Equipment and Modalities
Equipment and technology can play a large role in the success of your rehabilitation. Streubel Physical Therapy researched each of their pieces of equipment and chose only the ones that offer clinically proven outcomes in rehabilitation. Some of our state-of-the-art equipment is highlighted below.
Shoulder Rx
Called “The Best Solution for Resistive Shoulder Exercise,” the Shoulder Rx™ is a resistive device for therapeutically exercising the shoulder following surgery, traumatic injury, or to aid in the recovery from shoulder joint disease. The Shoulder Rx features several innovations that make it the perfect solution for a broad range of rehabilitation protocols. Some of the rehabilitation applications include:
♦Rotator cuff tears ♦Rotator cuff tendonitis and impingement syndrome ♦Post-surgical rotator cuff repairs ♦ Post surgical fracture repairs ♦Arthritis ♦Adhesive capsulitis
If the Shoulder Rx is good enough for the Vatican it is good enough for you! (Be sure to ask Dan about the story of the Vatican and the Shoulder Rx).
Scifit Bike
The SicFit bike has bi-directional resistance that allows the user to exercise reciprocal muscle groups. This creates a muscle balance ratio which helps with rehabilitation following injury or surgery to the lower extremity. Bidirectional resistance is also ideal for combating fatigue and for adding variety and balance to a workout. De-conditioned patients often fatigue before they have completed the desired duration on a regular bike. The Scifit bike will allow them to change directions to give one muscle group a rest while working another, all without interrupting a workout. A longer workout with reduced muscle fatigue results in increased cardiovascular conditioning and calorie expenditure.
Nautilus Medical Freedom Trainer
Vertical and rotational adjustments permit limitless cable configurations combined with grips, straps, and bars to produce an almost unlimited array of exercises and functional applications. With the Freedom trainer I can provide resistance training to virtually any activity ranging from basic walking and transfers to sport-specific activities like pitching. Resistance starts at 21/2 lbs and goes up to 200 lbs.
I have logged over 100 different exercises with the Freedom Trainer and I feel that I have only scratched the service.
Shuttle Recovery
The Shuttle recovery brings a whole new dimension to rehabilitation of the lower extremity. Even in a limited weigtbearing rehab protocol the Shuttle can be used to initiate strength, balance, proprioception, and plyometric training. The Shuttle can zero out the effects of gravity so a patient can start laying supine with range of motion and progress from resistance as low as 12½ pounds all the way up to 200 pounds. I have found The Shuttle successful with many types of patients: kids, seniors, post-op patients, and athletes Specifics include:
- Accelerate balance and stability exercises programs in less-than-body-weight conditions.
- Provide critical eccentric lower extremity strengthening exercises with controlled resistance.
- Increase lower extremity power to enhance sprinting, jumping, and acceleration especially for the athlete.
Spine Care
It is all about comfort when your back hurts. This table is infinitely adjustable to find that comfortable position and allows for excellent isolation of spinal segments for performing manual techniques.
Recent advancements in decompression tables like the one at Streubel Physical Therapy allow the therapist to apply the decompression force specifically and accurately to the pain-generating segments within the spine. Please refer to the “Spine Care” page for more information on the Decompression Table and the computer program that operates it.
Leg Exerciser
This leg and ankle exerciser isolates muscles in the ankle and lower leg. This same device is used by many NBA teams including the Bulls and Lakers because is invaluable for rehabilitating not only ankle sprains but other injuries to the foot and lower leg.
Laser Therapy
Laser therapy has made significant strides in producing clinically effective treatment of various orthopedic conditions. Most recently in the Journal of Physical Therapy (2009; 89(7): 643-652)a study comparing ultrasound to laser therapy showed a significant improvement in rotator cuff impingement syndrome with a 2 week treatment of laser therapy as compared to ultrasound. Laser therapy has also been proven effective for carpel tunnel syndrome, medial and lateral epicondylitis, musculoskeletal pain, I-T band syndrome, and rheumatoid arthritis.
Click here for references
Traditional Equipment
In addition, SPT has the traditional rehabilitation equipment that is found in most PT clinics. This includes; ultrasound, interferential electrical stimulation, neuromuscular stimulators, iontophoresis and Hybresis, and biofeedback. Exercise equipment includes elliptical, stair stepper, spin bike, and treadmill.
