Physical and Occupational Therapy

Physical Therapists treat 

• Total/partial joint replacements
• Neck & back pain
• Chronic pain
• Fibromyalgia
• TMJ
• Post-stroke rehabilitation
• Post-amputation rehabilitation
• Pre/post-surgical knee, shoulder, hip
• Balance deficits
• Gait deficits
• Chronic edema/Lymphedema 
• Post-mastectomy or post-trauma edema                    
• Pregnancy pain issues
• Sports and work-related injuries
• Vertigo and vestibular rehab
• Pelvic floor dysfunction/pain
• Postural restoration techniques

Occupational Therapists treat 

• Hand injuries/surgeries
• Elbow, wrist and shoulder injuries/surgeries
• Degenerative disorders
• Neuromuscular disorders
• Joint diseases
• Overuse conditions and tendonitis
• Post-stroke rehabilitation
• Cognitive and Memory deficits 

What is Lymphedema? 

Lymphedema is a condition caused by a blockage in the lymphatic system, resulting in fluid buildup and swelling. Areas commonly affected by this condition include the arms, legs, breast, face, neck, throat or abdomen.

Complete Decongestive Therapy (CDT) Treatment includes:

• Manual Lymph Drainage (MLD) techniques which include skin massage and stimulation
• Skin care/hygiene techniques
• Exercises to alleviate symptoms
• Compression bandages and garments

Our patients have been diagnosed with:

• Primary lymphedema
• Lymphedema secondary to cancer treatment
• Lymphedema secondary to trauma
• Lymphedema secondary to venous insufficiency
• Venous stasis and other venous disease
• Wounds of acute or chronic nature 

We have two certified lymphedema therapists (CLT) who have been specialty trained to address the specific needs of patients diagnosed with this condition. We provide treatment at the Pen Bay Physicians Building Outpatient Physical Therapy clinic on the Pen Bay Medical Center campus.

Pelvic floor rehab is used to treat a wide range of problems that occur for individuals with pelvic floor dysfunction. Pelvic floor dysfunction includes pain from weakened or tightened muscles of the pelvic floor, or if there is an impairment of the pelvic area or irritation of the surrounding tissue. Pelvic floor rehab can be used to treat, and in some cases cure, these symptoms and dysfunction.

Pelvic floor rehabilitation can help manage:

• Bowel/bladder dysfunction
• Effects of pregnancy
• Abdominal, back and/or pelvic pain
• Effects of surgery (prostatectomy/hysterectomy)

Therapy may include:

• External and internal manual techniques
• Biofeedback
• Electrical stimulation
• Heat and cold therapy
• Therapeutic exercise

Physician referral is required for appointments.

LSVT BIG is an intensive physical and occupational therapy exercise program for people with Parkinson’s disease and other neurological disorders. It is an evidence-based treatment program that’s proven to help individuals living with Parkinson’s disease to improve major motor skills, including:

• Faster walking
• Bigger steps
• Better balance
• Increased trunk rotation
• Increased fine motor skills
• Improved ability to perform activities of daily living

Move BIG

Many people living with Parkinson’s disease have issues with recognizing the appropriate amount of effort to perform normal movements. LSVT is used to minimize or slow progression of the disease. LSVT BIG asks those following the program to move “BIG,” encouraging increased amplitude of movement and a focus of carrying through with BIG movements while completing all functional tasks. The goal is for patients to use their “bigger” movements automatically in everyday living.

Treatment

LSVT BIG requires a serious time commitment and a dedicated patient. Treatment consists of:

• 16 sessions (four consecutive days a week for four weeks)
• Individual one-hour sessions
• Daily homework practice
• Daily carryover tasks

High intensity output matters and your therapist will help to ensure you get the most out of the program.

Are you affected by dizziness or the feeling of being off balance? The symptoms of a vestibular disorder may be difficult to describe.

Common symptoms include:

• Vertigo - a spinning or whirling sensation, or an illusion of the self or world moving
• Dizziness- a light-headed, floating or rocking sensation

Other effects that can accompany vestibular disorders are:

• Poor balance
• Nausea
• Visual disturbances
• Headache
• Hearing loss
• Tinnitus
• Pain or fullness in the ears

Physical Therapy Manages:

• Balance/ambulation issues
• Fall risk
• Vertigo
• Dizziness
• BPPV - an inner ear disorder where episodes of dizziness take place with certain head movements
• Vestibular diagnoses

Aquatic therapy offers advantages and benefits to individuals recovering from all phases of injury or illness. Patient diagnoses addressing all body parts are treated in our therapy pool and include post-surgical, non-surgical, orthopedic, rheumatologic, neurological and chronic pain.

The benefits of considering Aquatic therapy include:

• Warm water: muscle relaxation occurs and there is an increase in peripheral circulation; body awareness, balance, and trunk stability are also increased.
• Viscosity of water: provides resistance for strength training.
• Reduction of gravitational forces: this allows patients to stand and begin gait training and strengthening exercises without causing further damage to healing structures.
• Buoyancy in water: results in decreased pain sensitivity, supports the joints, and lessens the forces of body weight. It reduces gravitational pull and compressive forces overall.
• Improvement of patient morale: Confidence can be encouraged by providing a positive medium in which to function.

Aquatic therapy is offered from a trained and experienced licensed physical therapist. We utilize a therapy pool with average water temperature of 87 degrees with access to the pool by the stairs or a hydraulic chair lift. Pool depth is from 3 to 5 feet. Sessions are one-on-one with your therapist in the pool to provide instruction and feedback. You do not have to be a swimmer to participate in or benefit from aquatic therapy.

Appointments require a doctor’s referral and can be made by calling 207-301-6090.

Each outpatient clinic for PBMC PT OT has a trained/certified clinician to offer dry needling services.

Benefits of dry needling:

• Natural pain reliever
  • Resets the pain cycle
• Increases blood flow
• Initiates tissue repair
  • Creates an immune response
• Releases trigger points
  • Hard knots

Who Can Benefit?

Those who suffer from:

• Low Back Pain
• Chronic Pain
• Arthritis
• Stenosis
• Headaches
• Migraines
• Plantar Fasciitis
• Sciatica
• SIJ Dysfunction
• Shin Splints
• Fibromyalgia
• Elbow Tendinitis
• and many others

How does it work?

A needle is inserted into a trigger point causing a micro-lesion stimulating the body’s own healing capabilities and ultimately reducing pain.

What does dry mean?

Dry needles are the same as acupuncture needles and have no medication in them. “Wet” needles deliver steroids, anesthetics or other medications

How long does it take?

Dry needling adds 8-30 minutes to your PT treatment session and is usually followed by gentle stretching and exercise.

How do I get dry needling services?

Dry needling and all physical therapy services require a physician’s referral. Please call 207-301-6090 for additional information.

The Pen Bay Physical and Occupational Therapy team are highly qualified, licensed clinicians committed to providing you with individualized care. Many of our practitioners are specialty trained and hold specialty degrees in their area of practice, including lymphedema, pelvic floor rehab, aquatic therapy, hand therapy, vestibular rehab and postural restoration training.

How are referrals made?

Physicians may refer you directly to our office. We will work closely with your physician for optimal outcomes.

Payment & Insurance

We accept all insurances. Please check with your insurance carrier for specific therapy coverage.