Have pain from strain? Physical Therapy & Massage Clinic open
From our weekly issue dated June 11, 2008
Kay Nielson and Doranne Long. (Photo by Zina Booth, Illinois Valley News)
“Physical therapy involves treating different diagnoses to help alleviate pain and dysfunction, while restoring strength and movement,” says Kay Nielson.
“This can be accomplished,” she added, “through the use of therapeutic exercises, stretches, application of modalities, manual/massage techniques, and patient education.”
Eighteen months ago, Nielson opened her Physical Therapy and Massage Clinic at the Selma Community Center, tucked around the building to the right.
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Nielson is a physical therapist assistant and licensed massage therapist, with a bachelor’s degree in science. She networks with Doranne Long, a physical therapist with Cascade Physical Therapy.
Long provides the initial assessment. Between Nielson’s 18 years and Long’s 27 years experience, they complement each other with their overlapping techniques. The two network to provide the best of both worlds, with their combined approaches of massage and physical therapy offering both hands-on and orthopedic therapy.
“Locally owned and operated, I live here, volunteer here, and spend money here,” says Nielson. “Some folks drive to Medford for therapy, feel better, then get all stiffened up again on the drive home.”
Nielson uses therapeutic balls for core strengthening, and builds a more comprehensive, exercise program geared for each individual. Therapy-ball classes will start this autumn, and will cost $5 per session.
Some of her approaches include Craniosacral Therapy (CST), a holistic practice that uses a light touch to balance the body; and Myofascial Release (MFR), which releases tension in the fascia/connective tissue that can be restricted from previous injuries.
CST and MFR are effective after a motor vehicle accident, she said. The patient is still sore, so these are gentle and calm healing techniques.
Trigger Point therapy targets an area in the muscle tissue that is hypersensitive and can refer pain to other areas of the body.
Patient education provides more preventative care. The therapists are always assessing to figure out what is causing the pain: analyzing nutrition, stress level, and sleep patterns. They advise how to sit at a computer without irritating the lower back.
“We try to help people know what to do to take care of themselves,” said Long. “Couch potatoes, get up and move around. Bifocals can cause neck strain; telephones are a frequent source of neck & shoulder pain.
“Home remedies help -- when in pain, try the following: Fill a tube sock with 2 pounds of rice (or buckwheat), put in the microwave for two to four minutes, and apply to the irritated area. This is a simple method to help yourselves.”
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People can lose 50 percent of their range of motion before they know they are in trouble. Restoring shoulder motion back to 80 percent makes a huge difference.
Nielson’s services include “Pain relief; enhance flexibility and motion; reduce tension and stress; and promote overall health and well being.”
Some of the conditions treated are restricted and/or painful joints, impaired balance and coordination, gait disturbances, neck, shoulder and back pain, motor vehicle injuries, acute and chronic pain, migraines, strokes, Fibromyalgia, and neurological disorders.
Kay Nielson’s Physical Therapy and Massage Clinic is open Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays, with hours scheduled to suit the needs of patients.
Most insurance plans are accepted, although Medicare is not. Massage therapy is $50 for one hour, $25 for half hour; fees are flexible, and she will work with clients on payments and deductibles.
For appointments, telephone 218-0485 or fax messages to 597-2273.
~Zina Booth
