Testimonials

“North Tahoe Physical Therapy is an excellent clinic.  The staff is especially friendly, and, at the same time, very professional.  The therapist’s knowledge and hands-on experience in Myofascial Release have been a God send for me in terms of controlled pain.  I highly recommend North Tahoe Physical Therapy.” -Joan Graham, Incline Village “My experience at North Tahoe Physical Therapy has been thoroughly positive.  The entire staff is knowledgeable and helpful.  I especially appreciate the professional skills of my therapist and her undivided attention to my concerns during our sessions.  She has effective therapeutic techniques and broad interests and experience in the health field.  Since beginning therapy, my health has steadily improved and I look forward to a full recovery.” -Shirley Altick, Incline Village “This is my second visit to the fine people of North Tahoe Physical Therapy.  First my knee, now my Achilles,  I can only say they are the best and are why I recover so fast from my skiing injuries.  “Simply the best” describes the team here.  “Simply the best.” -Lynnie Groundwater, Incline Village “I notice I have been walking straighter.  My pain level is much better.  I am getting in & out of bed easier without help the way you all showed me”, her daughters state, “Her mobility is much better improved and her step is quicker”. -Edna Smith and daughters, Reno “I have found NTPT to be a very positive experience.  I always leave feeling definite relief from my pain and have a more positive attitude. I would not hesitate to recommend any of their services to anyone”. -Terri Nielsen “Great experience, very helpful and patient staff.  I would recommend NTPT to anyone in need of excellent treatment”. -Katherine Lyons “From the first day of therapy I felt comfortable with the staff and surroundings.  NTPT is very accommodating, friendly and professional”. -Cindy Keenly “I have experienced Physical Therapy at numerous facilities in 3 different states and feel these clinicians are the most experienced, competent and professional practitioners I have worked with”. -Sandy Wexler “Improving every day with physical therapy.  Would recommend the crew at NTPT to anyone”. -Dr. Tim Heilman, MD “My experience with NTPT was excellent! All staff was real friendly and caring.  Thank you with appreciation”. -Trudy Rosenberg “NTPT has been extremely instrumental in my healing.  The team of therapists offer a unique and positive experience that works with decreasing pain and improving physical wellness”. -Maggie Schumacher

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

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.”

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

Stay Physical, With Therapy

Ask five people what physical therapy is and I’ll bet you a Spring Pass you get five different answers. The beauty is that physical therapy is very different depending on what the individual requires to optimize health and quality of life. A good therapist customizes treatment to reach a patient’s goals and improve quality of life. This means that the process should be very different for a competitive skier and a deconditioned elder, even if both have knee injuries. Physical therapists are trained to identify limitations or dysfunction on many levels and problem solve in a way that best serves the patient.

Many don’t realize that for those entering the field today, a Master’s of Science or Clinical Doctorate (DPT) is necessary to qualify for the licensing exam. In addition, the American Physical Therapy Association is advocating for all educational programs to be DPT accreditated by 2020, generally 6-7 years of college education. All this training is geared toward evaluation and treatment sensitive to each individual’s needs. This includes integration of a variety of body systems affecting one’s health. Musculoskeletal, neurological, cardiovascular, respiratory, integumentary, digestive/urinary, and emotional health are all part of this assessment process.

The advantage to this background is that a physical therapist can gear treatment toward the larger picture of health. An injured shoulder is not a separate entity, but a piece of the puzzle affecting daily activity, mental health, recreation, occupation, and social life. It is most therapists’ intention to see this spectrum and work toward improvement through treatment, lifestyle changes, patient education, and home exercise. For the patient with pain, the treatment approach should include identifying the problem, working toward relief, and then preventing future pain. The injured athlete may need guidance in pacing his/her progression for optimal recovery. The client with neurological dysfunction and balance deficits should be instructed on home environment modifications to prevent falls. These are very different situations with different needs. Also, taken into account are individual characteristics. Factors including fear, attitude, motivation and bodily awareness must be recognized. Responsibility also lies on the therapist to educate the patient so they understand their body and can help prevent future impairments. To work with the patient and understand this broad approach will create the best outcomes.

What many don’t realize is that one doesn’t have to be suffering to benefit from therapy. Wellness promotion can be the sole purpose with prevention of future ailments being the primary goal. For someone that has had a heart attack and isn’t quite sure just how to improve their fitness, physical therapy can be a great place to start. For the office worker with slight aches and pains, education in ergonomics and stretching to prevent carpul tunnel or thoracic outlet syndrome may be indicated. Unfortunately, our society has valued reaction instead of prevention in healthcare for much too long. Most problems are more successfully treated early in their course than later when dysfunction has escalated and negatively impacted physical activity or movement patterns.
Furthermore, every patient has the right to choose the physical therapist they utilize. As with any profession, some people work well together and some don’t.

Communication is the key to successful treatment to ensure that both understand the plan of care and how the patient is reacting physically and emotionally. Specialists in physical therapy may also better serve you. Training and expertise in many fields are part of physical therapy and can be overlooked. Physical therapists who are specialists in Women’s Health, pediatrics and geriatrics, wheelchair evaluation, orthotics and brace fitting, Myofascial Release, and other manual therapies can help manage specific problems or pain. This can supplement or prevent a need for medication or more invasive medical options. If it’s important to you, a bit of research may give you other alternatives.

To those young people looking for direction and wondering what occupation to pursue, I encourage an investigation of the field of physical therapy. Options are numerous with this degree. Sports physical therapy or rehabilitation from athletic injury is often the only mental picture people get when they think of this field. In actuality, one can work in hospitals, schools, with animals, in education, in research, or as specialist, among other options. It’s an exciting time in our history to be involved with healthcare as technology changes, research diversifies, and health trends evolve. If working with a broad range of people and studying the human body and its condition interest you, physical therapy may be a good fit. With permission, shadowing a physical therapist for a day can be a good opportunity to learn more.

For more information, visit the APTA website, www.apta.org, or, contact a clinic with your questions. Be well and enjoy the day.

-Andrew Emery, PT at North Tahoe Physical Therapy

Pelvic Floor Dysfunction

Commonly, people associate pelvic floor dysfunction (PFD) with incontinence. However, there are a myriad of diagnoses that fall under this category such as overactive bladder, pelvic pain, prolapsed uterus, interstitial cystitis, coccyx pain, painful intercourse, and many others. Symptoms may limit a woman’s ability to perform her daily activities, change or limit her exercise habits, and create embarrassment. Problems in this area are often not discussed with medical professionals, and therefore, go untreated.

Physical therapy can greatly benefit the pelvic floor. Exercises geared for this area greatly enhance muscle function. 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 simulation may be used to recruit and train pelvic floor musculature. In addition, patient education can assist with prevention of dysfunction.

When choosing a physical therapist for treatment of a pelvic floor dysfunction, it is important to ascertain if she is qualified to treat this area. Be sure she has taken coursework specifically for PFD. Ask her how many clients she has treated for your issue. Ask outcomes of treatments. Ask if she can help you gain relief of your symptoms and improve your lifestyle.

PFD is common, but not normal. You do not need to simply accept your symptoms as a process of growing old or due to childbirth. You can take control of your symptoms and often relieve them completely.

Jane O’Brien, MSPT works with clients ( male and female) who have Pelvic Floor Dysfunction at North Tahoe Physical Therapy.

Myofascial Release Therapy - Breakthrough in Pain Relief

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.  For example, 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 new pains in new areas will be experienced.  At times, there’s 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. Info on minor Therapeutic Tune-ups.

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