Rehabilitation
To help you reach a more complete recovery, a Rehabilitation Specialist guides you through a personal program of fitness in the fully equipped on-site rehabilitation center.
Medicine, technology and surgery are even more effective when combined with correct therapy. We isolate and treat your injury with hands-on care that increases the benefits of surgical procedures and speeds your recovery.
Rehabilitation Therapy is available before and after surgery.
If more rehabilitation and/or sports training is requested, we recommend Maurice McDonald and John Speights both licensed Physical Therapists, located immediately adjacent to AOI. http://www.optimumtherapy.com/
Rehabilitation Overview
A team of Rehabilitation Specialists work closely with Dr. Snyder to personalize a treatment program. This treatment program will minimize pain, improve strength and function, prevent further injury and prepare patients to return to daily life. The patient and specialist work together on specific exercises the patient will learn to do at home. Ultimately, rehabilitation will increase strength and mobility.
AOI uses a variety of therapy treatments to help patients. These treatments can help strengthen, relax, and heal muscles.
Myofascial Therapy (deep tissue massage)
Dr. Snyder's preferred prescription, myofascial therapy is a hands-on manipulation of the soft tissue and joints of the body.
Deep tissue massage produces a variety of beneficial effects. The different movements of the specialist's hands can physically stretch muscles, encourage circulation through the tissue, prevent muscular spasms and either relax or stimulate the nervous system.
Ultrasound
Ultrasound decreases pain and improves range of motion.
Ultrasound machines use high or low frequency sound waves that are transmitted to the surrounding tissue and blood vessels. They penetrate the muscles to cause warming, which promotes relaxation of muscle tightness and spasms. The warming effect of the sound waves assists in healing and can also be used to decrease inflammation.
Cold Pack Therapy
Made up of a frozen gel substance, cold packs can be used to treat pain and inflammation. We wrap the pack in wet towels and apply it directly to the affected area. The cold temperature causes constriction of the blood vessels and decreases the inflammation in the area. By decreasing inflammation, pain and swelling are decreased, which in turn decreases pain.
Electrical Stimulation (E-Stim)
With electrical stimulation, we place electrodes on the skin that send an electrical current to a single muscle or a group of muscles. The electrical current will cause the muscles to contract, helping to strengthen the affected muscle and promote the flow of blood to the area. The specialist can adjust the current based on the needs and comfort of the patient.
Hot Rock Therapy
In this therapy, patients first receive a warm oil massage to loosen muscles. After that, rocks are heated and then allowed to cool to a comfortable temperature so they can be applied by hand directly to the area needing treatment. The heat of the rock relaxes tight muscles, decreases pain caused by muscle tension or spasms and increases circulation to the area. Patients with muscle spasms often benefit from this treatment.
Flexibility
Stretching muscles and stretching exercises help prevent re-injury and pain. Almost everyone can benefit from stretching the soft tissue -- the muscles, ligaments and tendons. The specialist will show you the right way to stretch without bouncing. Holding a stretch for several minuteswhile breathing slowly and naturally can promote range of movement. A slow and relaxed technique also improves circulation.
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