Physical Therapy Modalities

 The first phase of care is the "feel better" phase. When the body is in pain, there is decreased ranges of motion, muscle tightness and soreness, and inflammation of damaged cells. Before we can begin to make any type of permanent changes to the spine, we need to allow the body to get into a state of healing and relaxation. Electric stimulation, ice and traction therapy are used in the initial phase to help pain levels to diminish. Corrective therapies including vibration, wobble chair and cervical traction make permanent changes to the spine once patients move into the second phase of healing. At this time, patients are instructed on at-home exercises and spinal orthotic administration to correct spinal curves. The last phase of care: the maintenance phase of care, is set up to prevent patients from losing any structural correction or reverting back to original conditions. This phase varies from patient to patient regarding frequency of patient visits.