Congratulations to the Fayette Encore Athlete of the Month, Claudie Thompson. Claudie is a 10 years old, 5th grader and plays basketball and football. He started therapy at Encore after he broke his knee cap and tore his tendons away from it during a football game accident. Claudie is now on his way to a speedy recovery and back to playing the sport he loves! Keep you the good work, Claudie!
Looking for a job in the Physical Therapy or Rehab industry? Check out the Encore Jobs Page!
Congratulations to Anthony Byrd, a senior at Gulf Shores High School. He is planning on attending college and pursuing a degree in Physical Therapy. Anthony is the son of Jason and Karen Byrd.
Congratulations to Sam Riley, a Senior at Winfield City High School who just recently won a state championship with the Winfield Softball team! Sam is planning on attending Wallace State Community College on a Softball scholarship and is pursuing a degree in Physical Therapy and Ultrasound. Sam is the daughter of Andy and Bobby Riley.
ACL surgery is usually done by making small incisions in the knee and inserting instruments for surgery through these incisions (arthroscopic surgery). In some cases, it is done by cutting a large incision in the knee (open surgery).
Many orthopedic surgeons use arthroscopic surgery rather than open surgery for ACL injuries because:
Arthroscopic surgery is done under regional (such as spinal) anesthesia or generalanesthesia.
During arthroscopic ACL reconstruction, the surgeon makes several small incisions—usually two or three—around the knee. Sterile saline (salt) solution is pumped into the knee through one incision to expand it and to wash blood from the area. This allows the doctor to see the knee structures more clearly.
The surgeon inserts an arthroscope into one of the other incisions. A camera at the end of the arthroscope transmits pictures from inside the knee to a TV monitor in the operating room.
Surgical drills are inserted through other small incisions. The surgeon drills small holes into the upper and lower leg bones where these bones come close together at the knee joint. The holes form tunnels through which the graft will be anchored.
The surgeon will also make another incision in the knee and take the graft (replacement tissue).
The graft is pulled through the two tunnels that were drilled in the upper and lower leg bones. The surgeon secures the graft with hardware such as screws or staples and will close the incisions with stitches or tape. The knee is bandaged, and you are taken to the recovery room for 2 to 3 hours.
During ACL surgery, the surgeon may repair other injured parts of the knee as well, such as menisci, other knee ligaments, cartilage, or broken bones.
Arthroscopic surgery is often done on an outpatient basis, which means that you do not spend a night in the hospital. Other surgery may require staying in the hospital for a couple of days.
You will feel tired for several days. Your knee will be swollen, and you may have numbness around the cut (incision) on your knee. Your ankle and shin may be bruised or swollen. You can put ice on the area to reduce swelling. Most of this will go away in a few days, and you should soon start seeing improvement in your knee.
To care for your incision while it heals, you need to keep it clean and dry and watch for signs of infection.
Physical rehabilitation after ACL surgery may take several months to a year. The length of time until you can return to normal activities or sports is different for every person. It may range from 4 to 6 months.1
There are many different forms of physical therapy. Acutely, the therapist may focus on decreasing pain with passive physical therapy (modalities). These are considered passive therapies because they are done to the patient. Examples of modalities include:
In addition to passive therapies, active physical therapy (exercise) is also necessary to rehabilitate the spine. Generally, a patient’s back exercise program should encompass a combination of the following:
Even patients with a very busy schedule should be able to maintain a moderate back pain exercise regimen that encompasses stretching, strengthening, and aerobic conditioning. These exercises suffice as physical therapy for back pain relief.
Source: Ullrich, P. F. (1999, 9 8). Physical therapy benefits for back pain. Retrieved from http://www.spine-health.com/treatment/physical-therapy/physical-therapy-benefits-back-pain
Can I choose what physical therapist I go to?
Absolutely! The decision of where you receive treatment is yours. If you have a specific therapist or practice you would like to go to, you should let your doctor or insurance company know this. Not all physical therapists or practices are the same and the choice of your provider is yours. Sometimes your physician will recommend a specific therapist or practice to you; sometimes your insurance company will require you to go to specific therapists or practices. You always have the right to ask for a specific provider. If we are not “in network” with your specific insurance company, many have out of network options that still provide coverage.
What should I expect during my physical therapy treatments?
Your first visit will include the initial evaluation and then a treatment. You will be instructed on therapeutic exercises, learn how to manage and care for your symptoms, receive manual therapy if necessary, and may be treated with some type of therapeutic modalities. (As well as given a specific home program, ice, ultrasound, electrical stimulation, traction, etc.)
What type of treatment will I receive?
Treatment is based on the initial evaluation findings along with ongoing reassessment and evaluation. Treatment may consist of a variety of hands-on joint and soft tissue treatment techniques, exercise techniques and pain reducing modalities. Treatments are designed to increase motion and strength, reduce pain, and most importantly, restore function. Patients are typically involved in an active exercise program at home and are educated in ways to speed recovery and prevent recurrence of the problem.
What should I wear?
It is best to wear clothing and shoes that are appropriate for exercise. The clothing should either expose the area (i.e. wear shorts if you are being seen for a knee problem) or be loose fitting to easily expose the area that is being treated. You may be asked to put on a gown depending on where your pain or problem is located.
How many treatments will I need?
Our average number of treatments is 6, but this can vary depending on the extent and type of injury that is being treated.
What is Physical Therapy? Is it like Massage Therapy or Chiropractic Care?
In reference to massage therapy, a PT can and will often administer massage-like techniques called soft tissue mobilization, but massage therapists cannot administer PT. The PT you receive therefore may include soft tissue mobilization but will include much more education, exercise and the use of other modalities.
Chiropractic care differs quite a bit in the sense that a Chiropractor relies heavily on performing joint manipulations. Chiropractors typically will see a patient for much longer than a physical therapist for continued joint manipulations or “adjustments” whereas a physical therapist will rehab the injury or painful area and then instruct the patient in a Home Exercise Program for continued care. A physical therapist with specialized training can effectively perform many of the physical adjustments that a Chiropractor utilizes.
How can Physical Therapy help back pain?
Physical Therapy helps control back pain by reducing pain, controlling swelling and through therapeutic exercises. Patient education such as home exercises and lifting techniques also play a large role is assisting the patient in controlling low back pain.
I just had orthopedic surgery; will physical therapy help me heal faster?
Of Course! Physical Therapy can help reduce swelling, increase active and passive range of motion and increase strength and endurance after orthopedic surgery. Most importantly, attending physical therapy increases the functioning of the involved muscles, bones and other soft tissues much more quickly and effectively than just “staying at home” after surgery.
How do I know that physical therapy can help me?
Physical therapy can help anyone who is suffering from musculoskeletal injuries, recovering from surgeries or other difficulties such as balance/walking problems, or neurological problems such as stroke and acquired brain injuries. Even people recovering from non-orthopedic surgeries (internal problems, cancer) can benefit from PT by regaining strength and endurance. The realm of physical therapy is huge and encompasses the whole body and its functioning. To learn how PT can specifically help your condition, make an appointment with any of our locations for a Free Assessment.
Do I need a referral to come to physical therapy?
In the state of Iowa, a referral from a physician is not required to receive a physical therapy evaluation or treatment. Some exceptions do occur. Medicare always requires a referral to obtain physical therapy services. This referral may come from a physician, a physician assistant, a nurse practitioner, a dentist or a podiatrist. In addition, some insurance companies require a referral to provide insurance coverage. You should call your insurance company to determine whether or not you are required to have a referral for coverage.
What does a physical therapist do?
Physical therapists are experts trained in the evaluation and treatment of musculoskeletal dysfunction. They are trained specifically to improve movement and function, relieve pain, and expand movement potential. Physical therapy is often the treatment of choice in situations where pain impairs function, in recovering from an injury or surgery, and in recovering from a disease process or illness. Physical therapists also teach adaptive and physical coping skills in dealing with impaired function from a disease, injury or illness.
Will my insurance cover physical therapy?
Most insurance companies do cover physical therapy services. The amount and type of coverage varies. It is always best to check with your insurance company regarding specific coverage guidelines. The staff at each location will also verify your specific coverage guidelines at your first visit. If you do not wish to utilize your insurance, you may choose our private pay plan. We accept checks, VISA and MasterCard.
As a patient, what can I do to assure the best possible outcome?
First, recognize that you play the most important role in your own recovery. We encourage patients to act as full partners with their therapist in the treatment process. Comply with your in-clinic therapy schedule; follow through on your home exercise programs; and communicate often and completely with your therapist regarding any problems or concerns you may experience. Physical therapy is an active process that requires your full commitment and interaction with your therapist. Ask questions and be receptive to suggestions regarding exercise, lifestyle changes and adjustments or modifications of your daily activities.
Why should I go to physical therapy, can’t I get better on my own?
1. Physical therapists are trained to identify the movement dysfunction and compensation changes related to your diagnosis.
2. We rehabilitate an injury with the correct movement patterns in place of faulty habits.
3. We educate you about what your injury does to your body and how to correct it
4. We teach you how to prevent further injuries
Source:
21 Century Rehab. (2014, March 18). Faq’s – what is physical therapy? Retrieved from http://21stcenturyrehab.com/faq/.
This is an email we received from a student who shadowed a few of our PT’s in the North Alabama area. Congratulations Kristin and good luck!
“I received word yesterday that I have been accepted into UAB’s DPT program! I will be graduating from undergrad in December and starting the DPT program this coming January.
Encore Rehabilitation, Inc. is one of America’s most diversified rehabilitation providers. It began with two University of South Alabama classmates in the physical therapy program who visualized a rehabilitation company that would provide exceptional physical therapy services and expand their roles as healthcare providers to a national level.
Under the partnership of Paul G. Henderson, PT and Paige B. Plash, PT, Encore Rehab was founded in 1981 and delivers the best rehabilitation services to thousands of patients daily in locations throughout Alabama and Mississippi. Encore Rehab is an employee-focused company with a tremendous team of dedicated and experienced employees who understand the many environments in which a therapist can provide treatment. Through the company’s specialized divisions, Encore Rehab provides rehabilitation services of unsurpassed quality that help patients return to a healthier lifestyle.
OPERATIONS INCLUDE
By Marc Bernier, MPT CSCS
The environment of youth athletics has undergone a major transformation over the past several years, most notably in the manner in which kids train for their respective sports. Unfortunately, the changes that have occurred are not always necessarily for the better, as the injury rates in youth athletics are increasing, as are the severity of injuries.
One potential cause for these increasing injury rates that has been identified by medical professionals is overtraining. There are many factors that can play into overtraining; however, there are 2 components that are particularly concerning:
In all actuality, these two factors are actually closely intertwined. In today’s competitive climate of youth athletics, many kids are pushed towards dedicating themselves exclusively to one sport at a young age, with the thought being that the more training they get in that specific sport, the more they will excel (this thought actually goes against the recommendations of the top sports performance enhancement specialists who promote the idea of youth athletes being encouraged to compete in multiple sports until their freshman or sophomore year in high school, at which time specialization is more appropriate). As a result, sports such as soccer become a year long endeavor, in which kids are playing the same sport for 10-11 months of the year (it may take slightly different forms, such as outdoor, indoor, etc). Unfortunately, this is a faulty approach for two reasons:
1. By participating in the same sport throughout the year, the same repetitive physical stresses are placed on the relatively fragile growth plates and soft tissue structures (muscles, tendons, ligaments), resulting in overuse injuries.
2. Participation in a single sport can limit the overall athletic development of kids. All sports have unique skills and movements that require the development and utilization of different muscle groups, and in vastly different ways. This is especially true for the core and trunk muscles; participation in “upper extremity” sports such as baseball, tennis and basketball will train the core in a much different manner than “lower extremity” sports such as soccer. It has been theorized that playing in multiple sports may actually increase kids’ overall athleticism and make them “better” athletes.
Simply put, we do not provide our kids enough time to rest, nor allow their joints enough time to recover from the physical stresses their bodies endure during a season (not to mention the fact that kids today typically train harder and more frequently than current adults did in their childhood). Recovery time is absolutely essential for athletic growth; without it, the structures of the body are continually broken down, inhibiting strength and endurance potential, and ultimately athletic potential.
In an ideal scenario, children should have a two week period after the season is completed of minimal activity. After that has passed, participation in a different sport is acceptable, as that sport will not have the same physical stresses, and will be less traumatic to the joints of kids. If a child does not participate in another sport, some form of cross training can be performed to maintain baseline fitness levels. Some recommended activities would include: cardio workouts on stationary bikes, stairsteppers or elliptical machines; swimming; pick up basketball; or simple jogging.
Kids should be encouraged to take a break from sports, and having a free weekend every once in a while is a good thing!
Encore Rehabilitation, Inc. 