- (480) 470-7978
- 2919 S Ellsworth Rd #102-B, Mesa 85212
- Mon - Thu: 8AM - 6:00PM, Fri: 8AM - 12PM
Southwest Family Physical Therapy Services
Physical Therapy in Mesa, Arizona
At Southwest Family Physical Therapy, we treat patients experiencing pain, stiffness, illness, injury, and seeking post-surgery rehabilitation. From high-level, functional training to hands-on manual therapy to sport-specific training, our team specializes in sports rehabilitation and treatment of sport-related injuries; integrating state-of-the-art technology and evidence-based treatment methodologies.
Southwest Family Physical Therapy Services & Techniques
Physical Therapy Techniques by Dr. Evan Short, DPT
Physical Therapy Services in Mesa
by Southwest Family Physical Therapy
Physical therapy is a safe and effective way to treat most patients experiencing pain, stiffness, illness, injury, and seeking post-surgery rehabilitation. However, the following details the most common reasons for patients to visit a physical therapist office.
Post-Op Rehab
Our physicians have extensive expertise in the rehabilitation of patients after a variety of surgical procedures. We collaborate with the patient’s surgeon to give exercise suggestions, activity precautions, and mobility training to help with recovery from the treatment.
Sports Medicine
From high-level, functional training to hands-on manual therapy to sport-specific training, our team specializes in sports rehabilitation and treatment of sport-related injuries; integrating state-of-the-art technology and evidence-based treatment methodologies.
Both on the field and in the clinic, our physical therapists have received significant training, and specialize in treating orthopedic and sports specific injuries.
Balance & Fall Prevention
Physical therapy helps improve balance and prevent falls, which often lead to injuries. Decreased eyesight, vestibular disorders (the inner ear and central nervous system region that governs body position in space), drug usage, and/or cognitive problems may all cause loss of balance.
Our physical therapists examine and assess each patient’s needs, then decide on the appropriate therapy for those who fear falling, have fallen, or have trouble with keeping one’s balance.
Parkinson's Disease
From the time of diagnosis throughout the course of the illness, patients with Parkinson’s disease need to be able to move about and be active. Physical therapy’s purpose is to assist patients with PD move as well, and as long as possible while also improving quaity of life.
Pediatric Orthopedics
When it comes to a child’s health and well-being, it’s critical to recognize how different their body is from that of an adult. Childrens’ bones, muscles, and joints need specific attention when they suffer from an orthopedic ailment or injury as a result of their favorite sport.
As a result, our physicians consider a child’s future growth and development as part of their medical treatment strategy.
Motor Vehicle Accidents
Automobile accidents often cause serious, long-lasting injuries ranging from whiplash to fractured bones. Physical therapy assists in alleviating pain, swelling, and stiffness in the days after an accident. With car accident injuries, our focus is on preventing long-term impairments.
The severity of injuries depends on the severity of crash, the body’s position at the time of impact, patient’s age, and pre-existing medical issues.
Among the most prevalent automotive injuries our therapists treat are:
- Whiplash
- Neck soreness
- Concussion
- Shoulder pain
- Back pain
- Arm and leg aching
Neck & Back Rehabilitation
Chronic neck discomfort is often treated with physical therapy. Most neck pain physical therapy programs start with treatments to relieve pain and stiffness so that neck strengthening and stretching exercises to correct posture may begin.
Neck and back physical therapy techniques and exercises, as well as treatment length, differ from patient to patient.
Shoulder Rehabilitation
Physical therapy for shoulder discomfort is typically an effective, non-surgical treatment for rotator cuff tears or other injuries to the muscles around the shoulder. PT seeks to enhance the function and mobility of a patient’s shoulder.
To address shoulder discomfort, our doctors fully assess the patient’s injury and determine the best course of therapy.
Knee Rehabilitation
Physical therapy helps people with knee problems by reducing discomfort and regaining mobility. After initial treatment, physical therapy allows for most patients to gradually resume normal activities.
With a damaged meniscus or ACL, surgery may be required to repair the knee. Physical therapy is used before or after surgery to assist patients in regaining full functionality.
Foot & Ankle Rehabilitation
Often rest is all that is required for certain foot and ankle ailments. However, physical therapy may be required as part of a rehabilitation program for severe injuries.
Patients are able to strengthen their feet or ankles with the right physical care. Rehabilitation is the process of recovering from the injury. Physical therapy, pain relievers, braces, and other healing measures are often recommended.
Proprioception Disorders
Proprioception is the sense that allows you to know where your body is in space. This sense comes from the receptors in your muscles, joints, and tendons that send messages to your brain about your movements. Proprioception is essential for movement and balance, and it also helps you with activities like typing or playing an instrument. If you have problems with proprioception, you may feel unsteady or uncoordinated. You may also have difficulty with tasks that require hand-eye coordination. There are several ways to improve your proprioception, including exercises, physical therapy, and special devices or tools. If you think you may have a problem with proprioception, schedule an appointment with one of our doctors or physical therapists at Southwest Family Physical Therapy.
Physical Therapy Techniques
by Southwest Family Physical Therapy
The following details the most common techniques and approaches utilized by our team of physical therapists. Please contact us directly to learn more.
Kinesio Taping
Kinesio taping is a rehabilitation technique that involves carefully placing elastic tape to enhance the body’s natural healing process. Kinesio tape is used to offer support to joints and muscles while still allowing the body to move freely. Kinesio tape can also be used to inhibit or facilitate muscle function to correct various dysfunctions.
Manual Therapy
Manual physical therapy is a treatment approach that is administered using the hands rather than a machine or instrument. Manual therapy involves applying pressure to muscle tissue and manipulating joints in order to relieve pain caused by muscle spasm, muscular tension, and joint dysfunction.
Instrument-Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM)
Instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization (IASTM) is a technique used by physical therapists to provide a more focused and direct treatment to muscles, fascia, and ligaments.
ASTYM / ISTYM Technique
ASTYM / ISTYM therapy is a noninvasive therapeutic technique that focuses on stimulating soft tissue healing and engaging the body’s regenerative systems to resorb troublesome scar tissue. ASTYM / ISTYM treats a wide range of soft tissue issues, including difficult-to-treat illnesses that have previously failed to respond to conventional treatments.
Patellar Tracking
With Patellar tracking disorder, the kneecap (patella) slips out of position when the leg bends or straightens. This is a common condition. In the majority of instances, the kneecap slips too far to the outside of the leg, causing pain. In a small number of patients, the change is toward the interior.
Muscle Energy Techniques
Muscle energy technique is a kind of manual treatment in which the body’s natural energy is employed to produce relaxation and enhance pain alleviation in the body’s muscles. This approach is particularly beneficial when the muscles are the source of the pain and stiffness.
As soon as a muscle fiber goes into spasm, it is retained in a continual state of contraction, restricting the range of motion and producing pain. Doctors use the muscular energy approach to help muscles relax and extend to their optimum levels so that they can function and recover to their fullest.
Shoulder Mobilizations
Shoulder mobilization is a technique that is often utilized in our office’s therapeutic practice. It is used in situations when the range of motion (ROM) has been limited. Shoulder mobilization is also known as the Maitland method.
Mobilization issues treated include the glenohumeral joint, scapulothoracic joint, sternoclavicular joint, and acromioclavicular joint. Our physical therapists assess all four shoulder joints in terms of hindered mobilization.
Ankle & Hip Mobilizations
Hip and ankle joint mobilizations are well-known for their effectiveness in decreasing discomfort, temporarily increasing range of motion, and improving general function in a particular region.
The treatment of a joint mobilization is a manual (hands-on) therapeutic procedure that is intended to reduce discomfort, enhance range of motion, and promote normal function.
Manual Cervical Traction
In order to alleviate pressure and discomfort, cervical traction devices stretch the spinal vertebrae and surrounding muscles. The head is stretched or pulled away from the neck with the use of force or tension. Creating space between the vertebrae removes compression and enables the muscles to relax, which is beneficial for overall spine health.
Suboccipital Release
This soft tissue treatment method is useful for decreasing tension in the surrounding tissues of the cervical spine, particularly in the upper cervical and suboccipital regions of the back.
It is possible that tension in this musculature is caused by sympathetic reflex activity in organs that are innervated by the cervical sympathetic ganglia.
