Physical Therapists are healthcare professionals who diagnose and treat people of all ages who have medical problems or other health-related conditions that limit their abilities to move and to perform functional activities in their daily lives. Rehabilitation and exercise are key components used in conjunction with Active Release Techniques®
American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) 2007.
A Brief History of Physical Therapy:
The historical roots of Physical Therapy date back to physical treatments of massage in China 2500 BC and as described by Hippocrates in 460BC with massage and hydrotherapy. In London in 1896, hospital patients were treated with massage to assist in maintaining muscle function and mobility. This practice developed into the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy in the United Kingdom in 1920. The United States began the use of Physical Therapy in the early 1900’s with female Reconstruction Aides who assisted soldiers with their return to function. In 1921, the American Women’s Physical Therapeutic Association began and grew to the American Physiotherapy Association by the end of the 1930s. With World War II and the Polio epidemic, a growing demand for physical therapists occurred. Treatments included range of motion activities, assisted by the therapist. and active movements for stretching, mobilization techniques for joints, and instruction on muscle strengthening exercises. Pools were utilized to assist patients with movements they would not otherwise be able to perform or to tolerate.
The current American Physical Therapy Association developed in the late 1940’s and has been a driving force in the advancement of educational programs and specialties including board certifications. The Physical Therapy Association currently represents over 66,000 members. Physical Therapists are practitioners for the diagnosis of, interventions for, and prevention of impairments, functional limitations, and disabilities related to movement, function, and health including patient/client management, prevention, and wellness services.
Physical Therapy at Las Vegas Pain Relief Center:
At LVPRC you will receive a personalized Rehabilitation Evaluation and Examination including assessment of your mobility, strength, and posture. This is an opportunity for us to discuss your goals and to create a customized plan for your return to activities. This will include education on proper body mechanics and posture as well as a home exercise program.
Two common postural issues many of us face are Upper Crossed Syndrome and Lower Crossed Syndrome. Both syndromes describe muscle imbalances in posture where certain muscles become tight while others become weak. This is often due to prolonged positions used at work or in daily activities, and these syndromes become a source of repetitive strain injury.
Signs of Upper Crossed Syndrome, which affects the neck, shoulders, and upper back regions, include rounded shoulders, forward head positioning, hyperextension of the head on the neck, elevation of the shoulders, or winging of the shoulder blades. These signs often coincide with common areas of pain complaints, muscle adhesions, or locations where “stress” is felt by the patient and the ART® doctor. Headaches, neck pain, shoulder, shoulder blade pains, and even jaw pains can often be the result of Upper Crossed Syndrome.
Signs of Lower Crossed Syndrome, which affects the back, hips and legs, include increased lower back curvature, protruding abdomen, turned out feet, stiffness in mid and lower back, or tightness of the outer thigh and hip. Low back pains, buttock pain, pseudo-sciatica, and knee disorders are often the result of these muscle and postural imbalances.
