Applied Functional Science (AFS)

Applied Functional Science is a process for functional assessment, training, conditioning, rehabilitation, and injury prevention that is practical for any and all individuals regardless of age or ability. It is a unique practice that requires extensive education and training beyond the traditional education received by rehabilitation clinicians.  AFS trained physical therapists find the biomechanical faults and compensations to focus on the root causes instead of merely the symptoms. We are able to treat patients as a whole through the collaboration of the physical, biological, and behavioral sciences.

Physical: Functional mechanics of the joints and muscles as they respond to everyday activities.
Biological: Functional application of neuromuscular properties in everyday activities.
Behavioral:  Incorporating personal driving factors, motivations and goals for betterment in your individualized treatment plan.

What is the difference? Traditional Therapy treats the part and Function Physical Therapy treats the person.

Blood Flow Restriction (BFR) Training

Blood Flow Restriction (BFR) is a treatment option to help build strength and muscle quickly. It can be used for someone recovering from an injury, pre or post-operative and for people in pain. Using the Delfi Personalized Tourniquet System (PTS) with a built-in monitor, BFR safely utilizes brief and intermittent occlusion of blood flow to the target area. With less blood to the target area, less oxygen is present. This allows people to exercise at significantly reduced loads while achieving gains in strength, power and muscle growth without excessive load on the joints and body during recovery.

Dry Needling

Simple muscle tightness, strains and sprains, an overworked body needing recovery, muscle activation, swelling reduction and pain control are all clinical examples for the use of dry needling. Because it involves a needle, dry needling is often misunderstood as acupuncture. The difference is in the approach. While the tool may be the same, the treatment is different. Traditional acupuncture is rooted in eastern philosophy while dry needling is rooted in western medicine. Our trained therapists will target the tissue area with the goal of triggering a quick, effective response, resulting in pain relief, restored mobility and enhanced performance. The following are conditions we treat with dry needling:

• Headaches
• Neck Pain
• Back Pain
• Sciatic
• Strains & Sprains
• Shin Splints
• Foot pain
• Tennis Elbow
• Myositis /Pulled Muscle
• Fasciitis
• Tendonitis
• Bursitis

Cupping

Cupping is a technique that can be used to help reduce inflammation, pain, increase blood flow and help facilitate relaxation of stress and tight muscles. The cups are used to create a suction on the skin, muscle and fascia reducing tissue restrictions to improve range of motion and enhance movement.

Instrument Assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM)

IASTM is an external manual therapy approach to musculoskeletal injuries using specifically designed stainless steel tools. Our trained therapists use the tool to help treat the adverse effects of scar tissue and fascial restrictions as well as improve and maintain optimal range of motion. The goal of this treatment is to break up abnormal densities in the tissue, stimulate the nervous system, initiate the healing process, reduce pain and improve motion.

Kinesio Taping

Kinesio taping is a way to facilitate the body’s natural healing process while providing support and stability to the muscles and joints. It is designed to decompress the layers of skin, muscle and fascia without limiting our range of motion. Based on the technique used, taping can help reduce discomfort or pain, improve a muscle’s ability to contract or inhibit a muscle that is too active.