Massage & Wellness

Wellness Center, Therapeutic Tune-ups and Massage

More than just Physical Therapy

You do not need to be injured to enjoy our Wellness services. We offer programs to help you stay well.

Our services include:

• Myofascial ReleasePost-Surgical
• Recovery and Rehabilitation
• Pilates-Based Movement Therapies
• Massage
• Personal Training
• Cardiovascular conditioning
• Sports-specific training
• Weight control and management
• Classes and workshops

Therapeutic Tune-ups (Save Time and Money)

Get 15 minutes of treatment and pay a small fee without worrying about doctor’s prescriptions or insurance issues.

These are minor treatments for pains, strains, and sprains. Have you ever awoken with a kink in your neck and wished someone could treat your discomfort for just 15 minutes that day? Or perhaps you twisted your ankle or flared up your knee during a hike and wished you could get some minor attention to prevent this from getting worse. Then you realize that a massage is costly and takes time. In general, to see a Physical Therapist, you would need to see your doctor first, get a prescription, then call the PT office and schedule. Perhaps your insurance does not cover Physical Therapy.

What if you could just walk into the PT’s office, get 15 minutes of treatment and pay a small fee without worrying about doctor’s prescriptions or insurance issues. Well, that is exactly why we created Therapeutic Tune ups. Now, you can walk into North Tahoe Physical Therapy, talk to the therapist about your issue, and receive a 15 minute treatment for only $35. Treatment may consist of massage, Myofascial Release, craniosacral therapy, ultrasound, electrical stimulation, stretches or spinal mobilizations. It just depends on what your body needs.

Benefits:

1) Direct Access to a therapist. No need to see an MD first
2) Less waiting time between injury and treatment
3) The sooner treatment occurs means quicker recovery time.
4) No insurance issues
5) Low cost
6) Brief appointment times

Orthopedic Massage

Orthopedic Massage is a form of manual therapy that specializes in the treatment of musculoskeletal pain and dysfunction.  In addition to the benefits of traditional massage such as relaxation and increased circulation, orthopedic massage has several other treatment goals.  These include increasing the range of motion, decreasing and managing pain, and normalizing musculoskeletal function.  The therapist works to dissolve adhesions in muscle and connective tissue, lengthen connective tissue, balance muscle function by strengthening weak muscles and releasing tight ones, as well as normalize the position of soft tissue, restore joint function, release entrapped nerves, and facilitate normal neurological function.

A session typically lasts from ½ hour to 1 hour.  The work will be both gentle and deep.  For lasting results, the therapist will want to see the patient 2-3 times a week initially, as frequency is the key.  During the course of a session, the therapist will evaluate the entire body and address the body as a whole, to see how is responding to the injury.  The therapist will then specifically address the area of trauma to increase the fluidity in the tissue and range of motion in the effected joints.   This can be done by a postural evaluation, checking passive range of motion, or movement analysis.

Simply call 775-831-6600 and schedule your appointment
Walk-ins welcome

Massage Therapist Certification

Often I see some massage therapist’s with a nationally certified credential behind their name. What does this mean and is it important to look for when searching for a therapist?

Nationally Certified in Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork, NCTMB as seen written behind a massage therapist name, sets high standards for massage and bodywork practitioners. It protects consumers and employers by ensuring that certified practitioners have the necessary skills and knowledge to perform their job – and that they are committed to upholding NCBTMB’s Standards of Practice and Code of Ethics. NCMTMB is an independent, private, organization established to set high standards of ethical and professional practice through a recognized credible credentialing program.

A nationally certified massage therapist represents the highest professional credential in the field. This therapist has completed a minimum of 500 hours of instruction, demonstrates mastery of core skills, abilities and knowledge, and has passed a standardized exam. This credential will help gain the therapists’ recognition and visibility, and will also increase employment opportunities.

So, is it important when searching for a good massage? Yes, I feel that it is a good thing when doing research for a therapist, yet it’s completely up to that individual. I personally have received great treatments from non-nationally certified therapists. Yet, it does show continued advancement in the profession.

-Brian A. Hrindo, LMT, NCTMB

Physical Therapy

More than just Physical Therapy At North Tahoe Physical Therapy, we offer a unique combination of Myofascial Release, Hands-on soft tissue mobilization, skeletal mobilizations, Pilates- based exercises, Education and Self Management. Our therapists are highly trained, experienced professionals. We provide a strong interaction between you, your doctor and your physical therapist.  North Tahoe Physical Therapy uses a 1-on-1 approach to Physical therapy with exceptional customer service. We treat you as a whole person, not just your injury. Each client obtains a thorough explanation of their condition. Your physician receives timely reports regarding your progress. We empower you to become active partners in your recovery and health maintenance. Our personalized approach results in your wellness and satisfaction. Click here for client testimonials. The cornerstone of our approach is Myofascial Release. Find out more about Myofascial Release

Our Treatment Philosophy Our treatment philosophy is based on the pelvis, the base of the spine.  We believe the pelvis is the foundation of the body.  This foundation must be level for the head and neck to sit properly and for the legs to hit the ground evenly.  When a client comes to us with “low back pain”, we begin by assessing the pelvis for symmetry.  If the pelvis is rotated or if the trunk is shortened on one side, the surrounding soft tissues will attempt to stabilize the system.  This may lead to muscle spasms, pain, or tension of the nerves and the discs which sit atop the pelvis. Additionally, the spine may rotate and side bend in response to the un-level base below.  Consequently, the head which sits atop the spine will be un-level. Our bodies are smart.  If our spine is rotated, we naturally adjust our head to have our eyes level. This may lead to issues of muscle spasms, muscle tension, TMJ/jaw disorders and headaches. So, for a person who comes to NTPT complaining of TMJ, headache or neck pain, our treatment starts at the pelvis. Like a house if the foundation is not level, the roof will crack and the windows won’t easily slide open or close. Therefore, it only makes sense to balance the pelvis, which is the foundation of the body. Self empowerment A maintenance program of Home exercises, education about how to avoid aggravating your condition, and awareness of how you can help yourself are important components of your care. North Tahoe Physical therapy, we empower you to be an active participant in your health and wellness. You may spend 1-3 hours a week with our team of therapists at North Tahoe Physical Therapy. There are 168 hours in a week. What are you doing the other 165 hours? Get well • Orthopedics • Sports Injury Care • Back and Neck care • Incontinence/Pelvic Floor Dysfunction • TMJ/Migraines/Headaches Stay Well • Myofascial Release therapy • Massage • Personal training • Medically Supervised gym • PILATES • Classes and workshops Address the Symptoms, look elsewhere for the Cause At North Tahoe Physical Therapy, we treat the cause of your problems. Our evaluation is a full body assessment. We look for Pelvic imbalances, fascial pulls, and postural abnormalities. We then determine how these deficits may have created your symptoms. For example, neck or jaw problems may arise from an unlevel pelvis. Knee issues may be due to a pelvis imbalance. If we only treated the symptomatic jaw without leveling the pelvis, the issues will return because the problem has not been corrected. By treating the cause, we are able to address and decrease the symptoms.

Myofascial Release

An Amazing Breakthrough in Pain Relief

Myofascial Release is a relatively new addition to the techniques of the physical therapist. Because it is somewhat different from traditional physical therapy, many people are unaware of what it is and how it works.

Myofascial Release (MFR) works on releasing the restrictions in the connective tissue called fascia. Fascia runs head to toe in a continuous sheath and surrounds every muscle, organ, nerve, cell, and blood vessel of our body. Restrictions can occur in the fascial system from trauma, surgery, poor posture and stress. When these restrictions occur, they can pull with forces of greater than 2000 pounds per square inch. Such tension acts like a “straight Jacket” and can lead to decreased range of motion, pain, headaches, poor posture and lack of mobility.

For many years, therapists have ignored the importance of the fascial system. This omission is now being recognized as the missing link to effective and lasting results in physical therapy.   The effects are profound throughout the body because the fascial system is ingrained in all of our bodily tissues.

When fascia scars and hardens in one area (following injury, inflammation, disease, surgery, etc.), it may create tension on adjacent pain-sensitive structures as well as on structures in far-away areas.  Often, medical professionals find that their clients have bizarre pain symptoms that appear to be unrelated to their original injury or to their primary complaint.  For, many, these symptoms can now often be understood as arising in the fascial system. Because this fascia of the body is all interconnected, a restriction in one region can theoretically put a “drag” on the fascia in any other direction.

During MFR treatments, a client may be treated in areas unrelated to their condition.  The physical therapist has a thorough understanding of the fascial system and will release the fascia in areas that she knows have a strong “drag” on the area of injury.  This is, therefore, a whole body approach to treatment.  A good example is the chronic low back pain patient: although the low back is primarily involved, the patient may also have a significant discomfort in the neck.  This is due to the gradual tightening of the muscles and especially of the fascia, as this tightness has crept its way up the back, eventually creating neck and head pain.  Experience shows that optimal resolution of the low back pain requires release of the fascia of both the head and neck; if the neck tightness is not also released it will continue to apply a “drag” in the downward direction until fascial restriction and pain has again returned to the low back.

Often remarkable improvement is noted immediately during or after a treatment.  Sometimes pain in new areas will be experienced.  There is sometimes a feeling of light-headedness or nausea, and at times a patient experiences a temporary emotional change.  Occasionally, a client may report a temporary increase in their discomfort followed by tremendous relief.  All of these are normal reactions of the body to the profound, but positive, changes that have occurred by releasing fascial restrictions. In general, acute cases will resolve with a few treatments.  The longer the problem has been present, generally the longer it will take to resolve the problem.

It is felt that release of tight tissue is accompanied by release of trapped metabolic waste products in the surrounding tissue and blood stream.  It is highly recommend that clients “flush their system” by drinking a lot of fluid during the course of their treatments, so that reactions like nausea and light-headedness will remain minimal.

Myofascial release can greatly help reduce headaches, neck and back pain, shoulder pain, pelvic and hip pain. Besides pain, MFR can help lengthen muscles to gain increased power. It is useful for restoring poor range of motion. Clients with poor posture can also gain amazing results from this technique. Lastly, MFR feels great and leaves a client with restored energy. It is a wonderful form of body work to receive instead of a traditional massage due to the lasting effects which are created. Many clients have regular Myofascial sessions to prevent dysfunctions. Others may come in for minor Tune-ups.

About Us

Our Mission Our highly skilled team at North Tahoe Physical Therapy is focused on helping you to achieve your optimal state of health through exceptional therapy, education and personalized treatment programs designed to return you to the lifestyle that you desire. Our Staff Jane O’Brien, MSPT Advanced Myofascial Release Practitioner Women’s Health Therapist Jane is the owner and director of North Tahoe Physical Therapy. She received her Master of Science Degree from Boston University in 1992. She has over 15 years experience in treatment of orthopedics, women’s health, and pain. Jane has extensively trained in manual therapies such as Myofascial release, Craniosacral therapy, and spinal and joint mobilizations, dynamic stabilization exercises and strength and conditioning. Since 2000, Jane has been an instructor for John Barnes’ Myofascial Release Seminars. While living in Sedona, Jane trained and worked with Barnes at his clinic.  She presents several workshops annually on the Myofascial Release technique. Jane is currently in pursuit of the Certificate of Achievement in Pelvic Physical Therapy (CAPP). This honor is granted to physical therapists that have completed the required training and testing through the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) Section on Women’s Health. The CAPP demonstrates dedication and advanced training in the field of Women’s Health. She expects to complete her studies and receive the CAPP in Spring 2009. Memberships: APTA-American Physical Therapy Association, Section on Women’s Health AAUW- American Association of University Women Hobbies: Belly dancing, skiing, hiking, rollerblading, Brian Hrindo, MT Brian graduated from Bowling Green State University in northwestern Ohio with a Bachelor of Education in Kinesiology, where he studied Early Childhood Development and Effective Movement in Athletes. He has been practicing as a Massage Therapist since graduating from the Utah College of Massage Therapy. Brian specializes in injury massage, Russian Sports Massage, Craniosacral Therapy, and Deep Tissue Massage. He has trained under John F. Barnes, international lecturer and authority on Myofascial Release, and has become a highly skilled Myofascial Release practitioner. In his spare time, Brian enjoys relaxing on his boat on Lake Tahoe, skiing, mountain biking, and rafting the rivers of the Wild West. Rebecca L. Deal, MPT Rebecca received her Master of Science degree from California State University, Long Beach in 2005. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science and a minor in Nutrition from the University of California, Davis. She believes in helping people by educating and empowering them to take responsibility for their health.In her spare time, she enjoys snowboarding, snowshoeing, and hiking the Tahoe trails with her dog.

Our Location 889 Alder Ave., Suite 105 Incline Village, NV 89451 775-831-6600 office 775-831-6697 fax We are located on the ground floor of the Lakeside Medical and Professional Building, across the street from the hospital. Our History North Tahoe Physical Therapy was established in the 1980’s in Incline Village, NV. by Claudia Dill, PT. Ten years later, Thom Werner, PT, bought North Tahoe Physical Therapy and operated the clinic for 14 years. In 2003, Jane O’Brien, MSPT, became the 3rd owner of North Tahoe Physical Therapy. Jane O’Brien, MSPT, director and owner of North Tahoe Physical Therapy, says, “Many people think of physical therapy as exercise and hot packs. We want to change that perception. We believe that a hands-on, intuitive approach combined with movement is the key to healing and restoration of function. Our staff has dedicated many years learning to use our hands as tools for healing.”

Massage and Chronic Pain

Can massage help me with chronic pain that I have had for years?

Therapeutic and deep tissue massage and bodywork can not only relieve acute symptoms but can also affect a change in chronic pain that you may have been experiencing on and off for years. In some cases, massage is the most beneficial tool used to deal with these ongoing discomforts.As with anything, it may take several sessions to relieve symptoms of chronic pain. You didn’t develop these pains overnight, so they may take more than one session to relieve. As you begin to treat your condition, it may be important to be treated several times before you can transition to a less frequent schedule for health maintenance.

Please be sure to share specifics with your massage therapist to develop the best plan for you.Massage therapy is particularly effective in treating the chronic pains experienced as a result of exercise, fibromyalgia, and job related discomforts (i.e. working at a computer, sitting or standing for long periods of time). I have the experience and training to facilitate your bodies healing process and look forward to ridding your body of the pain and discomfort that keep you from enjoying a healthy lifestyle in Lake Tahoe. Massage should not only be looked upon as a commodity, but as preventative maintenance on your body’s tissues and subsequent organs which is one of the best ways to stay out of your doctors’ waiting rooms.

-By: Brian Hrindo, LMT

Massage and Soreness

I just had a massage yesterday, why am I so sore today?

Chances are it was the bodywork you experienced the day before, and it’s perfectly okay. Yes, soreness can be an after-effect of the treatment and it is common to experience it. Soreness or tenderness can result from the pressure used to release the restrictions in your body’s tissue, and also can be a result of under-hydration either before or after the treatment. If the body is not being properly hydrated after the session to flush out the toxins, such as lactic acid, they may be re-deposited into the muscular system causing tenderness. A great approach would to be properly hydrated prior to your treatment by drinking 2-3 glasses in the hours before your appointment. Water is necessary for the liver to filter out the toxins and chemicals from our body, food, and medications.

A professional massage is more than an ordinary back rub. The reason that massage therapy is so effective is that it physically breaks up the restrictions in the muscle tissue causing pain. It is very much like doing a workout. If the muscles are not used to it, they often respond with some soreness. This should only last a day or two, if it does last longer, speak with your therapist about adjusting the treatment. However, just as with exercise, when your body adjusts to having this type of workout your physical response will also be less intense. As a therapist, I want to know how the body is feeling after the soreness does subside.

RICE to Control Swelling

How do I best control swelling after a knee surgery?

Physical therapists often use the acronym RICE to educate patients in the principles of controlling the inflammatory response to injury or surgical trauma:

R: rest- Resting the leg after surgery allows the traumatized tissue structures to relax. Surgical procedures involving a bony repair require eight weeks of non-weight bearing status to allow the bone to heal. After a ligament repair, gentle weight-bearing exercises are allowed under the supervision of a physical therapist. Although an individualized home program is encouraged, excessive exercise is not advised.

I: ice- Cold modalities affect blood vessels through the process of vasoconstriction to decrease joint effusion. Choices include an ice pack, an ice water circulating cooler, or an ice cube massage. An ice bag works best over large, general areas and should be administered 15-20 minutes, 2-3x/day. Ice cooler units circulate cold water for a 15 minute treatment. An ice massage takes only 5-7 minutes and works best over bony prominences.

C: compression- Using an Ace bandage or a surgical sleeve to provide constant pressure around the knee joint prevents inflammatory by-products from collecting in the knee joint or draining into the lower leg during weight-bearing activities. The Ace wrap should be applied from top to bottom encompassing the entire knee joint.

E: elevation- Positioning several pillows under the heel prompts the inflammatory fluid to return to the bloodstream and flush back towards the heart to reenter the circulatory system. The key to elevation is to ensure the leg is above the level of the heart (lay flat on back with leg up). Combining the four RICE principles and resting the leg while compressing the joint with an ice bag in an elevated position for 20 minutes after exercise is the ideal situation to control swelling after a knee surgery.

-Rebecca L. Deal, MSPT

Pelvic Floor Dysfunction and Physical Therapy

North Tahoe Physical Therapy June 11, 2008

The term pelvic floor refers to the sling of muscles, ligaments, and fascia which spans from the front of the pelvis at the pubic bone to the posterior pelvis at the tail bone. The purpose of the musculature is to support the pelvic organs (uterus, colon, and bladder), allow for control of the outlets (urethra and rectum) and provide tone for sensation for the sexual functions. It is important for this area to have proper muscle tone. Excess tone of the muscles can cause difficulty sitting, pain during intercourse, hip and low back pain or retention. Diminished tone may lead to incontinence, organ prolapse and possibly decreased sexual response.
Commonly, people associate pelvic floor dysfunction with incontinence. However, there are a myriad of diagnoses that fall under this category such as overactive bladder, pelvic pain, prolapsed uterus, painful periods (dysmenorrhea), interstitial cystitis, coccyx pain, painful intercourse, and many others. Symptoms may limit a man or woman’s ability to perform daily activities, cause a change in exercise habits and create embarrassment. Problems in this area are often not discussed with medical professionals and therefore, go untreated.

Many physical therapists have specialized training that can benefit men and women with issues of the pelvic floor. These therapists utilize every aspect of their physical therapy training to evaluate patients and to provide intervention to overcome these dysfunctions. Treatments may consist of a combination of many techniques. Exercises such as “Kegels,” which are geared for this area, greatly enhance muscle function when performed properly. Relaxation techniques may be utilized to assist with decreasing tone and pain. Manual techniques, such as Myofascial Release and soft tissue massage are often used to relieve tension. Biofeedback is used to increase awareness of proper muscle recruitment or to quiet overactive muscles. Electrical stimulation may be used to recruit and train pelvic floor musculature or to relieve pain. Joint mobilizations are often utilized to restore pelvic alignment and motion. In addition, patient education can assist with prevention of dysfunction.

Physical therapy for the pelvic floor dysfunction is relatively new and not widely known by many medical professionals in the USA. There are only a handful of Physical Therapists who are trained in Pelvic Floor therapy in Northern Nevada. But, Pelvic Floor Dysfunction is common. Just consider the number of commercials from the pharmaceutical industry promoting drugs aimed at treatment of these issues. Numerous surgeries are advocated as an answer for many pelvic floor issues. Many are unsuccessful. Physical Therapy can provide tremendous relief for Healthcare consumers who want to take control of their symptoms and overcome them without the use of longterm drugs or surgeries.

When choosing a physical therapist for treatment of a pelvic floor dysfunction, it is important to inquire of their training, experience and outcomes with this area to ascertain if they are qualified to treat this area. The Section on Women’s Health of the American Physical Therapy Association offers training and mentoring leading to a certificate program called the Certificate of Achievement in Pelvic Physical Therapy (CAPP). Approximately 150 PT’s have received the CAPP to date. To find a Physical Therapist who is trained to work with Pelvic Floor Dysfunction, one can contact the Section on Women’s Health of the American Physical Therapy Association. The web site is http://www.womenshealthapta.org/. The website provides articles and resources for consumers to learn more. One can also log onto www.northtahoept.com for further information and treatment options.
Jane O’Brien, MSPT is a physical therapist at North Tahoe Physical Therapy who provides services for the pelvic floor, orthopedics and pain. She is a candidate for the CAPP expecting to complete her certificate in summer 2008.

-Jane O’Brien, MSPT

Orthopedic Massage

Orthopedic Rehabilitative Massage is an advanced form of bodywork in the current mainstream health care community. This type of massage is indicated for post-surgery, chronic pain, overuse, and repetitive stress injuries. It is indicated for people of all ages and body types. This deeper (more pressure, deeper layers) type of massage is very useful when patients/clients are in some sort of discomfort or pain and is useful (and in some cases more results with) as preventative medicine, which seems more important in this day and age. It compliments treatments by physical therapists, chiropractors, acupuncturists, osteopaths, and medical doctors.

This advanced style of bodywork requires more training from therapists specifically in the areas of anatomy, physiology, and pathology of injury. This work can be applies to any body part ranging from the neck all the way down to the feet. You will find practitioners of this work in multiple work settings, whether it is in a physical therapy or chiropractic clinic or day or resort spa. But if you decide to receive this type of therapy, please do your research. Not every massage therapist is qualified or for that matter good. So do your homework, find out the massage therapist’s history, education, and experience in body work. At North Tahoe Physical Therapy we are constantly increasing our understanding of how to address pathology, as continuing education is required for all licensed therapists.

Orthopedic Massage is a form of manual therapy that specializes in the treatment of musculoskeletal pain and dysfunction. In addition to the benefits of traditional massage such as relaxation and increased circulation, orthopedic massage has several other treatment goals. These include increasing the range of motion, decreasing and managing pain, and normalizing musculoskeletal function. The therapist works to dissolve adhesions in muscle and connective tissue, lengthen connective tissue, balance muscle function by strengthening weak muscles and releasing tight ones, as well as normalize the position of soft tissue, restore joint function, release entrapped nerves, and facilitate normal neurological function.

What to expect from Orthopedic Massage

You may ask, why a deeper more rehabilitative massage as opposed to your traditional Swedish massage? I prefer to label what I do as body work as opposed to massage. For a few reasons; when people think of massage they tend to correspond it to your every day Swedish massage, “which is nice to get”. Yes, I am doing tough “massage strokes”, but I am providing the body the therapy is desperately needs to return it to normal working order. I provide this type of work when everything else fails with traditional massage therapy and the pain and dysfunction persists. Also, I will incorporate other therapies such as Myofascial Release, myofascial stretches, manual traction, muscle energy techniques, and craniosacral therapy. So it is not necessarily massage strokes.

A session typically lasts from ½ hour to 1 hour. The work will be both gentle and deep. For lasting results, the therapist will want to see the patient 2-3 times a week initially, as frequency is the key. During the course of a session, the therapist will evaluate the entire body and address the body as a whole, to see how is responding to the injury. The therapist will then specifically address the area of trauma to increase the fluidity in the tissue and range of motion in the effected joints. This can be done by a postural evaluation, checking passive range of motion, or movement analysis.

-Brian Hrindo, MT

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