Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation (Physical and Occupational Therapy)

Our physical and occupational therapists treat a wide variety of injuries involving all joints of the body, such as may result from injury or overuse, as well as orthopedic post-surgical rehabilitation. Our therapists will:

•	Evaluate your condition
•	Develop a treatment plan suited to your individual problem
•	Educate you in performing an appropriate exercise program at home
•	Provide you with the tools and skills you need to return you to your normal functional activities and prevent further injury
•	Create a general fitness and exercise program tailored to meet your individual requirements

Our specialized musculoskeletal rehabilitation services include:

Biomechanical Analysis

Biomechanical analysis is the evaluation of how you move, whether in sports or everyday life. This is the first step to a rehabilitation or retraining program. Our methods include subjective assessments of gait and sports technique, as well as in-depth computerized evaluations, such as at our Motion Analysis Laboratory in Boston.

Hand and Occupational Therapy

Our hand therapists work with patients who may have been affected by an accident or trauma, and suffered some form of disorder of their fingers, hands, or arm. Diagnoses include fractures, tendon injuries, carpal tunnel syndrome, tendonitis, sprains and strains, neuropathies, and arthritis, as well as neurological disorders, such as stroke and MS.

Therapy programs are always designed around the needs of the individual, and will vary depending on current capabilities and goals for restoration. Programs of treatment may include static and dynamic splinting, computerized biofeedback, stress management techniques, restoration of activities of daily living, exercise programs, and patient education.

Manual and Manipulative Therapy

Manual and manipulative therapy techniques restore normal spinal joint segmental mobility, as well as soft tissue and neural mobility which ultimately Is required to normalize the biomechanics of the musculoskeletal system In conjunction with re-education of muscle function. (See also: Integrative Medicine)

Neuromuscular Re-education

Once joint restrictions and muscle imbalances have been identified and normalized, then it is imperative to retrain the coordination and sequencing of muscle activation to control and optimize joint motion. This co-ordination is called motor control and is emphasized along with proprioceptive training prior to the integration of more traditional strengthening exercises. Motor control, proprioceptive training, and visualization techniques are elements of neuromuscular re-education which is essential for optimal physical rehabilitation and functional outcome.

Orthotics

A custom orthotic or shoe insert may be effective in reducing pain throughout the lower extremity. To prescribe an appropriate orthotic an individual's gait pattern and lower extremity biomechanics must be taken into account. Our therapists can perform a comprehensive biomechanical assessment, make a custom cast of your feet, and prescribe the orthotic that meets your needs.

TMJ

The Temporo-Madibular Joint (TMJ) dysfunction may be the result of teeth grinding or clenching, or of major or minor trauma to the jaw. Symptoms include pain in the ears, temple, or cheeks, sore jaw muscles, locking of the jaw, and difficulty in opening the mouth. Treatment includes relaxation techniques, and education on causes and prevention.