PRACTICING SINCE 1992
Julie obtained her Masters in Physical Therapy from the University of Nebraska Medical Center in 1992. She practiced in Omaha for five years in an outpatient orthopedic setting before relocating to Salt Lake City. Working in the private sector and developing her skill set in a highly specialized field of practice, Julie has built her practice based on individual care and exceptional outcomes.
CERTIFICATIONS
Certification in Manual Therapy (CMPT) through the North American Manual Therapy Institute
Board Certified Clinical Specialist in Orthopaedics (OCS) through the American Physical Therapy Association
Primal Reflex Release Techniques (PRRT) with cutting edge therapist John Iams, P.T.
Kinetacore and Integrative Dry Needling
TREATMENTS
Manual Therapy - A healthy back and neck require that all of the vertebral bones are aligned well and the joints between them are moving freely. Dysfunctions of the joints between the vertebrae or between the vertebrae and ribs may be corrected through mobilization, muscle energy techniques, or PRRT. Once alignment is achieved, proper function can be maintained by retraining specific muscles to stabilize the trunk or neck. Joint mobilization is a manual technique used to improve joint motion and alignment. It is useful to relieve pain and stiffness, and improve the overall function of the spinal and extremity joints.
Primal Reflex Release Technique (tm) - This treatment approach in the field of pain treatment and management has the potential to radically alter your treatment outcome. John Iams, P.T. developed PRRT from nearly four decades of clinical research and experience. PRRT is a systematic approach to the evaluation and treatment of the primal reflexes, which according to John Iams, P.T. are overstimulated. This overstimulation of the primal reflexes maintains pain and keeps painful patterns active. PRRT is a paradigm shift on may levels. First, it challenges the scientific theory of pain and its treatment. Second, it is already changing the thought patterns, behaviors and attitudes to those willing physical therapists utilizing this technology. Third, it does not negate other paradigms, it only adds to them. Finally, it has the potential of having a far-reaching effect across all of medicine.
Soft Tissue Mobilization - Soft tissue mobilization (a.k.a. Fascial Release or Fascial Mobilization) is a technique used to develop a well-balanced, mobile and symmetrical body. The fascial system consists of connective tissue sheaths that spread throughout the body in a three-dimensional web. As an integral part of all anatomical structures, it plays a vital role in the functioning of the body. This specialized connective tissue provides a structural, protective and nutritional role throughout the physical body. Restrictions within the fascial system will contribute to pain and decrease in function. These restrictions can be caused by postural imbalances, trauma, surgery, inflammation, and tension. Used alone, or in conjunction with other therapeutic treatments, fascial mobilization decreases pain, increases joint motion, and restores balance to the musculoskeletal system.
Postural and Gait Analysis - Postural and gait analysis are the evaluation of body mechanics in the static and dynamic states, respectively. Both provide a great deal of information about the ongoing misalignments in the musculoskeletal system that may be contributing to your current condition. Skilled assessment of your body mechanics during rest and activity will be performed to provide information that helps tailor your treatment to your specific needs.
Application of Customized Orthotics - Addition of orthotics to your active and/or casual footwear can be a simple but profound technique of improving your activity and at the same time can resolve your pain or presenting condition. Your specific needs regarding this treatment modality will be addressed following postural and gait analysis.
Individualized Therapeutic Exercise - Therapeutic exercise is part of an individualized treatment plan that helps restore you to optimal health. These specific exercises target general strengthening, active range of motion, correction of muscle imbalances, joint stability, balance, coordination, and agility. I will design exercise programs based on your specific needs.
McConnell Taping - McConnell taping is a specific method of managing joint pain, often around the knee cap or shoulder. Joint positioning and postural alignment are assessed, tape is then applied to improve the alignment of the joint or to re-educate the surrounding muscles. This is a temporary treatment for a prescribed length of time which provides lasting benefits.
Body Mechanics Education - Many injuries can be prevented by the use of good body mechanics. By using proper body mechanics, the musculoskeletal system is placed in its optimal alignment for the task at hand. Applying proper body mechanics can reduce abnormal joint stress, muscle strain, fatigue, and reduce the risk of overuse/repetitive injuries. Good body mechanics are essential in the prevention and treatments of back and neck pain.
Muscle Energy Techniques - Muscle energy techniques are a form of manual therapy used to improve spinal alignment, increase range of motion, normalize muscle tone and decrease pain. Developed by osteopath Fred Mitchell, this hands-on technique improves the biomechanics of the spine and the extremity joints, This technique involves the contraction of muscles around a joint to realign the joint, develop muscle balance and to maintain joint alignment.
Injury Prevention - People of all athletic levels can benefit fro injury prevention education. The body is made up of continuous anatomical links. As a result, it can be injury prone if one of these links is not working optimally. Part of your individualized assessment will be to determine where the weak links are and work with you to ensure a strong well-balanced body which is less prone to injury.
Injury/Surgical Rehabilitation - Rehabilitation of musculoskeletal injuries such as sprains, strains, fractures, dislocations or surgeries will involve improving the amount of movement that is available to a joint (active and possibe range of motion) and improving the activation of muscles that help stabilize a joint. By using appropriate therapies, body tissues can be stimulated to heal in a way that allows for a return to normal movement patterns and decreases the risk of re-injury.