Programs
Physical Therapy
Treatment Focus
Each patient receives an individualized treatment plan and recovery goals based on information gathered in a detailed evaluation performed by a licensed physical therapist. Rehabilitation programs involve a wide range of treatment options including, but not limited to: joint mobilization and/or manipulation, soft tissue mobilization, ASTYM treatments, modalities (i.e., ultrasound, heat/ice, electrical stimulation, etc.), and therapeutic exercise on land or in the water. Ultimately, the patient is always the focus of treatment. Consideration of patient goals reflects the belief that successful rehabilitation is a coordinated effort between patient and therapist.
An Essential Ingredient
Manual therapy is the cornerstone of our care. The human touch is an essential ingredient to our evaluations, care plans, and treatment guidelines. Patients respond positively to our hands-on assessment and treatment, and they become strong, active participants in achieving their own recovery. Active exercises including postural stretching and strengthening exercises also help patients learn to sustain healthy lifestyles.
Dedicated and Knowledgeable Staff
El Dorado Physical Therapy facilities offer an interdisciplinary staff of physical therapists, occupational hand therapist, physical therapy assistants and certified athletic trainers. The diversity of our clinicians’ training and expertise gives each of our individual clinicians access to a wealth of knowledge. This results in the highest quality of service for all our clients and meets the highest professional expectations and ethics of the American Physical Therapy Association.
Our people are committed to remaining at the forefront of rehabilitation. In addition to providing proven treatments based on years of experience, El Dorado Physical Therapy therapists actively pursue extensive continuing education.
People who live on the West Coast enjoy active life-styles. Unfortunately, injuries often accompany activity. Injury can be frustrating to an individual who views physical activity as an important part of life. At El Dorado Physical Therapy, we are dedicated to improving and enhancing function as it relates to your unique life-style. Our goal is to provide world class physical therapy and sports medicine for individuals of all ages and abilities. We treat and train elite, masters, collegiate, high school athletes, pediatric athletes, weekend warriors, and non-athletes alike. If you are active, we want to help you keep enjoying the life-style you love. Whether competing for a championship or enjoying a round of golf, we can help you get back in the game of life.
Hands On Techniques
Manual Therapy
Manual therapy is a general term for treatment performed with the hands and not with any other devices or machines. The goals of manual therapy include relaxation, decreased pain, and increased flexibility.
Soft Tissue Mobilization
Soft tissue mobilization is utilized to help loosen muscles that affect the joints. A physical therapist will use his or her hands to twist, pull or push muscles into optimum position for healing.
Joint Mobilization
Joint mobiliztion involves the movement of the joints or bones in a slow and controlled manner. This techniques helps to loosen joints and reestablish the correct functional position of the joint.
Range of Motion
Range of motion refers to working a joint through the normal range that it may be used. Range of motion may include the therapist moving the joint (passive range of motion), assisting the joint through a range using a pulley or the opposite limb (active assisted range of motion) or the patient moving the joint on their own (active range of motion).
Muscle Energy Technique (MET)
Muscle Energy Technique focuses on joint range-of-motion limitation, and uses light (generally grams or ounces) to moderate force muscular contractions precisely controlled to affect a specific joint, to restore normal joint motion. The physical therapist will position the patient in a manner such that the specific joint will be affected. The patient is asked to effect a muscle contraction to assist in the procedure.
ASTYM System
The ASTYM system is a rehabilitation treatment that provides a breakthrough in the way soft tissue injuries are treated. The System identifies and treats abnormal soft tissue, tapping into the body’s natural healing process to enable rapid return to activity, free from pain and limitation.
Strain Counterstrain
Strain counterstrain is a passive procedure that places the body in a position of greatest comfort thereby relieving pain and dysfunction by reducing the inappropriate feedback between the brain and the effected body part. This technique applies a mild overstretch in the direction opposite to that which causes the discomfort. The communication with the brain is “reset” to allow for proper feedback.
Modalities
Iontophoresis
Iontophoresis is a method of delivering anti-inflammatory medication through the skin using electrical current.
Ice
Ice and cold packs are used in physical therapy to relieve pain, swelling, and inflammation from injuries and other conditions such as arthritis. Ice can be used for 10 to 20 minutes at a time, several times a day. more…
Heat
Heat can help relax and heal your muscles and soft tissues by increasing blood circulation. This can be especially helpful if a joint is stiff from osteoarthritis or from being immobilized, or to relax the muscles before exercise. However, heat can also increase swelling in an injured area if it is used too soon after the injury. Most experts recommend waiting at least 48 hours after an injury before using heat. more…
Ultrasound
Ultrasound therapy uses high-pitched sound waves to ease muscle spasms and relax and warm muscles before exercise, help relieve pain and inflammation, and promote healing.
Electrical Stimulation
Electrical stimulation is the general term that describes the use of electrical current to create an effect in the body. Physical therapists sometimes use electrical stimulation at low levels to reduce the sensation of pain. It may work by either “scrambling” pain signals to mask feelings of pain, or by causing the body to produce natural pain-killers called endorphins. This use of electrical current is called transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS).
Physical therapists can also use electrical stimulation to cause muscles to contract (tense). This type of therapy can help maintain muscle tone when muscles would otherwise lose strength. Examples of this type of therapy include:
- Electrical stimulation after a stroke to maintain some tone in the shoulder muscles so they hold the joint together better and prevent pain.
- Electrical stimulation to maintain leg strength in a person with severe arthritis of the knee whose pain increases with exercise.
Mechanical Traction
Mechanical traction uses a hydrolic or air powered device to gently stretch your back or neck. Traction may help to relieve pressure on compressed nerves in the spine.
Exercise
Therapeutic Exercise
Therapeutic exercises are specific exercises designed to help you with your specific injury or condition. These exercises will help you to retain the gains that you achieve during your treatment session, strengthen weakened muscles and retrain muscles that may have been functioning incorrectly.
Cardiovascular Training
Cardiovascular training helps to improve the efficiency and ability of the heart and lungs to supply the oxygen necessary for muscles to function as well as get rid of metabolic waste. Exercises that stimulate the heart to beat faster and respiration to increase are effect at training the cardiovascular system.
Plyometrics
Plyometrics is a form of exercise training that involves jumping and skipping type activities. Plyometrics helps to improve a persons jumping ability, initial acceleration and ability to change direction quickly.
Resistance Training
Resistance training, also known as strength training and weight training, refers to the use of an external resistance such as dumbbells to provide resistance through a range of motion. This resistance stimulates the muscles and joints to adapt and get stronger. Resistance training plays an important role in physical therapy because it helps to restore strength and function to muscles that have become weak because of lack of use or injury.
Core Stabilization
Every time we move, we depend on some muscles to hold us steady, and other muscles to actually move us. Core stabilization is the general term for how the muscles of your trunk keep your spine and body stable. This helps you stay balanced when you move. If your core muscles are strong and they contract when they should:
- Your posture is better.
- Your body is balanced.
- Your movement is more efficient and powerful.
- You are less likely to be injured.
Core stability benefits everyone, from older people to top professional athletes. Exercises for core stabilization should be part of every conditioning program, along with flexibility, strength, and aerobic training. more…
Hand Therapy
El Dorado Physical Therapy offers comprehensive care for injuries and disorders to the hand and upper extremities. Care is provided by Geri Liebert OT, who is a Certified Occupational Therapist, Hand Specialists, Certified Ergonomic Assessment Specialist and ASTYM Certified Clinician. Geri brings over 24 years of experience using advanced therapeutic techniques, state of the art equipment, and custom fabrication of both static and dynamic splints to help return each patient to the highest level of function possible.
Treatment Techniques May Include:
- Custom Fabricated Splints
- ASTYM System
- Desensitization
- Range of Motion
- Comprehensive Home Program
- Massage
- Neuromuscular Re-Education
- Joint Mobilization
- Joint Protection
- Edema Control
- Pain Control
- ADL Training
The technical complexity of the hand necessitates a high level of competence by therapists with advanced skills in upper extremity rehabilitation for recovery from conditions such as:
- Post-Op Surgical Care
- Overuse Syndrome
- Joint Implants
- Amputations
- Congenital Deformities
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
- Fractures
- Arthritis
- Joint Deterioration
- Tendonitis
- Burns
- Contractures and Scars
- Joint Reconstruction
- Nerve Injuries
Aquatic Therapy
We offer our Aquatic Rehabilitation program in conjunction with traditional land therapy for earlier intervention and for those who may not be able to start on a land based program.
Patients who will benefit from aquatic rehabilitation include:
Pre and Post Surgical- Recent Fractures
- Degenerative Joint Disease
- Advanced Deconditioning
- CRPS / RSD
- Arthritis
- Sprains/Strains
- Spinal injuries/DDD/HNP
- Circulatory and Movement Disorders
- Non or Partial Weight Bearing Issues
- Swelling or Pain
The principles of water offer a state of decreased gravity and compressive forces, allowing the patient to exercise without further damage to the healing tissues and structures. The patient will first undergo a thorough evaluation with a licensed Physical Therapist. A program will then be tailored to specifically meet their individual needs and carried out by a team of licensed aquatic Physical Therapy specialists.
Our Folsom facility houses a “state of the art” indoor pool specifically designed to provide successful, individualized care.
Folsom pool specifications:
- Fifty (50) feet in length
- 89-90 degrees
- Shallow water exercise depth 3′6″ to 4′6″
- Deep water suspended exercise depth 6′
- Medically compliant with a double handrail staircase
- Hydraulic Hoyer lift is available for patients needing assistance
- Aquatic Therapy is offered at our Folsom and Shingle Springs locations.
Pilates Rehabilitation
El Dorado Physical Therapy assesses and treats the “whole” person. Our licensed Physical Therapists and Physical Therapy Assistants trained in Pilates Rehabilitation combine traditional Physical Therapy and Pilate’s exercises.
Pilates is designed specifically to increase:
- Core Strength
- Balance
- Flexibility
- Body Awareness
- Improve Posture
- Decreasing Pain
- Increase Function
Pilates Rehabilitation is modified and tailored to the needs of patient’s of all ages and levels. We provide one-on-one treatment for all of our patients and take great pride in making their experience both positive and individual. All patients are thoroughly evaluated by a Physical Therapist and treatment is designed to address their unique needs and goals.
Great attention to detail and form is a perfect way for a patient to gain strength in weaker or injured muscles and joints. Pilates is gentle on joints, so there is little worry of over stressing an already challenged body. It also develops smaller muscle groups that support joints and bony structures. Pilates builds a bodily awareness to balance chronically weak and imbalanced muscles that soon become equally strong.
Pilates Rehabilitation is effective in treating:
- Neck and Back Pain
- Shoulder Disorders
- Sports Related Injuries
- Knee and Hip Disorders
- Osteoarthritis and other Degenerative Conditions
- Musculoskeletal Diseases
Patients may transition to group Pilates classes at our private studio in our Folsom location.
ASTYM
The ASTYM system is a rehabilitation treatment that provides a breakthrough in the way soft tissue injuries are treated. The System identifies and treats abnormal soft tissue, tapping into the body’s natural healing process to enable rapid return to activity, free from pain and limitation.
Some of the diagnoses that respond well to the ASTYM System include:
- Post-surgical scarring
- Plantar fasciitis
- Lateral epicondylitis
- Tendonitis
- SI and low back pain
- Chronic ankle sprains
- Post-traumatic fibrosis
- Patellar tendonitis
- Wrist sprains
- Shin splints
- IT band syndrome
- Achilles tendonitis
- Muscle strains
Scientific research and substantial clinical experience indicate that the ASTYM System improves dysfunctional tissue through the following process:
- A clinician certified in the ASTYM System uses patented instruments to evaluate the tissue, locating dysfunctional soft tissue through the resonance of the instruments.
- The treatment / stimulation from the instruments initiates a healing response. Research indicates that there is an increase in fibroblast recruitment and activation following treatment with the ASTYM System instruments.
- As the healing process progresses, a customized exercise program is prescribed to encourage optimal tissue healing and collagen remodeling.
- Throughout treatment, patients are encouraged to stay active in their work, sport and daily activities. This facilitates tissue healing in a functional pattern and encourages the tissue to remodel in a way to support the demands of the patient’s activities, which decreases the risk of re-injury.
For more information please visit the Official ASTYM website.
Vestibular Rehabilitation
We understand the complexity of vestibular disorders and believe proper education and training are essential to achieving consistent outcomes for our clients. Patients are evaluated by Physical Therapists that are specially trained and certified in treating vestibular disorders. A rehabilitation program is designed to address balance, dizziness and overall fitness of the patient. Patient education is also stressed to facilitate an understanding of what we are trying to accomplish with their individualized rehabilitation program.
Symptoms that would benefit from Vestibular Rehabilitation:
- Positional Vertigo
- Motion Sensitivity
- History of Falls
- Poor Balance
Goals of Physical Therapy:
- Decrease frequency, intensity, duration of dizziness and vertigo
- Improve balance and spatial orientation
- Improve gait
- Decrease fall risk
- Increase function and independence in daily life
- Normalize movement patterns
- Decrease related symptoms (headaches, muscles stiffness, pain)
- Increase postural stability
Treatment:
- Habituation exercises
- Maneuvers for positional vertigo
- Balance retraining
- Safety training
- Strengthening and flexibility programs
- Vestibulo-ocular exercises
- Gait Training
Sports Medicine
El Dorado Physical Therapy’s Sports Medicine program protects athletes with a proactive, practical approach to injury prevention. It supports injured athletes with a comprehensive approach to rehabilitation that is designed to enhance recovery and facilitate return to function in the shortest time possible.
El Dorado Physical Therapy specialists are physical therapists and athletic trainers whose knowledge and expertise are available to help you prevent injuries, maintain health, and work or play more comfortably. El Dorado Physical Therapy takes the complexity out of the prevention and management of sports injuries.
High School Outreach Program
As a part of our community service, El Dorado Physical Therapy provides athletic training services for athletes at Vista del Lago, Folsom, Oak Ridge and Ponderosa High Schools. Working much like a liaison between the athlete, parents, and the family physician, we will make recommendations as to the appropriate care of any injury sustained by student athletes at these schools. A Certified Athletic Trainer is on site to direct the athletic training program involving the following services:
- After school assessment and injury prevention in the athletic training room on campus.
- Attend various athletic events, as coordinated with Athletic Director, to provide immediate care.
- Follow up care for the athlete in the El Dorado Physical Therapy clinic as needed.
- When an injury needs more intense care or rehabilitation than can be provided in the athletic training room, we offer a free evaluation of the athlete’s injury and two follow up physical therapy sessions at no cost. Further care can be provided for a reasonable fee dependent upon the amount of time spent with the athlete.
- Sponsor and organize pre-participation athletic physicals with the high school Athletic Director.
- Direct the student athletic training program. This program allows for students who may be interested in a medical career to get an up close and hands on experience working as a student athletic trainer. They learn the basic skills necessary to provide first aid, CPR, and preventative taping techniques. These students then help with preventative taping and practice coverage.
