Physical Therapy

Near Glen Carbon

Physical Therapy helps people recover from surgery, sports injuries, back and neck pain, joint issues, and nerve problems.

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WHAT ARE SOME EXAMPLES OF PHYSICAL THERAPY TECHNIQUES?

DYNAMIC NEUROMUSCULAR STABILIZATION (DNS)

Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization (DNS) is an advanced rehabilitation approach designed to retrain how the body stabilizes and moves by restoring proper muscle activation patterns. Based on research in early childhood motor development, DNS focuses on how the nervous system naturally controls posture, breathing, and movement.


When posture, movement mechanics, or breathing patterns become inefficient—often due to injury, poor habits, or repetitive stress—the body compensates in ways that can lead to pain, weakness, and dysfunction. DNS works to correct these patterns at the neurological level rather than just treating symptoms.


Through specific exercises and guided positioning, DNS reactivates deep core and stabilizing muscles, improves joint alignment, and enhances movement efficiency. This method is especially effective for individuals dealing with back pain, neck pain, sports injuries, and postural imbalances. In addition to reducing pain, DNS helps improve overall performance and lowers the risk of future injury.

MCKENZIE METHOD

The McKenzie Method, also known as Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy (MDT), is a specialized approach to evaluating and treating musculoskeletal pain by identifying how specific movements and positions affect symptoms. Developed through extensive clinical research, this method focuses on understanding the mechanical causes of pain rather than only addressing discomfort.


When spinal or joint mechanics are impaired—often due to injury, poor posture, or repetitive strain—the body may respond with pain, stiffness, or limited mobility. The McKenzie Method works to identify these dysfunctional movement patterns and correct them through targeted exercises and posture strategies.


Using guided movements and self-directed exercises, the McKenzie Method helps reduce pain, restore proper joint function, and improve movement efficiency. This approach is especially effective for individuals experiencing back pain, neck pain, disc-related conditions, and nerve-related symptoms such as sciatica.


SELECTIVE FUNCTIONAL MOVEMENT ASSESSMENT (SFMA)

DThe Selective Functional Movement Assessment (SFMA) is a comprehensive clinical system used to evaluate how the body moves as a whole rather than focusing on isolated areas of pain. Developed for healthcare professionals, SFMA helps identify movement dysfunctions that may contribute to pain, limited mobility, or recurring injuries.


By assessing fundamental movement patterns such as bending, reaching, squatting, and rotation, SFMA uncovers the underlying cause of musculoskeletal issues instead of just treating symptoms. This allows providers to distinguish between mobility restrictions, stability deficits, and motor control problems.


At Superior Chiropractic & Rehab, we use SFMA to create individualized treatment plans that combine chiropractic care, physical therapy exercises, and corrective movement strategies. This approach not only helps relieve current pain but also improves movement efficiency, reduces compensation patterns, and lowers the risk of future injury. SFMA provides a clear roadmap for restoring proper function and supporting long-term health.

STRENGTH TRAINING EXERCISES

Strength training is a structured form of exercise focused on improving muscle strength, endurance, and overall functional capacity through resistance-based movements. This may include free weights, machines, resistance bands, or bodyweight exercises tailored to individual needs and ability levels.


Unlike general cardio exercise, strength training specifically targets muscle development, joint stability, and bone density while also supporting metabolism and overall physical performance. Properly designed programs help correct imbalances, enhance posture, and improve movement control.


At Superior Chiropractic & Rehab, we incorporate strength training into many treatment and rehabilitation plans to support recovery and prevent future injuries. Whether you are recovering from pain, improving posture, or returning to an active lifestyle, strength training helps build stability, restore confidence in movement, and support long-term functional health.

HOW IT WORKS

  • What is physical therapy?

    Physical therapy is a treatment approach focused on restoring movement, strength, and function while reducing pain. It uses targeted exercises, manual therapy, and movement retraining to address the root cause of injuries or movement limitations rather than just masking symptoms.

  • What are the benefits of physical therapy?

    Physical therapy can help reduce pain, improve mobility, increase strength, and prevent future injuries. It also improves posture, balance, and movement efficiency, allowing patients to return to daily activities, work, and exercise with greater confidence and less discomfort.

  • Can chiropractors perform physical therapy?

    Yes. Chiropractors are trained to provide physical therapy services as part of a comprehensive, non-surgical approach to care. When combined with chiropractic adjustments, physical therapy helps correct movement patterns, improve stability, and support long-term recovery.

  • How does chiropractic care and physical therapy work together?

    Chiropractic care restores proper joint motion and alignment, while physical therapy strengthens muscles and retrains movement patterns. Together, they address both structure and function—helping relieve pain, improve mobility, and reduce the likelihood of recurring injuries.

  • Is physical therapy safe?

    Yes. Physical therapy is a safe and effective treatment when performed by trained professionals. All exercises and techniques are tailored to your condition, fitness level, and goals to ensure safe progression and optimal results.

Superior Chiropractic & Rehab specializes in non-surgical care for low back pain and sciatica, serving Glen Carbon, Edwardsville, and surrounding communities. Led by Dr. Brad Polen, our team focuses on identifying the root cause of pain and building long-term strength and resilience.


Through a personalized combination of chiropractic care, physical therapy, and corrective exercise, we help active adults move better, feel stronger, and return to lifting, running, work, and daily life with confidence.