Thursday, June 25, 2009

Like poetry to our ears!

At Fauquier Health we develop close relationships with our patients as we work together to help them achieve the goals most important to them. We answer their questions and address any concerns they may have during the journey to recovery. We depend on feedback from our clients to help us guide them to their maximum potential. Occasionally, we have a client who is particularly eloquent in expressing their feelings. Such is the case of Mr. Michaele Jones, who wrote the following poem...

This question, merits time and consideration,
So, I'd like to thank the whole organization.
I've had pleasurable contact with all I contest,
Starting with the warm up smiles at the front desk.

Thanks to the ones who broke me down bending things
Making me feel child like, ready to scream.
Shouting, back straight, bend here,
Providing security, eliminating fear.

Right now I'll concentrate on Linda the most,
Who's abuse is second to none on the east coast.
Quickly, I'll point out just a thing or two,
of the many helpful things you do.

You helped me, when all I felt was down.
The many days I wore a frown,
You gave me back my hands, that's true,
Though you worked a brother, till his knuckles turn blue.

You controlled the times I would over demand
You ruled with a smile, with a gentle hand.
At home, I'd do what you told me to do
Subconsciously plotting to get back at you.

It is hard to express my appreciation,
For your Drill Sergeant commitment, dedication.
Elbows straight, fingers too.
In my nightmares, you're saying, "I'm watching you."

At the end of the day, all I can do,
Is say, Thank you, Thank you and Thank you!
(No luck with the beer dispenser?)

Interjections:
Mr. Jones thought the only way we could improve our services would be to place a beer dispenser in the reception area!
Linda Wise is Mr. Jones's occupational therapist.

Thank you, Mr. Jones! We are proud and honored to serve you!

Thursday, June 4, 2009

McKenzie Spine Program at Fauquier Health Outpatient Rehabilitation Services

Karrie Giger, PT, DPT, cert. MDT explains rationale
of the McKenzie method to Kevin Turney.

Back and neck pain are very common in the general population. The annual incidence of low back pain in the general adult population is 18.6%, and the total cost of low back pain exceeds $100 billion per year in the United States according to studies. Another study reports that about 1/3 of the population will experience neck pain during a six or twelve month period, and the lifetime prevalence of neck pain is 66.7%.

The McKenize Method, also known as Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy® (MDT) is a unique method used all over the world for examining patients with back, neck, and extremity problems and pain. It is an approach that uses a philosophy of active patient involvement and education. The McKenzie method uses a unique examination that provides the patient with a mechanical diagnosis which drives an appropriate individualized treatment plan. The McKenzie method is not merely extension exercises. It is a comprehensive, well researched approach to the spine that when followed appropriately has been found to have very successful outcomes.

This method has been found to be cost and time effective because it does not rely on expensive tests and it promotes the body’s potential to heal itself through appropriate directional movements prescribed by your physical therapist. The emphasis on active patient involvement limits the number of visits needed to the clinic. Research studies have shown that the initial McKenzie assessment procedures to be as reliable as costly diagnostic imaging (ex. X-rays, MRI) to determine the source of the problem and quickly identify those who will respond to conservative mechanical therapy. The McKenzie method is a safe, reliable, and valid method when performed by appropriately trained physical therapists.

Fauquier Health Outpatient Rehabilitation Services is the only facility in the Piedmont area to have three certified MDT physical therapists. Karrie Giger, PT, DPT, cert. MDT, Bruce Edwards III, PT, cert. MDT, and Kristen Pierce, PT, DPT, cert, MDT were credentialed by the McKenzie Institute International in August 2007 and specialize in spine physical therapy. Certification includes extensive postgraduate courses on spine assessment and treatment with successful completion of an international credentialing examination. Our outpatient department also has 5 other physical therapists currently in the process of becoming MDT certified and have received extensive training in this method. More information regarding the McKenzie method can be found at http://www.mckenziemdt.org

If you feel you may benefit from our spine service, and would like to hear more, please call us at 540-316-2680. Or click on the button below to ask your therapist a question.