Welcome to Fearon Physical Therapy
Leaders in Physical Therapy in Phoenix, Arizona and the Nation
Orthopaedic Manual Therapy is a systematic analysis of the musculoskeletal system which relies on movement analysis, mechanical positioning, and manual testing to assess musculoskeletal abnormalities.
We specialize in orthopaedic & manual therapy. What does that mean to the patient? For the detail minded please look at the "What is OMT?" page. What follows is a bullet point list of the overview.
The interview: We listen to you. An astute clinician once said "If we listen to our patients well enough, they will tell us what is wrong with them. If we continue to listen well they will tell us how to fix them."
History: The evolution of the present problem is explored in detail. Your information about the onset & development of the current problem, any previous treatment, special testing performed as well as any prior history that may have had an influence on the present problem are examined.
Symptom behavior: Traumatic episodes bring symptoms along with the injury. Slowly emerging problems almost invariably develop aberant function before they create symptoms, but patients do not seek help until the symptoms demand attention. How the problem has manifested itself in development and how it has behaved, during the normal activities of life are essential to determining a path to reversing it.
Screening: A series of questions intended to identify the appropriateness of Physical Therapy for your problem. Some systemic problems masquerade as musculoskeletal. Our first task is to verify that you are in fact appropriate for Physical Therapy treatment, and in the event that you are not to direct you to the appropriate physician.
Physical Exam: The preceeding information develops a series of questions and a working hypothesis of the patient's problem. This creates an examination that is specifically customed to answer the questions, test the working hypothesis and determine a logical path to proceed.
Observation: Watching how the patient uses their body demonstrates how they usually function, and what forces they routinely ask their body to absorb and generate.
Movement: Functional movement patterns are assessed as a whole and in component parts. Passive movement, joint integrity and neurologic function are assessed with an eye on the presenting problem.
Muscle and joint function: Muscles and joints are tested for function, strength, length and mobility, stiffness and their impact on the origin of the present problem.
Assessment: Determination of the nature of the problem is made, and the most probable way of reversing it becomes the next hypothesis.
Trial treatement: The hypothesis is tested with intervention.
Reassessment: There is an expectation of immediate response and the measure of response determines the confirmation or rejection of the working hypothesis.
Plan: The response to the intial treatment determines the intitial choice of treatment progression, modification or alteration.
All treatments are movement oriented. Manual therapy techniques are passive or active interface between patient and therapist. Exercise is specifically targeted to address movement control, shortened muscles, inactive muscles, postural abnormalities, joint restrictions, and excessive joint motion. There is always an expectation of patient participation in the form of a home program.
