sports medicine
D
ana Simone’s
clients come
to see her post-
surgery, with injuries to
their knees, hips and
ankles, and while endur-
ing neurological and
orthopedic complaints.
In all cases, her job is to
increase their mobility,
and decrease their pain.
“We have patients who
SENIOR PHYSICAL
THERAPIST AND
are in pro leagues, and
CENTER MANAGER
play competitive sports
AT THE KESSLER
REHABILITATION
in school,” she says.
CENTER IN WAYNE
“We’re seeing a lot of
female athletes with knee
problems and chronic ankle sprains.”
Because New Jersey is a state that
allows direct access to physical thera-
pists without a doctor’s prescription, it
should be easy for residents to get the
help that they need, both before and
after surgery, she says. She cites a
couple of PT techniques that are
proving beneficial at Kessler.
DANA
SIMONE
SOFT TISSUE MOBILIZATION
This technique can be used on any
type of musculoskeletal injury, she says.
When a patient has restricted move-
ment and muscle pain, the PT mas-
sages the area to break down scar tis-
sue and adhesions, reduce swelling and
inflammation, and allow fluids to move
normally. The process may be done
manually, or using small metal instru-
ments ranging from six to 10 inches
long that the therapist glides over the
affected area.
“This procedure helps athletes of all
age groups,” says Simone. Latex-free
tape is applied to the patient’s skin to
lift it, creating space that allows for a
decrease in inflammation and better
circulation. “Depending on how it’s
applied, the tape holds the body in
place and improves its posture,” she
adds. “It strengthens the muscles over
time.” Similarly, if the kneecap is out
of alignment, the tape can be used to
reposition it. “The tape acts in the
same way as biofeedback,” she says.
“It reminds you that it’s there, and
creates muscle memory.”
44
HOLIDAY 2017 WAYNE MAGAZINE
CENTER
KINESIOTAPING