rehabilitation

“Best career decision I’ve made!” Barry Haisting, LTPA – Encore Rehabilitation Haleyville

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Beginning a new career path at age 41 was not easy but Barry Haisting shares, “Becoming a Physical Therapist Assistant  is by far the best career decision I’ve made!”

“When I began this career path 8 years ago, my interest was based around athletics and returning athletes to play. Since then, I would say my interest has definitely changed to helping others return to work and independence,” he expressed. Barry is a Physical Therapist Assistant at Encore Rehabilitation of Haleyville.

Previously to receiving his PTA degree from Wallace State Community College, he had received a business degree from Northwest Shoals Community College. Happy to be treating patients, Barry has been in the physical therapy field for 8 years and has been with Encore Rehabilitation for 4 years.

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

After knee surgery, Misty Tucker is feeling better!

Misty Tucker Vernon

“I had surgery on my left knee. I had two screws and a pin put in a device to keep the knee from popping out-of-place,” relates Misty Tucker. After eight weeks of physical therapy with Encore Rehabilitation – Vernon, she is doing much better. “The friendly staff helped me with the stiffness in my leg. The staff take the time to get you where you need to be after surgery.”

Thank you, Misty! Happy National Physical  Therapy Month!

Getting People Back to Their Lifestyle – Marla Kizzire, Encore Rehabilitation Fayette

Marla Kizzire PTARevised

If you were to ask Marla Kizzire, LPTA, ATC, what she likes best about being a Physical Therapist Assistant, she would be happy to answer, ” I like interacting with my patients and meeting new people. I enjoy the opportunity to treat each patient. I really like being part of getting people back to their prior lifestyle.”

Marla has been a practicing clinician for 21 years, spending four of those years with Encore Rehabilitation where she treat patients at Encore Rehabilitation – Fayette. In addition to her Physical Therapist Assistant degree from Wallace State, Marla has a bachelor’s degree in Sports Medicine from the University of South Alabama. Marla enjoys spending time with her family, camping, and boating.

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

 

 

“I would choose Encore again!”

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Stacy Fuqua was in an auto accident with a semi and received multiple injuries to her clavicle, shoulders, hips, knee and ankle. For six months, she has been receiving physical therapy with Encore Rehabilitation – Winfield. Stacy reports, “I have received great care and would choose Encore again!”

We wish you continued recovery, Stacy! Happy National Physical Therapy Month!

“I love the staff,” Dorothy Smith and Encore Rehabilitation – Petal

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“I have had surgery on my left knee three times. Each time Encore has helped me with my rehab,” says Dorothy Smith. “Stacey Martin is my champion. Mid September, after my last surgery, my back developed pain. They are currently helping me work through my pain. I love the staff and appreciate the care they give.” 

Thank you. Ms. Smith! We appreciate your kind words.

Happy National Physical Therapy Month!

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

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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!

Helping others – Suzanne Jarvis, PT, Celebrating National Physical Therapy Month

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Encore Rehabilitation- Columbiana Physical Therapist Suzanne Jarvis shares the best thing about being a PT is helping others. “I enjoy getting to know people and helping them meet their goals. The quality of one’s life is important, so each plan of care is developed around the individual’s goals. It is rewarding for the patient as well as the therapist to see people regain the ability to do the activities they want and need to do. Whether it is recovering from surgery, regaining strength and independence after an illness, or returning to a sport or hobby, physical therapy can play a key role.” 

Suzanne received her physical therapy degree from the University of South Alabama. She has been practicing for 25 years with ten of those years with Encore Rehabilitation. Suzanne recently received her Certification in Dry Needling.

Happy National Physical Therapy Month, Suzanne! Thank you for helping others get back to doing the activities they love!

 

Touching the Lives of Others Every Day with Tyson Crisman, PT – Celebrating National Physical Therapy Month

Tyson Crisman PT Pike Road Oct 2017 Revised 2

Tyson Crisman, Physical Therapist and Clinical Director for Encore Rehabilitation – Montgomery East, says, “The best thing about being a physical therapist is being able to touch people’s lives on a daily basis. We have the opportunity to positively affect people’s lives with our care. Sometimes it is with our clinical skills, sometimes it is through our caring attitudes and other times it is with our caring actions.” 

Tyson is no stranger to helping others. He has been a physical therapist for 13 years and has been with Encore Rehabilitation for one year.  Recently Tyson added Certified in Dry Needling to his list of treatments he can offer patients.

Tyson continues, “Whether it is a joint mobility that relieves pain, a smile and wave, or a sympathetic acknowledgement of understanding, we have the chance to positively affect every person’s life or day. I pray every day that God helps me to impact everyone that comes to our clinic in a positive manner.” 

Thank you, Tyson, for always helping our patients! Happy Physical Therapy Month!

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

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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.