We love to see you move

“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!

Alabama State University – Benjamin Lee Knight Memorial 5K

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Benjamin Lee Knight

Saturday, October 21, 2017 marked the inaugural run for the Alabama State University Annual Benjamin Lee Knight Memorial 5K. It was a fantastic fall day to remember Ben, a recent physical therapist graduate from Alabama State (ASU). He passed away June 4, 2017 while hiking in the mountains of Arizona. His fellow students have organized this annual 5K to honor him and his legacy. Ben was known as a selfless servant, a defender of the broken and widowed, and a tender-hearted man who lived life to the fullest by deeply loving those around him.

Encore Rehabilitation is proud to partner with ASU to sponsor this event. Over 100 runners registered for this year’s run. Monies from the event go to local charities and organizations. Thank you to everyone who participated in this year’s run.

Allen Huckaby-Athlete of the Month for Hanceville High School and Encore Rehabilitation – Cullman

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Congratulations to Allen Huckaby, Athlete of the Month for Hanceville High School  and Encore Rehabilitation Cullman!

Allen is a freshman on the Bulldogs Football team, playing running back and linebacker. He also enjoys baseball, track, and fishing.

We wish you all the best, Allen!

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!

 

Joshua Santa Cruz- Encore Rehabilitation – Foley Athlete of the Month

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Congratulations to Joshua Santa Cruz for being selected as the Encore Rehabilitation – Foley Athlete of the Month!

Joshua is a 11th grade athlete at Foley High School where he plays football (#84) and baseball.  He has played varsity sports for the Lions for three years.

After high school, Joshua says,”I will make it to the NFL but if not, I want to be a missionary or in some type of ministry.”

Joshua is the son of Chris and Melody Santa Cruz.

We wish you the best of success, Joshua!

Encore Rehabilitation – Diamondhead Athlete of the Month – Sebastian Fausett

Sebastian Fausett Diamondhead Oct 2017

Congratulations to Sebastian Fausett for being selected as the Encore Rehabilitation – Diamondhead Athlete of the Month!

Sebastian is a 10th Grade athlete at Hancock High School where he enjoys playing multiple sports: football (#35), soccer (#99) and track. He has played varsity sports for the Hawks for one year.

After high school, Sebastian plans to attend Mississippi State University and major in the medical field.

Sebastian’s parents are Caroline and Todd Fausett.

Way to go, Sebastian!

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. 

 

 

 

2015 Encore Symposium

We would like to thank everyone who registered and participated in the Symposium this year. With 215 participants and multiple CEUs earned, it was truly a great success! We would like to give a huge thank you to all of the guest speakers, sponsors (pictured below), Tony Kennon, the City of Orange Beach, and the Wharf employees for making the symposium simply outstanding. A special thank you to Paul Henderson, Bo Shirey, Jason and Bridgette Henderson, Jordan King, Darlene Morris, Katy Chauvin, John Hurt, Trina Garmon, and Dewayne Fortenberry who directed and organized the symposium. We are so thankful for all of our awesome ATCs, PTs, OTs, directors, and staff members who make our company the best!

We enjoy helping people get back in the game as quickly as possible. That’s why we do everything we can to keep our staff prepared to serve patients, schools, and athletes. “We love to see you Move.”
Encore Symposium 11Encore Symposium CEUs Encore Symposium 8 Dr. Emblom and sons Encore Symposium
Encore Symposium 6 Encore Symposium 4 Encore Symposium 3

Encore Symposium Bo Shirey Jordan King Encore Symposium Encore Symposium Bo Shirey Elisabeth Bernier Encore Symposium 12 Encore Symposium 10 Encore Symposium 9 Encore Symposium 7 Encore Symposium 2 Bo Shirey Encore Symposium Barry Dale Encore Symposium

– Sponsors –

Theraband

Theraband

Matrix

Matrix

Quest Orthotics and prosthetics

Quest Orthotics and Prosthetics

Ossur American

Ossur American

Electro Medical

Electro Medical

Alert Services

Alert Services

Physical Therapy Benefits For Back Pain

After an episode of low back pain has lasted between two and six weeks, or if there are frequent recurrences of low back pain, it is reasonable to consider back pain exercises and physical therapy for back treatment. (Some spine specialists consider back exercise and physical therapy sooner, particularly if the pain is severe.) In general, the goals of back pain exercises and physical therapy are to decrease back pain, increase function, and provide education on a maintenance program to prevent further recurrences.

 

Passive Physical Therapy – Modalities

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:

  • Heat/ice packs
  • TENS units
  • Iontophoresis
  • Ultrasound

 

Active Physical Therapy – Back Pain Exercises

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:

  • Stretching for back pain exercise
  • Strengthening for back pain exercise
  • Low-impact aerobic conditioning

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.

  • Stretching for back pain exercises. Almost every individual who has suffered from low back pain should stretch their hamstring muscles once or twice daily. Simple hamstring stretching does not take much time, although it can be difficult to remember, especially if there is little or no pain. Therefore, hamstring stretching exercises are best done at the same time every day so it becomes part of a person’s daily routine.
  • Strengthening for back pain exercise. To strengthen the back muscles, 15-20 minutes of dynamic lumbar stabilization or other prescribed exercises should be done every other day.
  • Low-impact aerobic conditioning. Low impact aerobics (such as walking, bicycling or swimming) should be done for 30-40 minutes three times weekly, on alternate days from the strengthening exercises.

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