Physical Therapy
Physical Therapy is the examination, treatment and instruction of patients to detect, assess, prevent, correct and alleviate physical disability and pain from injury, disease, disorders or physical deformities.
Occupational Therapy
Occupational Therapy applies everyday living to help people with physical or mental disabilities to achieve maximum function and independence at home and in the workplace. We also have the expertise of a CHT (Certified Hand Therapist.)
Learn more about our services
Modalities
Electric stimulation therapy is a therapeutic treatment that applies electrical stimulation in treating muscle spasms and pain. It can help prevent atrophy and build strength in patients with injuries. It is also helpful in keeping muscles active especially after any type spinal cord injury or strokes. May also be used in conjunction with dry needling.
Common Treatment Indications :
Relaxation of muscle spasms, Prevention or retardation of disuse atrophy , Increasing local blood circulation, Muscle re-education, Immediate post-surgical stimulation of calf muscles to prevent venous thrombosis, Maintaining or increasing range of motion.
The Marc Pro is intended for muscle conditioning by stimulating muscle in order to improve or facilitate muscle performance. It can also be used to help promote joint fluid reduction by re-absorption facilitation. Used in post-op recovery after intense exercise participation, for muscle re-education, pain control, and motor recruitment training.
Iontophoresis is a way to get a drug deep into your body by the use of electricity. The two drugs most commonly used are 4% Lidocaine and .4% Dexamethasone. The treatment takes 10 to 20 minutes. During the treatment you may feel a slight tingling sensation. The process is that your prescribed drug is injected onto a buffer pad, the same polarity of current is then place on the pad containing the drug. Once the current begins, the two like polarity want to repeal each other, so the medication in the pad is forced through the skin without causing any open skin penetrations. Treatment area remain only as large of the buffered pad in which the drug was injected, so you must have localized area of treatment.
Common Treatment Indications :
Area of inflammation, pain, muscle spasm, swelling and edema, helps to reduce calcium deposits in the body, manage scar tissue.
Ultrasound is a therapeutic modality that has been used by physical therapists since the 1940s. Ultrasound is applied using a round-headed wand or probe that is put in direct contact with the patient’s skin. Ultrasound gel is used on all surfaces of the head in order to reduce friction and assist in the transmission of the ultrasonic waves. Therapeutic ultrasound is in the frequency range of about 0.8-3.0 MHz. Ultrasound can produce many effects other than just the potential heating effect. It has been shown to cause increases in tissue relaxation, local blood flow, and scar tissue breakdown. The effect of the increase in local blood flow can be used to help reduce local swelling and chronic inflammation, and, according to some studies, promote bone fracture healing. The intensity or power density of the ultrasound can be adjusted depending on the desired effect. A greater power density (measured in watt/cm2 is often used in cases where scar tissue breakdown is the goal. A typical ultrasound treatment will take from 3-5 minutes depending on the size of the area being treated.
Common Treatment Indications:
Some conditions treated with ultrasound include tendonitis, non-acute joint swelling, muscle spasm, and to help breakdown scar tissue.
Phonophoresis is the use of ultrasound to enhance the delivery of topically applied drugs. Phonophoresis has been used in an effort to enhance the absorption of topically applied analgesics and anti-inflammatory agents through the therapeutic application of ultrasound. Typically, 1% Hydrocortisone cream is used when trying to evoke a local pain reduction response; however Dexamethasone or Salicylates are also often used. The medication is applied to the skin, and then ultrasound waves are used to help pass the medicine through the skin and into your injured body part.
Common Treatment Indications:
Tendonitis, Bursitis, Adhesive capsulitis, arthritis, focal active or latent trigger points.
LASER is an acronym for Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation. Light created in this way, is then culminated and directed into an intense beam of coherent light through the use of cathode and anode reflecting components in order to produce a single stable frequency. According to Webster’s Dictionary, Lasers are coherent or marked by logical consistency. Our laser devices meet all the scientifically defined attributes of a laser and is therefore classified as a TRUE laser. We assure and maintain this classification, through our unique and patented process, which produces the emission of coherent light, generated at a precise and stable frequency, and in a focused direction.
Many theories exist as to the mechanism of action for Low Level Laser Therapy(3LT™) but simply put, photonic energy is absorbed by the photo acceptor sites on the cell membrane which trigger a secondary messenger to initiate a cascade of intracellular signals that initiate, inhibit or accelerate biological processes such as wound healing, inflammation, or pain management.
Common Treatment Indications:
Post-op Pain and/or swelling, Shingles, Focal neurological deficits, TMJ, Inflammatory processes.
Anodyne Therapy is an infrared light therapy device, FDA Cleared to reduce pain, stiffness and muscle spasm and increase local circulation. Anodyne® Therapy and MIRE™ are registered trademarks of Anodyne Therapy, LLC. Anodyne Therapy is patented in the United States, Canada and Europe. The Anodyne Therapy System uses monochromatic infrared energy (MIRE) to release nitric oxide from the patient’s red blood cells. The company says this improves nerve function and is important for making new blood vessels and healing wounds.
Common Treatment Indications:
Diabetic LE neuropathy, PVD, painful injury areas, muscle spasms, muscle stiffness
Diathermy is electrically induced heat or the use of high-frequency electromagnetic currents as a form of physical or occupational therapy and in surgical procedures. Short wave diathermy machines use two condenser plates that are placed on either side of the body part to be treated. Another mode of application is by induction coils that are pliable and can be molded to fit the part of the body under treatment. As the high-frequency waves travel through the body tissues between the condensers or the coils, they are converted into heat. The degree of heat and depth of penetration depend in part on the absorptive and resistance properties of the tissues that the waves encounter. Short wave diathermy usually is prescribed for treatment of deep muscles and joints that are covered with a heavy soft-tissue mass. Diathermy is commonly used for muscle relaxation, and to induce deep heating in tissue for therapeutic purposes in medicine.
Common Treatment Indications:
Hip Trochanteric bursitis, Shoulder bursitis, IT band, Lumbar spine regional pain, muscle spasms.
Pneumatic Medicine is the use of non-invasive, painless, dynamic external compression to treat a variety of medical conditions including swollen limbs, non-healing wounds, lymphedema, and other circulation-related disorders. We use the NormaTec® Device at Hulsey Therapy Services PC.
Common Treatment Indications:
Lympedema, Prevention of DVT, Chronic non-healing wounds, Vascular disorders, Swollen Arms (especially from breast cancer), Venous insufficiency, Post-exercises soreness, Post-op chronic swelling or cramping pain after workouts.
Specialized Services
Dry needling is a neurophysiological evidence-based treatment technique that requires effective manual assessment of the neuromuscular system. Physical therapists are well trained to utilize dry needling in conjunction with manual physical therapy interventions. Research supports that dry needling improves pain control, reduces muscle tension, normalizes biochemical and electrical dysfunction of motor end plates, and facilitates an accelerated return to active rehabilitation. In addition, Dry needling effects are documented by the most recent evidence underpinning the mechanical, hypoalgesic (central, segmental, peripheral), neurophysiologic, chemical, and hormonal effects by the application of dry needling.
Dry needling is a skilled invasive procedure intervention that uses a thin filiform needle to penetrate the skin and stimulate underlying myofascial trigger points, muscular, and connective tissues for the management of neuromusculoskeletal pain and movement impairments.
Common Treatment Indications:
Whiplash associated disorders, cervicogenic headaches, tension type headaches, migraine headaches, rib syndromes, facet joint syndromes, cervical radiculopathy, mechanical neck pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, shoulder impingement syndrome, lateral epicondylalgia, and temporomandibular dysfunction, mechanical low back pain, multifidus dysfunction, primary piriformis syndrome, acute lumbar radiculopathy (“sciatica”), hip dysfunction, knee osteoarthritis, patellofemoral pain syndrome, medial collateral ligament injuries, “shin splints”, ankle “sprains”, achilles tendinosis, and plantar fasciitis.
Cupping therapy is an ancient form of alternative medicine in which a therapist puts special cups on your skin for a few minutes to create suction. People get it for many purposes, including to help with pain, inflammation, blood flow, relaxation and well-being, and as a type of deep-tissue massage. The cupping technique can be used in conjunction with acupuncture or dry needling. Cupping pulls blood to a region to stimulate healing. It is effective at stretching tight fascia and muscles. Cupping helps the tissue develop new blood flow and causes anti-inflammatory chemicals in the body. Popularized recently during the 2016 summer Olympic games at RioDeJaneiro.
Common Treatment Indications:
Joint pain caused by arthritis and fibromyalgia, Migraine and tension headaches, Muscle aches and stiffness, Skin problems such as eczema and acne, focal regional impingements or tendonitis.
Athletic taping is the process of applying tape directly to the skin in order to maintain a stable position of bones and muscles during athletic activity. It is a procedure that uses tape, attached to the skin, to physically keep in place muscles or bones at a certain position. This reduces pain and aids recovery. Taping is usually used to help recover from overuse and other injuries. The general goals of athletic taping are to restrict the motion of an injured joint, compress soft tissues to reduce swelling, support anatomical structures involved in the injury, serve as a splint or secure a splint, secure dressing or bandages, protect the injured joint from re-injury, and protect the injured part while the injured part is in the healing process.
Injury Prevention: Athletic taping is recognized as one of the top preventative measures for reduction of injuries in collision sports. These injuries often occur as a result of extrinsic factors such as collision with other players or equipment. Athletic taping has also been shown to reduce the severity in injuries, as well as the occurrence of injury in most sports.
Common Treatment Indications:
Chronic injuries such as medial tibial stress syndrome (or shin splints), patella-femoral syndrome, turf-toe, Ankle instabilities, Knee instabilities, Shoulder instabilities, Hand/wrist/thumb hyper mobility, etc…..
The Kinesio Taping® Method is a definitive rehabilitative taping technique that is designed to facilitate the body’s natural healing process while providing support and stability to muscles and joints without restricting the body’s range of motion as well as providing extended soft tissue manipulation to prolong the benefits of manual therapy administered within the clinical setting.
Latex-free and wearable for days at a time, Kinesio® Tex Tape is safe for populations ranging from pediatric to geriatric, and successfully treats a variety of orthopedic, neuromuscular, neurological and other medical conditions. It has been proven to have positive physiological effects on the skin, lymphatic and circulatory system, fascia, muscles, ligaments, tendons, and joints. It can be used in conjunction with a multitude of other treatments and modalities within your treatment program, and is effective during the rehabilitative and chronic phases on an injury as well as being used for preventative measures.
Spinal Decompression Therapy involves stretching the spine, using a traction table or similar motorized device, with the goal of relieving back pain and/or leg pain. This procedure is called nonsurgical decompression therapy (as opposed to surgical spinal decompression, such as laminectomy and microdiscectomy). Decompression therapy is applied with the goals of relieving pain and promoting an optimal healing environment for bulging, degenerating, or herniated discs. Also used to help relax and alleviate pain from spastic or tense neuromuscular structures.
Theoretical effects of traction include : 1) Create a negative intradiscal pressure to promote retraction or repositioning of the herniated or bulging disc material, & 2)Create a lower pressure in the disc that will cause an influx of healing nutrients and other substances into the disc.
Spinal mobilization is a type of passive movement of a spinal segment or region. It is usually performed with the aim of achieving a therapeutic effect. Spinal mobilization has been described as “a gentle, often oscillatory, passive movement applied to a spinal region or segment so as gently to increase the passive range of motion of that segment or region.
Spinal Manipulation is a high velocity low amplitude (HVLA) thrust techniques that is widely used by many manual medicine disciplines to treat spinal dysfunction. Techniques of this type are associated with an audible release in the form of a pop or cracking sound that is widely accepted to represent cavitation of a spinal zygapophyseal joint. This audible release distinguishes HVLA thrust techniques from other manual medicine interventions.
Common Treatment Indications:
‘Joint fixation’, ‘Joint locking’, Neck pain, Thoracic spine pain, Lumbosacral pain, Cervicogenic headaches, Tension headaches
Job/Work Related Services
A functional capacity evaluation (FCE) is a set of tests, practices and observations that are combined to determine the ability of the evaluated to function in a variety of circumstances, most often employment, in an objective manner. The test can be beneficial in determining an injured worker’s capabilities and restrictions in trying to assess need for therapy intervention or determining the patient’s ability to return to a specific job duty. A test usually takes around 3 hours to complete.
We use the JTECH Northstar evaluative software and hardware at Hulsey Therapy Services PC, which has been validated and proven reliable and accurate.
Common Treatment Indications:
Post work related injury assessment. Help to determine MMI under the TWC guidelines.
When an employee is injured on the job, and once medical interventions has been exhausted, the workers comp administration may indicate that MMI (Maximal Medical Improvement) has been met and therefore warrants testing in order to reach a settlement and determine any long term residual impairment. This is a standardized scripted evaluation process that takes into account many objective diagnostic factors.
Being referred to out-patient Therapy to undergo the “Technical Component” of this process indicates the need for determining movement tolerances compared to established normative data for non-injured individuals. Once the test is completed, the results are sent back to the referring physician for them to add into the formal TWCC-69 form for filing.
Rehab Programs
Physical Therapists and Certified Athletic Trainers are here at Hulsey Therapy Services PC help patients with sports injuries get back in the game safely and quickly. Our staff evaluates and treats patients ages 10 and up, including those who have suffered an injury while playing youth sports such as Football, Soccer, Baseball, Softball, Volleyball and Gymnastics, etc…. We also have the distinction of being the rehab facility that treats the athletes from Texas A&M University-Commerce.
Adults of all ages who have been injured while doing heavy yard work or the “Weekend Warrior,” injured playing an active game of tennis, golf, basketball or other sports.
Phase II is the next extension of cardiac rehabilitation. It begins a few days after discharge from the hospital and or completion of Phase I cardiac rehab. Phase II is a supervised and monitored out-patient program which follows the patients tolerances and correlates to objective measurements of 1)HR , 2) Blood Pressures, 3) O2 Sats 4) PE levels, 4) Pain. Phase I can only be done in the offices or Hospital setting which as quick access to cardiac drugs, a Physician, and continuous Cardiac monitoring equipment.
Hulsey Therapy Services PC does have AED’s onsite, however we do not have cardiac emergency drugs or physicians on staff; therefore only phase II and phase III cardiac rehab can be performed at our locations.
Common Treatment Indications:
Post-op CABG, Post-op Stint placement, Post MI, Other Cardiac conditions.
Hand therapy is the art and science of evaluating and treating injuries and conditions of the upper extremity (shoulder, arm, elbow, forearm, wrist and hand). It uses a number of therapeutic interventions to help return a person to their highest level of function. It evolved from the need for a specialist with the knowledge and experience required to manage the challenging recovery of complex hand and upper extremity injuries. Hand therapists bridge the gap from medical management of upper extremity conditions to successful recovery, allowing individuals to function normally in their daily lives. Hand therapists provide non-operative interventions, preventative care and post-surgical rehabilitation for a wide variety of upper extremity disorders, from simple fingertip injuries to complex replanted extremities. A hand therapist employs a variety of techniques and tools, including activity and exercise programs, custom orthotic fabrication, management of pain and swelling and wound and scar care.
Common Treatment Indications:
Carpal Tunnel syndrome, RA, Scar tissue formations (Dupuytren’s, Trigger Finger,) Lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow,) Medial epicondylitis (golfers elbow,) Elbow dysfunction, intrinsic hand dysfunctions, CVA, Traumatic or surgical amputations of the UE/hand/fingers.
We use the CSMi HUMAC® Balance System at Hulsey Therapy Services PC. This is a computerized data collection using a pressure plat and visual screen cues.
Common Treatment Indications:
Assessment and progress analysis for Orthopedic Post-Surgical & Post Trauma, Older Adult Fall Prevention, Neurological Disorders, Vestibular Disorders, Concussion management.
Aquatic therapy is performed in the water, aiming to rehabilitate patients after injury or those with chronic illness. It uses the resistance of water instead of weights, taking excess pressure off joints for better outcomes. Patients who have had difficulty with traditional therapy often show improvement with aquatic therapy. The goal is to transition patients quickly from hydrotherapy to a land rehabilitation program within 3 to 12 sessions.
Common Treatment Indications:
Post-op Joint Replacements, Spinal cord injuries, Post-op Spine surgery, Fibromyalgia, Rheumatoid arthritis, Stroke, Ankle/foot, Osteoarthritis, Inability to participate in land exercises.
NASA developed the differential air pressure technique as a way for astronauts to exercise and maintain conditioning in space. In 2012, NASA purchased the P200 model to use for pre-flight and post-flight training of International Space Station astronauts. Alter-G now holds a patent for this technology, which employs air pressure to adjust the users body weight on the treadmill between 20% and 100% of normal weight. We use this technology in the rehab setting to help bridge those patients who either need protected weight bearing, or need to re-train normative gait patterning.
Common Treatment Indications:
Post-op joint replacement to Hip and knee, Lumbar surgery, Neurological dysfunction (MS,) Post-op Knee reconstruction, Ankle pain or post-op, generalized deconditioned individuals who need to improve gait endurance or tolerances.
