The foundation of a good treatment program is an accurate and thorough diagnosis of what is wrong.
Comprehensive Tissue Evaluation
We provide a comprehensive musculoskeletal examination that carefully reviews the following systems in your body:
- Muscles and tendons
- Ligaments and joint capsules
- Cartilage, spinal discs and bone
- Nervous system
- Circulatory system
We review each of these systems because each heal at a different rate and may require its own unique treatment. Moreover, an injury frequently involves different types of tissue, all of which deserve treatment.
A whiplash injury from a motor vehicle accident is one example of a condition which requires a thorough connective tissue evaluation. In spite of initial symptoms that may be fairly insignificant, you are dealing with a complex injury. A whiplash injury typically damages nerves, blood vessels, muscles, and connective tissue in your spine. There may be a spinal instability, causing further trauma to muscles, nerves and ligaments. Inflammation may cause blood vessel congestion, thus exacerbating the inflammatory process and retarding repair. The facet joints in the spine may be compressed, which can cause future degenerative changes in the spine and breakdown of cartilage. So, a thorough examination of muscles, bones and other connective tissue is essential.
Call 503.236.3108 now for a free consultation.
Body Mechanics Evaluation
Body movement should be assessed to prevent future recurrence of injury. For example, if a joint is not moving appropriately, there is risk for fibrosis, scarring and loss of motion. On the other hand, excessive joint movement can lead to spinal instability and stretching of the ligaments that support your spine. This may cause increased sensitivity and feedback to your neural tissue, which may lead to a chronic pain condition.
Trained Evaluators
The New Heights physical therapy staff has extensive postgraduate training in how to perform a comprehensive examination and evaluation.
We are also trained and experienced in taking medical histories, and we understand how systemic illnesses may contribute to the symptoms of your injury. For example, environmental toxicity, endocrine imbalances or chronic disease may contribute to inflammation or limit your healing capacity. If indicated by the results of your evaluation, we can refer you to a physician or other health care practitioner in order to address these health issues that can limit your healing capacity.
Your Next Step:
The focus of your initial examination is to identify exactly what tissue is involved in your injury so that a precise treatment program can be developed. Your first step toward healing is to call for either a free consultation, or a comprehensive evaluation.