McKenzie Spine Program at Fauquier Health Outpatient Rehabilitation Services

Karrie Giger, PT, DPT, cert. MDT explains rationale

of the McKenzie method to Kevin Turney.

Back and neck pain are very common in the general population. The annual incidence of low back pain in the general adult population is 18.6%, and the total cost of low back pain exceeds $100 billion per year in the United States according to studies. Another study reports that about 1/3 of the population will experience neck pain during a six or twelve month period, and the lifetime prevalence of neck pain is 66.7%.

The McKenize Method, also known as Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy® (MDT) is a unique method used all over the world for examining patients with back, neck, and extremity problems and pain. It is an approach that uses a philosophy of active patient involvement and education. The McKenzie method uses a unique examination that provides the patient with a mechanical diagnosis which drives an appropriate individualized treatment plan. The McKenzie method is not merely extension exercises. It is a comprehensive, well researched approach to the spine that when followed appropriately has been found to have very successful outcomes.

This method has been found to be cost and time effective because it does not rely on expensive tests and it promotes the body’s potential to heal itself through appropriate directional movements prescribed by your physical therapist. The emphasis on active patient involvement limits the number of visits needed to the clinic. Research studies have shown that the initial McKenzie assessment procedures to be as reliable as costly diagnostic imaging (ex. X-rays, MRI) to determine the source of the problem and quickly identify those who will respond to conservative mechanical therapy. The McKenzie method is a safe, reliable, and valid method when performed by appropriately trained physical therapists.

Fauquier Health Outpatient Rehabilitation Services is the only facility in the Piedmont area to have three certified MDT physical therapists. Karrie Giger, PT, DPT, cert. MDT, Bruce Edwards III, PT, cert. MDT, and Kristen Pierce, PT, DPT, cert, MDT were credentialed by the McKenzie Institute International in August 2007 and specialize in spine physical therapy. Certification includes extensive postgraduate courses on spine assessment and treatment with successful completion of an international credentialing examination. Our outpatient department also has 5 other physical therapists currently in the process of becoming MDT certified and have received extensive training in this method. More information regarding the McKenzie method can be found at http://www.mckenziemdt.org

If you feel you may benefit from our spine service, and would like to hear more, please call us at 540-316-2680. Or click on the button below to ask your therapist a question.

May 11-17th is National Women's Health Week

What is a Women's Health PT?

Women's Health PTs are physical therapists who have advanced training and experience in assessing and treating specialized conditions including pelvic pain, pain and dysfunctions in pregnancy, incontinence and others. This training is obtained as post-graduate continuing education in specific areas.

Regina Davis, PT, Karrie Giger DPT, and Kristen Pierce, DPT, of Fauquier Health Outpatient Rehabilitation Services, are the most extensively trained physical therapists in Women's Health in the Warrenton, Virginia area. They are currently pursuing certification in Pelvic Physical Therapy through the Women's Health Section of the American Physical Therapy Association.

If you feel you may benefit from Women's Health physical therapy and would like to learn more, please call 540-316-2680 and ask to speak to Regina, Karrie or Kristen.

We understand it may be difficult or uncomfortable to discuss some Women's Health issues initially. If you would prefer to ask a question anonymously, please click on the button below. You will receive an email response within 24 business hours.

A great day for Margaret Blue!

Friday, April 10, 2009

March 12, 2009 was a proud day for Margaret Blue. She became a member of Marriott's "Quarter Century Club", marking 25 years of service as a chef. Margaret thoroughly enjoyed everyone she came in contact with during her years with Marriott. Despite a debilitating neurogenic problem that causes her to have decreased balance and weakness, this amazing woman has only missed one day of work in 25 years--because of a snowstorm!After a recent injury, Margaret came to our clinic for strengthening and to improve her walking. She has worked closely with her physical therapist, Bruce Edwards & our student from Shennandoah, Brooks Brady. Margaret credits them for helping her become strong enough to walk up to receive her 25 year service award, something she was not sure she would be able to do after her injury.Margaret has a beaming smile for everyone she meets. Her positive attitude is contagious, and the reason she has come so far. Congratulations Margaret, on your achievements!

If you would like to know more about our services, or have a general question regarding rehabilitation services, please call us at 540-316-2680, or click on the button below to submit an email inquiry.

Physical Therapists offer help for Incontinence

Urinary incontinence, or the complaint of involuntary leakage of urine, is not just something that happens to older people. This condition can affect men and women of all ages. The National Association for Incontinence estimates that 25 million Americans experience urinary incontinence.

Stress Incontinence is a sudden involuntary loss of urine on effort or exertion. This may occur with activities such as exercising, sneezing, coughing or laughing. Stress incontinence usually results from weakness and lack of support in the muscles of the pelvic floor. Women with stress incontinence often have “under active” pelvic floor muscles. Causes may be pregnancy or childbirth, injury or trauma, surgery in the vagina or rectum, episiotomy (during childbirth), or lack of exercise or use.

Urge Incontinence is the loss of urine that occurs as soon as you get the urge to urinate. Women with urge incontinence often have weak and “over active” pelvic floor muscles.

Mixed Incontinence is involuntary loss of urine associated with urgency and also with exertion, effort, sneezing or coughing. Mixed incontinence can include any combination of the causes of stress and urge incontinence.

Many symptoms of urinary incontinence are caused by pelvic floor muscle weakness and dysfunction. Our specially trained pelvic floor physical therapists are the ideal healthcare providers to help you gain control over your symptoms. Our therapists use their specialized medical training to evaluate your problem and design an individualized treatment program to meet your specific needs.

Physical therapy can:

• Give you control over your bladder and your life


• Save money and embarrassment by allowing less use of pads and undergarments


• Reduce use of medications for incontinence


• Possibly prevent the need for surgery

Physical therapy treatment may include:

• Education on diet and nutrition to avoid food and beverages that may irritate the bladder


• Advice on how to change behaviors that make symptoms worse


• Techniques to increase awareness of the correct use of muscles that control urinary flow


• Exercises to strengthen the muscles of the pelvic floor


• Exercises to stretch and strengthen other important muscles to help you gain control


• Techniques to decrease urinary urge and frequency


• Biofeedback to help you re-train your muscles


• Electrical stimulation to improve awareness and strengthen muscles

You should be referred to a pelvic physical therapist if:

• You leak urine during normal daily activities


• You leak urine with sneezing, coughing, or laughing


• You have difficulty starting a urine stream


• You have trouble holding urine when you feel a strong urge to go


• You urinate frequently (more than every 3-4 hours during the day, up more than once to urinate at night)


• You have difficulty getting to the bathroom because of other problems such as pain or balance.
  
  At Fauquier Health Outpatient Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, our pelvic physical therapy team has completed extensive training in pelvic physical therapy through the American Physical Therapy Association. Our therapists use a variety of techniques as well as provide you with education to ensure your needs are addressed. All pelvic floor treatments are conducted confidentially with your therapist in a comfortable, private setting.
  
  If you feel you may benefit from this service and would like to hear more, please call us at 540-316-2680. Or click on the button below to ask a question.
  

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