Chiropractors, physical therapists can help patients with chronic problems

Published: 2009-05-08 10:23:10
Author: Alexis Bechman | Payson Roundup | April 2, 2009

Recovery from a sports injury, fall or car accident takes time and a lot of work. There is a host of ways to treat that kink in your neck, from stretching to acupuncture to strength training.

With the help of a physical therapist or chiropractor, you can be back on your feet, or at least straight on them, in no time.

At Payson Physical Therapy, which moved into a new, expanded space on Main Street at the beginning of 2009, the healing process has been made a little easier and maybe even a little fun.

The center offers the only indoor therapy pool in the Rim Country and a Wii system with balance board for balance, vestibular and neurology rehab.

Owner Scott Nossek said the Wii trains people to shift their weight and balance with their feet. A 16-year-old cerebral palsy patient was even able to play a video game unassisted for the first time with the system.

Nossek, a certified strength and conditioning specialist, said for the last two decades he has focused on helping people improve their physical condition “whether they are a couch potato or a high-level athlete.”

The center offers prosthetic and orthotics services, speech, occupational, home physical therapy and strength conditioning. The facility also offers a golf fitness program that improves golfers’ flexibility and strength, thus lowering their scores.

The five-foot-deep, heated pool is used for patients recovering from total joint replacements, fractures, lower back injuries and a host of other ailments.

“They get in the water and it allows them to do movement patterns by taking the weight off people,” Nossek said. “All conditions would benefit from the pool.”

When deciding between a physical therapist or a chiropractor, there are a number of distinct differences, but provide needed medical treatment and service. Nossek said physical therapists and chiropractors handle treatment differently.

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