Our Rehabilitation Specialties
We Have Got You Covered
From your first steps in our clinic to your triumphant return to full mobility, we’re here for you. Utilizing the most current manual therapy techniques and tailored exercise programs, Wasatch Physical Therapy and Sports Medicine is committed to helping you achieve the fastest possible recovery.
Highlighted Techniques
EPAT (Extracorporeal Pulse Activation Technology) Therapy
Experience a breakthrough in pain relief and tissue healing with EPAT Therapy, also known as Shockwave Therapy. This non-invasive treatment employs pressure waves to stimulate metabolism, enhance blood circulation, and accelerate the healing process. It's highly effective for treating a range of conditions, including tendinitis, muscle pain, and even chronic conditions that have not responded to traditional treatments.
At Wasatch Physical Therapy and Sports Medicine, our skilled therapists are trained in administering EPAT Therapy to provide you with a fast-acting and long-lasting solution to pain and discomfort. Ideal for athletes, post-operative patients, and those dealing with persistent musculoskeletal issues, EPAT Therapy is a revolutionary approach to physical rehabilitation. Trust us to guide you through this state-of-the-art treatment and get you back to your best self.
Trigger Point Dry Needling
Dry Needling is an effective intervention performed by our qualified physical therapists. This technique uses a thin filiform needle to target underlying myofascial trigger points and connective tissues, offering a unique approach to managing neuromusculoskeletal pain and movement impairments.
Sports Specific Injuries
We provide specialized care for athletes at all levels. Our customized treatment plans are designed to address injuries common to specific sports, ensuring you get back to your game as quickly and safely as possible.
Neck and Back Injuries
Our spinal rehabilitation program is based on evidence-based practices aimed at reducing neck and back pain. By focusing on improving mobility and functional stability, we also educate you on home maintenance programs to facilitate a quick and safe return to your daily activities.
Total Joint Replacement Rehab
If you've had a joint replaced, we offer rehabilitation programs specifically tailored to your needs. These programs focus on restoring physical function and enhancing the skills needed for daily activities.
Non-Surgical Rehab for Disc Herniation
Avoid the scalpel with our non-surgical approaches to disc herniation treatment. We employ innovative techniques and therapies that focus on relieving pain and improving movement.
Auto Accidents
Accidents can have a long-lasting impact on your health. Our experienced team provides comprehensive therapy for trauma-related injuries, helping you regain your functional capacity and quality of life.
Orthopedic Surgery Rehab
Recovery doesn’t end when you leave the operating room. Our post-surgical rehabilitation programs are designed to help you regain mobility, strength, and functionality with the guidance of our skilled therapists.
Injury Prevention through Speed and Agility Training
Our specialized training not only fortifies your muscular strength and flexibility but also sharpens your overall body awareness. This enables you to swiftly react and adapt to sudden changes, minimizing the likelihood of injuries during sports or other physical activities.
This training is brought to you by our sister company, to learn more please visit us here
“When I had my knee replaced after my stint on Dancing With the Stars, Brandon was assigned to me for home health. After the home health I went to Wasatch Physical Therapy for the rest of my treatment. The staff there was unbelievable, not only did they get me back to normal but they made it fun all the way through. Brandon and his staff are some of the finest physical therapist I have ever had the pleasure of working with. No matter who was working on me I felt that I was in very capable hands. Everything from the hands on treatment to teaching me exercises that would benefit my recovery was totally professional. I am truly convinced that my quick recovery was accelerated because I looked forward to going to my sessions. I was always greeted with smiles and laughs. It was more like being worked on by friends than just therapist. I would recommend them to anyone who needs physical therapy. I was actually a bit bummed when my sessions ran out and they told me I was good to go.”
— Bill E., Wasatch PT Client
Questions before getting started? Get in touch.
Trigger Point Dry Needling
WHAT IS DRY NEEDLING:
Dry Needling is a skilled intervention performed by a physical therapist that uses a thin filiform needle to penetrate the skin and stimulate underlying myofascial trigger points, muscular and connective tissues for the management of neuromusculoskeletal pain and movement impairments (APTA, 2012)
It is called “Dry” Needling because there is no solution injected as with a hypodermic needle during a flu shot. With Dry Needling, the needle itself and the effects it produces within the tissue is the treatment.
WHAT DOES DRY NEEDLING DO?
Dry Needling is thought to work through these following processes:
Mechanical Effects
Dry Needling may mechanically disrupt a dysfunctional motor end plate.
Needling can result in a Local Twitch Response (LTR) which alters the muscle fiber length and muscle tone.
Neurophysiological Effects
Dry needling has been shown to stimulate alpha-nerve fibers which may produce opioid mediated pain suppression for as long as 72 hours post needling.
Another possible mechanism of dry needling is the activation of descending inhibitory systems which would block painful stimulus into the dorsal horn of the spinal cord.
Chemical Effects
Studies have demonstrated increased levels of various chemicals at sensitized motor end plates such as: Bradykinin, Substance P and CGRP (regulator of Calcium and Phosphate balance). These chemicals can alter muscle function and were reduced immediately after eliciting a local twitch response from dry needling.
Needle penetration will cause micro-trauma and micro bleeding (localized inflammation) and hence the introduction of platelet derived growth factors into the area to help promote healing.
IS TRIGGER POINT DRY NEEDLING THE SAME AS ACUPUNCTURE?
No, Trigger Point Dry Needling is based on Western medical research and principles, whereas acupuncture is based on Traditional Chinese Medicine. The main similarity is that the same sterile, disposable solid filament needles are used. Each therapy is a separate and distinct in their methodology, perspectives and practices.
WHAT TYPE OF PATIENTS CAN BENEFIT FROM TRIGGER POINT DRY NEEDLING?
Trigger Point Dry Needling is used to treat a myriad of acute and chronic musculoskeletal and sports medicine injuries. We use Trigger Point dry Needling for the many of these common conditions.
Headaches
TMJ dysfunction
Neck/Back Pain
Shoulder Pain
Tennis/Golfers Elbow
Hip and Buttock Pain
Knee Pain
Achilles Tendonitis/Tendonosis
Plantar Fasciitis
Sciatica
Muscular Strains/Ligament Sprains
Chronic Pain
Increasing Athletic Performance
DOES TRIGGER POINT DRY NEEDING HURT?
You may or may not feel the insertion of the needle. The specific needle manipulation is intended to produce a local twitch response that can elicit a very brief (less than a second) painful response some patients describe as a deep ache, slight sting, a mimic of the pain referral pattern or a mild cramping sensation. Again, the therapeutic response occurs with the elicitation of the local twitch response and is a desirable reaction. Your therapist may use an electrical stimulator on the needles to assist with a twitch response, normalize the muscle’s firing patterns and decrease muscle guarding. Afterwards, there may be an immediate reduction in pain symptoms. Most commonly, there is a little muscle soreness that subsides with resumption of normal activity. The main thing we look for is an improvement in mobility, flexibility, and strength.
WHAT CAN I EXPECT AFTER TREATMENT?
We are looking to get improvements even from the first visit such as increased range of motion, ease of movement and decreased signs/symptoms. Many patients report being sore after the treatment in both the area treated and the area of referred symptoms. Typically this soreness lasts between a few hours and two days and there is occasional bruising. Soreness may be alleviated by applying ice or heat to the area and performing specific stretches for the treated muscle.
HOW DO I KNOW IF THIS IS APPROPRIATE FOR ME?
During the initial consult, our therapists will perform a thorough evaluation of your neuromusculoskeletal dysfunction and any other associated complaints. If it is determined that myofascial trigger points or soft tissue restrictions may be causing persistent pain or limiting range of motion, our therapists will discuss the option of incorporating Trigger Point Dry Needling as part of a comprehensive treatment plan. As movement specialists, our job is to help restore normal movement patterns and return our patients to their previous activities. Trigger Point Dry Needling will be used in conjunction with other modalities, manual therapy techniques, flexibility exercises, strengthening exercises and training in proper body mechanics.
Neck and Back
WHAT WE CAN DO FOR YOU:
Wasatch Physical Therapy’s evidence-based spinal rehabilitation program is focused on decreasing neck and/or back pain, improving your mobility, creating stability for functional activities and providing you with education on a home maintenance program to ensure you a quick and safe return to your job, recreation, sports and daily living.
Our team of rehabilitation specialists will tailor your program based on your specific condition and provide an educational component designed to increase your knowledge of the diagnosis, prognosis and the cause of the injury and pain.
Communication is always provided between our clinicians. your referring physician and you to ensure all parties are involved in goal setting and decision making.
Did you know that staring down at your device is like having an eight-year old sitting on your head while you are standing?"
Wasatch Tip: While on your phone hold it out in front to keep your neck in better alignment!
TREATMENT FOR NECK AND BACK INJURIES:
After a comprehensive evaluation, your neck and back pain rehabilitation program may include a combination of the following:
Therapeutic modalities for neck and back pain management (ultrasound, electrical stimulation, dry needling, heat, ice, iontophoresis, light therapy, taping)
Pain management techniques
Manual therapy (hands of techniques to restore mobility and reduce spasm and neck and back pain)
Exercise programs to improve range of motion, increase muscle strength, improve flexibility and mobility, increase endurance and cardiovascular performance and improve motor firing for core stability with movement.
Gait and movement retraining
Help with obtaining assistive devices that promote independence
Patient and family education
COMMON INJURIES:
Call us today if you are suffering from the following injuries and let our team of experts help you on your road to recovery.
Low Back Pain
Sciatica
Stenosis
Arthritis
Degenerative Disc Disease (DDD)/Degenerative Joint Disease (DJD)
Herniated Disc
Bulging Disc
Radiating Pain
Surgical Recovery
Radiculopathy
Facet Pain
Neck Pain
Headaches
Osteoporosis
Sprains/Strains
Spondylolisthesis
Muscle Spasms
SPORTS AND ORTHOPEDIC INJURIES
WHAT WE CAN DO FOR YOU:
Wasatch Physical Therapy’s evidence-based rehabilitation programs are focused on decreasing muscle and joint pain, improving your mobility, creating stability for functional activities and providing you with education on a home maintenance program to ensure you a quick and safe return to your job, recreation, sports and daily living.
Our team of rehabilitation specialists will tailor your program based on your specific condition and provide an educational component designed to increase your knowledge of the diagnosis, prognosis and the cause of the injury and pain.
Communication is always provided between our clinicians, your referring physician and you to ensure all parties are involved in goal setting and decision making.
Our goal through rehabilitation is to get you back out to your favorite activities including: skiing, mountain and road biking, skating, running / jogging, tennis, golf, pickleball, yoga and Pilates and any other activity you may enjoy.
TREATMENT FOR SPORTS AND ORTHOPEDIC INJURIES:
After a comprehensive evaluation, your rehabilitation program may include a combination of the following:
Therapeutic modalities for pain management (ultrasound, electrical stimulation, DRY NEEDLING, heat, ice, iontophoresis, light therapy, cupping therapy, kinesio taping)
Manual therapy (hands on techniques to restore mobility and reduce spasm in the involved areas)
Exercise programs to improve range of motion, increase muscle strength, improve flexibility and mobility, increase endurance and cardiovascular performance and sports specific training when necessary.
Gait and movement retraining
Help with obtaining assistive devices that promote independence
Patient and family education
For more information on myofascial decompression therapy or “cupping” click here. We’ve been using this technique for various musculoskeletal injuries since 2012 but you may have noticed it in the 2016 Summer Olympics!
COMMON INJURIES:
Call us today if you are suffering from the following injuries and let our team of experts help you on your road to recovery.
OTHER RESOURCES:
Below are some helpful links regarding sports injuries and injury prevention:
What are muscle knots and how do I get rid of them?
Prevent skiing related knee injuries
The best kept secret: Why people have to squat differently
Florida Hospital Story
TOTAL JOINT REPLACEMENT SURGERIES
When your hip, shoulder or knee pain has started to limit your quality of life (QOL) and activities of daily living (ADLs) it can be time to consult with one of our great surgeons in the area for a joint replacement surgery. Although these surgeries can be scary and aren’t for everyone, they can bring great relief to the appropriate patients!
Often, patients will try conservative therapies first such as traditional physical therapy (PT), or cortisone and synvisc one injections, but sometimes a new joint is the only option. If you find yourself in this position you can feel safe in our hands for your preoperative and postoperative therapies! Remember, the stronger you are going into the surgery the better you will do coming out!
Knee, hip and shoulder replacements have come a long way in recent years and patients are recovering quicker than ever. Here is a basic overview of each of the total joint arthroplasties that Wasatch Physical Therapy and Sports Medicine is proud to rehabilitate.
TOTAL KNEE REPLACEMENT (ARTHROPLASTY):
In a TKA the surgeon will resurface the two main areas of your knee joint, the femoral condyles and the tibial plateau. Some surgeons will replace only one compartment which is less common but referred to as a “unicompartmental knee replacement”. These new surfaces will allow you to return to your favorite activities without the pain caused by a joint with wear and tear. Click here for more information on TKAs.
In the right candidates, surgeons in the Salt Lake City area are beginning to complete the “Athletic Knee Replacement” or the ACL sparing replacement. We have seen great success in these postoperative patients. Here’s more information regarding this new procedure.
After the surgery you will begin progressive weight-bearing right in the hospital! You will receive homecare initially, which you can set up with Dan, Brandon, Melissa, Dayton or Omar to see a familiar face. Physical therapy will start in the clinic once approved by your surgeon and will last approximately 3 months.
TKA are now extremely common and have excellent outcomes. Patients usually report a significant improvement in mobility and ability to complete their favorite activities postoperatively. However, most patients say their knee doesn’t feel “normal” for approximately 1 year.
TOTAL SHOULDER REPLACEMENT (ARTHROPLASTY):
If shoulder pain is limiting your mobility, activities, self care, work and / or exercise and conservative therapies haven’t brought you the success you desire, a TSA may be for you. Your surgeon will replace the glenoid (socket) and the humeral head (ball) with new hardware. The surgical options for TSA vary greatly and depend on the amount of damage present in your shoulder as well as other external factors. The best procedure for you will be decided by you and your surgeon.
After leaving the hospital you may spend several hours per day in a passive range of motion chair. The aftercare can vary greatly depending on the procedure you choose. After you are cleared to start physical therapy in the clinic (generally around 6 weeks) you can transition to our outpatient orthopedic care. Physical therapy for a TSA can range from 3-6 months depending on the type of surgery and the preoperative conditions.
TOTAL HIP RECEMENT (ARPLATHROPLASTY):
Patients who are suffering from arthritic hips for a variety of reasons are now choosing a THA to improve their quality of life. Patients who undergo a THA often have pain and stiffness altering their daily activities such as getting dressed, standing up from a chair, putting on their shoes, navigating the stairs or going for a walk and doing their favorite activities. You and your surgeon will decide the best option for you and we will be here to help in your pre and post operative recovery. Generally, recovery from a THA is a fast 6-8 weeks with therapy.
Your surgeon will replace the acetabulum (socket) and the femoral head (ball) with new hardware and you will begin progressive weight bearing immediately after surgery. You will receive homecare initially, which you can set up with Dan, Brandon, Melissa, Dayton or Omar to see a familiar face.
Hip replacements have come a long way in the last decade. Now, with the anterolateral (front and side) approach (for appropriate candidates) the old concerns about hip replacements and dislocations are almost extinct!