SERVICES
Manual Therapy
Manual Therapy has a long history within the profession of physical therapy and physical therapists have greatly contributed to the current diversity in manual therapy approaches and techniques. Mechanical explanations were historically used to explain the mechanisms by which manual therapy interventions worked, new research reveals intricate neurophysiologic mechanisms are also at play and the beneficial psychological effects of providing hands-on examination and intervention should not be ignored.
The International Federation of Orthopedic Manipulative Physical Therapists (IFOMPT) defines manual therapy techniques as: "Skilled hand movements intended to produce any or all of the following effects: improve tissue extensibility; increase range of motion of the joint complex; mobilize or manipulate soft tissues and joints; induce relaxation; change muscle function; modulate pain; and reduce soft tissue swelling, inflammation or movement restriction"
This broad term encompasses every joint and area of the body. Our team has received advanced training in diagnosing and treating musculoskeletal conditions from head to toe. Due to our ability to see patients as a primary care provider we (typically) do not require a referral for you to be seen. If you have a problem with your joints, muscles, back, headaches, dizziness etc and are sick of being prescribed medicine, told you need further testing, or told that there is nothing that can be done for you, then Apex is the right fit for you. We have made it our medical mission to help those who have fallen through the cracks of the medical system.
Dry Needling
Dry Needling- although similar to acupuncture- should not be considered as the same treatment. Acupuncture utilizes a treatment paradigm best described as Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). DN conversely is Western based medicine with scientific research to support he use and placement of needles to alleviate pain/discomfort, and musculoskeletal dysfunction. Despite major differences between TCM and DN therapy, some confusion still persists. Many patients have heard of DN and some have even experienced it first hand. However, many people have experienced a negative ND treatment due to a Western style of needling known as Trigger Point (TP) Dry Needling. Current research in DN suggests that TP needling is not the primary mechanism by which DN is effective, and in many cases can cause more damage/discomfort. Joe does not use TP DN as the primary method of treating patients and therefore can assure a more scientifically based treatment with significantly less discomfort
Joe receive his DN training and certifications from the American Academy fo Manipulative Therapy, Spinal Manipulation Institute and Dry Needling Institute. This organization is the leading expert in DN and DN research allowing the practitioner of this method to achieve the most effective pain free treatment with DN. Joe has followed up his DN certification by attending the Hobbes Master Series of DN with advanced training and techniques using DN and has been successfully treating patients with DN for years.
TMJD
Do you ever find it difficult to chew or yawn due to pain, clicking or locking in your jaws? Do you suffer from headaches, neck pain, ringing or stuffiness in the ears? A common source of many of these symptoms is from the temporo-mandibular joint, better known as TMJ or TMD (temporo-mandibular disorder). TMJ issues and are often undiagnosed or not treated, which leads to severe pain and significantly limited function with eating, talking, and other common functions. We have taken advanced classes in the area of TMJD and is able to assist you in reducing all symptoms associated with your jaw.
Injury Prevention
Physical Therapy has been recently recognized as one of the most beneficial ways to prevent injury, and illness. Don't wait until you're injured to assess your biomechanics, and movement patterns. Apex has staff that are equipped to create a unique injury prevention program that suits each individual.
Pre Operative Care
Post Operative Care
If you are about to undergo surgery have you considered pre operative care to assist you in better preparing for your recovery? Apex is able to assist you in developing a pre operative plan to maximize your preparation for surgery.
So you have undergone surgery and are hoping to recover to your highest level of function. Do not settle for a PT who runs you through a preset program. At Apex we tailor make post operative plans for each patient. Each surgery and patient is unique and needs to be treated accordingly.
Chronic Pain/Fibromyalgia/CRPS
If you suffer from chronic pain conditions and are looking for assistance, help, and a new method of dealing with your symptoms then Apex can help. Joe has taken advanced certification in Dry Needling and Manual Therapy techniques designed at assisting the body in maximizing its own healing potential. If you are sick of medicating your pain and are looking for actual help, not a mask, then Apex can help.
Concussion/Traumatic Brain Injury
Recent changes in medical research has allowed for a better understanding into the nature of concussions. We now consider concussions to be forms of mild traumatic brain injuries. This new classification has created significant advantages for patients so that we are better able to understand the complexities that are involved in this complex diagnosis. Our team has advanced education and conducted doctoral level research in this area. This allows him to help patients and families understand the complexity of brain injuries.
Vestibular Rehabilitation, Vertigo | Dizziness
Evidence has shown that vestibular rehabilitation can be effective in improving symptoms related to many vestibular (inner ear/balance) disorders. 1, 2 people with vestibular disorders often experience problems with vertigo, dizziness visual disturbance, and/or imbalance. These are the problems that rehabilitation aims to address. Other problems can also arise that are secondary to vestibular disorders, such as nausea and/or vomiting, reduced ability to focus or concentrate, and fatigue.
Due to the difficulty that most medical staff have with accurately diagnosing your problem it is imperative that this be done well. We are equipped to assist you with understanding your diagnosis and coming up with an appropriate treatment plan to maximize your healing.
Functional Capacity Evaluation
A functional capacity evaluation (FCE) is a set of tests, practices, and observations that are combined to determine the ability of the evaluated person to function in variety of circumstances, most often for employment. In an objective manner. Physicians change the diagnoses based on FCEs. They are also required by insurers in when an insured person applies for disability payments or a disability.
We have achieved the certifications necessary to complete this complex test. If you are in need of this test, please inquire how we can help you complete the test in a timely fashion.