Our Treatments
Manual Therapy
Manual therapy is any treatment where the PT uses their hands to mobilize and manipulate joint and soft tissue. Numerous research studies have proven time and again that manual therapy using a hands-on approach is highly effective in reducing pain and improving mobility. Your PT may use manipulation, joint and soft tissue mobilizations, dry needling and any number of strategies in your care.
Electrical Stimulation
Electrical stimulation (EStim) is one of many physical therapy modalities used for pain relief, swelling reduction, muscle relaxation and tissue healing. Estim utilizes electrical impulses to produce therapeutic effects. Before using Estim, your physical therapist will conduct an in-depth assessment of your current problem and in discussion with you, decide whether Estim would be a beneficial adjunct to the rest of your treatment. Estim is very commonly used and the majority of patients find it extremely comforting and effective in decreasing their pain.
Cupping
Massage Cupping bodywork therapy is an adaptation of an ancient technique; the purpose of this technique is to promote health and healing by: loosening soft tissue and connective tissue, scarring and adhesions moving stagnation and increasing lymphatic flow and circulation. This therapy utilizes silicone or plastic cups and lubricant to create suction on the body surface. These cups are then moved over the skin using gliding, shaking, popping and rotating techniques while gently pulling up on the cup, or may be parked for a short time to facilitate joint mobilization or soft tissue release. Suction reaches deep into the soft tissue, attachments and organs. Another benefit is to pull toxins and inflammation from the body to the surface of the skin where the lymphatic system can more readily eliminate them. Your physical therapist has met requirements competency in Massage Cupping. All training was in accordance with requirements dictated by this facility and by the U.S. state of this practitioner’s licensure.
Redcord
The Redcord is an exercise concept for gaining functional strength. It is based on performing exercises in challenging straps with your own bodyweight as resistance. Redcord combines unique equipment, specific exercises, and expert guidance to help you exercise all important muscle groups to improve performance, prevent injury and rehabilitate existing injuries. Every Redcord strength exercise requires your body to turn on multiple muscle groups in a functional way, instead of working on muscles in an isolated, artificial manner. All exercises can easily be adjusted to your strength level. The Redcord system is used to treat a wide variety of issues, from neck pain and shoulder pain to chronic low back pain. Patients may experience relief and improved function after just one session! The Redcord works- regardless of age, weight, physical strength, or level of pain.
Laser
The MR4 Super Pulsed Laser Console is a non-invasive Multi Radiance therapy system that utilizes laser, infrared, and visible red light emitting diodes. Super-pulsed infrared laser penetrates to target tissues up to 10-13 cm, and exerts powerful stimulating influences upon blood circulation, cellular metabolism and nerve function.
Clinical effects include:
Activation of RNA and DNA synthesis
Increase cell metabolism in the form of ATP production
Improvement of microcirculation
Reinforcement of collagen synthesis and reduced fibrous tissue formation
Anti-inflammatory response
Edema reduction
Pain reduction
Stimulation of T cell production
Increased levels of prostaglandin synthesis
Kinesio Taping
The PTs at Ascent extensively use Kinesio taping to help with pain and muscle spasm relief. From low back pain and neck pain to plantar fasciitis to ankle sprains, Kinesio taping is very effective in stabilizing the injured area to allow for the muscles to relax and give the tissues a chance to heal. Physical therapists have a thorough knowledge of taping techniques. What sets us apart is we customize the taping treatment to each individual patient and their unique needs as opposed to going off a textbook of different techniques.
Traction
Cervical Traction
Cervical Traction can be used to treat:
Osteoarthritis
Headaches
Herniated discs
Muscle tightness
Joint stiffness
Nerve root compression
Lumbar Traction
Lumbar Traction can be used to treat:
Spinal nerve root impingement
Joint hypomobility
Degenerative joint disease
Extrinsic muscle spasm and muscle guarding
Discogenic pain
Joint pain
Ultrasound
Ultrasound therapy utilizes sound waves to create therapeutic effects of increased blood circulation, resolution of inflammation and tissue healing. It is especially effective in target areas such as tendons and ligaments and not necessarily ideal for muscles or larger areas of the body.
Dry Needling
Dry Needling involves inserting a tiny monofilament needle in a muscle or muscles in order to release shortened bands of muscles and decrease trigger point activity. This can help resolve pain and muscle tension, and will promote healing. This is not traditional Chinese Acupuncture, but is instead a medical treatment that relies on a medical diagnosis to be effective. Your physical therapist has met requirements of competency in Dry Needling. All training was in accordance with requirements dictated by this facility and by the U.S. state of this practitioner’s licensure. Dry needling is a valuable and effective treatment for musculoskeletal pain.