I am a student of movement, my own and yours. I will guide your discovery of how your movement patterns influence your comfort and function.

At a time when insurers are demanding a "quick fix" from physical therapy, I am committed to lasting results, which come from seeing the body as a unified whole. This is a lesson I learned from movement expert Judith Aston who has developed a comprehensive approach to working with bodies in motion. She teaches that an injury or dysfunction in one part of the body will cause the rest of the body to compensate in ways that reinforce the original symptoms. To release tension and pain and to teach people how to use their bodies more efficiently, she developed an integrated system of bodywork, movement education, exercise, and environmental design.

Aston-Patterning is an important component of my treatment approach. Every new patient receives a thorough evaluation and treatment plan. I draw upon my medical background to understand the patient's diagnosis and on my Aston-Patterning training to see how the whole body has compensated for the identified problem. Treatment strikes a balance between hands-on bodywork and active movement education. Through a variety of methods drawn from Physical Therapy, Aston-Patterning, and Osteopathy, I seek to release tension in the muscles, connective tissues, and joint surfaces; reeducate the neuromuscular system; increase strength, range of motion, balance, and coordination; modify the gait; teach dynamic spinal stabilization; and reorganize movement patterns to make both simple and complex tasks easier. This gives the patient new options for movement and a variety of self-care techniques to control symptoms.

Spinal Care: Spinal pain usually has to do with movement dysfunctions of specific spinal segments that are too loose or too tight. So treatment involves strengthening unstable areas and mobilizing stiff ones. The nature of spinal conditions is that people have periods when they feel fine and other periods of acute exacerbation when they feel their backs “go out.“ My approach is designed to teach each client how to make these recurrences less intense and less frequent.

Learning how to manage our symptoms from the moment when we feel something “GO OUT” is key to successful pain management. By employing simple gentle movement sequences during acute exacerbations, my clients learn how to discover for themselves where and in which direction the movement dysfunction lies. Then by performing these movements to the area of primary dysfunction they can unlock the joints that have caused all the trouble. This can prevent the whole cascade of spasm and compensation that pulls the rest of the body into the painful pattern, thereby shortening the painful episode.

Once the person has learned about their condition, they become their own healer immediately when pain flares up. Flare-ups become less scary, more manageable, and in need of less professional intervention.

Other Orthopedic Conditions: In addition, I of course treat a whole range of orthopedic conditions including rehabilitation for post sprains, strains, fractures, and joint replacements. I had a hip replacement in the summer of 2006 which gave me particular insight into this common surgery and it's aftermath.

Therapeutic Modalities: Although my emphasis is on hands-on treatment and movement education, I may also employ treatment modalities such as cold packs, ultrasound, electrical stimulation (TENS, EGS, FES), and/or inversion style traction. When modalities not requiring my full attention are indicated, I make every attempt to arrange home rental of devices that can be used independently and cost effectively. During treatment sessions, patients receive my undivided.

Individualized Fitness Training: Many patients benefit from working with free weights, therapy balls, foam rollers, a stationary bicycle, and/or the Pilates Reformer, which provides advanced resistance training in proper alignment. I also develop sports, dance, or other activity-specific exercise programs to address individual needs. For instance, an athlete who specializes in a one-sided activity such as golf or pitching may gain better overall body balance with training that emphasizes the opposite direction of movement.

I apply proper form to everyday functional activities encourage clients to let the signals from their own body guide their workout. My goal is to teach the skills necessary for safe participation in less individualized community-based classes.

Ergonomic Assessment: I introduce concepts of ergonomic design in helping my clients choose postural support products that can give them a supportive and comfortable environment for sitting, computer use, driving, and sleeping.

Off Site Visits: I can visit your home, workplace, or car, to provide ergonomic recommendations. I can also visit your gym to help you design a safe, personalized exercise program.

Results that last: My patients find relief from acute and chronic pain. Computer users and musicians report less discomfort from repetitive movement. Dancers, singers, and athletes see improvements in their performance. Even routine daily activities become easier and more pleasurable as the body learns to function as a whole.

A Few Words about Insurance: Most insurers require a physician's written prescription for Physical Therapy. They pay only for services that demonstrate measurable gains toward adequate functioning. They usually do not cover services intended to help the patient avoid re-injury, maintain progress, or achieve true wellness and optimal functioning. I help patients obtain insurance reimbursement whenever possible. Please note that the law requires a physician's diagnosis for all Physical Therapy. However, for those who are uninsured for P.T., or choose to self-pay, a physician's prescription may not be necessary.