Physical Therapy | Advanced Certifications

Dry needling is a skilled technique performed by a physical therapist using a single-use, single-insertion, sterile filiform needle, which is used to penetrate the skin or underlying tissue to effect change in body conditions, pain, movement, impairment, and disability.

During dry needling treatment, a thin, flexible, sterile needle is inserted into the skin to promote muscle relaxation. This increases the ability of the tissue to heal, and often results in pain relief. Dry needling technique uses the same type of needle as used in acupuncture; however, dry needling treatment perspective is based solely on modern physiology, neurology, and biomechanics, rather than the ancient traditional Chinese/Asian theory of the energy “Chi”. Needling is termed “dry” because at no time will a fluid or medication be injected into your body. It can therefore be considered a natural therapy to help manage pain.

Taylor is certified in the FAKTR (pronounced FACTOR) concept. The FAKTR acronym stands for Functional and Kinetic Treatment with Rehab.

The FAKTR Method incorporates the latest research and evidence-based soft-tissue techniques into a comprehensive protocol to treat common disorders of the musculoskeletal system and complicated injuries quickly and easily with impressive results. The principles behind the FAKTR method include function and treatment of the kinetic chain while utilizing various forms of rehabilitation at the same time. This unique approach to treating in the position of provocation (pain, loss of range of motion, feeling of tightness within the fascia/soft tissues) and during motion allows Taylor to quickly evaluate and treat those with musculoskeletal conditions (including but not limited to tendinopathy, sprains, strains, entrapment syndromes, fascial restrictions such as plantar fasciitis, ITB syndrome, adhesive capsulitis, shin splints, and post-surgical recovery).

The Kinesio Taping Method is a rehabilitative taping technique that is designed to faciliatate the body's natural healing process while providing support and stability to muscles and joints without restricting the body's range of motion. The method provides extended soft tissue manipulation to prolong the benefits of manual therapy administered within our office. Kinesio (athletic) taping can provide the following benefits:
- Reduce pain and inflammation.
- Relax overused or tired muscles.
- Support muscles in movement on a 24-hour-a-day basis.

LSVT BIG is a program used to improve major motor skills for those affected by Parkinson's Disease. During LSVT BIG therapy, patients undergo a series of "mirror movements", in which they duplicate the movements performed by the Physical Therapist. Those diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease typically demonstrate a lack of extensive movements; Physical Therapists encourage large, exaggerated movements in order to restore normal mobility. The ultimate goal of LSVT BIG is to encourage patients to use bigger movements automatically in everyday living.

Laser therapy is a non-invasive technique that utilizes a therapeutic dose of light to promote cellular healing and decrease inflammation. Lasers work through a process called photo-biomodulation where light energy can change and affect processes that happen at the cellular level in the human body. In this case, light energy stimulates cellular metabolism to encourage the growth of new cells and facilitate the healing of damaged cells.

While laser therapy benefits patients with chronic or acute pain, the underlying cause of pain is often remote from the source. For this reason, laser therapy is used as a powerful complement to existing physical therapy treatments. It can be used before or after surgical procedures and in conjunction with rehabilitation programs. Patients often experience a warm, therapeutic sensation and a reduction in pain immediately following treatment which allows them to better perform their physical therapy exercises and daily activities.

Lymphedema is an abnormal collection of high-protein fluid just beneath the skin. This collection of fluid causes swelling, or edema, and occurs most commonly in the arms or legs (but may also occur in other parts of the body).

Physical therapy for patients suffering from lymphedema is aimed at reducing swelling and controlling pain. Treatment commonly includes manual lymphatic drainage, massage, exercise, and the use of compression stockings, multilayer bandaging, and/or wrapping.

As a Certified Lymphedema Therapist, Amy will begin with an assessment to collect medical history and use different measures to identify the type and severity of symptoms. Then, a treatment plan and goals are drafted that are unique to the patient and their condition. Patients will also receive and are instructed in skin care, self-bandaging, and a home exercise program.

Our therapists are educated to apply scientific knowledge and train athletes for the primary goal of improving athletic performance. Tasks involved in a strength and conditioning program might include sport-specific testing sessions, design and implementation of safe and effective strength training exercises, and guidance regarding nutrition and injury risk reduction.

The McKenzie Method is a reliable assessment process intended for all musculoskeletal problems, including pain in the back, neck, and extremities (i.e. shoulder, knee, ankle, etc.) as well as issues associated with sciatica, sacroiliac joint pain, arthritis, degenerative disc disease, muscle spasms, and intermittent numbness in hands or feet.

Developed by world-renowned expert physiotherapist Robin McKenzie in the 1950s, this well-researched, exercise-based approach of assessment, diagnosis, and treatment uses a comprehensive and clinically reasoned evaluation of patients without the use of expensive diagnostic imaging (x-rays and MRIs). The treatment principles of the McKenzie Method promote the body's potential to repair itself, allows patients to learn the principles, and empowers them to be in control of their own symptom management, which can reduce dependency on medical intervention and helps restore function and independence.

If utilized correctly, the achievable goals of the McKenzie Method in a cost- and time-effective manner are to:
- Accurately understand the patient's presentation and behavior of symptoms.
- Determine the most appropriate and effective treatment plan.
- Eliminate symptoms and restore full function.
- Empower the patient to self-treat and prevent recurrences.
- Help inform patients if other medical advice or testing is needed.

Amy Waltz is proud to offer McKenzie Method therapy in our facility.

The vestibular system includes parts of the inner ear and brain that help control balance and eye movements. If this system is damaged by injury, aging, or disease, a vestibular disorder can result. The symptoms of a vestibular disorder can be frightening; common symptoms include vertigo and dizziness. Dizziness is a lightheaded, floating, or rocking sensation. Vertigo is a spinning or whirling sensation. Other symptoms of a vestibular disorder might include poor balance, nausea, visual disturbances, headache(s), hearing loss, and pain or fullness in the ears.

Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT) is an exercise-based program aimed to eliminate or significantly reduce the primary symptoms of vestibular disorders by providing central nervous system compensation and desensitization for inner-ear deficits. The program may include exercises for:
- Stimulating the symptoms of dizziness in order to desensitize the vestibular system.
- Improving balance and walking activity.
- Improving fitness and endurance
- Coordinating eye and head movements.

Ann, Carly, and Ryan have taken continuing education courses in vestibular conditions, and will begin your appointment with an assessment to collect medical history and use different measures to identify the type and severity of symptoms. They will then generate a list of problems to treat, short and long-term goals to accomplish, and a patient-specific exercise program aimed to eliminate or significantly reduce vestibular disorder symptoms.