PHYSICAL THERAPY PROCEDURES

AROM (Active Range of Motion)
The patient lifts body part through a range of motion against gravity. This is usually prescribed for arthritis for gentle strengthening without trauma to joints.

AAROM ( Active Assistive Range of Motion)
Active range of motion assisted by the Therapist. Usually prescribed for gentle stretching or strengthening for a very weak body part.

Back Exercises
Extension, flexion exercises to improve the spine strength and flexibility. May be used to "suggest" the intervertebral disk into a neutral position to reduce or dismiss bulging anteriorly or posteriorly. All patients with back pain need to improve the back musculature to prevent further disability and recurrences.

BAPS ( Biomechanical Ankle Platform System)
The atient balances on one foot on a flat, round surface supported by a half-sphered or rounded platform. Prescribed to improve the strength, range of motion, and balance reflexes of the hip, knee, ankle and foot. Specifically the improves the strength and range of motion of the ankle.

Bike ( Stationary, with or without resistance)
Prescribed for improving the strength and range of motion of the back and lower extremities as well as increasing cardio-vascular endurance.

Gait Training
The analysis of gait deviations by visualizing the interaction of the back and the joints of the lower extremity while walking, including stance, toe off, and heel strike. Lower extremity and back problems may be related to subtle gait deviations.

Isometrics ( Muscle contraction without joint movement)
Usually prescribed for strengthening without applying stress or damage to the joint. May be used to treat arthritis or perform exercises in a cast.

Isotonics (Muscle contracts through the ROM with resistance)
Used to increase strength.

Massage (Soft tissue mobilization)
Manipulation of body tissue, performed with the hands. Used for muscle relaxation, increased circulation, and to decrease swelling or stretch adhesions.

Mobilization
Passive therapeutic procedures used to increase soft tissue or joint mobility. Prescribed to maintain mobility, delay progressive stiffness and relieve pain.

PNF (Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation)
Manually resisted exercises performed in diagonal patterns that mimic functional movements. Used in developmentally and neurologically impaired patients, in addition to almost every aspect of neuromuscular retraining.

Posture Training
Instruction in the correct biomechanical alignment of the body, thus reducing strain on muscles, ligaments and joints.
Prescribed for most patients with neck and / or back pain. May prevent further disability and future recurrences.

PRE's (Progressive Resistive Exercises)
Exercises that gradually increase in resistance or weight and in repetitions. Used for strengthening.

PROM (Passive Range of Motion)
The Therapist moves the body part through a range of motion without the participation of the patient. Usually prescribed to maintain ROM of a paralyzed body part.

Stretching
Lengthening of muscle or connective tissue. Prescribed to improve the ROM of muscles that have tightened due to limited use or to compensate for pain, spasm or immobilization.