By Dr. Mitch Hackerman, PT, DPT, Cert. MDT of FYZICAL Therapy & Balance Centers Cape May
I often hear through the grapevine how colleagues cannot figure out what we could be doing with patients during 2+ hour sessions. A well-known and respected colleague said, “I’m not running a babysitting service.”
After 26+ years of practice as a physical therapist, I know why so many patients may need additional time. At FYZICAL in Cape May, we don’t force anyone to stay extraordinary amounts of time, but we do avail the option for those who are motivated and would benefit from longer sessions. Treatments are provided in accord with one’s indicated level of tolerance and motivation. There are a variety of conditions which require more time, such as poor healing post total joint replacement, conditions involving imbalance and/or dizziness, and others. One needs to be able to take proper rest between activities.
A study by Mieties and Frank concluded that the balance responses of chronic low back pain patients differed from healthy controls while standing in an upright posture. Therefore, at FYZICAL, the focus isn’t just to reduce and/or eliminate pain, it’s to maximize function; this may not be adequately achieved without addressing associated issues such as imbalance, muscular inflexibility and other joint dysfunctions.
Balance is achieved using vision (sight), proprioception (touch) and the vestibular system (motion, equilibrium, spatial orientation); integration of this information; and nerve impulses to the eyes and muscles of the body. Disease, certain drugs, injuries, joint dysfunction and/or even the aging process can affect one or more of these mechanisms.
It becomes clear why 45 to 60 minutes may not be optimal to make appreciable changes in one’s overall functional abilities. As a privately owned Fyzical therapy practice, I’m able to avail time in accord with motivation and need. This is why physicians and numerous patients have offered their amazing testimonials on our website.
Understand that many physicians are employed, making it easier for them to steer patients toward their employer’s facilities. If you’re called to set up an appointment, don’t feel obligated to follow their lead. Competition is essential to foster quality care and reduce costs, so you must compare and make your own choice.
You can see your doctor of Fyzical therapy without a prescription in most cases. We invite those with pain and/or imbalance to visit us for a FREE consultation. Should the need arise, we can help you obtain the services of top-notch medical doctors. Most insurances are accepted.
For more information, call (609) 884-9800 or visit CapeMayFYZICALTherapy.com.
FYZICAL Therapy & Balance Centers – Spelled Different Because We Are Different!
M. Hackerman, PT, DPT, Cert. MDT; Cert. Vestibular/Balance-American Institute of Balance; Master Level Balance – FYZICAL Therapy/Balance; Cert. ASTYM – Augmented Soft Tissue Mobilization; Cert. SFMA; Cert. LSVT BIG – Parkinson’s; the only certified McKenzie practitioner in the region.
