Los Altos, CA
The word “relaxed” may not come to mind when most people think of physical therapy. For those who seek relief from aches and pains, the vision of a sparse workout room manned by a trainer and tedious discipline may be less than appealing.
But step into PhysioFit Physical Therapy & Wellness at Loyola Corners in Los Altos and you’re likely to be greeted cheerfully by one of six licensed physical trainers. The hallway opens into several clean, private rooms, a welcome retreat from a sterile hospital setting.
In 40-minute private sessions, therapists treat patients for a variety of work-related injuries and some lesser-known disorders. After each session, clients receive 50 minutes of exercise supervision by a training aid.
PhysioFit owner and physical therapist Kim Gladfelter said she has seen a broad range of clients who have orthopedic and muscular-skeletal injuries – many of which are work- or stress-related aches and pains.
Several times a week, yoga and Pilates classes are held – an essential part of the stress-reduction formula, Gladfelter said. Breathing techniques for calming stress are also taught. These offerings are unusual and unique to physical therapy centers, she said.
New mothers who anticipate problems nursing may want to participate in some special therapy programs. Ultrasound treatment is used to loosen blocked milk ducts when other methods haven’t been effective, Gladfelter said. CranioSacral therapy, a gentle, alternative form of massage therapy, is also offered.
Gladfelter said her staff aims to give their clients a smooth transition when they are “cured” of their pain or receive their doctor’s OK to end treatment.
“Instead of discharging them and leaving them on their own, we want to continue to help them develop an exercise routine,” Gladfelter said.