What to expect during your initial visit. We perform a thorough exam which lasts between 20-45 minutes. A series of tests and measurements are conducted to define the problem(s) and determine the best treatment. From your evaluation, we will be able to determine your level of expected improvement. Once treatment begins, we will perform evaluations regularly.

A few reminders about your first appointment.Please bring the prescription slip your physician gave you for therapy, your insurance card(s) and your driver's license. We have made available all patient paperwork on-line (see our Patient Information section). You can print out the forms and complete them at your convenience – just bring the paperwork to your first visit.

Since we will be examining the area of injury, we ask that you wear loose, comfortable clothing and walking or running shoes. If you are unsure of what to wear, just ask one of our staff members when you call to schedule your appointment.

The importance of re-evaluations. A re-evaluation is a shorter version of your initial examination, lasting only 10-20 minutes. These exams allow us to evaluate the success of your treatment and to modify it based on your level of function. Your re-evaluations are performed as part of your scheduled visits, so there is no need to schedule an additional appointment.

Using home exercises and education to help you. As part of your treatment, we prescribe a home exercise program that is tailored to your specific injury. This exercise regimen will help you achieve optimal results in a timely manner. Your home exercise program will be altered to meet your most current needs.

We also offer educational tools like videotapes and instructional material to help you prevent re-injury or further injury. These tools teach you proper posture positioning techniques, lifting examples and household chore techniques. We are proactive about helping our patients avoid re-injury.

Comprehensive work injury program. We are a complete Workers Compensation facility. We help process all paperwork, monitor and file claims, discuss key concerns with you and your case manager, and keep a regular flow of information to the case managers and your physicians. We offer the following services to help you return to work:

Acute care treatment. This is the initial treatment for your injury, which usually takes place within the first few hours of the accident. This phase may be independent or lead to reconditioning based on the severity of your injury.

Physical reconditioning. After a prolonged injury, there are associated areas of weakness in your body. For reconditioning, we create an exercise program to address these specific areas, so you can get back to your normal activities without the fear of re-injury.

Work reconditioning. To help you return to work without re-injury, we develop a series of tailored exercises and work activities that target the muscles you use on a regular basis to perform your job.

Functional capacity evaluations. This physical performance test assesses your level of function. These results along with the current status of your injury and pain level are used to determine the next step in your care. This evaluation is also helpful in setting workplace tolerance guidelines for a variety of tasks from simply sitting and standing to more specific activities like climbing, lifting and carrying.

Job site analysis. One of our physical therapists can be sent to your workplace to observe either you or a coworker performing a specific job. By doing this, we can make recommendations to your employer on how to reduce the risk of work injuries, while coaching workers on how to make adjustments in their performance to reduce risk of injuries.

Ergonomic evaluations. While these evaluations are similar to a job site analysis, they specifically show what changes can occur to a workstation, creating an ideal setup to prevent injuries.

Information about our specific treatments. For some of you, this may be your first time undergoing physical therapy. The following offers an explanation of some of our procedures.

Manual muscle testing. This test, which is preformed on a weekly basis, records the strength of muscles, specifically those that are diagnosed as deficient.

Range of motion testing. Performed actively or passively, this test determines current available motion at specifically targeted joints. Range of motion testing is also done weekly.

Muscle re-education. This treatment, which uses specific exercises and a neuromuscular stimulator, is designed to bring isolated muscles to optimal functioning. The neuromuscular stimulator causes the deficient muscles to contract, increasing muscle mass and viability.

Gait training. It is relearning how to walk, run, climb stairs, and ascend/descend hills with or without an assistive device. This includes the fitting and training for the use of a cane, four-leg cane, various crutches, walkers, rollators, and orthotics.

Balance training. It is the retraining of any of the three balance systems: vision, proprioception or vestibular, by exercises and activities.

Manual therapy. This therapy uses hands-on techniques to provide relief of various musculoskeletal conditions. We offer a multitude of treatments, including massotherapy.

Traction. Preformed either manually or mechanically, traction separates the bones in your spine, allowing spinal discs to return to their proper place. This helps reduce irritation of the spinal cord or nerve root.

Heat and cold therapy. These thermal modalities are used in a variety of forms to ease pain, reduce swelling or increase mobility. From a paraffin bath and hot water whirlpool to an ice massage and immersion bath, we offer a variety of treatments.

Electrical Stimulation. It is the use of a controlled electrical current that is channeled in one of multiple waveforms throughout the body to create local and systemic physiologic changes. It can strengthen muscles, reduce pain and re-innervate muscles.

If you have any questions about our testing or treatment or if you would like to make an appointment, call us. We would be more than glad to help you.

T: 330-677-3628  F: 330-677-3626
Western Reserve Spine & Pain Institute
307 W. Main St., Kent, Ohio 44240