Grand Junction Family & Sports Medicine Clinic | Now Accepting New Patients

The 5 Step Recovery Process

Our 5 Step Program is an outpatient program whose goal is to assist the patients to restore or increase strength, range of motion, flexibility, coordination and endurance as well as reduce pain using multidisciplinary approach to address acute and chronic back pain as well as work related injuries.  Patients will receive quality care under the combined care of qualified physicians and certified staff.  Our multidisciplinary services will offer an objective for patients to return to the quality of health and live they maintained before their injury.

Step 1 – Physician Evaluation

This is a detailed history and physical examination of the injured athlete/worker, which includes x-rays and other necessary methods to determine an accurate and appropriate diagnosis in order to ensure the most effective treatment plan.

Step 2 – Pain Management

The use of therapeutic modalities such as moist heat, ice, alpha muscle stimulation, and massage to reduce pain and allow the injury site to heal in a more controlled atmosphere along with modalities a range of motion/stretching  program will also take place. This program is designed for the patient to achieve and maintain proper range of motion and flexibility with correct stretching techniques.

Step 3 – Osteopathic Manipulation

This procedure will be preformed by the physician to help increase proper segmented range of motion and flexibility of the injured area(s). OMT is usually performed every 1-2 weeks, in cases deemed to be medically appropriate.

Step 4 – Spinal Stabilization

A core/spinal stabilization program is designed especially to stabilize and strengthen the paraspinal musculature of the cervical, thoracic and lumbar spine.  The core stabilization begins with core muscles including the abdomen and pelvis.  By strengthening these muscles, it improves the patients ability to do most physical activities.  This step is a progressive program that increases sets/repetitions and weight weekly.

Step 5 – Aquatic Therapy

Aquatic therapy uses the principles and goals of physical therapy in a water environment to control swelling, improve circulation and provide smooth and consistent resistance for strengthening.  Buoyancy allows for earlier weight bearing and functional training (like walking or running) than is achieved on land for patients who cannot tolerate full weight bearing.  Turbulence provides resistance and increased work for progressive exercise and balance training.  Most patients find that water pool exercises is a very enjoyable way to regain their strength, balance and flexibility.  Exercises are individualized for each patient.  Patients are regularly reassessed to make sure the specific goals of each patient are obtained.  Generally the patient will be transitioned to land-based therapy as their condition improves.

Dr. Gershon received his medical degree from Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine and completed his internship at Flint Osteopathic Hospital in Flint, Michigan. He is board certified in Family …
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