodynamic Release techniques, MET, Recoil (Mechanical Link),
Positional Release Therapy (Strain/Counterstrain), Craniosacral
and other osteopathic techniques are all extremely gentle and patient
friendly. All of these techniques use gentle pressure or movement
to reduce specific limitations of motion and restrictions of joints,
muscle and other soft tissues.
Travell trigger point work is highly effective for long lasting
pain reduction. Trigger points cause referred pain (pain felt distant
to the cause) and are the 'knots' felt in the muscles. The patient
can easily be taught different forms of self-treatment and stretches
to eliminate these irritable points.
Traditional
acupressure (see Acupressure/Chi
Kung page) is also taught
to appropriate patients. Surface EMG biofeedback is used
for reduction of specific muscle tension and for retraining weak
muscles. |
