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16463 SW Boones Ferry Road   Lake Oswego, OR  97035   phone: (503) 699-2955
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Therapeutic Program      Manual Therapy       S.T.E.P.       Sports Therapy    Other Therapeutic Services       Massage Therapy


Therapeutic Program


tbpk2Standard physical therapy consists of some form of joint mobilization, or "hands on" manual therapy, and exercise or movement.  The standard rehabilitation program consists of three main components:

1. Evaluation:   A detailed determination of the cause of your pain will be made, and a treatment plan that is specific to your needs and goals will be designed.

2. Treatment: Skilled use of effective techniques and modalities will be implemented, with regular re-evaluations made so you can progress to your goals.

3. Discharge:  Final re-evaluation will determine if you have met all your goals.
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Manual Therapy

tbpk8Manual therapy consists of various joint manipulations performed by the physical therapist with movement performed by the patient, and is based on the Mulligan Concept, which combines the mobilizations with movement in a systematic way to relieve pain and improve function.  This combination often has much faster and sometimes quite amazing results. Chronic conditions that have needed 3-4 weeks or more of therapy are now improving in 3-4 visits or less. These MWM techniques can often be taught to patients, who can then practice them at home.tbphoto1

There are MWM techniques for all joints in the body from head to toe, and they can be safely applied with confidence, as the indication of their effectiveness is rapid relief of pain and improvement of function.  MWM techniques can be useful in recent and longstanding conditions.

There are also related techniques for the spine called NAGS (Natural Apophyseal Glides) and SNAGS (Sustained Natural Apophyseal Glides). All techniques have the practical effect of restoring natural pain free movement to the affected area. All the techniques we use, when indicated, are expected to bring rapid improvement to your condition, no matter how long standing the problem.

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For more information, visit the official Mulligan Website
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Scientific Therapeutic Exercise Progression (S.T.E.P.)

Exercise Therapy:  once a comprehensive evaluation has been performed, your therapist will decide on your individual program. When exercise therapy is indicated, a program of exercises will be developed . Some will performed at the clinic, and a home program may be given. This system of exercise therapy uses precise resistance movements in a way that protects injured tissue and gradually strengthens it in a controlled way that reduces the risk of scar tissue development and thus shortens the healing process.

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Sports Injury Treatment

At Summit Physical Therapy, we are experts at evaluating and treating sports injuries. We have treated everyone from weekend warriors to elite athletes. We have advanced equipment to help you in rehabilitating your injury and reaching your goals.

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Other Therapeutic Services

The therapeutic services described above are often used in tandem with a variety of more traditional physical therapies, to include:
  • Ultrasound (deep heat)
  • Thermal treatments (cold & moist heat)
  • Electro-stimulation
  • Iontophoresis (transdermal steroid treatment)
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Massage Therapy


Massage can relieve muscle tension, pain, enhance recovery from injury and promote health and relaxation.  
Massage helps by stretching tight muscles and by stimulating the nervous system to relax muscle tension. Stretching connective tissue improves circulation and nutrition, breaking down or preventing the formation of adhesions.

In the process of improving circulation and nutrition to muscle tendons, connective tissue, joints and nerves, inflammation and swelling decrease. This provides a tranquilizing effect and release of the bodies own painkillers, endorphins, which help break the pain cycle.  Massage aids in promotion of recovery from injury by restoring tissue health and enhancing movement. Massage removes waste products and reduces edema. This process can help an individual to resume activity after injury, surgery, paralysis.

Massage provides a safe and nurturing environment. It creates an opportunity for learning how to relax the mind and body, and may allow an individual to focus on slow and deep breathing.

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