Our Services

Aquatic therapy uses the physical properties of water to assist in patient healing and exercise performance. Buoyancy assists in supporting the patients weight which reduces the force placed on the joints. Aquatic therapy is very useful for patients with arthritis, healing fractures, or who are overweight.

The foot and ankle form an efficient unit that supports tons of pressure each day. Many people do not realize that several common knee and hip conditions are the result of poor foot mechanics and a misalignment of the ankle. Even the wrong shoes can cause foot pain. Our therapists can effectively diagnose and treat foot and ankle pain arising from problems with alignment, mobility and strength.

Our Occupational Therapists are highly skilled and trained in the evaluation and treatment of hand and upper extremity injuries including work related injuries. To ensure total rehabilitation, we are educated on the latest techniques and have available the most modern modalities as prescribed by physicians.

Feet come in many shapes and sizes. The stresses we place on our feet during daily activities can sometimes lead to serious pain. Our custom foot orthotics will help give your feet the support needed to function properly. Our orthotics evaluation and casting will ensure that your orthotics are the right fit for your feet.

Pediatric therapy is a specialty that deals with the wide variety of diagnoses that may affect children’s overall development from birth to 18 years of age. Our pediatric therapists help to ensure children’s physical performance is at its best in everyday activities as well as athletic endeavors.

Pilates exercise is a safe and highly effective way to stretch, strengthen and streamline your body without building bulk or stressing your joints. A perfect complement to cardiovascular exercise, sports, rehabilitation and life. Pilates emphasizes breathing, core conditioning and body awareness to leave you looking toned and feeling revitalized.

For further information please see our Pilates section of this website.

Individuals with spine conditions or acute back pain, as well as patients recuperating from surgery or work-related injuries, can benefit from treatment. Manual therapy and comprehensive kinesthetic evaluations are utilized. These plans incorporate a progression of physical therapy, education and functional activities. Simulations and functional-capacity assessments are used to help patients return to work.

The Sports Medicine Program specializes in caring for most musculoskeletal injuries that can commonly occur in athletics. Such specialization includes assessment and treatment of elbow and shoulder injuries such as shoulder instability or rotator cuff disorders as well as other joint problems that occur as a result of golf, tennis and other sports activities. From Olympic medalists to weekend warriors, we can help any athlete get back in the game.

Swisswing® devices transfer mechanical vibrations to nerve tissue, connective tissue and muscle tissue at frequencies that correspond to natural muscle tonus. This principal enables users to exercise in a most effective way strength, agility and coordination with a minimum of effort. This type of stimulation manipulates the body’s reflexive reaction to agitations in mobility and stability, inducing a stretch reflex that causes the muscles to tighten.
The following beneficial effects of BMS have been demonstrated in various clinical studies:
• Improved agility and coordination
• Increased muscle strength
• Increased flexibility
• Reduced muscle soreness
• Reduced muscle injuries
• Speeds recovery after exertion
• Improved metabolism
• Activation of blood circulation
• Cellulite reduction
• Increased bone mass
 

As the costs of workman’s compensation and health insurance rise, many companies, large and small, are beginning to see the value of keeping their employees fit and healthy. Stress, high blood pressure, smoking, and poor conditioning and inferior diet all contribute to increased insurance premiums, poor worker productivity and excessive absenteeism. In most cases, this is preventable.
Numerous businesses have been able to demonstrate their commitment to their employees’ well being, while at the same time realizing monetary returns of over 300% in terms of improved efficiency and decreased insurance costs by implementing a program that identifies and addresses the lifestyle-related risk factors that can lead to increasing costs.

Matt Smith Physical Therapy is available to create and execute a Corporate Wellness program for that is tailor-made to address the specific needs of your business. Depending on the business’s personal wellness requirements, the regimen we develop may include smoking cessation programs, stress management seminars, personalized exercise programs, nutritional advice, and even job site visits for personal instruction in proper biomechanical performance of their work tasks.

Ergonomics is the applied science of equipment design and configuration that seeks to maximize productivity and reduce risks by adapting the work environment to meet the physical needs of the worker.
An ergonomic assessment is an evaluation of the biomechanics of the work environment that includes recommendations for engineering and/or administrative modifications to the workplace. Ergonomically designed workplaces can help employees avoid pain and injuries that may arise from repetitive tasks.
All of our assessments are performed by a physical therapist who has the designation of C.E.A.S., Certified Ergonomic Assessment Specialist.
 

Functional Capacity Evaluations (FCE’s) are used to provide return-to-work recommendations to a patient’s primary physician following injury, surgery or illness. The FCE assesses whether an individual’s strength, flexibility, endurance, and body mechanics, meet the requirements of a specific occupation or work activity. The FCE provides useful information for a variety of applications, including:

• Goal setting and treatment planning
• Monitoring progress throughout rehab
• Return to work by matching job demands to the client’s abilities
• Determining case closure
• Assisting physicians with disability determination
• Determining subject’s level of participation
• Post-offer employment screening

There are two types of FCE’s: The Baseline or Non-Specific FCE is an objective assessment of an individual’s abilities to perform tasks associated with general physical demands of work. The Job Specific FCE evaluates an individual’s physical ability to perform specific requirements according to the parameters of an identified job.

In most applications, an FCE focuses on a job goal rather than the individual’s aptitude, interests, or temperaments. It assesses the client’s posture, flexibility, strength, balance, coordination, lifting ability, cardiovascular tolerance and body mechanics. FCE’s can also be used to assess validity or sincerity of effort when used in tandem with a skilled evaluation observation, as documented in an accompanying report. As such, they can serve as a valuable tool in case administration.

The FCE includes three parts: the Intake Interview; Physical Assessment; and Functional Assessment. The entire evaluation requires 3-5 hours to complete. A final report is issued within 4-5 working days and provides specific recommendations regarding return-to-work levels, validity/reliability and any additional considerations.

Our therapists perform FCE’s using an innovative, computer-based testing platform known as the Hanoun System. This system enables the clinician to custom-develop a functional test involving subjective questionnaires, cardiovascular assessments during activity, work simulation, mobility, and strength testing. These inputs are fed into the computer program for processing, so that it may generate an evaluation. The Hanoun System can be used not only during Functional Capacity Testing, but also for Post-Offer employment testing, fitness for duty, and disability evaluations.

All of our FCE’s are performed by a licensed physical or occupational therapist and customized after the job description is reviewed. Observation starts when the patient enters our clinic and concludes when they leave our parking lot. The FCE contains a computerized report along with a summarized verbal report including comments on validity and recommendations for return to work.

The Hanoun System requires calibration of all force gauges, dynameters and static testing equipment be calibrated by protocol at a minimum of once every 2 weeks. The program will not allow testing if this is not performed. All evaluators are required to complete Hanoun Certification which includes formal education, a completion of sample testing using specified protocols on 4 individuals and passing a written examination.

From the injured workers perspective, the integrity of the test is verified by obtaining a detailed medical history from the client as well as the client’s description of the essential functions of the job being tested. Any discrepancy between the written job description and the client’s description is documented.

The Graston Technique® incorporates a patented form of instrument-assisted soft tissue mobilization that enables clinicians to effectively detect and treat scar tissue and restrictions that affect normal function.
The Technique:
• Separates and breaks down collagen cross-links, and splays and stretches connective tissue and muscle fibers
• Increases skin temperature
• Facilitates reflex changes in the chronic muscle holding pattern
• Alters spinal reflux activity (facilitated segment)
• Increases the rate and amount of blood flow to and from the area
• Increases cellular activity in the region, including fibroblasts and mast cells
• Increases histamine response secondary to mast cell activity
 

A job site analysis is a process to identify and determine in detail the particular job duties and requirements and the relative importance of these duties for a given job. The employer is given a written report that quantifies the objective duties outlined in the analysis. The purpose of the job site analysis is to establish and document the “job relatedness” of employment procedures such as training, selection, compensation, determination of an ability to return to work after an injury, and performance appraisal.

Job Analysis can be used in training/"needs assessment" to identify or develop training content; assessment tests to measure effectiveness of training; equipment to be used in delivering the training and methods of training (i.e., small group, computer-based, video, classroom...).

Job Analysis can be used in compensation to identify or determine skill levels; compensable job factors; work environment (e.g., hazards; attention; physical effort); responsibilities (e.g., fiscal; supervisory) and required level of education (indirectly related to salary level).

Job Analysis can be used in selection procedures to identify or develop job duties that should be included in advertisements of vacant positions; appropriate salary level for the position to help determine what salary should be offered to a candidate; minimum requirements (education and/or experience) for screening applicants; interview questions; selection tests/instruments (e.g., written tests; oral tests; job simulations); applicant appraisal/evaluation forms and orientation materials for applicants/new hires.

Job Analysis can be used in performance review to identify or develop goals and objectives; performance standards; evaluation criteria; length of probationary periods and duties to be evaluated.

What Aspects of a Job Are Analyzed?

Job Analysis should collect information on the following areas:

• Duties and Tasks The basic unit of a job is the performance of specific tasks and duties. Information to be collected about these items may include: frequency, duration, effort, skill, complexity, equipment, standards, etc.
• Environment This may have a significant impact on the physical requirements to be able to perform a job. The work environment may include unpleasant conditions such as offensive odors and temperature extremes. There may also be definite risks to the incumbent such as noxious fumes, radioactive substances, hostile and aggressive people, and dangerous explosives.
• Tools and Equipment Some duties and tasks are performed using specific equipment and tools. Equipment may include protective clothing. These items need to be specified in a Job Analysis.
• Relationships Supervision given and received. Relationships with internal or external people.
• Requirements The knowledge, skills, and abilities required to perform the job. While an incumbent may have higher than those required for the job, a Job Analysis typically only states the minimum requirements to perform the job.

Also known as Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy, the McKenzie Method is a philosophy of active patient involvement and education for back, neck and extremity problems. The key distinction is its initial assessment component—a safe and reliable means to accurately reach a diagnosis and only then make the appropriate treatment plan. Rarely are expensive tests required, Certified MDT clinicians have a valid indicator to know right away whether—and how—the method will work for each patient.
We have one of three certified MDT physical therapy clinicians in Southern Nevada.
 

Utilizing Post Offer Employment Tests (POETs) during the employment application process can be the first opportunity to affect future claim costs. This type of testing also is known as Physical Abilities Testing, Pre-placement testing, Physical demands testing and Worker Selection testing.
Only 40% of all back injury costs to businesses are related to medical expenses. The other 60% go to disability settlements, legal payments, and administrative costs. It is not surprising that many companies now require post-offer testing to detect employees who have pre-existing conditions and/or are unable to perform relevant job specific activities.
 

Utilizing Post Offer Employment Tests (POETs) during the employment application process can be the first opportunity to affect future claim costs. This type of testing also is known as Physical Abilities Testing, Pre-placement testing, Physical demands testing and Worker Selection testing.

Only 40% of all back injury costs to businesses are related to medical expenses. The other 60% go to disability settlements, legal payments, and administrative costs. It is not surprising that many companies now require post-offer testing to detect employees who have pre-existing conditions and/or are unable to perform relevant job specific activities.

Post-offer testing may be used to exclude employees not capable of performing job tasks as long as the test is not discriminatory, is job specific, and is properly validated.

• Reducing the risk of work related injuries - 30-to-60 percent by utilizing validated physical abilities testing
• Reduction on injury associated losses
• Establishment of pre-injury baseline testing
• Increasing productivity
• Meeting Federal guidelines
• Job turnover
• Legally defensible post offer testing options 

If an applicant is hired and through the course of his employment suffers any type of injury, the post-offer information is used to compare the employee's current status with his/her initial status. This alleviates speculation regarding pre-existing conditions and comparisons to other persons of his age and weight. Furthermore, since consistency of pre- and post-injury is easily monitored, the ability to detect faking an injury and reduce workers' compensation liability/expense is greatly enhanced. This has proven beneficial in reducing the dollar amount of court settlements to what is truly warranted as a deficit based on the injury that the individual suffered.

Work Hardening is a highly structured, goal oriented, individualized treatment program designed to maximize the individual’s ability to return to work. Work hardening programs, which are interdisciplinary in nature, use real or simulated work activities in conjunction with conditioning tasks that are graded to progressively improve the biomechanical, neuromuscular, cardiovascular/metabolic and psychosocial functions of the individual. Work hardening provides a transition between acute care and return to work while addressing the issues of productivity, safety, physical tolerances, and worker behaviors.

Our work hardening program is customized to the patient’s specific needs. A written plan that identifies observable and measurable goals along with the projected necessary time to complete the goals and expected outcomes is established The plan is based on a functional capacity evaluation(baseline) and compared with the critical demands identified in the job analysis.

The Work Hardening Program is daily (five times per week) and typically lasts two-five hours per day. Progressive job simulation tasks and conditioning activities are performed. A discharge summary/comparative analysis is done prior to discharge to determine job readiness.

Treatment termination upon goal completion, inadequate progress, non-compliance, insufficient cooperation or the injured worker declines further participation.

The Work Readiness Program (WRP) is a highly structured, goal-oriented, individualized treatment program designed to return a person to work quickly. The WRP is designed to evaluate and treat injured workers who have experienced a delayed recovery. It is not a functional restoration or chronic pain management program as the WRP evaluates and treats both acute and chronic disability medical conditions. 

The WRP provides multi-disciplinary evaluation and prescriptive treatment services leading to the achievement of MMI and the issuance of a return to work release correlating the requirements of the pre-accident job description with clinical treatment outcomes and functional capacity evaluation results.

Core treatments include provision of patient education classes, and an aggressive program of physical therapy-directed modalities that integrate balance, ergonomic safety, full body and core strength, stability, agility, aerobic conditioning and flexibility procedures to meet fitness levels needed to achieve MMI and the issuance of a return to work release. Back school instruction, work simulation, work preparation, functional restoration, chronic pain management, and work hardening activities are also available treatment options. Psychological support is provided utilizing cognitive behavioral counseling and biofeedback assisted relaxation training to teach pain and stress coping skills and relapse prevention techniques. Accessory treatments include medication management, reduction, or replacement services and/or short-term interventional procedures.

Referrals are accepted for those injured workers who have either completed the acute phase of treatment and are not surgical candidates or have completed surgery and no further surgery is necessary, and yet, even with the provision of recommended rehabilitation therapy, have not achieved the maximum medical improvement (MMI) needed to return to work in the same or modified job description or participate in a job search; experience no change in their prolonged modified/light duty work release; and need to be physically and/or psychologically prepared to have a successful surgery.
 

• The WRP is customized for each worker. It is not a canned program.
• Costs are closely managed with no hidden administrative charges. No medical director or incentive fees are paid.
• Only charged for billable hours: evaluation, treatment, staffing time, educational materials, and durable medical equipment.
• No charges for treatment time not given.
• DIR singular service fee schedule or a contracted rate is charged.
• You help choose the physician/NCM and Vocational Rehab.
• Light-Duty

Treatment Termination occurs upon:

• Goal completion.
• Inadequate progress.
• Non-compliance.
• Insufficient cooperation.
• Injured worker declines further participation.