Sports and Orthopedic Physical Therapy

What is Orthopedic and Sports Physical Therapy?

Orthopedic physical therapy includes treatment of the musculoskeletal system (which is made up of the muscles and bones of the body) that has been subject to injury or trauma. This includes sprains, strains, post fracture, post surgery and repetitive injuries. The areas of the body include the neck and back as well the extremities. Sports physical therapy is categorized as orthopedic physical therapy but emphasizes re-training of the body for return to specific sports. At Seabreeze Physical Therapy we are equipped to handle the needs of athletes on all levels--- from the weekend warriors to the professionals.

How does Seabreeze Physical Therapy address these areas?

A primary goal of the initial evaluation is to determine what is causing the pain or dysfunction. A comprehensive history of the injury and/or pain is assessed by reviewing details of a patient’s exercise, work, and play activities. Next, overall strength, flexibility, posture and muscle balance is examined.

Treatment begins with addressing the patient’s pain or acute issues such as swelling and inflammation. Various manual therapy techniques are used to decrease pain, spasms, swelling and improve mobility. Modalities are also utilized for relief of pain and inflammation to include infrared light therapy, electrical stimulation including the ReBuilder System™ , traction, ultrasound, iontophoresis and biofeedback.

Education on posture and flexibility are the beginning point of treatment; then as pain and inflammation subside, an individualized exercise program may commence. Emphasis is on isolation of muscles in need of strengthening. A program that addresses muscle balance may include the use of a neuromuscular re-education system called Protonics®.

Protonics®:

The Protonics System is a device that is designed to alter the mechanics of the pelvis to restore proper alignment of the spine as it relates to the hip, knee and ankle.

Patients who suffer from chronic knee pain and instability, back pain, hip pain or bursitis, sciatica, and/or chronic ankle sprains often have a pelvic instability that can be helped with the use of a Protonics System.

The Protonics device is a neuromuscular system that puts resistance across the hamstring in a manner that causes the pelvis to reposition to neutral. As the anterior pelvic tilt is reduced there is a de-rotation of the femur and tibia, which relieves compressive forces on the lower back, sacroiliac joint, hip, sciatic nerve and the patella.

At Seabreeze Physical Therapy the Protonics System is used in conjunction with a progressive exercise program designed to activate key muscles to function properly. As the neuromuscular system is re-educated the patient’s strength is restored to allow a return to previous activities in a pain free manner.

For more detailed information visit: www.protonics.com and www.posturalrestoration.com

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Physical Therapy Programs