Physical Therapy

What is Physical Therapy?

Physical therapy is a treatment which uses movement to enhance mobility and function. Ashley Whitson is a Doctor of Physical Therapy who will evaluate and treat movement impairments. She designs specific and individualized treatment plans for patients to manage or reduce pain, improve ability to move, increase range of motion, and improve quality of life.

How Can Physical Therapy Help Me?

The goal of physical therapy is to reactivate dormant muscles and correct the base causes of faulty biomechanical firing patterns. Through movement, stretching, and manipulation, physical therapy seeks to restore flexibility and mobility in areas of the body with pain, discomfort, or stiffness.

The role of the physical therapist is to guide you during your appointment, introduce specific exercises, stretches, and techniques that are targeted and focused on your individual history and concerns, and get you back to moving and functioning correctly.

How is Physical Therapy at Network Spine Different?

Here at Network Spine physical therapy is a one-on-one experience integrated with osteopathic care from Dr. Magyar. We believe the best patient outcomes are achieved via collaborative care and communication between physical therapist and osteopath. The strength of each is combined versus separated in order to optimize interventional strategies. Visits with Dr. Magyar are frequently scheduled back-to-back with physical therapy for your convenience.

What Should I Expect from Physical Therapy?

At Network Spine we provide unique, high-quality, one-on-one care from physical therapy for the full duration of your appointment.

Your first visit will include a comprehensive evaluation of strength, range of motion, flexibility, balance, joint mobility, neurological function, pain, and limitations in everyday life activities.

Treatment will include a variety of techniques specific to your case. These may include, but are not limited to, “hands-on” soft tissue and manual therapy, restoration of postural imbalances, movement re-education, stretching & strengthening, safe exercise planning and skills training. Additional modalities may include mechanical traction via our ananamotor, trans-cutaneous electrical neuromuscular stimulation ( TENS ), kinesio-taping, blood flow restriction therapy ( BFR ), guasha, cupping, spray and stretch cold therapy. In addition we offer The Schroth Method © for scoliosis, Pilates, Athletic & Sports Training and Dance specific rehabilitation.

What Does Physical Therapy Cost?

Most insurances will cover the cost, or a portion, of your appointment. Learn more about our insurance participation and contact your provider to learn more about your level of coverage.

How Can I Prepare For Physical Therapy?

When you come in for your appointment, please wear or bring comfortable or loose clothing. Your physical therapist may also ask you to do specific pre-appointment stretches at home in order to optimize your response to therapy. Depending on the severity of your condition, you may be asked to go to physical therapy up to three times per week for several months. It is important to designate the time in and out of the appointments required to put you on a path for the best possible recovery.

How Will Regular Physical Therapy Affect My Condition?

Pain and injury can be complex. While physical therapy may improve your symptoms, it will not always eliminate your chronic pain altogether. Physical therapy should be used in combination with a healthy lifestyle, including light to moderate exercise and healthy eating, to obtain your best health. Physical therapy does not address every factor that contributes to pain, but at Network Spine we do have onsite medical doctors that can address areas that physical therapy cannot.