Manual therapy is a hands-on treatment by clinicians to treat muscle aches, joint pain, and limited range of motion. It encompasses a variety of techniques including soft tissue mobilization of muscles, specific joint mobilization, and joint manipulation.

The three most notable forms of manual therapy are:

• Manipulation is the application of a rapid force into a joint(s). Manipulation is often associated with an audible popping sound called cavitation.
• Mobilization is a slower, more controlled process of articular and soft-tissue stretching intended to improve joint mobility.
• Massage is typically the repetitive rubbing, stripping or kneading of muscle and fascia tissues to facilitate healing.

Manual therapy has been proven to be an important part of an overall conservative treatment plan for a variety of conditions including:

• Adhesive capsulitis
• Shoulder impingement
• Shoulder stiffness/limited range of motion
• Tennis elbow
• Golfers elbow
• Pinched nerves
• Limited joint range of motion
• Capsule tightness
• Postsurgical stiffness
• Much more.

Manual therapy is typically part of a complete treatment plan that is customized for your specific needs. Give us a call to learn how we can incorporate manual therapy into your rehabilitation program.

If you are a youth, collegiate, elite, or professional athlete, when you are injured, you need a physical therapist with experience rehabilitating sports-related injuries.

Athletes place higher demands on the muscles and joints and also require sport-specific training to recover speed, power, and agility. This is the specific training that our therapists provide.

Our physical therapists have years of experience rehabilitating athletes with:

• Postsurgical rehabilitation of the knee, shoulder, ankle, hip, and spine
• Shoulder & rotator cuff injuries
• Ligament sprains
• Muscle strains
• ACL, PCL, MCL, LCL rehab
• Tendonitis/bursitis
• Post-fracture rehab
• Tennis elbow
• Overhead sports injuries (throwing, swimming, etc.)
• Running & cycling injuries

A Personalized Recovery Process

The process starts with a thorough evaluation of your condition and your personal goals. We then provide a custom program including the following:

• Control of Pain & Inflammation
• Recovery of Range of Motion
• Hands-on Techniques
• Neuromuscular Retraining
• Core & Extremity Strengthening
• Balance & Proprioceptive Activities
• Speed, Endurance, & Power Training
• Sport-specific Retraining

Optimizing the Recovery Process

Injuries are an unfortunate side effect of sports but they don’t have to sideline you indefinitely. With the application of the latest clinical research, we can work hand-in-hand with your referring physician/surgeon to optimize the recover process so you can reach your full potential.

Give us a call today to learn more about our sports rehabilitation program.

Recent Blog Posts From Our Office Of Physical Therapy in Southfield, MI

Physical Therapy Treatment Following ACL Surgery

ACL injuries can happen to just about anyone, but ACL injuries tend to be most common in athletes who play soccer, basketball, tennis or football. Most of the time, these injuries occur with no warning and are often caused by a sudden twisting motion. Depending on the severity of your injury, there are a few treatment options but if your ACL is torn badly the only option is surgery. After an ACL surgery, it is important to get physical therapy treatment to help you get back to not only your sport but normal life pain-free. Here at Empower Physical Therapy in Southfield, MI we work closely with your surgeon to ensure the best possible treatment and care to help with your rehabilitation process.

After your surgery, it is important to let yourself heal. Taking the time to let yourself heal will help you regain knee strength and range of motion back. Physical therapy can last between three to six months but is needed for you to regain strength and mobility back in that knee. ACL injuries can be tough for many, but taking the proper precautions and following a treatment plan can help for an effective speedy recovery.

The Process of Physical Therapy in Southfield, MI

With the help of your surgeon, we will put together a treatment plan to ensure the most optimal and effective healing. The goals we have for our patients include:

• Recovery of joint mobility and strength
• Pain relief
• Improved function
• Independent care

Here at Empower Physical Therapy in Southfield, MI, we will provide you with extensive information to help you with your healing process. The care we use within our Rochester facilities include:

• Using a hands-on approach to help relax your muscles 
• Joint mobilization techniques to decrease joint stiffness
• Active range of motion techniques
• Strength training 
• Tight muscle stretching
• Pain relief modalities 

Schedule an Appointment for Physical Therapy in Southfield, MI

While everyone’s recovery process may look different, here at Empower Physical Therapy in Southfield, MI, we are committed to providing you with the best care possible on your road to recovery. For more information on our services or just looking to schedule an appointment, check out our website for all of our contact information.

How Can I Prepare My Body for the Winter Sports Season?

We at Empower Physical Therapy can help you get your body on track for a successful season with tips on what exercises would work for you and physical therapy services. If you’re looking for physical therapy in Southfield, MI to prepare your body for the sports season, then you’ve come to the right place with us!

With the winter season approaching, many athletes like you are surely looking forward to playing your sport this year. However, whether you play hockey, ski, or participate in any other winter sport, an important question may come to mind: “How can I prepare for the winter season?” How can you keep your body in prime physical condition for the winter? Our team will tell you how. 

Build Up Your Body

Training for the winter means exercising more than one part of your body and increasing your stamina & endurance. Athletes use different types of training to build up their bodies, such as:

• Stability: This type of training can mean training on uneven ground so that you can keep your balance, but it also means different exercises that put your body in uneven positions to improve your balance. This is especially important for sports like snowboarding and skiing, but stability training can apply for any winter sport.
• Coordination: This type of training involves working multiple parts of your body to make them move together. These exercises increase your endurance, as well as power and balance. Athletes often incorporate this kind of training into their running routines.

Also, there are different kinds of conditioning that make up a session of physical therapy in Southfield, MI that our athletes use to prepare for the upcoming winter season. These may include:

• Alignment: This type of conditioning means properly aligning the shoulders, spine, and hips to ensure that your body can move around more easily. Not being properly aligned can increase your risk of injury and cause general discomfort.
• Balance: Preparing your balance is arguably important for any sports season because it means you will be less likely to lose your balance and fall while participating in your sport. Different stability training exercises apply to this type of conditioning.
• Core Training: This type of training is important because your core is an anchor that keeps the rest of your body stable with it, especially your legs. You can strengthen your core by doing exercises that require your body to twist or bend forward, such as planks.

Remember that it is best to contact Empower Physical Therapy in Southfield, MI if you are trying to develop an exercise program or have questions about your current exercise program. We will be able to determine what kinds of exercises will best fit your needs as a winter athlete. We will work with you to ensure that you are getting into optimal condition for the sports season with our expert care.

Empower Physical Therapy in Southfield, MI

When thinking about preparing for the winter sports season, you will want to create an exercise plan that works for you. Utilizing different kinds of conditioning and exercises that will strengthen your body is important for athletic success. Here at Empower PT, we offer physical therapy in Southfield, MI that you can trust! Please visit our website to learn more about us and our services. We know how important your winter sport is to you, and we look forward to helping your body reach peak physical condition!

Soccer Injury Prevention and Treatment

Soccer is one of the most popular sports in the world. It is so popular that approximately a quarter of a billion people play around the world. However, with the increasing popularity comes the increase in soccer-related injuries. Soccer injuries can range from minor scrapes and bruises to vast injuries that may require surgery or physical therapy. If you suffer from a soccer-related injury and need Physical Therapy in Southfield, MI, consider reaching out to Empower Physical Therapy to ensure your injuries are properly treated.

Common Soccer Injuries

Soccer helps athletes build up their endurance, improve their speed, and promote fitness. However, it is also a game that often involves hard falls, player collisions, and the overuse of certain parts of the body, all of which can increase a player’s risk of injury. Common soccer injuries may include:

• Concussions
• ACL Injuries
• Meniscus Tears
• Sprained Ankles
• Bone Fractures
• Heat-Related Injuries

Preventing Soccer Injuries

Even though going to Physical Therapy in Southfield, MI can help treat any injuries you may receive while playing soccer, it is important to take preventative measures. Soccer injuries can often be prevented by:

• Stretching– spending five to ten minutes doing stretches before and after a game can help reduce muscle soreness, keep your muscles flexible, and can reduce your risk for injury. 
• Warm-Up Before Playing- warming up with exercises such as jumping jacks or a short run will warm up your muscles. These will increase your blood flow and put less stress on your muscles.
• Practice proper techniques- hitting the soccer ball with your forehead or staying low to the ground when you quickly change direction can help prevent various injuries, which will help protect you from harm.
• Wear proper attire- proper soccer attire includes well-fitted shin guards, properly fitted and securely fastened cleats, an ankle brace (if needed), and synthetic, unabsorbent soccer balls.
• Stay hydrated- Being dehydrated can have a significant impact on a player’s performance. If you are not hydrated, your body will not be able to cool itself down, which can cause you to overheat. It is recommended that players before, during, and after the game.

Treatment for Soccer Injuries

While there are many precautions players can take to reduce the risk of injuries on the soccer field, it is important to be prepared for the injuries that may occur during a game. Knowing what treatments are available for your injuries can help the healing process go smoother and be more effective. Physical Therapy in Southfield, MI can help heal soccer injuries and get players back to their pre-injured activities. Empower Physical Therapy helps athletes with:

• ACL Rehab
• Muscle and ligaments strains
• Running injuries
• Post-Fracture rehab

Schedule an Appointment for Physical Therapy in Southfield, MI!

If you are currently suffering from a soccer-related injury and are unsure of where to get help, look no further than Empower Physical Therapy. Whether you are looking to recover from an injury or increase your sports performance, our team is dedicated to making sure you are getting the help you deserve. Contact Empower Physical Therapy today to get the treatment you need!

Contact Us For Physical Therapy in Southfield, MI