Physical therapists are primary health care providers that help to restore, maintain, and promote overall health and fitness. Physical therapists work with people of all ages and in a wide variety of settings. An examination usually begins with a review of a patient’s medical history and may include tests and measurements of strength and motor function, range of motion, joint mobility, posture, balance, coordination, and endurance. With this data, a physical therapist develops a treatment plan.

Key Benefits

• Restore function after illness or injury..
• Relieve pain.
• Increase mobility.
• Prevent injury.
• Improve posture.
• Increase overall health and fitness.
• Enhance athletic performance.

Capabilities

Physical Therapy also plays a critical role in prevention of injury (especially as related to the work place), and early intervention for symptoms before further limitation or disability occurs.

• Community/School/Workplace Screening programs.
• Postural and ergonomic training.
• Strength and flexibility evaluations and exercise instruction.
• Biomechanical evaluations and orthotic fabrication.

Ball Therapy

Exercise balls can be used to improve balance, coordination, flexibility, strength, and cardiovascular function. The balls provide a versatile and dynamic surface for performing a variety of therapeutic exercises. Group and individual instruction is available by the personal trainers at the Nashua Athletic Club.

Custom Orthotics

Problems with the feet and ankles may be a source of pain and dysfunction not only in these areas, but the knee, hip, and lower back region as well. A biomechanical foot evaluation can identify structural issues which may be corrected by the use of a shoe insert called an orthotic. Over-the-counter insoles or inserts frequently provide inadequate support while custom orthotics are designed specifically for individual feet with individual needs. A plaster material is applied to the feet and dries leaving a casting of the foot from which the orthotic can be fabricated.