McKenzie Method
A uniquely designed therapy method that prioritizes patient education and active participation. This technique uses three main concepts: assessment, treatment, and prevention. Through a series of applied mechanical forces each individual patient’s disorder is identified and categorized in one or more of three subgroups: postural, dysfunction, and/or derangement. A personalized treatment plan consisting of a series of different exercises targeting the specific pain is then created. Many patients are able to perform their treatment plan individually. Through the application of involvement, education and continuous participation, visits to the clinic can be decreased rather quickly and the patient can maintain their therapy exercises at home minimizing the possibility of recurrence.

Mulligan Technique
A ground-breaking therapy technique created by Brian Mulligan, a physical therapist himself, this approach is based on the standard that patients should not endure pain during therapy and that results should be immediate. Through the application of gradual mobilization of the joints, extremities and ribs and in some cases the utilization of resistance, function begins to be restored. The Mulligan Method combines both the tools and knowledge of the therapist with the active participation of the patient to quickly and effectively produce movement and reduce pain.

Strain/Counter Strain Techniques
First developed by Dr. Lawrence Jones, this therapy approach identifies the tender points in the back to restore pain-free movement. First the physical therapist positions the patient comfortably for at least 90 seconds in order to reset the muscles to their natural position. The strain/counter strain techniques are then applied to stretch the muscles and shorten the dysfunctional muscles in order to realign them with the rest of the body. When creating this exemplary therapy technique, Dr. Jones found that many other therapy techniques did not realign the muscles, but rather concentrated on just removing pain. This method not only decreases and removes the aching twinges of back pain, but repositions the muscles to prevent future discomfort.

Spinal Stabilization
This essential technique is used to decrease post-surgery back pain. This is a progressive method that requires the utilization of increasingly difficult intensified exercises in order to continuously enhance muscle strength. By applying a group of exercises that build the abdominal muscles along with the deep back muscles the spine becomes stabilized and pain is relieved.

Meeks Method
The Meeks Method was created by physical therapist Sarah Meeks, designed to aid in the treatment of osteoporosis and restore posture throughout the aging process. By applying twelve easy steps this therapy technique can dramatically enhance the life of someone living with osteoporosis.

Functional Capacity Evaluations (FCEs)
Functional Capacity Evaluations (FCEs) are used in order to transition patients back into the workforce. The evaluation consists of a standardized test focusing an individual’s physical tolerance, endurance, speed, flexibility, and strength. It is designed according to essential aspects that include diagnosis, impairment, pain and functional limitation and the evaluation usually lasts about four hours. An FCE is the only measuring tool that can guarantee a successful transition back into the workforce.

Work Readiness
This consists of a series of different simulations of the work environment. Individualized to each patient’s different careers, work readiness prepares a person for the constant motions that would be a part of their work life getting the body ready for the repeated motions. This program is not to be confused with work hardening, work readiness is not a simulation of an actual work day, but rather a simulation of the daily tasks a person must perform on the job.

Work Hardening
Work hardening is an intensive injured worker program including strengthening, flexibility and aquatic exercises. The goal of the program is for the patient to achieve the level of improvement required to meet their individual critical job demands for successful return to work. The program combines job simulation activities specific to the patient’s job and work environment. At the end of the Work Hardening program, patients are given a Functional Capacities Evaluation (FCE). The program is offered five days a week, four hours a day for four weeks in our Pittson Heinz Rehab clinic.

Aquatic Therapy
Our aquatic therapy provides comprehensive rehabilitative care to patients in a warm water pool. An experienced team of physical therapists and physical therapy assistants use the water and design individual activities to enhance, restore and/or increase a person’s functional abilities. Performing exercises in a pool provides benefits including decreased strain on the bones and muscles, increased balance and coordination while maintaining therapy.

» Click here to learn more about aquatic therapy at Allied Rehab and Heinz Rehab

Post Therapy Fitness
A post-therapy maintenance program is offered for a fee to all patients after therapy is completed.