Physical Therapy

Electrical muscle stimulation

Moist heat/cold packs

Short-wave diathermy

Hydrotherapy

Muscle re-education

Ultra Sound

TENS Unit

Electrical muscle stimulation
Small self-stick pads are placed on the area of pain/muscle spasms. These pads are connected to a machine that sends a small electrical impulse to the muscles. The impulse causes a contraction of the muscle while it’s at rest, which helps decrease spasms and increase healing and strength.

Moist heat/cold packs
These are towel wrapped packs that allow moist heat to relax the tissue, and increase blood flow and healing.

Short-wave diathermy
This machine uses a controlled frequency to radiate heat, and relax the muscles. It has also been very helpful in relieving sinus pressure.

Hydrotherapy
This is like being in a whirlpool/hot-tub, but without getting wet. The table is designed to have the patient lay back on a soft, water filled mattress that is heated to body temperature. While floating (fully clothed), water is pumped through a series of hydra-jets inside the mattress. This creates a soothing massage that penetrates deep into muscle tissue.

Muscle re-education

Ultra Sound
These are high frequency sound waves that create a vibration within the muscle, which "massages" it. This massaging action to the cells of the muscle, increases their ability to remove the waste products caused by the tissue trauma. The damaged area is then able to heal faster, and with less scar tissue.

TENS Unit
Transcutaneous Electronic Nerve Stimulation. This is a portable electrical muscle stimulation unit that you can wear on your belt like a pager. There are self-stick pads that are placed on the skin, and the patient turns on the unit to produce a small impulse. This impulse causes a contraction of the muscle, which reduces spasms and pain. It also helps speed the healing and improves strength. The unit is worn throughout the day, and the patient turns it on for 1/2 hour, and then off 1/2 hour and repeats this throughout the day. Ice packs can be used in conjunction with this therapy, but heat should be avoided, as it can cause blistering under the pads.