No other country comes close to the United States in spending\u00a0on pain, while many of those other countries see much better outcomes in overall health. These facts beg the question: are we treating the cause of our pain or merely addressing the symptoms?<\/p>\n
Pain usually results from an accumulation of symptoms\u00a0that were overlooked, with the cause never having been addressed. Is our medical system in the U.S. too focused on the band-aid rather than digging deep and unveiling the culprit?<\/p>\n
Twelve years ago KIMA Center for Physiotherapy and Wellness opened to treat the cause of pain, not just its symptoms. The founders Patricia Ladis, PT, CBBA, and Tracey Vincel, PT, MPhty, CBBA, are each licensed physical therapists and certified behavioral breathing analysts. The KIMA philosophy is that pain in any form is actually an invitation to bring new understanding about ourselves to light. \u201cPain is your brain\u2019s way of signaling how much danger you\u2019re in,\u201d says Vincel.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Ladis, a former professional dancer and PT with the U.S. Tennis Association, brings an eye for movement and skill in identifying poor patterns that lead to joint wear and tear or repetitive injuries. Vincel earned a second master\u2019s degree in spine physiotherapy from the prestigious program at the University of Queensland. Her expertise in pain neuroscience and spine manipulation contributes greatly to the breadth of KIMA\u2019s integrative approach.<\/p>\n The experience and credentials of the team of KIMA physical therapists, massage therapists, Pilates, yoga, and tai-qi instructors inform their practice, which goes well beyond the status quo of physical therapy. All licensed physical therapists are credentialed to treat all body parts, but KIMA\u2019s staff have also have sub-specialties, raising the bar for patient care.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n KIMA\u2019s staff carefully evaluates each patient to reveal the true source of pain. Ladis explains that a person\u2019s hip pain, for example, might have its source in mid back imbalances, an improper gait, or even an inflammatory diet. Someone\u2019s back pain might result from a \u201cbracing strategy\u201d secondary to stress and anxiety. Poor posture sometimes results from inner sadness. KIMA digs deep to understand the sources and nuances of a patient\u2019s pain. Among the myriad causes and effects of pain may even be dysfunctional breathing which they analyze and optimize.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n When we tune into our body, mind and breath \u2014 becoming aware of its sensations without judgment \u2014 we can learn alternative choices for the way we move, think and breathe \u2014 choices that activate new energy to eliminate and prevent pain.<\/p>\n KIMA\u2019s website lists scores of diagnoses that the center treats, along with a host of modalities for treating specific problems \u2014 in the proper order. Some examples of KIMA\u2019s approach include manual therapy techniques, joint manipulation, visceral manipulation, capnography, therapeutic exercise training with emphasis on stabilizing muscles, whole body vibration, neuromuscular re-education, gait and running analysis, EMG motion analysis, real-time ultrasound biofeedback, and home exercise programs.<\/p>\n KIMA\u2019s professionals are on top of evidence-based practices in physical therapy and wellness. Some examples of specialties include pain in the spine, hip, and pelvic region; pre- and post-partum pain; headaches and TMJ.\u00a0Everything at KIMA\u2019s 9,000-square-foot-facility is state-of-the-art.<\/p>\n Treating ailments is only half of what KIMA is about. Maintaining wellness throughout a person\u2019s life, even into old age, is a critical aim of KIMA\u2019s mission. In our\u00a0July 20\u00a0issue, we\u2019ll cover the pro-active and holistic services that KIMA provides to help people stay well, have freedom of movement, and be free of pain throughout a lifetime. You\u2019re never too young or too old to start this journey.<\/p>\n