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Balance & Vestibular Rehabilitation is an exercise-based program conducted by physical therapists to improve balance and reduce dizziness-related issues. Each year over 10 million patients visit a physician due to dizziness. Although it can occur at any age, it is the most common complaint of patients over the age of 75. Dizziness is typically a sign of a mechanical problems due to an inner ear disorder, or a side effect of medications.
Symptoms can be constant or intermittent lasting anywhere from seconds to hours. They can occur while you are standing completely still, lying down or changing positions, such as rolling over in bed. Experiencing continuous symptoms can drastically affect your ability to perform everyday activities. Working with a trained specialist using the most current techniques backed by evidence-based practices, can help you return to normal function as quickly as possible.
Symptoms can be constant or intermittent lasting anywhere from seconds to hours. They can occur while you are standing completely still, lying down or changing positions, such as rolling over in bed. Experiencing continuous symptoms can drastically affect your ability to perform everyday activities. Working with a trained specialist using the most current techniques backed by evidence-based practices, can help you return to normal function as quickly as possible.
Physical therapy will start with an initial evaluation of your symptoms and overview of your medical history. Based on the findings of your assessment, a treatment plan will be created to improve any deficits. Specific exercises are prescribed to improve balance in a safe manner. Hands-on techniques, known as Canalith Repositioning, may be administered by the therapist to help stimulate the brain and resolve problems in the inner ear.
• Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV)
• Post-Concussion Syndrome
• Vestibular Neuritis
• Labyrinthitis
• Mal de Debarquement (MDDS)
• Dizziness
• Motion sensitivity
Patients who participate in Balance & Vestibular Rehabilitation can expect improved function in daily activities, reduced risk of falling, and ultimately an improved quality of life! Schedule an appointment at one of our 35 convenient locations today.
A concussion can result from a blow to the head or body, and is often seen as a result of falls, car accidents, and sports injuries. Although there may be cuts or bruises on the head or face, there may be no visible signs of a brain injury.
Most concussions resolve independently, while others require involvement from trained specialists. Early interventions have been proven to significantly improve concussion recovery. A thorough assessment and treatment plan can help patients return to work and play.
Every injury is different, and therefore, every recovery is different. That is why our team of experts provide an individualized treatment plan that is unique to each patient. Physical therapists are key to concussion rehabilitation because they can help improve your balance, gait, focus and mood.
At Excel Physical Therapy, concussion rehab starts with an initial evaluation to develop an individualized plan of care. One of our licensed physical therapists will design exercises to improve balance, gait, eye strength and any underlying issues that may be contributing to your symptoms. Our goal is to find the root cause of your symptoms, treat them and get you back to the activities you enjoy.
If you have sustained a concussion and are in need of specialized treatment, ask your doctor about physical therapy. The Concussion Rehab Program at Excel Physical Therapy can help improve your symptoms and get you back to the activities you enjoy without limitations. Contact us today!
At Excel Physical Therapy, our therapists utilize innovative testing methods to get to the root cause of your problem. Treating only the symptoms may help in the short term, but the injury is likely to return, often in a worse way. To identify the root cause of an injury, therapists examine how your whole body moves.
Two assessments are commonly used:
SFMA is a series of 7 full-body movement tests to assess fundamental patterns of movement, such as bending and squatting, in those with injuries. This assessment identifies specific movement impairments that can cause injury.
The SFMA identifies the most dysfunctional movement pattern, which is then assessed in further detail. This approach is designed to integrate the concepts of posture, muscle balance and the fundamental patterns of movement into a rehabilitation program. From the assessment results, targeted interventions (hands-on therapy and exercise) are used to most effectively fix the root cause.
SFMA is a series of 7 full-body movement tests to assess fundamental patterns of movement,such as bending and squatting, in those with injuries. This assessment identifies specific movement impairments that can cause injury.
FMS is a quick assessment for active individuals to determine if there are weak links that need to be addressed in a fitness program. The intent is injury prevention as opposed to actual treatment after the fact.
An FMS consists of 7 specific movements that reveal how efficiently an individual can move their body. The specific movements require a combination of coordination, mobility and stability. The certified clinician administering the test is trained to observe the quality and amount of movement executed. Movements are scored so improvements can be measured over time. The FMS is designed to detect weaknesses and deficiencies. These deficiencies are associated with an increased risk of injury.
By utilizing the assessments, weaknesses are exposed and corrective exercises are prescribed with the goal of balancing coordination, mobility and stability. This creates a solid foundation for fitness, work, daily activities and overall well-being.
Because these tests reveal areas of weakness and risk factors for injury, anyone who has an active job, participates in sports, or has active hobbies, is an ideal candidate for an FMS. The test takes about 20 minutes to administer and is offered at all of our locations!
Lee Silverman Voice Treatment- BIG (LSVT-BIG) Helps Those Suffering from Parkinson’s Disease
Parkinson’s Disease is a progressive disease of the nervous systems marked by tremor, muscle rigidity and slow, imprecise movement. It commonly affects 4-6 million people worldwide. It is most prevalent in Caucasian and Hispanic men over the age of 60, with a prevalence of twice as many men affected compared to women. Some common results from this disorder include tremors, slowing of movement and rigidity with movement. Parkinson’s Disease can also have an effect on a person’s speech, a loss of automatic movements including blinking, smiling or arm swing during walking.
The most common physical challenge a person with Parkinson’s faces is difficulty walking. Individuals often have a slow, shuffled gait pattern. Parkinson’s disease can have an effect on a person’s ability to perform daily tasks, like buttoning a shirt, putting on a jacket or getting up from a chair.
At Excel Physical Therapy, LSVT-BIG is taught by a certified physical therapist. LSVT-BIG is defined as an “intensive amplitude- based exercise program for the limb motor system and re-education of the sensorimotor system.” In other words, as the name implies, the exercises are comprised of big, exaggerated movements.
The LSVT-BIG program is a specific exercise program consisting of 16 one-hour sessions for four consecutive days per week for four weeks. Throughout the four weeks, patients are completing daily homework and carryover learned exercises for 30 days straight. This is followed by coaching of five everyday tasks that the patient is having difficulty completing, such as sit to stand transfers or pulling keys out of pocket, all under close supervision of the licensed physical therapist.
Our team of certified experts are here to help slow the progression of the disease and enhance quality of life. For more information about the LSVT-BIG program at Excel Physical Therapy, please see our location list to find a certified LSVT-BIG clinician near you.
Lymphedema is an abnormal build-up of fluid that can occur in any part of the body. Lymphedema may result from cancer and associated treatments, post-surgery or trauma, adipose tissue disorders, or as a result of genetic predisposition. Most commonly, lymphedema presents as swelling in the arms or legs, but it can appear in the face, neck, trunk, and abdominal regions. It can also emerge with venous insufficiency, which is a common cause of leg swelling.
There is no cure for lymphedema, however, early intervention and management techniques help patients to lead normal lives. Left untreated, lymphedema can lead to infections, numbness, inability to move joints, hardening of connective tissue and pain.
At Excel Physical Therapy, our specially trained physical therapists will work with you and your physician to determine the cause of your swelling. Our specialists are CLT-LANA certified to develop an individualized treatment plan to reduce the volume of fluid, and improve skin appearance. Treatment typically includes manual lymphatic drainage, multilayer compression bandaging, exercises, compression garment measuring and fitting, and extensive patient education.
We offer the Lymphedema Treatment Program at Excel Physical Therapy in Blue Bell and Lafayette Hill. Our physical therapists are available in the event that you have questions or a need for consult. We encourage you to contact either location to learn more.
Manual therapy is “hands on” therapy. It is the foundation of our treatment model. A therapist uses their hands to stretch tight areas, move your joints and ease pain. When complimented with restorative, functional exercise, you have the optimal program for full recovery. All of our therapists have advanced manual therapy training or certifications.
When treated at Excel, you can expect some form of manual therapy to occur during your treatment. Below are some of the more popular forms of manual therapy:
Graston Technique® is an innovative, patented form of instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization that enables clinicians to effectively break down scar tissue and fascial restrictions. The technique utilizes specially designed stainless steel instruments to detect and alleviate soft tissue fibrosis or chronic inflammation.
Therapists specializing in ART® use a patented, manual soft tissue release technique to treat painful problems with muscles, tendons, ligaments, fascia and nerves. Popular with runners and triathletes, this technique obtains quick results with over-use injuries such as tendinitis and tendinopathy.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (wrist pain)
• Scar Tissue
• Tennis Elbow – Lateral Epicondylitis/Tendinosis
• Golfers Elbow – Medial Epicondylitis/Tendinosis
• Achilles Tendinitis/Tendinosis
• Heel Pain – Plantar Fasciitis
• Shoulder Pain – Rotator Cuff Tendinosis/Impingement
• Shin Splints
• Jumpers Knee – Patellar Tendinitis/Tendinosis
The McKenzie Method® is an internationally researched and acclaimed system of assessment and management for spinal and extremity musculoskeletal disorders. It was developed by New Zealand Physiotherapist Robin McKenzie who noted that extending the spine could provide significant pain relief to certain patients. He developed a series of maneuvers and exercises to help patients take a more active role in their continued health. This method has been used all over the world for more than 60 years.
The long-term goal of the McKenzie Method is to teach patients suffering from pain how to treat themselves and manage pain throughout their lives using specific exercises and other strategies. Other goals include:
McKenzie certified therapists are trained to assess and diagnose all areas of the musculoskeletal system. A McKenzie specialist will be able to identify what management strategy is best, and outline a personalized plan of care. The approach is one of the most researched physical therapy-based methods available. McKenzie Method focuses on active patient involvement and education to help resolve back, neck, joint, muscle and extremity conditions.
During the assessment, a clinician will take a detailed history of your symptoms. You will be asked to carefully perform certain movements and adopt specific positions. Your clinician will ask how your symptoms are affected with each movement. How your symptoms and range of motion change with these repetitive movements and positions, provides the clinician with information that they will use to understand and classify the nature of your pain.
The exercises prescribed by the McKenzie method are designed to specifically target your source of pain in order to reduce your symptoms and prevent recurrence of injury. While many of the movements can be done at home, it’s important that you start with a foundation set by a licensed physical therapist to help ensure good habits and a healthy outcome.
The McKenzie Method works best as a supplement to other treatments and techniques to help keep you as healthy as possible, and prevent future injury. If you’d like to learn more about how you can maintain a pain-free life, schedule an appointment with one of our McKenzie certified physical therapists today. Call a location near you, or submit an inquiry form to contact us today.
This treatment approach can help provide relief for people with symptoms of bowel, bladder, or sexual dysfunction as well as chronic pelvic pain conditions.
Pelvic health physical therapy is a type of physical therapy that focuses on the pelvic floor muscles, a group of muscles that lay like a hammock at the bottom of your pelvis. They play a role in bowel, bladder, and sexual functioning and work as part of your core for pelvic and trunk stability. In many cases, symptoms in the pelvic region are occurring because of a problem with the pelvic floor musculature, often defined as pelvic floor dysfunction.
What is Physical Therapy? Physical therapy is prescribed for individuals of all ages who have or may develop impairments, activity limitations and restrictions related to conditions of the musculoskeletal, neuromuscular, cardiovascular, pulmonary, and/or integumentary systems. Individuals who experience negative effects attributable to accidents or injury also benefit from physical therapy.
The goal of physical therapy is to restore function while teaching patients how to manage their current symptoms and prevent future episodes. Through the use of therapeutic exercise, manual therapy and multiple modalities, our physical therapists are able to help reduce pain and increase strength and motion. Patients will reduce their dependency on others while restoring a high quality of life through safe and independent movement.
When surgery is necessary, the physical therapists (PTs) at Excel can enhance the outcome both before and after surgery. Our PTs will maximize your range of motion, strength and function prior to surgery, making the recovery go faster. Seeing the same PT after surgery is best for continuity of your rehabilitation.
Back and neck pain are very common. In fact, injuries to the spine are the most common conditions we treat. Do not let back problems limit your lifestyle. Most of these problems respond well to the right kind of treatment.
The McKenzie method is based on the “cause and effect” relationship between the behavior of pain and how pain responds to the repeated movements, positions and activities during the evaluation process. With this treatment method, patient education and self-treatment is emphasized.
The Maitland method is based on a continuous evaluation and assessment of applied hands-on techniques and movements. In the case of spinal pain, specific techniques are applied to the spine to identify problem areas and direct treatment. Patient education is an important part of this treatment approach.
This is a manual therapy approach to the treatment of the spine. To restore motion, a physical therapist applies manual pressure to a stiff area in the spine while the patient is stretching. This restores motion and alleviates pain.
This is also known as core strengthening. The “core” muscles of your trunk and hips provide a bracing effect to the spine. When the core muscles are weak and not functioning properly, sudden movements or lifting something too heavy can cause injury. When functioning properly, these muscles help keep your spine stable with activity, thus reducing painful stress on the spine structures. Once mobility is restored and pain is under control, stabilization is what helps you get back to activity.
The temporomandibular joint, commonly referred to as TMJ, is located in your jaw and is perhaps one of the most utilized joints in the body. It is a hinge joint that connects your jaw to your skull in front of your ear. It guides jaw movement and allows you to open and close your mouth, and move it from side to side when yawning, or chewing.
Talking and eating cause a lot of stress on the TMJ, and as a result, it can be a source of pain for many. TMJ dysfunction is a common condition that limits the function of the jaw and can cause pain. People that have TMJ dysfunction often complain of headaches, neck pain, jaw pain, stiffness, decreased ability to open or close the mouth, or having to alter their diet due to inability to eat foods of a certain consistency or size.
Many people think that this is an area of the body that is only treated by a dentist. What most people do not know, is that physical therapy can help with TMJ dysfunction. Physical therapists can help patients by reducing joint pain, improving mobility of the jaw, decreasing headaches, and improving posture.
Physical therapists are highly skilled healthcare professionals that specialize in the way that muscles, bones, and other tissues interact. The joints in your mouth are no different! After a thorough, one-on-one initial examination, a physical therapist will utilize many skills to help with TMJ dysfunction.
If you are experiencing jaw pain, talk to your doctor or dentist. An examination may be necessary to confirm a TMJ Dysfunction diagnosis. Once a diagnosis is made, you can begin treatment with your physical therapist to determine the cause of pain to quickly and safely get back to your normal activities. Contact us to learn more.
“I would recommend Excel to anyone with TMJ who doesn’t want to go the medication/ mouth guard route. I’m so glad I found Excel and can now live a pain free life!!” K. Cox “When I first started coming here, I could hardly open my jaw and was only drinking smoothies because of how badly it hurt. Now I am back to my old diet with no pain. I never thought it could get this better this quickly.”
Physical therapists are health care professionals who help individuals maintain, restore, and improve movement, activity, and functioning, thereby enabling optimal performance and enhancing health, well-being, and quality of life. Their services prevent, minimize, or eliminate impairments of body functions and structures, activity limitations, and participation restrictions. Physical therapists receive intensive doctoral education in anatomy, physiology, pathology and rehabilitation. They are graduates of accredited university programs and licensed by the state.
During your Initial Evaluation, our therapist spends a full hour interviewing you, testing and examining your condition, establishing goals with you, and developing an individualized treatment plan. Excel PTs take time to provide patient education around your condition and what to expect during the recovery process.
Subsequent treatment sessions are designed to systematically fix your injury, movement disorder, or pain. Once mobility is improved, then exercises are used to improve strength, balance and function. Injured athletes looking to return to sport often perform sport-specific training under the supervision of the therapist.
During your Initial Evaluation, our therapist spends a full hour interviewing you, testing and examining your condition, establishing goals with you, and developing an individualized treatment plan. Excel PTs take time to provide patient education around your condition and what to expect during the recovery process.
Subsequent treatment sessions are designed to systematically fix your injury, movement disorder, or pain. Once mobility is improved, then exercises are used to improve strength, balance and function. Injured athletes looking to return to sport often perform sport-specific training under the supervision of the therapist.