Frequently Asked Questions
What should I wear to my appointment?
Loose clothing is best to access the body regions that require direct manual treatment. Of course, if you are coming from/ going to work or simply forget, Dr. Arnold always has spare top sheets that can used for draping to still complete the needed treatment.
Should I still come if I'm on my period?
Yes! Internal treatment can still conducted while on your period.
Can I use my HSA Card to pay for the appointment?
Absolutely. Many use this. In trying to help patients save money, I like to be upfront in that there is a fee when using a credit card. However, there is no extra fee applied when paying with cash or check. You can make checks payable to Arnold Physical Therapy.
What is Craniosacral Therapy?
'CranioSacral Therapy (CST) is a gentle, hands-on approach that releases tensions deep in the body to relieve pain and dysfunction and improve whole-body health and performance. It was pioneered and developed by Osteopathic Physician John E. Upledger. Using a soft touch which is generally no greater than 5 grams - about the weight of a nickel - practitioners release restrictions in the soft tissues that surround the central nervous system. CST is increasingly used as a preventive health measure for its ability to bolster resistance to disease, and it's effective for a wide range of medical problems associated with pain and dysfunction.' https://www.upledger.com/clinical/faq
What is Visceral Therapy?
'Visceral Manipulation (VM) was developed by renowned French Osteopath and Physical Therapist, Jean-Pierre Barral. Through organ-specific fascial mobilization, VM assists functional and structural imbalances throughout the body including musculoskeletal, vascular, nervous, urogenital, respiratory, digestive and lymphatic dysfunction. It evaluates and treats the dynamics of motion and suspension in relation to organs, membranes, fascia, and ligaments. VM increases proprioceptive communication within the body, thereby revitalizing a person and relieving symptoms of pain, dysfunction, and poor posture.' https://www.barralinstitute.com/
What can I expect at my first appointment?
We will review your medical history together. Then, I like to hear your story; how your symptoms began, how they have changed, and how they are now. Then, you will have measurements taken involving any of the following: range of motion, strength, posture, scar mobility, sketetal positioning, joint mobility, toileting positioning, toileting habits, and more. If you are coming for pelvic floor, there will be a pelvic floor examination that consists of looking at external appearance/ coordination/ general tone. Then, an internal assessment will be performed where you will have all three layers of muscle assessed for tension, strength, and coordination. Prolapse (dropping of organs) will be assessed. Your pelvic floor strength intensity and endurance will be measured in order to provide you a tailored pelvic floor exercise program if indicated appropriate by Dr. Jill. If needed, you will be assessed if you have a diastasis, and the width will be measured to keep track of closure progress. Education will be provided as needed, as education is a keystone of Arnold Physical Therapy. Women should be educated about their bodies, especially given how many changes their bodies go through. Appropriate manual therapy and or therapeutic exercise will then be initiated.
What is SomatoEmotional Release?
'SomatoEmotional Release® (SER) is a therapeutic process that uses and expands on the principles of CranioSacral Therapy to help rid the mind and body of the residual effects of trauma.' https://shop.iahe.com/Workshops/SomatoEmotional-Release-1-SER1
*If Dr. Arnold thinks that a trauma therapist is warranted to assist pt in working through what develops during treatment sessions, SER will not be initiated, or SER will be placed on hold until the patient is properly supported.