Physical therapy has collided with technology and the result is a win for patients

By Patricia Nugent

All of the physical therapists at Precision Orthopaedic Specialties have one interesting thing in common. Yes, they each have a boatload of advanced degrees on their walls, direct access to the most sought-after orthopedic specialists in Cleveland, and all the latest technology within the physical therapy center. But what’s fascinating is that each therapist wanted to enter the field because at some point they themselves had to undergo physical therapy.

“Our staff has a special perspective in that we’ve all been through rehabbing an injury,” says Ben Deszczykiewicz, physical therapy manager. (For the record, his injuries were incurred during high school basketball and football and college football, and he completed his physical therapy in the same facility he works in today.)

Since 1991, the Precision Physical Therapy Team has become a local leader in orthopedic and sports physical therapy services, helping restore patients’ mobility, and increase range of motion, build strength, and relieve pain.

Ben heads up the department, which includes physical therapists Bob Chandler, Andrew Helber, Bryan Kuch and Deborah Pawlak, as well as physical therapy assistants Chelsea Dimattia, Lisa Minnick and Sarah Zenz, within three locations, Chardon, Middlefield and Auburn.

“Our patients range from Olympic athletes to weekend warriors, to seniors rehabbing from a fall, to anyone recovering from orthopedic surgery,” he says.

How Far Can Technology Take You?
As the practice has evolved, so, too, have the types of equipment PTs have at their disposal.

“We always try to stay ahead of the curve by offering our patients up-to-date, evidence-based treatment,” says Ben.

Here are just a few of their latest innovative options:

• An Anti-Gravity Treadmill – Invented by a biomechanics researcher at NASA, this piece of equipment takes the pressure of weight off patients who need to rehab, yet still engages them in functional movement and exercise. The lower body is encased in an airtight plastic chamber, which makes the person feel lighter.
• BFR training involves the use of specialized cuffs—either on the arms or legs—while exercising to create an artificial high intensity environment. So, you can perform low load/low intensity exercises and get results as seen with performing high intensity training.
• Biodex Balance System can improve a patient’s balance and body awareness, assess the risk of falls, and is also a protocol in post-concussion treatment.
• Diowave 60-watt laser penetrates deeply into tissue to heal injuries, boost the lymphatic system and improve circulation.
• DRX Spinal Decompression treats a number of spinal conditions.

“As therapists, we are thrilled to be working with such leading-edge instruments, which most places do not have,” says Ben. “We also do dry needling to reduce pain and inactivate trigger points, cold compression to reduce swelling and speed recovery, and instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization to improve flexibility, range of motion and function.”

Direct Access Saves Time, Money, Hassle
“We offer direct access to patients, so they don’t have to go through the cycle of seeing a doctor to refer to a specialist to refer to a physical therapist,” says Ben. “They can deal with us directly and cut out the loop of wasting time, effort and money. If they do not improve under our care, we refer them to one of the doctors in our practice who have multiple specialties.”

He explains that every patient follows a treatment plan with individualized goals.

“We work with realistic expectations, spelling out what the patient wants to achieve combined with an agreed-upon plan that is as expedient and safe as possible,” says Ben.

Ultimately, the goal is for patients to be in charge of their own health care, and the therapists here give them as many tools as possible to improve function at home.

Precision Orthopaedic Specialties has physical therapy locations in Auburn, Middlefield and the main office in Chardon, at 150 Seventh Avenue, Suite 200. To make an appointment for direct access physical therapy without having to go through your primary care doctor, just call 440-285-4999 (Chardon), 440-543-2097 (Auburn) or 440-285-2902 (Middlefield). Visit PrecisionOrthopaedic.com for more information.