Physical Therapy

Moving Toward Recovery

GMA Physical Therapy has been helping patients recover from surgeries or injuries with hands-on, highly effective manual techniques and exercise prescriptions for the past two decades. Each of our veteran physical therapists—Brian Edmiston and Keith McCarrollhas over 20 years of experience with special certifications and unique treatment approaches. Plus, they all offer dry needling and have extensive experience in a wide range of injuries. Conveniently located in Glenwood Springs, GMA Physical Therapy is housed in its own building with dedicated treatment areas, treadmills, TRX®, free weights and more.  Our second office is located in Rifle.  If you see a GMA physician, he or she can work collaboratively with your therapist to get you up and moving. We also welcome referrals from other physicians in the area and are currently accepting new patients at both locations

Specific PT Techniques

Our PTs employ numerous techniques to address your physical impairment, including soft tissue (muscles and nerves) mobilization; joint mobilization; joint stabilization; and exercises for tone reduction, tissue lengthening (stretches), strengthening and postural improvement. With the goals of correcting the physical impairment, reducing pain, and improving function and movement patterns, your PT may use any of the following:

  • Manual (hands on) care
  • Exercise prescriptions
  • Cold laser
  • Electrical stimulation
  • Taping
  • Education
  • Dry needling

Dry needling can be a very effective modality, and is relied on frequently in physical therapy practices today. Your PT identifies the trigger point (knot or tight spot) and penetrates that spot within the muscle using an acupuncture needle (small gauge, solid filament needle). Once penetrated,  a spontaneous muscle contraction can occur, causing the muscle to “release” or relax.  Once the muscle is relaxed in this manner, patients often experience reduced pain and/or tightness, improved mobility across the affected joint, improved strength of the muscle, improved circulation and reduced congestion in the muscle.

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