How We Treat

General Physical Therapy focuses on the musculoskeletal system of the body. The musculoskeletal system is made up of the muscles, bones, and nerves that contribute to human movement. Many musculoskeletal dysfunctions, injuries, or diseases can be successfully treated by physical therapy. Some of the common conditions and diagnoses that we treat include but are not limited to:

• Arthritis
• Back / Neck Pain
• Headaches
• Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
• Peripheral Neuropathy
• Fractures
• Sprains/Strains
• Joint Pain
• Sports Related Injuries
• Trauma injuries (Motor Vehicle Accidents and Industrial Injuries)
• Post-operative Rehabilitation

Use the same technology pro athletes use to help re-educate muscles, relieve pain, and more! East Athens Physical Therapy is the FIRST physical therapist practice in Georgia to use the Neufit Neubie technology for all of our patients.

For more information, visit our Neubie page.

According to statistics, one out of every three people over the age of 65 will experience a fall this year. Falls are the number one cause of accidental injury in adults 65 and older. Our balance/fall program focuses on prevention of future falls through education and treatment. This program includes the following components:

• Individualized physical therapy evaluation of each patient’s deficits and goals
• Patient Education
• Balance Training
• Strengthening and Flexibility Exercises

Cancer fatigue is a persistent weakness that occurs during cancer treatment. Cancer fatigue is known to be different from everyday fatigue, which is often relieved by rest. Symptoms of cancer fatigue may include feeling tired, weak, exhausted, weary, worn-out, or slow, and the inability to concentrate. Sleeplessness or needing too much sleep is often reported by cancer patients as well. Other common complaints are heavy arms and legs, lack of motivation, feelings of sadness, irritability, and frustration.

The National Comprehensive Cancer Network states that exercise has the greatest effect on these symptoms. Physical therapy is used to help develop a renewed range of motion, postural support, and increased endurance. The goal of physical therapy when used on cancer fatigue patients is to help patients assume full function.

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is a sense of numbness, pain, or tingling in the hands or wrists, sometimes extending as far as the shoulder. The pain sometimes worsens at night and can result in clumsiness when using the hand or wrist. This condition is common with those performing repetitive motion at work or home, such as on an assembly line or typing. Other causes include pregnancy, poor sleeping posture, and repetition in sports or when playing an instrument.

Physical therapy can be used to treat mild to moderate cases of carpal tunnel with appropriate modalities and exercises. Education about the syndrome is also provided so as to prevent future injuries.

The most common diabetic neuropathy, peripheral neuropathy, affects the legs, feet, arms, and hands. Sharp pain and loss of sensation in the affected areas may lead to decreased balance and an eventual fall. Other symptoms include numbness, tingling or prickling sensations, cramps, and sensitivity to light touch or clothing. Often, these conditions may worsen at night and can lead to muscle weakness in the lower legs that can inhibit walking.

Individual treatment plans may be created for each patient by a physical therapist that will help improve mobility and regain strength. Treatment plans may include education on fall prevention, diabetic foot care, and exercise programs. Also used is the state-of-the-art RevitaMed Therapeutic System utilizing infrared light therapy. This system is recognized by the FDA to increase circulation and reduce the pain suffered by those with Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy.

With increasing interest in reducing workplace injuries and increasing productivity, East Athens Physical Therapy now offers a two-tiered physical therapy program designed to reach these particular goals.

Education: Free educational programs aimed at preventing injuries by teaching lifting techniques and postural positioning

Rehabilitation: Aggressive physical therapy techniques to help workers return to their jobs as quickly as possible

Therapists work hand-in-hand with employers and physicians to educate the worker on how to prevent future injuries, as well as aggressive rehabilitation to facilitate healing and recovery.

Lower back pain is the number one cause of inactivity in people under 45, as well as the number two reason people see their doctor, second only to colds and flu. The McKenzie method quickly identifies the source of the pain and introduces strategies to alleviate back and neck pain immediately. This mechanical examination can categorize most patient’s conditions by the level of pain or limitation that results from certain movement or positions.

A certified McKenzie physical therapist prescribes a series of individualized exercises and can provide advanced manual techniques to accelerate a patient’s recovery.

Treatment protocols progress the patient toward self-management of the problem which ultimately decreases office visits.

Osteoarthritis is easily the most common form of arthritis and is caused by the degeneration of cartilage between the joints.

Most people will eventually suffer from some degree of Osteoarthritis secondary to age. This gradual sign of wear and tear usually affects the larger and most often used joints such as the hands, feet, spine, knees, and hips.

In conjunction with medication, physical therapy programs can be implemented to lessen the pain and loss of function caused by Osteoarthritis. These plans may include a variety of exercises designed to quickly enable the patient to resume daily activities pain-free.

Osteoporosis, sometimes known as “the silent disease”, occurs with little or no symptoms and may lead to serious health consequences, usually in the form of bone fractures. Caused by deficiencies in calcium and Vitamin D, factors such as a thin frame, sedentary lifestyle, and cigarette smoking may also aid in the onset of this disease.

While over 80% of those suffering from Osteoporosis are female, one in four men and one in two women over the age of 50 will sustain an osteoporosis fracture in their later years. Hip, spine, and wrist fractures are the most common and often require hospitalization and surgery to correct.

Physical therapists use two types of exercises to combat the disease’s effects: weight bearing and resistance. Both of these programs help bones become stronger and assist in fall prevention and improved mobility. Independence and full function are the ultimate goals of these physical therapy exercises.

Many breast cancer patients report feeling pain, tightness, weakness, and loss of function after their surgeries. These ailments can be caused by such factors as postural changes, scar formation, and even a fear of using the affected arm. These problems can be corrected with the assistance of a physical therapist, but if left untreated may lead to stiffness, swelling, and muscle shortening.

Prompt physical therapy care promotes healing and overall wellness after treatment. Patients will be instructed on topics such as posture, and will learn exercises to benefit levels of strength, range of motion, and soft tissue mobilization. Just as important as the education of the patient is the compassion displayed by the physical therapist during such programs.

Heart Rate Variability (HRV) Therapy is an innovative approach in physical therapy that utilizes advanced monitoring of heart rhythm patterns to optimize treatment outcomes and enhance recovery. This evidence-based technique measures the variation in time between successive heartbeats, providing valuable insights into the body’s stress response and autonomic nervous system function. By analyzing HRV data, physical therapists can accurately assess a patient’s recovery status, determine optimal exercise intensity, and make informed decisions about treatment progression. The therapy helps identify when the body is in an ideal state for rehabilitation versus when it needs more recovery time, allowing for more personalized and effective treatment plans. Research has shown that incorporating HRV monitoring into physical therapy programs can lead to improved outcomes in pain management, athletic performance, and overall rehabilitation success. This non-invasive approach enables therapists to objectively track patient progress and make data-driven adjustments to treatment protocols, ultimately leading to more efficient and successful rehabilitation experiences.