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.

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."