I'm fairly familiar with Chiropractic and massage, but just what is Physical Therapy ?

Physical Therapists hold a Bachelors, Masters or Doctorate degree in Physical Therapy. In addition to undergraduate studies, education involves 2 to 3 years of intensive medical training. P.T.'s are able to apply their knowledge ...read more

I've taking medications. Will this affect my physical therapy and does my physical therapist need to know what I'm taking?

If you take multiple medications, it is highly recommended that you keep a thorough and updated copy of your medications on you. In case of an emergency, your medical team will need to know what medications you are taking to ensure proper assistance. This list will also become very useful and valuable to any new medical practitioners that you may encounter, such as your physical therapist at Healing Bridge Physical Therapy.

We've created a handy worksheet to help you list your medications. Click here to see or print it. Thank you in advance for taking the time to complete this list and have it ready for your first appointment.

Every once in a while I used to get this pain in my back. I really hurt it last summer gardening and was down with pain for about a week. I returned to work and my regular exercise program 3 times a week, but still have this nagging pain in my low back. I consider myself to be in basically good health with regular exercise. How would physical therapy help me?

Your initial visit to a physical therapist involves a thorough evaluation of your back. This includes assessment of your pain symptoms and activities that increase or decrease your pain. In addition, you'll receive an in-depth evaluation of your posture, movements, muscle strength and Read more

I have received massage, physical therapy and chiropractic adjustments for my back pain. How could the Feldenkrais Method help me where these have not?

Everyday, you use your body in ways that you learned when you were developing as an infant and child. These movements became programmed into your brain and body and are represented in how you hold your muscles, posture, and unconscious movement patterns. Through Read more

I was recently rear-ended in a car accident. I wasn't very painful until the next day and the pain in my neck and shoulders has continued to hurt for several days and I've also developed a constant headache. What should I do?

It is important that your symptoms are documented with a physician as soon as possible. Begin by consulting with your primary physician, or if you don't have one, go to a drop-in medical center. Commonly the symptoms of whiplash can take up to 24 hours to show up. The severity Read more

I recently stained a back muscle lifting something heavy. I want to go to physical therapy, but I don't have a primary care physician. What can I do?

Many P.T.s in Oregon are licensed to treat without referral. This designation, called "direct access," means you can receive treatment from a qualified physical therapist for up to 30 days without a physician referral. Read more

My Doctor has recommended Physical Therapy for my neck pain, but how do I chose the right therapist for me?

Most Physical Therapists participate in extensive continuing education from year to year. Courses are different in content and emphasis. Additionally, individual physical therapists have their own style, philosophy, and approach. The clinic that your PT works in will also influence the Read more

Can I use both Physical Therapy AND massage?

Massage and physical therapy go hand-in-hand towards a holistic approach to healing. By integrating multiple techniques, your treatment session is customized and your healing accelerates. Techniques such as manual therapy, massage, Feldenkrais, and specific Read more