We’ve had a really exciting year when it comes to physical therapy here at Tulsa Spine and Rehab. Since expanding into our new space at the beginning of 2014, we now have double the space that we had before. The larger facility has allowed us to install some useful new pieces of equipment. One of the items we’ve begun to offer for our patients this past year is the AlterG Anti-Gravity Treadmill. This device allows us to instantly take much of the patient’s weight off of them. We also have other innovative equipment, such as the Impulse eccentric loading device (great for shoulders) and a cold laser.
With so many available resources, how do we decide the best course of treatment? Of course, many referrals have specific instructions for the patient to see a particular provider. However, there is a new law in the state of Oklahoma that has recently been passed stating that you no longer need a referral to see a physical therapist. This is a huge deal for us, since it means that patients will now have more effective options at their disposal.
When we are deciding the optimal course of treatment, we make a determination based on the patient’s unique situation. For example, a patient may visit complaining of neck pain. During the course of their care, they may also bring up some long-term shoulder pain. We would then make an assessment of which people on our team should get involved with the patient’s treatment. This is a great way for clients to obtain the care they need without having to go to several different places. Because injuries aren’t usually isolated, and there are often several associated components, we find the ideal provider based on the complaint that the patient has.
Everyone at Tulsa Spine and Rehab has their specialties, and each person knows that they can’t treat everything. Our team works very well together because we recognize who would be best suited to help the patient. People who visit us are bound have an outstanding experience because of our diverse, knowledgeable group of providers.
This past year, Dr. Megan Warner joined our team. She specializes in women’s health and pelvic rehabilitation. This involves all the pelvic issues related to both men and women, mainly as a result of the aging process. We have also done a great deal of work in terms of concussion management. Holly Thompson is a physical therapist who leads our balance, vestibular, and concussion program.
Additionally, we’ve partnered with Dr. Tommy Kern and Lamont Cavanagh at OU Sports Medicine. We now conduct regular screening for young athletes during the preseason. We obtain baseline data available for participating athletes in case they were ever to experience a concussion. If this data reflects enough of a change after they hit their head, we will work closely with that patient so they will know when it’s safe for them to continue playing sports.
We’re very happy about the relationship we’ve built together this past year with the sports teams at the University of Tulsa. There is so much new information emerging in the field of concussions, and people are now becoming increasingly aware of how serious they really are.
There are many avenues of treatment available when it comes to physical therapy. We’re trying to put them all under one roof so our patients will have the best treatment options available. To learn more, contact us online today or give us a call at (918) 743-3737.
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