At ISMI, we provide the physical therapy Idaho athletes count on. Rehabilitation for active individuals recovering from orthopedic and sports-related injuries must be performed by an expert. Our staff includes physical therapists, licensed/certified athletic trainers, and an exercise physiologist. Our staff includes physical therapists, licensed/certified athletic trainers, and an exercise physiologist. We work with a wide range of patients: high-level olympic and professional athletes, college and school age athletes and active people from the community. Our staff member’s combination of years of clinical work, expertise and specialized training, along with their own participation in a wide variety of activities help our patients return to their activities safely and quickly.
Things to know about your visit:
- Please arrive on time, dressed appropriately for your appointment.
- Wear shorts or workout pants, a t-shirt or tank top, and comfortable shoes.
- Locker rooms are available if you need to get changed before your appointment.
- If a minor is unaccompanied by an adult, we must have a signed parental consent form.
Contact information for the Physical Therapy and Sports Rehabilitation Dept:
Phone: (208) 345-4446, 8:00-5:00
Phone: (208) 336-8250, option 2, 8:00-5:00
Fax: (208) 395-8292
Pre and Post Operative Care:
Pre: Surgery can be a scary time and involves some critical decision-making. We at ISMI hope to make this process as stress free as possible and get you back on your feet. Pre-operative care has proven benefits for patient rehabilitation and patient education. We offer pre-operative instruction for patients so they know what to expect with surgery and post-operative recovery. When appropriate, we develop exercise programs to provide pre-rehabilitation which can improve the surgery outcome.
Post: After surgery you will be expected to begin the rehabilitation process (at our facility or one of your choice). You will be given exercises to help restore your strength, range of motion, endurance and coordination. The exercises and other modalities are designed specifically for you and your individual goals.
ASTYM®:
What is the ASTYM® system?
The ASTYM® (Augmented Soft Tissue Mobilization) system is an advanced form of soft tissue mobilization which enables clinicians to effectively initiate remodeling and regeneration of dysfunctional tissue. The ASTYM® System has also been proven to be a highly effective treatment for chronic tendinitis/tendinosis.
Treatment is performed with ergonomically designed instruments to allow rapid identification and effective treatment of areas exhibiting texture changes associated with soft tissue scar/fibrosis or chronic tendinopathy. The treatments are performed in conjunction with an active stretching and strengthening program, which guides the body’s healing in the most functional manner possible. Continuation of work, athletic and recreational activities throughout the treatment process promotes optimal healing.
The ASTYM® System is used in settings ranging from therapy clinics to hospitals to industrial rehabilitation. This proven treatment helps countless patients every day.
How does the ASTYM® System work?
Adhesions and inappropriate scarring within soft tissue can result from trauma, surgery, immobilization or repetitive stress. The ASTYM® System stimulates the breakdown of this dysfunctional tissue and allows functional restoration to occur.
ISMI currently has eight certified ASTYM® practitioners.
For more information visit the ASTYM® website www.astym.com. For more information about the ASTYM® services at ISMI or to schedule an appointment, call our physical therapy and sports rehabilitation department at (208) 345-4446.
Dry Needling
At ISMI we try to strive to give every patient the best treatments available to recover quickly, and dry needling may just do that. Dry needling is a tool used by certified physical therapists, who have undergone increased training, to decrease pain and increase overall function. The technique uses a small thin filiform needle, with no medication, that is inserted through the skin into the muscles. Now how is this technique different than acupuncture you may ask? Well, the purpose is to treat tight, stiff, and or, muscles with trigger points based on evidence-based practices; while the main purpose of acupuncture is instead used to restore energy (or Qi). Research supports that dry needling improves pain control, reduces muscle tension, and normalizes dysfunctions of the motor end plates (the sites at which nerve impulses are transmitted to muscles). Ideally, this can speed overall recovery in conjunction with other therapy techniques and exercises.
For more information about ISMI’s dry needling services or to schedule an appointment, contact our physical therapy and sports rehabilitation department at (208) 345-4446.
Alter G® Anti-Gravity Treadmill®:
Are injuries or recovery from surgeries preventing you from doing activities you love? Defy gravity. Get better faster because life won’t wait! With our AlterG® Anti-Gravity Treadmill®, you can rehabilitate lower extremity injuries with less pain. For post-operative and post injury patients, the AlterG’s revolutionary un-weighting treadmill provides the opportunity to include walking and running in your rehabilitation program sooner than ever! The AlterG is FDA approved to safely provide rehabilitation for any lower extremity patients who are at least 25% weight bearing and allowed to flex and extend their hip, knee, and ankle through a limited range of motion. The un-weighting effect is achieved by using an air-pressure controlled chamber to gently lift the user. This decreases the total weight of your body, allowing you to run or walk with less impact. After precise calibration, each individual can be weighted from 100 to 20% of your body weight in 1% increments.
AlterG training isn’t only for rehabilitation. The treadmill can be utilized to help with your training program. Alter G allows you to run for longer durations, and run faster while improving your strength and cardiovascular endurance. Uninjured individuals can utilize the AlterG treadmill as well. With body weight minimized to as low as 20%, focus can be put on form and improving running gait. The AlterG at ISMI is equipped with three cameras and LED screen to help patients visually correct themselves during their workout.
For more information about the Alter G treadmill, see the Alter G website, www.alterg.com. For more information about AlterG services at ISMI, please contact our physical therapy and sports rehabilitation department at (208) 345-4446.
SPORTSMETRICS™:
At ISMI, we believe that a major part of preventing athletic injuries is being well conditioned and being able to perform the correct basic skills in all sport situations. You don’t play sports to get fit; you get fit to play sports. Because we are driven by this principle, the Idaho Sports Medicine Institute is a Certified Clinical Site for the Sportsmetrics™ Program.
Sportsmetrics™ is a 6-week program combining dynamic warm-up, plyometrics, strength training and flexibility. It is designed to help athletes refine neuromuscular control of the lower limbs. Through this specialized program, athletes learn proper technique for jumping and landing safely, increase overall leg strength, and improve symmetry in right-to-left leg power.
ISMI encourages Sportsmetrics training for athletes as a part of their post-operative or post-injury rehabilitation programs. Injury prevention and athletic performance Sportsmetrics training programs are also available for individuals or groups.
For more information about Sportsmetrics, see the Sportsmetrics website, www.sportsmetrics.org. For more information about Sportsmetrics program options at ISMI, contact physical therapy at (208) 345-4446.
Running Gait Analysis:
No two runners’ gaits are alike. The way we run is as unique as we are. Adequate running and walking mechanics are essential for avoiding injury and improving performance. But what are adequate mechanics? Midfoot strike or heel strike? Stability shoes, minimus shoes or no shoes? Orthotic inserts or no orthotics? Each runner will have different answers to these questions and many more.
Because the biomechanics of running are complex, multiple factors have the potential to cause pain, injury, or dysfunction. Running velocity and mechanics are also quicker than the eye can see. At ISMI, we have found that video analysis of running gait is an invaluable tool to highlight biomechanical abnormalities that may effect your gait and be associated with overuse injuries.
Your 90-minute Gait Analysis appointment begins with a thorough clinical evaluation. First we review your history of previous medical injuries and your training history. Then we conduct a full biomechanical assessment of anatomical structure, strength, and flexibility of the trunk and lower extremities.
After the evaluation, you will be recorded running on a treadmill. Video may also be taken while running outside, if necessary. The videos and clinical exam findings will be reviewed with you, discussing what you do well and what you need to work on. If necessary, exercise recommendations and modifications to the way you move will be introduced during your visit. Recommendations are based on your clinical presentation, level of training, and performance goals.
You will leave your gait evaluation appointment with:
- A thorough biomechanical and video evaluation by a certified Athletic Trainer.
- Recommended modifications in your running gait and how to make changes safely and effectively.
- Recommended flexibility or strengthening exercises that may help address or prevent issues with your running gait.
- Advice on choosing the right running shoe or orthotic inserts for your body and your running needs.
For more information or to schedule a Running Gait Analysis appointment, please contact ISMI physical therapy and sports rehabilitation department at (208) 345-4446.
Medical Bike Fit:
Cycling shouldn’t be a pain in the neck or anywhere else! If you are under the care of a physician or physical therapist and have a medical need, let Jay Armstrong, MPT adjust your bike position to help alleviate the pain. Jay has been trained in the science of fitting a bicycle to the rider. He can help address specific pain or problems related to bike fit, as well as making sure your bike fits you and your riding style. Whether it’s hand numbness, knee pain, or a recent accident, this is the ultimate service for the injured rider.
You will leave your medical fit appointment with:
- A thorough biomechanical evaluation by a physical therapist.
- A bike position optimized for your personal goals and limitations.
- A detailed guide to aid in appropriate upgrades and measurements.
- An unbiased opinion from a non-retail fitter.
For more information about ISMI’s medical bike fit services, contact our physical therapy and sports rehabilitation department at (208) 345-4446.
Biodex Strength Testing:
Isokinetic exercise and testing are tools used to develop and assess strength of the knee, shoulder and ankle joints. Idaho Sports Medicine Institute utilizes a Biodex isokinetic machine that provides a computer-controlled resistance to test the strength of muscles supporting a specific joint. The Biodex can be configured to exercise or test various joints; however testing has been proven most valid for the knee.
Biodex Isokinetic testing provides physicians and their patients valuable information about strength deficits and muscle imbalances that may predispose a particular joint to further injury. It is an effective tool that provides insight as to when a patient can safely progress to more functional activities or even return to work or play. The on-screen charts and graphics track performance (i.e. range of motion, muscle strength), which help motivate the patient and encourage compliance.
Easy to read charts with color graphic reports interpret and compare the patient’s status to normative data revealing specific deficits about a patient’s injury, which help communicate information in simple terms for patients, doctors, third party payers and employers.
For more information on Biodex strength testing, contact our physical therapy and sports rehabilitation department at (208) 345-4446.
VO2Max and Lactate Threshold Testing:
VO2 max, or maximal aerobic capacity, measures your body’s ability to transport and utilize oxygen during exercise. This test is considered to be the best measurement of your cardiorespiratory fitness. The test involves measuring inspired and expired levels of oxygen and carbon dioxide while exercising on a treadmill or cycle ergometer. The test progresses from easy warm up stages up to a maximal effort. Your score represents the maximum amount of oxygen you utilize. The higher your score, the higher your fitness level.
The Lactate Threshold (LT) test measures lactic acid (or lactate) levels in the blood in response to increasing exercise intensity. Blood lactate levels reflect the balance of lactate production versus clearance of lactate. At low to moderate-intensity, lactate levels will increase slightly above resting values, but will remain constant as long as the exercise intensity remains constant. In other words, production rates are matched by clearance rates. As exercise intensity continues to increase, eventually a point is reached where clearance rates can no longer keep up with the production. The maximum intensity at which lactate remains steady is termed the Lactate Threshold (also called Maximal Lactate Steady State, MLSS, or Onset Blood Lactate Accumulation, OBLA).
The data from the VO2 max test and the LT test can help an athlete develop a training program that is specific to their abilities and goals. The training zones that are delineated from the data include recovery day efforts, base aerobic training zones (slow base and fast base zones), zones to improve LT, and zones to improve VO2 max. With this information, the athlete can train smarter and be more productive.
Sports Performance Training:
Our sports performance trainers assess your current fitness level and provide training to improve your performance in a given sport. Through comprehensive training schedules, sports-specific conditioning, corrective and restorative exercises, and individualized advice, you can accomplish better performance. Sports performance training also prevents injuries by strengthening and stretching the correct areas for the right amount of time at the right level of intensity.
Body Composition Testing:
When you’re building muscle and lean tissue, your BMI score is less accurate in predicting the amount of body fat you carry. You might want to measure lean tissue directly, which requires more sophisticated testing.
Fitness/Sport Training Program Design:
Everyone has different physical limitations and goals. A custom program designed and supported by an athletic trainer can safely push your limitations and get you closer to your goals. Whether you’re a collegiate athlete, a professional athlete, an active retiree, or a former athlete getting back into the game, ISMI is your partner in fitness and sports training.
Certified Pilates Rehabilitation
Joseph Pilates, the creator of Pilates arrived from Europe and opened his first studio in New York City in 1926. As a boxer his original intent was to train boxers but professional dancers soon discovered his method of vigorous exercises and their value in classical dance. Therein lies the beauty of Pilates as it can be studied and applied to men and women, boxers and dancers, opera singers and football players, desk jockeys and runners and has been enthusiastically embraced by professional and recreational athletes.
All Pilates exercises are based on movement with control to stretch and strengthen the body. It is a system of exercises when done in proper form will leave the participant feeling strong, lithe and moving with improved body mechanics whether lifting a box or riding a mountain bike.