ASTYM: Freeing Patients from Pain and Improving Mobility

by Angela Spencer, PT, Facility Manager at Accelerated Rehabilitation Centers in Urbandale, IA

ASTYM is not a new technique used to treat physical therapy patients. In fact, it has been around for about 15 years, but the continual improvement in the protocol and case studies are increasing evidence that ASTYM is a valuable tool.

ASTYM is a treatment option for patients suffering from repetitive use conditions such as lateral and medial epicondylitis, carpal tunnel, as well as patellar and achilles tendinitis and bursitis. It has also been found to be very successful at reducing post-surgical/post-traumatic scarring, in addition to being used to improve sprains/strains of soft tissue suffered by many professional and recreational athletes.

Our bodies have a natural healing response that they undergo with every injury or with the repetitive nature of our daily tasks. When an individual begins to experience pain, he/she may accommodate for the pain by limiting his/her normal motions, by altering normal mechanics with bracing or splinting, or by stopping movement altogether. This then changes the usual way the body lays down its repair tissue; the normal pulls or forces on the soft tissue fibers—which would normally help realign the repair fibers—are absent. Over time, the actual tissue can change from healthy tissue to abnormal, poorly vascularized tissue that is ineffective in producing normal motion. This can cause pain.

The goal of ASTYM is to stimulate the body’s healing response, help it reabsorb the old scar tissue, and regenerate new healthy tissue/collagen via growth factors and platelets. ASTYM can even be used to restore function to injured areas resulting from chronic conditions. While the patient is receiving the treatment, he/she is encouraged to stay active, letting pain be his/her guide to allow the body the opportunity to experience the normal motions it needs. This will help the regenerated tissue to realign correctly. Within four to five weeks, with ASTYM treatment twice a week, most patients have resolution of their symptoms.

ASTYM is an evidence-based practice option for those therapists who decide to become certified in the technique. Case studies show many conditions to have at least 80 to 90% effectiveness, with patients reporting a high level of satisfaction with their outcomes.

I was certified in ASTYM in October 2008. Before that, I had been treating many repetitive use injuries and would see positive results. However, the pain would sometimes return and I would end up seeing the patients again. Frustrated that the problems wouldn’t resolve completely, I decided to try ASTYM to see if I could effectively assist the soft tissue and have healing that would be more long-term for my patients. With ASTYM, as well as strengthening, stretching, and a home program, my patients feel great and often see improvement within a few treatments.

 For more information about ASTYM or to watch a short video click here.

Angela Spencer, PT, is the facility manager of the Accelerated Rehabilitation Centers in Urbandale, IA. She has been employed with Accelerated for 8 years, is certified in ASTYM, and specializes in outpatient orthopedics and sports injuries. Angela is also currently working toward her manual certification in orthopedics through the North American Institute of Orthopaedic Manual Therapy (NAIOMT). Angela can be contacted at Accelerated Rehabilitation Centers in Urbandale, IA, at 515-251-3700.

Accelerated sponsors the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum’s 4th annual Go Go Green 5K

Accelerated Rehabilitation Centers is a proud sponsor of the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum’s  4^th annual Go Go Green 5K in Chicago.  The October 22^nd race in Lincoln Park’s Diversey Harbor kicks off at 9:00am.  After your run, Accelerated will have athletic trainers and physical therapists available to participants for post race stretching and injury screens.  If you’ve suffered an injury, are experiencing pain, or want to improve your physical performance…stop by our booth!

That day participants can also enjoy several “green” events and activities at Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum after the race.  Runners can perform science experiments, hang out with reptiles, view cooking demonstrations, and learning about recycling (bring old batteries and gym shoes).  Participants also have the opportunity to be the first to experience the Museum’s brand new exhibition, Eww! What’s Eating You?, which digs into the history of humans and our closest companions – the parasites that live inside us.  This after-race party in the museum will feature fun activities and learning opportunities to help connect all of us with nature and science– right in the heart of Lincoln Park.

So sign up for the Go Go Green 5K today…http://www.naturemuseum.org/index.php?id=356&no_cache=1

And stop by Accelerated’s booth on October 22nd!

Let Accelerated Help You Be a Better Runner

Dartfish ProSuite is state-of-the-art movement analysis software that allows clinicians to examine patient movement patterns and dysfunction during and after rehabilitation. Dartfish has been proven beneficial with qualitative and quantitative movement analysis, gait analysis, muscle imbalance assessment, injury prevention, ergonomics, as well as performance and fitness testing.

The detailed video analyses provide visual feedback by filming movement patterns. While viewing the video, patients and clinicians better understand the conditions, movement dysfunction, and patient progress. In addition, with the “illustrated” and individualized touch of Dartfish, patients are able to visualize and more efficiently follow clinicians’ instructions and treatment guidance. As a result, the recovery process often moves forward more rapidly.

More specifically, Dartfish allows the clinician to:

• Provide instant visual feedback in treatment sessions, allowing patients to immediately see exactly what their bodies are doing.

  • Superimpose clips or use side-by-side comparison with before and after shots to instantly view the progress of treatment. 

  • Make a difference by supporting explanations with video. Patients will be more aware of their mistakes and easily understand what clinicians are trying to teach them. 

  • Work one-on-one with patients, providing them with individualized attention and customized exercise programs. 

  •Exchange information. Clinicians can give patients video images to support rehabilitation at home. 

Like many of the world’s largest sports organizations and almost all of the U.S. Olympic teams, Accelerated Rehabilitation Centers has embraced Dartfish technology, and has successfully integrated it into the training and rehabilitation of its clients. 

Schedule your Dartfish evaulation today! Or look for us on Groupon! 877-97-REHAB (877-077-3422)

Whatever happened to customer service?

Has anyone noticed the decline of customer service these days? I feel like everywhere you go, everyone is crabby.  Workers are just miserable lately.  They hate their job and are generally crabby.  Customer service is virtually non-existent.  Typically, this doesn’t effect my disposition too much.  If I’m at the gas station and the attendant is rude,  usually I let it go and move on.  Or when I check out of the grocery store and the cashier snarls at me, I ignore the unpleasantness and continue to my car.

However, you know when I can’t take it?  When the decline in evident in my own profession…health care.  Health care is supposed to be about helping people not hurting them.   I have heard numerous stories lately of health care professionals forgetting customer service.  Your child is in the hospital and the professionals treating the condition subject you to unimaginable rudeness.  Or when you are scheduling an appointment with a specialist and the receptionist treats you like an inconvenience.  Or you show up for a test and technician drawing blood is mad because you cut their lunch short.

I had a medical professional tell me once that my daughter was wasting her time.  She stormed out the room as my two year old sat in her cage like crib lethargic and with 105 fevers.  I can’t explain the horrible feeling that I had as parent.  The lack of compassion made me feel as if my daughter didn’t matter.  I was scared. I was left with so many unanswered questions. I wish I could say that the situation had a positive resolution, but that never happened and we left with no answers or apology.   Just here’s your release forms and hurry out.  A week later, my daughter ended up needing further testing.  This led to me to more scheduling issues and of course dealing with more crabby people.

When it comes to healthcare, as a provider, compassion is a must.  Patience is a must.  The skill of listening and actually caring what the person is saying is a must.  Sadly, these skills are hard to find.  In today’s world of health care, patients are treated more like pieces of an assembly line than actual living, breathing beings.

The point of this story is that you should never be treated like this at Accelerated.  Our therapists pride themselves in putting the patient first, literally.  They understand the importance of making sure you feel like you matter and you aren’t just another chart.  Your therapist should be your advocate and involve you in all decisions.  They should do what is best for you, at all times, no questions asked. As a patient you and your family deserve this. No matter what.

Accelerated Athletic Trainer Recalls his Olympic Volunteering Experience

Ted Hirschfeld, Accelerated Rehabilitation Centers athletic trainer, embarked on an amazing opportunity with the United States Olympic Commitee (USOC) Volunteer Athletic Training Program this year.  For 9 days, Ted volunteered his athletic training services to the Olympic Training Center (OTC) in Colorado Springs.  This was Ted’s second time volunteering with the USOC and he found the experience extremely gratifying yet again.  Below are his comments on his time at the OTC:

The OTC in Colorado Springs has changed quite a bit from my first volunteering experience…the clinic moved a street over and is now more of an outpatient therapy center than an “athletic training room.”  I was there 9 days, stayed in one of the onsite dorms, and I had unlimited access to their cafeteria.  I was in the OTC clinic from 8:00 to 9:00 or 10:00am depending on the team practices that were going on.  I worked practices for teams including the resident gymnasts, Greco-roman & freestyle wrestling, & U-16 women’s basketball.  I went to lunch at 1:00pm and was back in the clinic till 2:30pm or 4:00pm depending on late afternoon practices.  Most practices were done at 6:00pm and the clinic closed at 6:00pm.   I would go eat dinner and then head back to my room to relax.  I had the opportunity to work with another volunteer athletic trainer, physician, and chiropractor during my stay.

The OTC clinic was definitely upgraded from my previous visit.  The clinic has an x-ray facility onsite now as well as diagnostic ultrasound.  This was extremely cool to see in use.   Before I arrived they emailed me info on the Olympic drug testing program and recommended that I become familiar with the web site so I could determine if any drugs were banned if asked by an athlete.  On my first day, I watched a video and learned how to spine board a gymnast with a potential c-spine [neck] injury in the gymnastics “pit” next to bars.  The video was extremely helpful and was a great review regarding complications that could arise while immobilizing an athlete in a foam pit.

When I arrived, all the volunteers were given an “on-call” schedule.  We rotated who took the “on-call cell phone” in case there was an issue with an athlete overnight.  Usually an athlete would call the front desk of the athlete center and they would triage as appropriate.  A call would come the Sports Medicine Clinic’s way if an overnight injury occurred and the athlete needed immediate first aid or evaluation.

During my time I interacted with many athletes including a para-Olympic cyclist that was born without a left forearm from the elbow down.  I had a truly amazing and educational experience at the OTC and would recommend the volunteer program in Colorado Springs to any athletic trainer or medical profession seeking a truly unique sports medicine experience.  For more information on the USOC Volunteer Athletic Training Program visit: www.teamusa.org/medical/volunteers.

Accelerated Physical Therapist on running the Boston Marathon

Accelerated physical therapist Kelley Newsad ran the Boston Marathon this spring in record time.  She completed the course in 3hrs, 17 min & 29 seconds- a 7:31 pace.  Kelley also completed two physical therapy certifications while training for the marathon.  She completed her Orthopedic Clinical Specialist (OCS) certification and is currently prepping to take the exam that will give her the distinguished McKenzie spine specialist certification.  Below you will find Kelley’s thoughts her experience getting involved in marathon racing as a physical therapist:

I played soccer in college and needed a new sport once I finished my senior season.  I started running and quickly fell in love with the sport.  I discovered that if I put in the mileage and trained hard, I could continue to get faster.

During the winter of 2006, I was introduced to the owners of the Columbus Running Company and they convinced me to run the Columbus Marathon.  I trained with other runners from the store and had a very successful first marathon.  I was immediately hooked and ran the Boston and NYC Marathons in 2007.   Training for three marathons the first year without much rest resulted in an over use injury that prevented me from running for over a year.  As a result, I developed an interest in the prevention and rehabilitation of running injuries.

Many runners at some point develop overuse injuries but are unsure how to treat them.  Dayne Conley, PT, MPT, MS, SCS, NASM-PES and I have partnered with the Columbus Running Company to offer injury prevention and treatment information.  Over the past 2 years, we have spoken at several store events, provided sports medicine coverage at races, and have been active on their online social networking site to market our services.

Last October, I ran the Columbus Marathon which was my first marathon in three years.   It was a special experience because I ran it with my sister and a patient.  I recently treated the patient for an acute hamstring strain suffered just a few weeks before the marathon.  Our goal was to qualify for the Boston Marathon and we were able to achieve it.

I started a 16 week training program at the end of December and averaged 50-60 miles a week.  Over the 16 weeks, I completed five long runs over 20 miles.  Due to the snow and ice, I was forced to do many of the weekday runs on the treadmill.  I took advantage of the treadmill to simulate Boston’s hilly course.  Many of these runs were done with a local primary care physician.  We developed a great relationship and decided to run the marathon together.  We stuck together through most of the marathon and were able to push each to personal bests.  It was a memorable experience!

Summer is here! Almost…..

Living in Chicago, the weather can be unpredictable. I actually had to pay $250 to get my air conditioner fixed so it worked during the day and then ended up turning my heat on at night. It’s just crazy. What’s even crazier are all the spring and summer sports that are played outside and the amount of turmoil the athletes endure with the elements. My 9 year nephew had a soccer game during one of the worst rainstorms of the season but there was no lightening so the coaches and refs felt it ok to continue. Really? Where’s the common sense here? If your children play sports this spring and summer be aware of the weather policy. Every organized sport should have a weather policy and ask who implements the policy. If the game is going to get rained out, who’s making that call. If the game is going to stop because of lightening, who’s making that call. Being aware of the emergency protocol is important information each parent should know.  Keep your kids safe this summer. Just maybe your 9 year old won’t have to play soccer in the pooring rain.

Accelerated supports the education of healthcare providers in a big way

This May, Accelerated Rehabilitation Centers pledged $100,00 in sponsorship money to the Rosalind Franklin University.  This money will be used to improve and modernize the university’s gross anatomy laboratory.  The university plans to upgrade workspaces and technology for students in lab classes.  These improvements will provide students with a first rate education that supports Rosalind University’s commitment to training quality healthcare providers.  Accelerated is proud to support Rosalind University’s efforts to better educate healthcare professionals including the next generation of physical therapists.

For more information, please CLICK HERE.

Accelerated physical therapist on the radio- 670 The Score

Accelerated Rehabilitation Center’s Schaumburg facility manager, Denise, appeared on the Chicago radio station  670, The Score on March 16.   Denise called in to the sports radio show, Mully and Hanley, to give her perspective on a foot condition that athletes commonly develop.  Mully and Hanley were discussing the Celtic’s all star point guard Rajon Rondo and his bout with the foot condition, plantar fasciitis.  When Mully and Hanley inaccurately described the condition as untreatable, Denise called the sports commentators and explained to them the numerous physical therapy treatments that can help a person suffering from plantar fasciitis.   Treatments include soft tissue mobilization, modality use, and manual  therapy and exercise to correct muscle and joint imbalances.

Plantar fasciitis is an inflammation of the plantar fascia a fibrous strip of connective tissue on the bottom of the foot.  If you feel in the arch of your foot, the plantar fascia is the springy tissue that extends from your heel bone to your 5 toes.  This tissue can become inflamed and cause pain that is often described as a “stabbing pain”.  This is especially common in athletes especially runners.  Most people feel as though the pain is worst in the morning with the first few steps of the day.  Plantar fasciitis can be caused by repetitive stretching (typical in running and athletics), age, obesity, spending long periods of time on your feet everyday, body mechanics,  and bad footwear.  While Mully and Handley thought that rest is the only treatment for this condition, plantar fasciitis responds well to physical therapy.  Any of the physical therapists at Accelerated Rehabilitation Centers can treat and rehabilitate people suffering from plantar fasciitis.  If you think you may have plantar fasciitis, please call our centralized scheduling number to set up a free injury evaluation 877-97-REHAB (877-977-3422).

You will find Denise’s full response on the Mully and Hanley podcast- 22 minutes into the 2nd hour of the March 16 show.  To hear the podcast, CLICK HERE.

March is National Athletic Training Month: Atheltic Trainers Take Responsibility & Lower Risk

School administrators, athletic directors and coaches have their own jobs, which may pose a conflict of interest with athlete safety; they are no experts in managing injuries or sports-related illnesses, nor should they be responsible to do so. Handling injures at school or at work, rather than sending the patient to the emergency department, saves money and time loss – and gets them back on their feet faster. Just as professional athletes do, recreational athletes shoul have access to professional athletic trainers.

Check back here weekly for new posts about Certified Atheltic Trainers!

Accelerated celebrates the hard work and dedication of our Atheltic Training staff. We are grateful and thankful for the great service you provide to the active population of the Midwest.

Taken from the National Athetlic Training Assoiciation Website: nata.org