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Many
folks don't even know what physical therapy is, let alone the concept
of a holistic physical therapy practice. In an environment where
'healthcare' is a term so readily tossed about, it is useful to
understand some distinctions and definitions of physical therapy.
Only then can one appreciate what is unique about a clinic that
incorporates, or bridges the conventional interventions of physical
therapy with holistic, complimentary methods.
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Physical therapists
are professionally educated at the college or university level and are
required to be licensed in the state(s) in which they practice. As defined
by the American Physical Therapy Association, the scope of practice includes;
1) Services to patients/clients who have impairments, functional limitations,
disabilities, or changes in physical function and health status resulting
from injury, disease, or other causes. 2) Interact and practice in collaboration
with a variety of professionals including physicians, dentist, nurses,
chiropractors, naturopaths, counselors, and other health care providers.
3) Provide prevention, wellness, consultation, and education services
both in clinic and throughout the community.
What many people don't
realize is where to find help for the pain, discomfort or dysfunction
they may be experiencing. The licensed physical therapist is extensively
trained in the areas of the neurological, muscular, and skeletal systems
making them effective clinicians for addressing a wide variety of problems.
People often experience an injury that they don't fully recover from,
or pain that seems to creep up on them and doesn't go away. They may resign
themselves to having pain that they "just learn to live with".
However, with the intervention of physical therapy, a person can experience
effective recovery which allows them to participate more fully in their
life, and hopefully maintain a level of activity that promotes optimal
health and well-being.
So where does Healing
Bridge Physical Therapy, a holistic approach to physical therapy, fit
in? The profession of physical therapy stands with a strong base of medical
research to support the techniques used to facilitate healing. There are
extensive opportunities for licensed physical therapists to receive quality
continuing education to further their knowledge of how to care for their
patients. However, many people have become disillusioned and disconnected
to approaches and clinical environments that only recognize the mechanical
aspects of the human body.
The therapists at
Healing Bridge Physical Therapy are committed to providing a unique service,
within the scope of physical therapy practice, which honors a philosophy
of treating the whole person. This includes creating a relaxed atmosphere
where the patient can feel safe and comfortable in sharing the nature
of their problem. Spending a full 50 minutes of uninterrupted treatment
time with each client also allows the therapist to focus on the unique
aspects of a person's condition and how they can implement some adjustments
into their current lifestyle. The therapists also recognize and address
the connective component of mind-body-spirit and strive to address this
in their own life and studies. Specialized training is also a feature
that Healing Bridge therapists offer which is not available elsewhere
in Central Oregon.
Healing Bridge Physical
Therapy clinic is a unique concept brought about by a vision inspired
by the belief in holistic health. The dedicated staff relies on their
medical training to provide qualified interventions and is committed to
continued growth and education in conventional and complimentary healing
methods. To create an atmosphere that ultimately supports and honors the
wholeness of each patient is the ultimate goal, and we dedicate ourselves
to this "work-in-process."
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