Physical Therapy Specialists of Guilford and Old Saybrook Connecticut is a unique provider of advanced practice physical therapy services, is built on the philosophy that advanced clinical training can lead to advanced clinical outcomes, and that is reflected in the expertise of our staff in a wide array of services offered. We treat all ages from, pediatric to older adult, to help you return to your highest level of function.
Our services include, but are not limited to:
Orthopedics and Sports Medicine
If you suffer from injuries and conditions that impact your skeletal system and its associated joints, muscles and ligaments, you will be seen by one of our many in-house board-certified orthopedic specialists. Our board certified providers offer post-operative, injury recovery and maintenance programs to improve your function and pain. With the use of evidence-based therapy, a combination of hands-on manual therapy and modalities, and functional biomechanical analysis, we work to get you pain-free and back to your normal level of activity as quickly as possible
Our training Functional Biomechanics therapists practice the science of understanding the totality of the relationships and interactions of all the body parts and systems that provide for the complexity of human movement. It is only when you understand this framework fully that you can truly comprehend the specific factors that impact your ability, or inability, to function to your full capacity. It is essentially a means of understanding movement (and injury) as a chain reaction – not an isolated event.
We offer the unique insight of a fellowship-trained certified practitioner in functional biomechanics so we can better understand the strengths and weaknesses of your nervous system, muscular system, and skeletal system and how they interact with one another. By understanding the neuromusculoskeletal system as an integrated machine, we can accurately diagnose and treat the root cause of your problem, rather than simply focusing on the symptoms. As a result, the overall level of functional improvement is enhanced and the resolution of symptoms more complete. Additionally, we offer add-on cash-based services including dry needling to help further your recovery.
Below find an outline of specialty programs we offer within our orthopedic and sports medicine division.
Spinal Rehabilitation
We are specially trained in the effective treatment of patients with back, neck and extremities disorders by the world-renowned McKenzie Institute in the McKenzie Method of Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy. Additionally, our therapists are certified in Manual Therapy and Applied Functional Biomechanics enabling us to treat the spine with a variety of the most successful, evidence-based treatment approaches in the field. As a result, even patients who have failed conservative care using one approach to spine rehab find that by applying the most appropriate model for their individual case, a pain-free life remains an achievable goal. Back and neck pain are the leading cause of absences from work in the United States and they can seriously impact your quality of life. We do not believe you should have to live in pain. We offer years of clinical expertise and advanced training to help you.
Manual Therapy (Certified Practitioners)
We offer certified expertise in the hands-on techniques of orthopedic manual therapy which allows us to mobilize and manipulate your body in an effort to decrease your pain and increase your range of motion. This therapy is particularly effective in adding flexibility to stiff joints and muscles. When coupled with our educational advice and a series of customized exercises, it will help you to regain your strength and mobility faster than with exercise alone. You are encouraged to work on your rehabilitation at home between visits, and we give you the tools to do it.
Injury Prevention Programs
Understanding what is at the root of your pain or injury is a significant first step to develop a program of care that prevents your injury from recurring. Our training in Applied Functional Biomechanics uniquely positions us to more accurately identify possible sources of injury and to correct them before injury occurs. We will work with you to assess if certain injuries can be prevented and prescribe exercises so you can be a partner in your care between visits.
Sport-Specific Rehabilitation and Conditioning
We offer sport specific training programs to help you set and achieve goals, overcome weaknesses, and move your performance to the next level. We work with recreational, amateur and professional athletes alike utilizing individualized programs specifically designed for each sport. Our staff recognizes that just as no two athletes are the same, no two sports are the same. Each sport requires a specific skill set and functional ability. Our staff can analyze your sport and your body, identify areas where your body may be underperforming, and work to specifically enhance your abilities. We understand your need to be the best that you can be at your sport of choice and we will customize a program to ensure that you reach your peak performance. We cater programs to help you treat and/or prevent sports-specific issues like golfer’s shoulder, runner’s knee and tennis elbow.
Back and Neck Pain
In the United States each year, back and neck pain remains a leading cause of absences from work and the number one orthopedic condition for which patients seek medical attention. It is also a common condition that deters people from living the normally active life they want and it often impacts their quality of life – especially if the pain continues for several weeks and becomes chronic.
Our specially-trained physical therapists will seek out the root cause of your pain and begin a customized treatment plan to get you back to the life you want to live. At the same time, our individualized exercise program is designed to help you avoid recurring problems – often riding you of back pain once and for all.
Pre and Post-Operative Therapy
If you are having joint replacement surgery or other surgery, research has shown that having physical therapy both before and after your operation will contribute to a faster and fuller recovery process.
Our team is knowledgeable about joint replacement surgery and will work with your physician and surgeon as part of a team to ensure that your therapy is the most effective for you.
Our goal is to increase your strength, flexibility and range of motion so that you can heal and get back to your normal level of activity as quickly as possible. However, often times after surgery specific precautions must be followed and established timelines must be respected to allow for proper healing. We are trained in a variety of post-operative protocols and can help you identify the right protocol for your post-operative recovery.
Sub-Speciality Care
Hand Therapy
Our certified hand therapists provide services to assist you in the recovery of elbow, wrist, and hand injuries as well as surgeries. Our professionals are equipped with extensive knowledge of various treatment methods to ensure maximum function and strength of the upper extremities. Our certified hand therapists specialize in treating complex injuries and surgeries of upper extremities. We follow a function-based approach to help you return to meaningful activities.
Complex Lymphatic Therapy (Certified Practitioner)
Lymphedema, commonly caused by the removal of or damage to your lymph nodes as part of cancer treatment, causes swelling in one or both of your arms or legs. This is caused by a blockage in your lymphatic system, an important part of your immune system. The blockage creates a buildup of lymph fluid, which in turn leads to the swelling. We are certified in the delivery of complex lymphatic therapy. While there is no cure for lymphedema, it can be effectively managed by a specially trained and certified physical therapist and the diligent care of your affected limb.
Oncology, Perinatal and Industrial Rehabilitation Programs
Our goal is to help you return to your normal lifestyle and level of activity as quickly as possible after any event that reduces your level of function – including the effects of cancer treatments, the birth of a child, or a workplace injury. We will help you establish reasonable goals and make progress towards them with physical therapy and prescribed exercise programs.
Custom Foot and Hand Orthotics
We are trained to create custom foot and hand orthotics to correct issues of abnormal or irregular alignment or movement patterns. These orthotics are custom fabricated on you to ensure the perfect fit. Common foot orthotics include shoe inserts that alter walking pattern angles slightly, particularly where the foot strikes the surface of the ground in walking and running. Foot orthotics can help to prevent plantar fasciitis and tibialis tendinopathy. Common conditions for hand orthotics include thumb arthritis and trigger finger. These can help prevent recurrent joint wear and tear as well as inflammation.
Healthy Aging, Parkinson’s and Neurodegenerative Diseases
Vestibular Rehabilitation
Vestibular rehabilitation therapy (VRT) is effective in improving symptoms related to disorders of the vestibular system. These include inner ear disorders and balance issues. If you are suffering from vertigo, dizziness, visual disturbances and balance issues, you may be helped by vestibular rehabilitation. Left untreated, issues of the vestibular system can seriously diminish your quality of life and ability to handle daily living activities. They can also lead to increased anxiety and depression as you become fearful about going out in case the systems strike again. We have had excellent responses to our therapy which is aimed at easing both primary and secondary symptoms.
Balance and Fall Prevention in the Elderly
If you suffer from frequent falls, loss of balance, shuffling gait, vertigo, or dizziness, you may be experiencing a problem with your main balance system (your vestibular system). It is important to receive an accurate diagnosis and proper therapy to avoid compounding the difficulties caused by imbalance issues, including a tendency to fall and create serious injuries. Dizziness and imbalance issues can take away your independence and curtail your ability to live a full life. We have years of success using a variety of therapies that help us get to the root cause of your problem, and work to solve it.
Parkinson’s Rehabilitation
Specializing in Parkinson's Disease therapy, our comprehensive programs are tailored to address individual needs, focusing on mobility, balance, and overall well-being. Through evidence-based techniques and compassionate care, we aim to optimize function and independence, empowering clients to maintain an active lifestyle. Our multidisciplinary approach combines physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy to address a range of symptoms and challenges. By fostering a supportive environment and employing cutting-edge strategies, we strive to slow the progression of neurodegenerative diseases and promote healthy aging, ensuring each individual can live life to the fullest.