Patient Info

FAQs

What do you treat?

We treat the vast majority of pain/injuries of the muscles, joints, and nerves throughout the body as well as chronic pain conditions and pelvic floor issues. 

The list includes, but is not limited to the following: 

Neck pain 

Back pain

Headaches

TMJ

Fibromyalgia

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Myofascial Pain syndrome

Sciatic pain

Torticollis 

Dystonia

We also treat many traditional orthopedic symptoms (shoulder, elbow, hip , knee and foot and ankle) 

How is your type of Physical Therapy different than what I have tried before?

In traditional Physical Therapy, there is a large emphasis on modalities (ultrasound, electrical stimulation, heat/cold packs, etc.) and exercises and you are rated in a big gym where you may share your time with other patients or be treated by an aide or assistant. At Premier Wellness and Myofascial Release, the treatment time is spent focusing on manual techniques that you are unable to do on your own. The focus is now more on the causes of pain and dysfunction. 

So, with advanced and specialized hands-on treatment approach where you are treated for a full hour of one-on-one care, our patients tend to need far fewer total visits than they would at most other clinics.

The use of Myofascial Release allows us to look at each patient as a unique individual. Our one-on-one therapy sessions are hands-on treatments during which we use a multitude of Myofascial Release techniques and movement therapy. We promote independence through education in proper body mechanics and movement, self-treatment instruction, enhancement of strength and stability, improved flexibility, and postural and movement awareness.

What is Myofascial Release?

Myofascial Release as developed by John F Barnes, PT, is a safe and very effective hands-on technique that involves applying gentle sustained pressure into the Myofascial connective tissue restrictions to eliminate pain and restore motion. The time element is essential for the release to occur. We utilize a sustained pressure release for a minimum of 3-5 minutes, or longer. This allows the elastic and connective tissue to soften. Patients often describe a sensation of "softening" or "letting go". Sometimes it is also describing as warmth or vibration. 

The treatment techniques are never forced. We instead work with the body, allowing the tissue release layer by layer. 

What is Fascia?

Fascia is a specialized system of the body that has an appearance like a spider's web or a sweater. Fascia is very densely woven, covering and interpenetrating every muscle, bone, nerve, artery and vein, as well as, all our internal organs including the heart, lungs, brain and spinal cord. The most interesting aspect of the fascial system is that it is not just a system of separate coverings. It is one continuous structure that exists from head to toe without interruption. In this way you can begin to see that each part of the entire body is connected to every other part by the fascia, like the yarn in a sweater.

Trauma, inflammatory responses, and/or surgical procedures as well as poor postural habits can create Myofascial restrictions that can produce tensile pressures of approximately 2,000 pounds per square inch on pain sensitive structures throughout the body. Please note that these restrictions do not show up in many of the standard tests (x-rays, myelograms, CAT scans, electromyography, etc.) Therefore, many patients have been told that their tests are negative and don't then understand why they still have pain. Fascial restrictions may be the reason why. 

Do you use oils or lotions?

Each Myofascial Release Treatment session is performed directly on skin without oils, creams or lotions.  This enables the therapist to accurately feel for fascial restrictions and apply the appropriate amount of sustained pressure to facilitate release of the fascia without sliding on the skin.

What should I wear? 

Because the treatments are performed directly on the skin, we advise patients to wear comfortable, loose fitting clothing. For example, shorts and a tank top work well.

What can I expect from the treatment session?

Each Patient is evaluated, and the treatment is designed to address the problems responsible for your pain and symptoms. Sustained pressure is used to release restrictions and restore the normal elastic and gliding motion of the fascia. As the restriction releases and unwinds, you may feel a sense of letting go and greater relaxation.  Every patient is taught how to treat themselves at home using myofascial release techniques, myofascial stretching and functional movement techniques o improve motor planning as well as appropriate therapeutic exercise.  You will receive an individualized treatment program for your condition, so you can stay healthy, active and free of pain. 

Do I need a prescription, script or physician's referral?

A prescription or referral for physical therapy is not required; you can call us to make an appointment right now.  

Having quick or immediate access to Physical Therapy can often be the difference between your condition being acute or temporary and chronic.   We encourage you to call us immediately if you experience an injury or have pain.  

All 50 states permit "Direct Access" for physical therapy for an evaluation.  This means that in Ohio, you do not need to wait weeks to see your physician or specialist to begin treatment in physical therapy.  Your therapist will work with your physician or other health care provider in the coordination of your treatment, so you can concentrate on healing.  Your physical therapist does not provide a medical diagnosis; however, we will perform a thorough evaluation and determine your movement impairment diagnosis and relay this information to your physician or other health care provider with your consent.