Many people, when they think of physical therapy, think of massage and exercise. Although these are definite components, physical therapy is much broader.
The Takoma physical therapists are licensed professionals, from a medical background who are experts in musculoskeletal dysfunctions, such as:
Low back/neck pain
Sciatica
Carpal tunnel syndrome
Tennis/golfers elbow
Knee ligament injuries
Ankle sprains
Occupational Therapy
OT in general looks at how a person can function in their environment and where problems are seen, the therapist can assist the patient to use adaptive techniques or devices to remain as independent as possible.
Occupational therapists have specialized in their knowledge of the upper extremity, range of motion, splinting and exercises to help the patient regain functional use of their extremity. Occupational therapists also look at activities of daily living, and can provide devices to make every day tasks easier in the areas of work, such as ergonomic information/tools, home tasks, such as jar openers, zipper pulls and shoe laces.
Industrial Rehab
Industrial rehabilitation programs are conducted in our facility. Our highly trained professionals will work with the patient to develop and implement an aggressive rehabilitation program, designed to meet each individual's functional needs. Participation in this program ensures higher productivity and lowers the risk of potential re-injury. Efforts are made to educate each patient with regards to their functional job demands.
The Industrial Rehab Program includes: complete on-site job analysis, total body re-conditioning program, including balance, stability, strength, flexibility and cardiovascular conditioning, postural education, body mechanics awareness and focusing on injury prevention.
Functional Capacity Evaluations (FCE)
Functional Capacity Evaluations are a scientifically developed process of evaluating injured people to determine their safe capabilities and tolerances in a work environment. The goal is for each patient to be tested in an objective manner and to provide reliable data for use in determining treatment, therapy, or return-to-work status. This data will be supplied in a comprehensive report format that provides for easy interpretation.
The testing protocols are supported by peer reviewed published studies to insure supportable data for use in all applications and to provide a standardized testing platform for all patients.
The FCE may include, but is not limited to the following: Static/Dynamic Lifting Tasks, Muscular Strength and Range of Motion Measurements, Cardiovascular Endurance Exercises, Material Handling Exercises, Assessment of Work Abilities, Validity Protocol to Assure Accurate Determination of Patient's Participation Level.
Speech-Language Pathology
Speech Language Pathologists provide services to improve: communication and swallowing problems in order to maximize abilities in these areas. We treat problems associated with:
Neurological Disorders (i.e. Parkinson's, MS, ALS, Myasthenia Gravis)
Voice Disorders (i.e. Nodules, Polyps, Laryngectomy)
Stuttering
Aphasia, Dysarthria
Swallowing Disorders associated with stroke
Modified Barium Swallow Studies
Pre-Employment Screening
Takoma's Center for Rehabilitation offers pre-employment screening to several area companies. We offer a comprehensive screen that covers not only the back and neck but also upper and lower extremities. This screen was developed to serve as a quick and inexpensive tool to evaluate the patient for any abnormalities in strength and range of motion.
We also offer an essential job function screen that is specifically tailored to your company's job descriptions. Each of these screens can be done separately or together depending on the needs of your company.
