Physical Therapy

“I love living in the community, ” Brooke Owens, DPT, Encore Rehabilitation – Gordo

Brooke Owens DPT Gordo

The best thing about being a Physical Therapist? Brooke Owens, Physical Therapist at Encore Rehabilitation – Gordo says, “I love living in the community I work in and seeing patients functioning well in their daily lives after we work with them!”

Brooke has been a clinician for three years, all of her time with Encore Rehabilitation. She received her Doctorate of Physical Therapy from the University of Alabama-Birmingham. She is also Certified in Dry Needling, ErgoScience FEC Certification, and PPI Certification.

Thank you, Brooke, for your wonderful care. Happy National Physical Therapy Month!

And if you see Brooke out and about in Gordo, be sure to say hello!

At Encore Rehabilitation, we LOVE to see you move!

 

 

“I feel great,” Beth Maldonado at Encore Rehabilitation – Long Beach

Beth Maldonado Long BeachRevised

“I could not even touch the top of my shoulder without severe pain,” says Beth Maldonado of Pass Christian. Beth has been coming to Encore Rehabilitation – Long Beach, Mississippi for treatment of her shoulder pain. Beth relates, “After having treatment for 2 1/2 weeks – three times a week with Karen and the other employees, I feel great. The clinic has great employees to work with. They are all very kind and therapy is great.”

Thank you, Beth, and Happy National Physical Therapy Month!

 

“I get to help people every day!” Tori Kennedy, PTA – Celebrating National Physical Therapy Month

Tori Kennedy PTA 2Revised

I love that I get to interact with different people everyday,” says Physical Therapist Assistant Tori Kennedy.Being a PTA, I get to help people everyday even if it does not necessarily pertain to the physical therapy world. I love helping people make progress towards their goals-whether it is getting athletes back to sports events or women back to their morning walking routine! I also love getting to make the patient’s therapy visits more meaningful and not just work for them or us.

Tori received her Physical Therapist Assistant degree from Wallace State Community College. She has been practicing for two years and has been with Encore Rehabilitation for one year. Tori treats patients at the Encore Rehabilitation Clinics in Haleyville and Russellville, Alabama.

We appreciate all you do, Tori! Happy National Physical Therapy Month!

“THERE ARE MANY THINGS I LOVE ABOUT MY JOB” – ENCORE REHABILITATION CELEBRATES NATIONAL PHYSICAL THERAPY MONTH WITH LAURA WATERS

Laura Waters, PTA

Encore Rehabilitation therapist Laura Waters, PTA, loves her job!  Laura says, “There are many things I love about my job, so it is hard to point out just one. If I had to say the best thing about being a Physical Therapist Assistant, it would be how rewarding it is to help someone to return to their life. An accident or surgery can be life altering and as a therapist, I play a role in helping people recover and return to an active life.”

Laura Waters has been a Physical Therapist Assistant for Encore Rehabilitation for 17 years. She is treats patients in the Encore Rehabilitation – Tillman’s Corner/Theodore clinic.

Laura writes, “I personally had an injury and know, firsthand, how devastating it can be. As a therapist, we treat the entire person. Sometimes it requires holding their hand or simply giving them  hug.  I truly love my job and am so happy to help my patients return to their lives!”

And what does Laura have to say about Encore Rehabilitation? “Encore Rehabilitation is a wonderful place to work. They truly care about their employees.

Thank you, Laura, for all you do! Happy National Physical Therapy Month!

At Encore Rehabilitation, we LOVE to see you move!

 

Dry Needling: What is it? How does it work?

DryNeedlingCullman

Encore Rehabilitation is proud to introduce Dry Needling to the many rehab services we provide. All of our Dry Needling Practitioners are Licensed Therapists and have received thorough training and certification in this innovative procedure.

What is dry needling?

Dry needling is a skilled intervention that uses a thin monofilament needle to penetrate the skin to stimulate underlying myofascial trigger points, muscular and connect tissues for the management of neuromusculoskeletal pain and movement impairments.

 

How does dry needling work?

When a needle tip passes through the skin and hits a trigger point, a local twitch response in the muscle is often noted by both the clinician and client. Mechanical stimulation of the muscle produces this twitch response which is then followed by a dramatic reduction in muscle tension resulting in reduced pain and increased function. Dry Needling also lead to the release of endogenonous opioids and initiates healing.

 

Is dry needling painful?

Mild discomfort is normal response that is often short lived. Patients may experience a deep ache or referred pain which is a positive indication that the procedure is being performed correctly. Most pole do to feel the insertion of the needle.

 

What conditions can be treated?

  • Neck pain
  • Repetitive stress injuries
  • Tendinitis/tendinopathy
  • Adhesive capsulitis (Frozen shoulder)
  • Carpal tunnel syndrome
  • Knee osteoarthritis
  • Plantar fascitis
  • Cervicogenic headaches
  • TMJ dysfunction
  • Low back pain
  • Sacroliliac joint dysfunction
  • Sciatic nerve pain
  • Gluteal tendionopathy
  • Hip osteoarthritis
  • Tarsal tunnel syndrome
  • Shin splints
  • Hip bursitis

 

Indications for prescribing dry needling

Dry needling is most often incorporated into a treatment plan when myofascial trigger points and neuromusculoskeletal pain are present which may lead to impairments in body structure, pain, and functional limitations. Dry needling will not replace the hands-on approach or standard of care but will be an adjunct to a comprehensive plan of care. Dry needling is simply another tool to use for the purpose of reducing pain and improving function.

 

How many sessions of dry needling are needed?

Most patients will receive 2-3 treatments with several days in between. In most cases, patients, patients will not receive more than five treatments.

 

Dry Needling is covered under most insurances.

 

Is dry needling a safe procedure?

With proper training and knowledge of anatomy, dry needling is very safe. Encore Rehabilitation’s Dry Needling Practitioners are Licensed Therapists with thorough training and certification from The Dry Needling Institute.

 

How do patients feel following the dry needling procedure?

Post needling soreness is a common, normal response. Soreness may be felt at the needling site and in the surrounding areas. Fatigue, nausea, and light-headedness are a few adverse side effects that are present in 1-2% of patients. Minor bruising occurs in approximately 20% of patients but is considered normal and will resolve.

 

To see if Dry Needling may be right for you, please contact Encore Rehabilitation today!

Encore Rehabilitation is conveniently located throughout Alabama and Mississippi. Visit our website to view our current locations. 

 

 

 

Celebrating National Physical Therapy Month!

Encore Rehabilitation- Paige Plash, PT and Paul Henderson, PT

Encore Rehabilitation, Inc. was founded by two Physical Therapists, Paige Plash and Paul Henderson. Encore Rehabilitation is the largest privately owned provider of rehabilitation services in the southeast.

October is National Physical Therapy Month and at Encore Rehabilitation, we look forward to celebrating by sharing our great company with you!

Over thirty-five years ago, two students met in physical therapy school at the University of South Alabama. Paul Henderson, PT, and Paige Plash, PT, not only became physical therapists but also great friends. They shared a vision of a rehabilitation company that would provide a variety of rehabilitation and wellness services to individuals and communities.

Today, Encore Rehabilitation, Inc. embodies the essence of their vision. Encore is a patient-oriented company with a tremendous team of dedicated and experienced employees. Mr. Henderson and Mr. Plash continue to provide leadership and vision for our company.

Look for more information about our company and our services throughout the month of October!

At Encore Rehabilitation, we LOVE to see you move!

 

Encore Rehabilitation Foley -Patient of the Month Janice Daniel

Janice Daniel Sept2017Revised

We would like to recognize our Encore Rehabilitation of Foley Patient of the Month, Janice Daniel. Janice is from Silverhill and has been receiving physical therapy for five weeks. She came to Encore to regain use of her shoulder following a torn rotator cuff repair. Her progress is going very well.  In 2010, Encore Rehabilitation helped Janice after her knee surgery.  After her knee rehab, Janice was able to return to gardening and doing all the things she enjoys.  Janice says, “Like with my knee, I want to be the best I can be. Encore is enabling me to fulfill my goal!” Keep up the good work, Janice!

At Encore Rehabilitation, we LOVE to see you move!!