What to Expect from our PT Department?
Physical therapy (PT) modalities, such as EMS, ultrasound, deep heat, ice, traction and so on, are considered adjuncts to effective chiropractic care. The term adjunct means simply that these various therapies are complimentary to the spinal adjustment. These therapies help the doctor restore spinal alignment by relaxing muscle tension, reducing swelling, and smoothing inflamed tissues. Collectively these therapies play an important part in the healing process. The primary focus of our PT department is supervised therapeutic exercise rehabilitation and we have seen improved patient outcomes through this instruction.

Our physical therapy department is under the direction of Jodi Romsaas, MPT.

You can expect the following when you visit our PT department:
• Expert, thorough knowledge of the benefits of physical therapy techniques. 
• The use of advanced PT techniques, especially for the treatment of soft tissue injuries.
• Clear and accurate explanations of exercises and PT techniques before you begin your program and throughout the rehabilitation phase of your treatment.
• Prompt responses to your questions and concerns.

Progressions in Your Physical Therapy Program
We will design an individualized physical therapy program to meet our patient’s unique rehabilitation goals.  The following is a sample of the step-by-step progression of a physical therapy plan for rehabilitation of a soft tissue injury:

Step 1
Begin with gentle range of motion (PROM, AAROM, AROM) to the cervical and lumbar regions; neuromuscular re-education (NMR) utilizing Swiss Ball therapy; and introduce basic proprioceptive, balance and coordination activities.

Step 2
Upper and lower extremity stretching.

Step 3
Activities of Daily Living (ADL) training—this is where you will learn how to physically manage everyday tasks and activities.

Step 4
Strengthening, as tolerated, with supervised exercises involving the Total Gym and Theraband kits. Swiss Ball and Theraband kits are also available for at-home use, if appropriate.

Step 5
Ergonomic training, if appropriate.

Step 6
Progress with all strengthening exercises, advanced NMR, and cervical and lumbar stabilization exercises.

Step 7
Advanced NMR, advanced lumbar and cervical stabilization exercises.  Utilize a balance board to stabilize proprioceptive skills. Advanced Swiss Ball exercises with use of the balance board attachment to the Total Gym to increase strength and balance. Begin open and closed chain kinetic activities and plyometrics.
 
At-Home Rehab Instruction
During rehabilitation, we usually provide written literature illustrating at-home exercises for the neck, back, shoulder, knee, ankle, elbow, and wrist. Depending on your needs, we can make available to you some or a combination of the following at-home aids: Swiss Ball, Theraband shoulder kits, cervical pillows, back cushions, and orthopedic braces.