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Pelvic floor physical therapy is a specialized form of physical therapy that focuses on the muscles, ligaments, and connective tissues of the pelvic floor. The pelvic floor is a group of muscles that support the organs in the pelvis, including the bladder, uterus (in women), and rectum. These muscles play a crucial role in various bodily functions, including:

1. Bowel and bladder control: The pelvic floor muscles help control the release of urine and feces, allowing you to maintain continence.

2. Supporting pelvic organs: They provide support to the pelvic organs and help maintain their proper position.

3. Sexual function: Healthy pelvic floor muscles contribute to sexual satisfaction and function.

4. Scar tissue mobilization and abdominal massage (including post C-section).

Vestibular physical therapy, also known as vestibular rehabilitation therapy (VRT), is a specialized branch of physical therapy that focuses on the assessment and treatment of disorders related to the vestibular system. The vestibular system is responsible for maintaining balance, spatial orientation, and coordination of eye and head movements. It includes the inner ear and its connections to the brain.

VRT is typically prescribed for individuals who experience vestibular dysfunction, which can manifest as a variety of symptoms, including:

1. Vertigo: A sensation of spinning or dizziness, often accompanied by nausea and imbalance.

2. Dizziness or lightheadedness: A feeling of unsteadiness or the sensation that the environment is moving or spinning.

3. Imbalance and unsteadiness: Difficulty maintaining balance, especially when walking or standing.

4. Nausea and vomiting: These symptoms often accompany severe vertigo.

5. Difficulty with coordination: People with vestibular disorders may have trouble with tasks that require precise head and eye movements, such as reading or driving.

6. Motion sensitivity: Sensitivity to motion, which can make activities like riding in a car or on a boat challenging.

7. Frequent falls: Individuals with vestibular disorders may be prone to falling due to their balance problems.

Pediatric physical therapy, often abbreviated as PPT, is a specialized area of physical therapy that focuses on evaluating and treating children from infancy through adolescence who have various physical, developmental, neuromuscular, or orthopedic conditions that affect their movement and function. The primary goal of pediatric physical therapy is to help children improve their mobility, strength, coordination, and overall physical function, enabling them to participate more fully in daily activities and reach their developmental milestones.

Pediatric physical therapists work with a wide range of conditions and diagnoses, including but not limited to:

1. Orthopedic conditions: Children with musculoskeletal issues like scoliosis, torticollis (a neck muscle condition), or sports injuries can benefit from pediatric physical therapy.

2. Sensory processing disorders: Physical therapists can assist in addressing sensory processing issues that affect a child's motor skills and coordination.

3. Gait abnormalities: Children with abnormal walking patterns, like toe walking or in-toeing, can receive guidance and exercises to improve their gait.

4. Balance and coordination difficulties: Children with balance and coordination problems, including issues related to coordination and motor planning, can benefit from therapy to improve these skills.

Dry needling is a therapeutic technique used by some physical therapists, chiropractors, and other healthcare professionals to treat muscle pain, trigger points, and musculoskeletal conditions. It involves the insertion of thin, solid needles into specific points in the body, typically muscle trigger points, in order to relieve pain and improve musculoskeletal function. Despite the name, "dry" needling doesn't involve the injection of any medication or fluid into the body, hence the term "dry."

Key points about dry needling:

1. Trigger Points: Dry needling targets trigger points, which are tight knots or bands of muscle fibers that can be painful and restrict movement. These trigger points can develop due to muscle overuse, injury, or other factors.

2. Pain Relief: The primary goal of dry needling is to alleviate pain and discomfort. When a needle is inserted into a trigger point, it can help release tension in the muscle, improve blood flow, and stimulate the body's natural pain-relieving mechanisms.

3. Musculoskeletal Conditions: Dry needling is often used to treat a variety of musculoskeletal conditions, including back pain, neck pain, shoulder pain, headaches, and sports-related injuries.

4. Complementary to Physical Therapy: Dry needling is often used in conjunction with other physical therapy techniques and exercises as part of a comprehensive treatment plan. It can help facilitate the effectiveness of other therapies.

5. Minimal Discomfort: While the idea of needles may sound painful, dry needling is generally well-tolerated by most patients. The needles used are very thin, and the sensation is often described as a minor discomfort or muscle twitch when the needle is inserted.

6. Evidence-Based Practice: Dry needling is considered an evidence-based practice, meaning it is supported by scientific research for specific conditions. However, its effectiveness can vary from person to person.

7. Regulation: The practice of dry needling is regulated differently in various countries and states or provinces. In some places, it falls under the scope of practice of physical therapists or other healthcare providers, while in others, it may require specific training or certification.

It's important to note that dry needling should only be performed by qualified and trained healthcare professionals who have undergone appropriate education and certification. The specific techniques and methods used in dry needling can vary, so individuals considering this treatment should seek out a qualified practitioner who can assess their condition and determine whether dry needling is an appropriate option. Always consult with your healthcare provider to discuss your individual needs and potential treatment options.

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What is MPS (Microcurrent Point Stimulation) Therapy?

​Emerald Coast Physical Therapy specializes in using microcurrent point stimulation (MPS therapy) to treat chronic and acute soft tissue pain and scars (including post C-section) in an all-natural, drug-free way. This is done by applying microcurrent impulses to trigger acupuncture points, providing quick and effective pain relief for a number of medical conditions. MPS therapy integrates the principles of acupuncture with modern neurological science to provide an all-natural, holistic approach to treating the body and mind. This combination produces very effective results which have been recognized across North America. MPS therapy works with the Dolphin Neurostim™ portable pain relief unit. MPS is the world’s first integrative therapy developed exclusively to de-regulate the ANS and fight chronic pain. The theoretical underpinnings of MPS Therapy are based on combining the “therapeutic” of acupuncture, osteopathy, and neural therapy with modern neurology. Benefits of Treatment with MPS Therapy Working with MPS therapy and the Dolphin Neurostim™ can have a number of benefits:Relief from chronic painTreatment without drugs or invasive procedures. ​

​What Conditions Can Physical Therapy Help Treat?

• MPS therapy can provide relief for a number of conditions, such as:

• ArthritisBack pain /Sciatica

• BursitisKnee Pain

• Tendonitis

• TMJ/TMD

• Inflamed joints

• Sports injuries

• Menstrual cramps

• Scars &Adhesions

Learn more here.