Specialty Programs
ACL Performance Enhancement Program
Physio Pro, P.C. has developed, and is offering to the public, the Physio Pro ACL Performance Enhancement Program. The program has been adapted and tailored from the most pertinent areas of research in this area. The work conducted by the Cincinnati Sports medicine Research and Education Foundation demonstrated that with a specific 6 week training program athletes may increase jump height, decrease harmful landing forces at the knee, and increase muscular power. This research was published in the landmark study in this area in the American Journal of Sports Medicine in 1996. The goal of the Physio Pro ACL Performance Enhancement Program is the prevention of serious knee injuries by enhancing strength, power, and coordination. Although the program has been tailored to meet the demands of the female knee on both an anatomical and neuromuscular level, research has also proven the benefits of such a program on male athletes as well.
In addition, athletes who have unfortunately sustained macrotrauma to a knee requiring surgical intervention including anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction have been shown to benefit from the program in the later stages of rehabilitation (usually 4-6 months post-op). The program has been designed to increase proprioception/balance as well as increase confidence and overall strength and power in the involved extremity. Please consult with your physician to determine if you are a candidate for this program.
The program has four components: Dynamic warm-up, Functional/Core Strengthening, Plyometric Training and Static stretching. The program lasts 6 weeks, ideally performed in the off-season or pre-season to prepare for competition. Three jump training sessions per week on non-consecutive days are recommended with three days of supplemental resistive and proprioceptive training on non-jump days.
At Physio Pro, P.C. the initial evaluation and assessment consists of a flexibility screen, analysis of running and jumping technique, vertical jump height measurement, broad jump length measurement, and single leg hop for distance measurements. In addition, a computerized CYBEX isokinetic test will be performed to compare the two extremities and identify any strength abnormalities. This is the most objective way to measure total limb strength/power. We will then review the stretching, strengthening, and jumping component of the program to ensure proper technique and safety. All athletes will be given a training manual and log to document progress. Upon completion of the 6-week training program, a follow up appointment is scheduled to re-evaluate strength, and re-measure the functional tests and perform another CYBEX isokinetic test. The staff will then provide recommendations for sport specific drills to continue as the season begins.
Pricing for the program is at the standard self pay rate of $85 a visit. (3 visits are needed to complete the program ) or $200 for the entire program plus a DVD with instructional video on jump mechanics and the programs progressions throughout the six weeks.
Please contact our office for more information.
Pilates
What It Is and Why It's Important
Pilates is an exercise program originally developed by Joseph Pilates with emphasis on increasing mobility of the spine and strength of the trunk stabilization muscles. As part of our Pilates rehabilitation program at Physio Pro, P.C. you will learn:
- basic spine anatomy with emphasis on structures and postures relating to your diagnosis
- a better awareness of your postures and the ability to locate your neutral spine position
- how to recruit the stabilization muscles of your trunk, including those important to your low back, your mid-back and shoulders, and your neck and to develop the ability to use these muscles during exercises and other activities of daily living
- the significance of proper breathing, how to use your diaphragm muscle to breath, and how to incorporate proper breathing into your exercise routines
- a home program of Pilates exercises, individualized for you, which you can perform without any special equipment. (You will also learn a variety of exercises using Pilates exercise equipment; however, the emphasis will be on your home program)
- to identify any faulty movement patterns you may have which may be aggravating or contributing to your symptoms
- to replace your faulty movement patterns with correct patterns of movement to help reduce or eliminate your symptoms.
As a patient, you will definitely learn exercises, but more importantly, you will learn life-long management skills for your symptoms. You will learn through visual, touch, and verbal cues while in a safe exercising environment. You will learn one-on-one from Wendy R. Norfolk, an experienced physical therapist and Polestar-certified Pilates rehabilitation specialist. You can schedule for Pilates appointments either with a referral (written prescription) from your physician to complete a Pilates program in physical therapy or on a self-pay basis. Come join us!