Wednesday, September 28, 2011

Our New Shuttle Recovery Machine...the history and how it helps Physical Therapists treat a large variety of patients!!

We have a new machine at Progressive Physical Therapy that will help make a significant difference in how we treat our patients and how our patients progress through their therapy!   Read on to learn more!......
In 1965, the US Air Force proposed the launching of a secret Space Station…
to be named the Manned Orbiting Lab (MOL). Of prime concern to Gary Graham and a team of other bioscientists was the effect on an astronaut’s cardiovascular system during the long exposure to the zero gravity environment of space.

The Bioastronautics team proposed subjecting the astronauts to intermittent positive and negative acceleration forces parallel to the long axis of the body as a way of taxing their cardiovascular system and maintaining their orthostatic tolerance. The team developed a prototype they named the Cardiovascular Conditioner.

The government eventually scrapped the MOL Project. But, twenty years later, with additional research and development, Gary patented a Horizontal Rebounding exercise device. The CMC (CardioMuscular Conditioner) Shuttle 2000 used the basic principles derived from the Boeing cardiovascular conditioner.

And Shuttle Systems was born…


Gary Graham and the team of bioscientists at Boeing developed the Cardiovascular Conditioner as a potential exercise system for the Manned Orbiting Lab (MOL). Research studies on the prototype were very promising, but the government canceled the MOL project in favor of the NASA lunar mission.
1985 – CMC Shuttle 2000
Gary resurrects the MOL project exercise system concept for use as an earth-bound exercise machine. Additional research and development results in a patented Horizontal Rebounding exercise machine named the CMC (CardioMuscular Conditioner) Shuttle 2000.
Initially, the CMC Shuttle 2000 would be used primarily as a physical therapy tool. Further R & D generated a more advanced model, the Shuttle 2000-1. Today, the 2000-1 remains a flagship machine with its numerous accessories and expanded versatility designed to meet the specific needs identified by practicing therapists and trainers. Five models of the Shuttle 2000-1 are currently in production.
Shortly after the appearance of the 2000-1 Series, trainers and athletes began using the machine for conditioning and athletic training. However, professional and world-class athletes were seeking a Shuttle with more resistance. Thus was born the Shuttle MVP. With three models and resistance loads up to 650 pounds, the MVP has become the preferred tool for developing explosive power in the elite athlete.

Bill Bollinger, a physical therapist, expressed the need for a small Shuttle that would be mobile and could be used in a patient’s bed, on a training table, on the playing field, or at home. The MiniClinic was introduced in 1997 and would later become the Shuttle MiniPress. Utilizing a variation of the Horizontal Rebounding Technology, the MiniPress weighs less than 15 lbs, provides resistance loads up to 100 pounds, and allows the therapist to “bring the press to the patient.”

In response to a growing need for equipment focusing specifically on balance – and in conjunction with Robert Crouch of Precision Fitness in Adelaide and several physical therapists in Washington state – the Shuttle Balance was created. We also want to thank Mick Lynch, MD and his sister, Teresa Schuemann, PT, DPT, SCS, ATC, CSCS, for their pioneering work on balancing devices. The Balance has been demonstrated to be a very effective tool for fall prevention, balance training, rehabilitation and athletic development.

2009 – Shuttle Recovery---Progressive's New Machine!
With the shrinking square footage of the typical physical therapist/hospital treatment space and the challenging economic times the world is facing, we went back to the drawing board to develop a rehabilitation machine that provided a smaller footprint at a smaller price. The new Shuttle Recovery provides resistance as low as 12½ pounds all the way up to 200 pounds at full extension. PT's can treat kids to seniors, post-op patients to high school athletes. PT's can also change the elasticord load while the patient remains on the Recovery – we don’t have to get the patient off and on to progress their treatment. 
To learn more about this machine and how Shuttle's can help with your recovery, visit: http://www.shuttlesystems.com/about/company-history
Call today to schedule an appointment! 898-0443

Wednesday, September 21, 2011

Last Chance!! Fan our NEW Facebook Page before the old one is deleted!

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Progressive-Physical-Therapy-Inc/243574569017069

Click on the link above and then click "Like" on our NEW Business Facebook Page! This current page will be deleted soon and we would like you to continue following us on our NEW Business Page!!!!

Wednesday, September 14, 2011

Wednesday, September 7, 2011

Vertigo and Physical Therapy

Vestibular Rehabilitation

“Dizziness”, or Vertigo, is the 3rd most common reason for seeking medical care in individuals over the age of 65 and it is the number one reason for those over the age of 70.

Vertigo is not an inner ear infection as many people believe, and cannot be treated with medication.  It comes on suddenly with changes in the position of the head--lying down, turning to the side or looking up to a cupboard shelf for example.  The attacks can be brief but disrupting. 

Half of the people over the age of 65 will develop a condition known as BPPV (medically known as Benign Positional Paroxysmal Vertigo).  This is a common and sometimes a disabling cause of dizziness that is readily diagnosed and treated.  BPPV may be suspected by careful history and confirmed by appropriate physical examination. Pharmacologic therapy is of little benefit and exercise therapy is curative in over 90% of patients!

BPPV is caused by crystals that are normally found in one part of the inner ear migrating to another part.  Moving the head activates the displaced crystals and they send a message to the brain that brings dizziness.  The inner ear is not only for hearing; it's also for balance.  The crystals can be brought back to their original site through a series of movements called the Epley repositioning maneuvers. 

Other common causes of Vertigo also include Meneire’s, Perilymphatic Fistula, and Migraine Headaches among others.

Most patients experience similar symptoms regardless of the cause of their Vertigo.  These can include: imbalance, unsteady gait, head movement sensitivity, visual  motion sensitivity, disequilibrium in the dark or on uneven surfaces just to name a few. 

Physical Therapy can greatly improve (and in over 90% of patients actually cure!) Vertigo symptoms through the use of “Vestibular Rehabilitation”.  Techniques that Physical Therapists use in this form of rehab include exercises such as ankle sways and focus head turns.  Physical Therapists also use different maneuvers to treat Vertigo such as: the Epley Maneuver (as mentioned above), the Brandt-Daroff Treatment, and the Semont Liberatory Maneuver. 

The type of treatment the Physical Therapist chooses depends upon the underlying cause of the Vertigo, which is determined after careful examination of the patient by the Therapist.  A treatment plan is then devised and acted upon in the same visit.  Our Therapists have found great success with the use of the Epley Maneuver and are well trained in it’s technique.

If you or someone you know is suffering from Vertigo, give us a call today!  You will be very surprised how effective Physical Therapy can be with this problem!

For more information on Vertigo and the Epley Maneuver, click the links below: