From the very young to the very old, and from weekend warriors to professional athletes, the healthcare professionals at ProActive Sports Rehab have seen and treated it all! Today we meet Jeff Kirchmyer, PT, of ProActive Sports Rehab and learn how physical therapy can speed the recovery process and help patients return to a pain-free lifestyle.
What should people expect the first time they walk into a physical therapy office?
On the first day an evaluation is performed. This consists of an hour long session in which the patient explains their symptoms to one of our licensed physical therapists. The PT will then evaluate the patient by taking appropriate range of motion measures, strength testing, functional movement screen and special tests to determine a probable cause and appropriate fix for the problem. Our PT will then explain the findings and start the patient on an appropriate individualized treatment protocol. This could include stretching, strengthening, joint mobilizations and use of modalities (ultrasound, heat, etc). The patient is also given a home exercise program to speed the recovery time.
What are the most common injuries you treat?
We see a wide variety of conditions, but our most common are usually due to repetitive activities or poor posture. Shoulder impingement syndrome, low back pain and knee tracking issues are very commonly seen at our clinic.
In addition to what we might consider “routine” injuries, can you also provide help for people who have suffered a concussion or are perhaps dealing with issues such as vertigo?
We do treat concussions and vertigo. Many people don’t realize there are treatments for these conditions and suffer for months or years with their conditions. Frequently, people with dizziness/vertigo symptoms can be helped in one or two treatments.
Are physical therapy visits typically covered by health insurance?
Health insurance will cover physical therapy treatments in most conditions. Depending on the patient’s policy, they may be responsible for a copay or deductible. Also, many insurances no longer require a prescription to be seen. Therefore, in many cases, patients can save time and money by skipping their physician and going straight to PT.
What are some things we can practice in our daily lives to keep our bodies in tip-top shape?
Don’t ignore symptoms for too long. If problems are not going away within a week or two, then you may require physical therapy or other forms of treatment. The longer the problems persists, the longer the recovery can take. Studies have shown a great reduction in recovery time and medical expenses if treatment begins within two weeks of suffering the injury.
What other services do you perform at ProActive that you may not commonly see at other offices?
We have therapists trained in both Graston and ASTYM techniques. Graston and ASTYM are a form of tool-assisted massage used to break up bad tissue or tendinitis in order to speed the healing process. This is a great option for people who have chronic pain or have failed with previous forms of treatment.
What’s the best way to reach the pros at ProActive?
We can be reached at our West Seneca office at (716) 674-9600 or our Hamburg office at (716) 648-8700. I can always be reached by email at je***********@pr******************.com and I am always happy to answer any questions.
If you are a West Seneca Chamber of Commerce member and would like to participate in the “Seven Questions With … ” business profile feature, please contact the Chamber at 674-4900.
