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Specialty Therapy Services

At Johnson Physical Therapy & Rehab PC, we provide quality physical and occupational therapy to improve the lives of people with health-related conditions. Depending on your needs, we will apply one of our specialty therapy services in Southwest Colorado to help you heal and function better.

Manual Therapy

Manual therapy is one of the techniques applied to manipulate joints and soft tissue with only the hands. Our physical therapist will massage, manipulate, and stretch different parts of the body to widen the range of motion, lessen swelling, mobilize joints or soft tissue, and decrease restriction. One or more of the techniques listed below may be applied.
Lymphatic Drainage
One of the primary concerns in people who undergo surgery, particularly surgery for breast cancer, is lymphedema. This condition causes swelling in the arms and legs because the lymphatic system is blocked. During manual lymphatic drainage, the physical therapist will apply light pressure in what feels like a massage in order to encourage the flow of lymph from your arm or leg. This is typically followed by compression to reduce the swelling.
Manual Traction
Manual traction is done by applying gentle force to an area of the body to stretch it. Most often, manual traction is done on the neck as a treatment for neck pain. While you lie on your back, the physical therapist gently takes the base of your skull in one hand and your chin in the other and gently stretches the spaces between your vertebrae for 5 to 10 seconds at a time. Manual traction can be done in other areas of the body as well, including the back, legs, and arms.
Massage
A massage at our clinic is often therapeutic rather than the relaxing massage you would find at a spa. Our physical therapist manipulates soft tissues in an effort to break up scar tissue adhesions. Using deep pressure and rhythmic stretching, they are able to find and mobilize areas of your body that have the most restriction.
Mobilization/Manipulation
Most pain that follows an injury happens as the result of a restricted joint. Our physical therapist is able to loosen restricted joints by applying pressure at a low velocity. Safe, effective, and painless, this type of manual therapy increases the range of motion and allows the joint’s barrier to begin to break down.

Custom Splinting

We offer customized splinting when treating an upper extremity injury. These splints can be static or dynamic in nature. They assist in providing external support to the injured area to allow for healing and reduce pain. They can also assist in proper tendon gliding and healing, as well as minimize the development of scar tissue formation and reduce the possibility of a stiff or contracted joint. We have two occupational therapists on staff, each with over 25 years of splinting expertise.

Hand Therapy

Hand therapy is a specialized area of occupational therapy. It encompasses therapeutic evaluation and treatment of not only the hand but the entire upper extremity, from the shoulder to the fingertips. At Johnson Physical Therapy & Rehab PC, we have two occupational therapists who specialize specifically in the treatment of upper extremity conditions. They focus on treating orthopedic upper-extremity issues to optimize the functional use of the arm and hand. Typical conditions that affect the hand are lacerations, amputations, tendonitis, carpal tunnel syndrome, fractures, and rheumatoid arthritis.
In general, hand therapy focuses on the biomechanical issues of upper-extremity conditions. It’s a patient-centered approach that addresses the needs of the patient, such as being able to lift things, open a jar, or button a shirt.
Hand Therapy Interventions
Hand therapy interventions by an occupational therapist may include therapeutic exercises, mirror therapy, orthosis design, pain management, manual therapy, taping, ergonomics, and compression therapy. Activities for a hand injury with an occupational therapist may include working with putty, using a gripper, and using dumbbells.
Benefits of Hand Therapy:
  • Preventative, Nonoperative, or Conservative Treatment
  • Management of Acute or Chronic Pain
  • Desensitization Following Nerve Injury or Trauma
  • Sensory Reeducation after Nerve Injury
  • Design & Implementation of Home Exercise Programs to Increase Motion, Dexterity, & Strength
  • Customized Splint Fabrication for Prevention or Correction of Injury
  • Training in the Performance of Daily Life Skills Through Adapted Methods & Equipment
  • Conditioning Before Returning to Work

Dry Needling

Dry needling is a treatment technique often used by physical therapists to relieve pain. It requires using a sterile acupuncture needle that is inserted through the skin into muscles, tendons, ligaments, and/or close to nerves to immediately reduce pain, decrease muscle tension, and increase mobility. Dry needling is not acupuncture; it is based on a modern scientific study of musculoskeletal and neuromuscular systems. This treatment technique provides an environment that enhances the body’s ability to heal which ultimately reduces pain.

Lymphedema Treatment & Management

The lymphatic system is part of the circulatory system and is a network of vessels that carry lymph fluid toward the heart. The lymphatic system is an essential part of your immune and circulatory systems. When a blockage happens in your lymphatic system, swelling of your arms or legs may occur. Improper drainage results in a buildup of lymph fluid in your arms and legs, which can generate adverse health risks.
Lymphedema often occurs after surgery, such as a removal or damage to the lymph nodes as part of cancer treatments or due to infected tissues. With chronic swelling, there are many risks, including circulation issues, the risk of infection, and the potential for future injury. It is very important to receive treatment for Lymphedema and to follow up with your doctor on a routine basis.

Contact Us

Reach out to us today when you are dealing with lymphedema and need relief. We will work to help reduce the swelling and enhance your quality of life.