ART, PT, or other - JP Fitness Forums

Sign · 05-26-2007, 12:27 AM

Well, after all the good things I hear about ART and just general physio helping people with all their problems and the fact that I lose my step-dads insurance coverage next year I figured I should take advantage of it while I can.

Besides a physical and I also would like to take care of all the tightness, knots, poor flexibility I have been aquiring over many many years of poor fitness and posture. What I would like is for someone to observe my stance, gait etc and identify the problems I have. Also I am sure I could use a good massage to work out all the knots and scar tissue I am sure I have.

I used an ART site that someone on this board posted to find some practitioners in my area, the person I was considering is Dr. Steve Radovich but in the post listing that ART site it said to look for someone that had Upper, Lower, Spine, and Biomechanics. I did some more searching and found only 1 Dr. that had Biomechanics within 4 hours of my location (he is about 1.5 hours away). I am not sure how important Biomechanics is and if it would be better to make the trip for just that.

Overall I am just wondering if I went for an ART session would it cover everything I am looking for or would I be better off seeing a Physiotherapist instead. Or am I missing something else entirely that would be better suited.

Thanks for any guidance you can provide,

Kyle

Phaedrus49er · 05-26-2007, 05:16 AM

Unless you're experiencing some serious performance issues, a PT probably isn't necessary since they usually deal with injury rehabilitation. Plus, you most likely need a referral from a primary physician for insurance to cover a PT.

ART is good if you can find someone who will do just ART--my ART guy is also a chiropractor, and I have to make sure he doesn't attempt any chiropractic work when I see him for ART treatment. Again, probably not necessary if you're not seeing any performance issues or dealing with old/chronic injuries (I started ART without a doctor's referral for old rotator cuff injuries from wrestling and was pretty much finished with treatments in three months or so). Also, it's generally tougher to get insurance to cover ART.

By and large, you might be better served investing in some at-home myofascial release items such as a foam roller. I bought The Stick yesterday (the 24" version, $27) from a local running store to supplement my foam roller.

*drops 2 pennies on the table*

jdford · 05-26-2007, 01:41 PM

You're in the Windsor area? How long is the drive to Toronto? I highly recommend Dr. Tim Marshall and Dr. David O'Connor at Bayview Chiropractic. I've been to numerous chiro's and massage therapists but these guys are the real deal. I live in Toronto and I still have to travel an hour to get there by transit but it's worth it.

www.bayviewchiropractic.com

Josh

Sign · 05-26-2007, 04:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jdford

You're in the Windsor area? How long is the drive to Toronto? I highly recommend Dr. Tim Marshall and Dr. David O'Connor at Bayview Chiropractic. I've been to numerous chiro's and massage therapists but these guys are the real deal. I live in Toronto and I still have to travel an hour to get there by transit but it's worth it.

www.bayviewchiropractic.com

Josh

Toronto is about a 3-4 hour drive depending on traffic.

Also I reread my initial post and I can't believe I forgot to mention the main reason I first considered going to a PT or anything of the sort. I guess I shouldn't post at 2:30 in the morning when I am half-asleep. I feel like I have a lot of tightness and flexibility problems in my shoulders. A lot of the time my shoulders crack or pop (sometimes little cracks, sometimes bigger). They don't really cause me pain but I don't think they are supposed to crack like this so much.

Sign · 05-30-2007, 03:56 PM

Just wanted to add this, when I was doing bb bent over row with just the barbell (45lbs) my right shoulder popped everytime I lowered the weight after pulling it up to my chest. Wasn't really painful but it was uncomfortable.

UConnJulie · 05-31-2007, 11:39 AM

Sounds like some scapular issues ... instability ...

Sign · 05-31-2007, 04:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by UConnJulie

Sounds like some scapular issues ... instability ...

So which professional should I see, massage therapist, ART specialist, or a Physiotherapist to get it checked/worked out?

UConnJulie · 05-31-2007, 08:28 PM

Well, as I'm a PT, that's what I would recommend ... but you have to find someone who also has a strong exercise background ... not all PTs are created equal. Maybe some of your neighbors in the North can recommend someone ...