Postural Restoration
The postural restoration approach recognizes that the body is not symmetrical. Due to these asymmetries, the body compensates in a variety of different manners in an attempt to function. We acknowledge that the diaphragm is significantly different on the left and right side. Ninety-two percent of people are dominant with the left hemisphere of their brain versus the right. A poorly aligned body can create a myriad of dysfunction throughout the many systems of the body. Our goal in utilizing the postural restoration approach is to create balance and neutrality from head to toe.
Aquatic Therapy
Our SwimEx pool is located adjacent to the clinic and is ideal for clients who are unable to tolerate land based physical therapy such as after surgery. The benefits of water are numerous, such as improving flexibility, posture, stability, strength and balance. Both the buoyancy and hydrostatic pressure of the water help challenge the body and are especially helpful in un-weighting joints. Gait training, strengthening, and stability exercises can be performed in warm therapeutic temperatures which typically average 87 degrees Fahrenheit.
Orthopedic Physical Therapy
Orthopedic PT addresses any injury, condition, or dysfunction that involves muscles, ligaments, bones, joints, and tendons. This may include fractures, sprains, strains, arthritis, workman’s compensation injuries, and sports related injuries. Our staff has an extensive orthopedic background and has received continuing education from a variety of orthopedic sources and has worked in a variety of orthopedic settings. Being located within the Green Mountain Valley School also allows us to utilize the fitness equipment, weight room and field house depending on the needs of the individual client.
Athletic Training and Sports Performance
Our athletic trainer works with the student athletes both at the Green Mountain Valley School and Harwood Union High School. She works to keep the athletes active in both field sports, including soccer and lacrosse as well out on the mountain. We also provide sports performance training, working to individualize training programs, to enable the competitive or recreational athlete to demonstrate top performance.
Total Joint Replacement Therapy
Our programs addressed to treat clients who are intending to undergo total joint replacement therapy can include both pre and post-operative therapy. Pre-operative therapy may include patient education regarding the upcoming surgery, and a home exercise program designed to improve flexibility and strength. Often pre-operative strengthening exercises can maximize post-operative results. Post-operative therapy may include a combination of aquatic and land-based exercises, manual therapy, and a home exercise program.
Orthotics
We believe that orthotics can be an effective tool for some individuals who demonstrate significant mal-alignment which may present itself as pain or dysfunction throughout the rest of the body. The goal of our orthotic is to bring the ground to meet the foot in a neutral position, and we believe that the orthotic provides both proprioception (feedback to the brain about position) as well as support. We make a custom mold of the client’s feet in the clinic, and send the molds to a podiatrist, who makes the personalized orthotic.
Massage Therapy
Massage can be a great compliment to the physical therapy that the client is receiving by helping to improve circulation, enhancing immunity through lymph flow stimulation, and improving range of motion as muscle tension is minimized. Jennifer White works out of our clinic, and can provide one of the following types of massage:
Swedish Massage: Swedish massage uses a series of techniques that stimulates circulation, release muscle and mental tension, and leaves you feeling rejuvenated.
Deep Tissue: Massage techniques are administered to the sub-layer of muscle and fascial tissue. This therapy helps relieve chronic muscular pain and headaches and is helpful with injury rehabilitation.
Sport Massage: Rigorous exercise can leave muscles tired and sore. Massage therapy re-aligns and warms muscle fibers to promote recovery, increase range of motion, and reduce toxin build-up.
Hot Stone Therapy: Muscles are massaged with warm oiled stones. Heat from the stones penetrates the muscles and joints, releasing tension and stiffness, leaving you with a deep sense of relaxation.
Pre-Natal Massage: Long relaxing massage strokes help relieve the aches and pains that women experience during the physical changes of pregnancy.