COMPREHENSIVE INJURY EVALUATION
The first step in treatment is a comprehensive injury evaluation to determine the likely source of the pain and more importantly where the mechanical deviation has occurred. Initially treatment of the inflammation, pain and swelling if any must be addressed. Inflammation and swelling are two different events in the body’s response to injury and must be controlled. Rest, ice, gentle stretching of the calf, properly supporting the long arch of the foot, physical therapy modalities such as ultrasound and electric stimulation, wrapping the lower leg, gentle massage, are initial treatment methods. Once the inflammation is controlled then the true causes can be better addressed. Strengthening and stretching exercises for the entire lower body with prescription exercises for the affected area must be instructed to re-strengthen the damaged muscles and address the mechanical cause of the problem.
COMPREHENSIVE Structural Analysis by a Physical Therapist
A complete head to toe structural examination is performed to evaluate your strength, flexibility, postural alignment, pronation, and supination foot function, leg length discrepancies and muscular imbalances. We use goniometers to measure joint range of motion, manual muscle testing to determine strength deficiencies, and orthopedic testing to identify functional joint stability. In the process we render a picture of your current state of structural preparedness. This exam is the starting point for all PHASE IV Periodized Strength/Flexibility/Injury Prevention Programs designed to meet your goals for life and sport!
THE COMPLETE FORSTER STRUCTURE PROGRAM
The Complete Forster Structure Program© is the foundation of all of our personal training and exercise programs. The Forster Structure Program will bring your fitness to a peak as you progress through the comprehensive phases of Periodization training. Following your head-to-toe Structural Exam performed by a Physical Therapist, you will receive a personalized training program for your use at home or in your own fitness center, as well as four personal training sessions at PHASE IV to instruct you in core strength, posture exercises, Periodization weight training, stretching, and plyometric exercises specific to each phase. This program will start by providing the basic stretching and strengthening exercises required to prevent injury and provide the structural essentials to remain healthy and maintain joint function and stability. This will lead to efficiency and injury prevention for sport and general health. Delivered with the professional guidance of an experienced Sports Physical Therapist & Exercise Physiologist, this program includes the essential exercises necessary to achieve functional and balanced joint stability, advanced flexibility, and core strength.
ADVANCED THERAPEUTIC MASSAGE
The critical importance of recovery to your fitness cannot be overstated. It is difficult for some competitive athletes to grasp that all exercise, even the most intense speed and strength work, is futile if time for recovery is not observed. You may feel like you’re training hard, but unless you are actively recovering, you are not improving. It is during recovery that your fitness evolves. In fact, you may be over-training and fatiguing your body to the point where your fitness is stalled or regressing. We will support and counsel you through your recovery periods, just as we’ve done for Olympians and dozens of professional athletes. Recovery is accomplished though many techniques and therapies at PHASE IV, including:
Advanced Therapeutic Massage,
Assisted Stretching,
Rehabilitation,
Icing, and
Nutritional Counseling
