Physical medicine is an integral part of the whole-person approach practiced by the naturopathic physicians at Connect Integrative Medicine. Dr. Mohammad Shegeft and Dr. Sidney Cruz are highly trained in an array of manual techniques that support healing, ease your pain, improve movement, and get you back into action. To learn how your symptoms and overall wellness can improve with physical medicine, call the office in Edmonds, Washington, or book online today.
What is physical medicine?
Physical medicine is a specialized field for doctors who want to treat injuries and diseases using manual therapies and other nonmedical techniques.
The physicians at Connect Integrative Medicine team are highly trained naturopathic practitioners that combine conventional medical care and natural treatments with physical medicine.
What conditions improve with physical medicine?
Nearly any type of musculoskeletal condition improves with physical medicine, including (but not limited to):
- Back pain
- Fibromyalgia
- Tendonitis
- Rotator cuff injuries
- Muscle strain
Physical medicine supports your rehabilitation and recovery by boosting circulation, reducing inflammation, strengthening and relaxing muscles, and generally supporting your body’s natural ability to heal.
What should I expect during physical medicine?
Physical medicine includes a long list of potential therapeutic techniques. Your provider carefully chooses among them to create a treatment plan that fits your unique needs.
These are a few modalities often included in physical medicine sessions:
Manipulation
Naturopathic manipulation uses gentle manual techniques to realign any part of your body’s musculoskeletal system, including your spine. Manipulation also releases tight connective tissues, improves circulation and movement, and promotes healing.
Trigger point injections
Trigger points are hard, painful muscle knots that quickly relax after your provider injects a local anesthetic into the tight tissues. In some cases, your injection may also contain an anti-inflammatory medication.
Dry needling
Dry needling treats trigger points, as well as uncomfortable scar tissue and large bands of tight muscles. To perform dry needling, your provider uses the same narrow needles used during acupuncture.
The filiform needle glides into the targeted muscle or tissue. The needle disrupts muscle contractions, allowing them to relax. This also improves nerve function and blood flow restricted by tight muscles.
Kinesio taping
Kinesio taping uses specialized elasticized tape to treat injuries and ease the pain. Though there are different types of tape for specific needs, they all stretch up to 140% of their starting lengths and then return to their original length.
The tape supports damaged muscles while also allowing you to stay active. This type of safe movement, combined with the tape’s ability to improve circulation, promotes faster healing.
To learn if you’re a good candidate for physical medicine, call Connect Integrative Medicine or book online today.