Other Therapies
Cold Laser Therapy
Cold laser therapy is the safe and non-painful application of infrared light over injuries to improve tissue healing in both acute and chronic conditions. The light penetrates into the tissues and stimulates the tissues at the cellular level resulting in increased energy levels. In turn, the increased available energy allows the cells to metabolize at a higher rate and speeds the natural healing response. Generally, the body converts the laser light to a form of energy that can be used to repair itself more efficiently and effectively. There are more than 2500 research reports published on cold laser therapy and over 100 double-blind studies confirming the efficacy and clinical effects of cold laser therapy. Cold laser is valuable for treatment of many common conditions such as arthritis, tendonitis, sprains, strains, wound healing, and many other sports injuries.
Ultrasound
Ultrasound is the non-painful use of high frequency sound waves in order to speed healing in tissues such as ligaments, tendons, muscles, and fascia. The two benefits of this therapy include thermal effects and vibrational effects. Ultrasound increases blood flow, which decreases chronic inflammation, and speeds the healing process. Cellular vibrations caused by the sound waves directly stimulate cell membranes, which enhances the cell repair effects of the inflammatory response. Ultrasound is beneficial for the treatment of many acute and chronic conditions.
Taping Techniques
Our sports medicine physicians have attended several post-graduate training courses on various taping procedures to prevent injury or aid in the rehabilitation process. The type of taping technique chosen by the sports medicine physician is determined by the stage of the healing process and by the amount of support needed to resume activity. Two of the many commonly used taping techniques are listed below.
Kinesio Taping®
The Kinesio Taping Method involves taping over and around muscles in order to assist and support or to prevent overuse. Kinesio Tape gives the patient support while maintaining full range of motion, enabling the individual to participate in physical activity. Depending on how the tape is applied, it can facilitate, relax, or inhibit muscle function. Kinesio Taping is also effective in the removal of swelling, correcting misaligned joints, and supporting muscles and ligaments. Currently, Kinesio Taping® is used in hospitals, clinics, by Olympic athletes and by professional sports teams. For more information on The Kinesio Taping Method, visit: www.kinesiotaping.com
Specific Proprioceptive Response Taping (SPRT)
SPRT taping helps determines the direction necessary for proper approximation and compression of injured tissue. SPRT gives relief of the injury during movement through improving proprioception and neuromuscular control. Due to the type of tape used, SPRT supports the injured tissues, while still allowing for proper range of motion during activity.