Kinetic Energy Physical Therapy

Kinetic Energy

Kinetic Energy Physical Therapy Clinic

· Newsletter ·

Does it matter who I see for physical therapy?
October 6, 2008

A recent study on outcomes from physical therapy in patients with low back pain provides an interesting perspective on who provides physical therapy treatments. One of the findings of this study is that clinics with high utilization of physical therapist assistants see patients longer and yet have poorer outcomes. Although in no way conclusive, this study supports our belief at KEPT that quality, consistent, and effective physical therapy should be provided by physical therapists. We have decided that although the use of assistants and/or aides would likely be financially beneficial for us, our patients would not benefit from delivering treatment in this way.

Knee Injury Prevention
October 6, 2008

NPR (National Public Radio) recently reported on knee injury prevention in women. You can read the article here. This report highlights the need for focused training for girls who participate in high risk sports like soccer and basketball. Our program, which is based on the Sportsmetrics and highlighted in the NPR report, emphasizes strength and flexibility as well as proper jumping mechanics. Programs like these have been shown to reduce the risk of serious knee injury. If you, your daughter, or your team are interested in this type of training please contact Finn at (970) 879-8026, or email finn@kineticenergypt.com. You can also visit our services page for more information on Sportsmetrics.

Does spinal manipulation help relieve back pain?
July 1, 2008

The answer is “MAYBE.” The use of spinal manipulation (the medical term for “popping” your back) is commonly thought to be performed only by chiropractic physicians, but physical therapists have also been using these techniques successfully for many years. In fact, much of the research regarding spinal manipulation has been performed by physical therapists, including recent studies that suggest that individuals who have acute low back pain and meet certain specific criteria have as much as a 95% chance of short term improvement with manipulation and simple exercises. So, if you meet the criteria and have no medical issues that would make manipulation unsafe then, YES, spinal manipulation will help you in restoring you to your previous level of function.

Current concepts in spine surgery, RTUI and pilates
July 1, 2008

Nicole Rabanal PT, CSCS will be speaking about the use of real time ultrasound in the treatment of low back pain & degenerative disc disease along with Dr. Henry Fabian (Orthopaedics of Steamboat) and Wendy Puckett (Steamboat Pilates). This presentation is offered to the public free of charge and will take place at Yampa Valley Medical Center on July 24th at 7pm. For Details contact Nicole @ 970-879-8026

Trigger Point Dry Needling … Isn’t that Accupuncture?
July 1, 2008

No! At least as the treating physical therapist and their patient is concerned. Trigger point dry needling (TDN) is a western approach for treatment of musculoskeletal dysfunction. The confusion seems to be in the common tool used, an acupuncture needle. Various practitioners, such as nurses, nurse practitioners, physician’s assistants, Medical and Osteopathic doctors and now physical therapists have utilized needling techniques to treat the body for numerous years. The United States has been somewhat behind the international community but is now quickly catching up. Unlike acupuncture where meridians are addressed, TDN is used to treat active trigger points identified in the muscle by a trained and licensed physical therapist. Insertion of the thin needle then releases, or lengthens, the shortened portion of that muscle allowing for a more normalized action potential and improved function of the muscle.

Dry needling has been used world wide by physical therapists for many years. In 2005 the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies supported dry needling as part of the physical therapist’s scope of practice. The training required includes having a minimum of 2 years experience as a licensed physical therapist (roughly 2-3 years of training prior to 4000 hours of clinical experience) followed by 46 hours of hands on training, written, oral and practical exams and completion of a log documenting at least 200 treated clients utilizing the techniques taught in Level I prior to be accepted for Level II training.

As seen through out the healthcare profession, there is great overlap in treatment including numerous other manual techniques, such as chiropractic, massage and osteopathic treatment. Optimizing patient care many times involves co-referral between healthcare providers and often is complementary to the physical therapy approach at Kinetic Energy Physical Therapy.

Nicole P. Rabanal is the only physical therapist in the Yampa Valley performing trigger point dry needling at this time (1/2008). For further questions regarding this incredibly effective treatment for musculoskeletal pain please contact us at 970-879-8026

Real Time Ultrasound Imaging
April 1, 2008

A better way to train deep abdominal muscles?

View of the deep abdominal muscles

Traditional “core strengthening” has typically been thought of as involving hundreds of repetitions of sit-ups (or other equally grueling exercises), to the point of experiencing a deep burning sensation until you just can’t go any further. Recent research now has come to question that approach when dealing with core training in relation to low back and pelvic pain. Training the cognitive neurological pathway to specific deep abdominal and spinal muscles as well as the pelvic floor and diaphragm has shown to reduce the reccurrence of future LBP by 84% verses traditional strengthening (Hides et. al, 2001). Real Time Ultrasound (RTUS) biofeedback training is the most effective approach and is available only at KEPT.

Muscles visualized with RTUS for core training are the transversus abdominus, multifidus, and pelvic floor. These muscles are collectively referred to as “local muscles”, the primary core stabilizing muscles of your spine and pelvis.

Time to get those bikes out!
April 1, 2008

As the snow melts and our minds start to drift to the roads and trails, it’s a good idea to think about your bike and how it fits your body and riding style. We are now offering a “Medical Bike Fit” for individuals who are experiencing musculoskeletal symptoms that may be related to their bike setup. The evaluation will include:· Physical therapy examination with treatment as warranted

· Comprehensive Bike Fit Analysis

· Free of charge “Tune-ups”

· IF you are interested call Finn at 879-8026 or email finn@kineticnenergypt.com.

Why can’t the bike shop fit my bike? They can! However, in addition to being experts in biomechanics, when you are experiencing pain or symptoms related to riding, physical therapists are uniquely trained to treat the musculoskeletal disorders that can occur with riding.

Dr. Iversen to climb Mt. Shasta for Cancer
April 1, 2008

Roseanne Iversen, one of Kinetic Energy’s most trusted referring physicians, is currently training to climb Mt. Shasta to raise funds for cancer research. She has set a goal of raising $35,000 and is well on her way! So, if you decide to donate to the cause, be sure to donate under Dr. Iversen’s name.

Learn more or donate at www.breastcancerfund.org/climb