Injury and illness can take a toll on the body’s strength and agility. Physical therapy services center around the restoration of function to an area of injury through the use of appropriate modalities, exercise, and other therapeutic techniques. The staff at IWR Therapy Systems promotes early intervention after injury. The focus is on symptom management and restoration of function, establishing a sound basis for an early, safe and efficient return to work, and/or normal living activities.
Treatment is begun after a thorough physical assessment to determine an appropriate program for the diagnosis and current physical findings. The physical therapist sends an initial assessment report with a treatment plan to the patient’s referring doctor and follows with progress notes to keep the doctor apprised of the patient’s improvement. The patient and the physical therapist review progress at each appointment in order to make necessary advancements to treatment and home programs. Our therapists emphasize patient participation and follow-through, and focus on techniques that allow your rehabilitation to proceed at a desired pace.
We offer therapy for individuals with:
Spine problems, chronic and acute Degenerative joint disease Work-related injuries Orthopaedic and sports injuries Chronic pain Neurological conditions or impairments Arthritis / Fibromyalgia Open wounds, Burns
Services include but not limited to:
Comprehensive Orthopaedic Physical Rehabilitation / Sports Injuries Neurological Assessment of Central and Peripheral Systems Back Care and Education Cervical / Lumbar Traction Gait Training Balance Coordination and Training Scar Mobilization Flexibility Exercises Individualized Strengthening Exercises Iontophoresis Phonophoresis Ultrasound Joint Mobilization Home Exercise Program Electrical Stimulation Manual Therapy McKenzie
Spine Therapy
The Functional Capacity Evaluation (FCE) is a comprehensive and objective test that assesses a person’s functional abilities and limitations. The FCE is not job specific. The results will outline baseline tolerances, assist in impairment rating and/or assist in return to work placement.
Work Capacity Assessment
The objective of the Work Capacity Assessment (WCA) is to assess an individual’s current safe physical work capacities and to identify any objective difficulties in performing job related tasks. The WCA is job specific. Job requirements obtained from the injured worker, job description and Dictionary of Occupational Titles are used as a guide for testing. During the assessment, an individual’s present physical capacities are compared to job requirements to determine return to work readiness.
Work Conditioning
This program concentrates on the general, overall conditioning and functional abilities of the individual and does not include job simulation. The Work Conditioning Program is an individualized conditioning program designed to decrease symptomatology and increase functional abilities following a period of debilitation. This is accomplished by improving the participant’s overall conditioning with a goal of increasing muscular strength, cardiovascular endurance, and flexibility.
The program length averages 2 to 4 weeks for 2 hours per session.
Work Hardening
The philosophy of the Work Hardening Program at IWR Therapy Systems is to increase functional and work activity to an individual’s maximum potential while minimizing the symptom response to activity such as pain and fatigue.
Following completion of the program, the individual is returned to the primary treating physician for return to work clearance. In order to be recommended for return to work, the individual must demonstrate:
The physical ability to do the job The ability to do the job safely The motivation and confidence to do the job
The Work Hardening program averages 3 to 4 weeks. The participant progresses to an 8 hour day and a 40 hour work week. Individuals usually begin the program at 2 hours per day. Progression to 4 hours, then to 6 hours and then to an 8 hour work day is based on the participant’s progress and the overall rehabilitation strategy.
IWR Therapy Systems also provides preventative services to help derail injuries before they have an opportunity to occur. Preventative services provided by IWR are developed to help industries lower the incidence of cumulative joint injuries, back injuries and other types of injuries related to accumulated stress. IWR Therapy Systems advocates educating pre-employment candidates and currently employed workers. This, in turn, will reduce the staggering costs paid annually in Worker’s Compensation and lost earnings. Some of these services include:
Back School
The Back School Program is designed to broaden the participant’s knowledge in the area of anatomy and physiology of the spine, common causes of back injuries, and safe and efficient body mechanic techniques.
The program consists of one 2 to 3 hour session which can be independent of or in conjunction with the individual’s physical therapy program. The Back School Program is also available to the industrial community. The lectures can also be held at the work site to benefit all employees.
Ergonomic Assessments to analyze and improve the fit between worker and workstation, instruction in safe work techniques and evaluation of tools, equipment and adaptive devices. Ergonomic Job Analysis to document job requirements and assess degree of risk associated with developing cumulative trauma disorders. Development of Ergonomics Programs and Processes, including training materials, ergonomics job descriptions for return-to-work, employee ergonomics training, etc.
Pre-Placement Screening
ADA/EEOC compliant physical abilities testing programs are designed for employers for the purposes of making objective and legally defensible hiring decisions based on an applicant's ability to perform the essential functions of the job. This program has been validated through prospective validation studies and typically results in reductions of 20-40% in new hire worker’s compensation injuries. For more information, please visit www.advancedergonomics.com.
Local companies currently utilizing this service include:
Kimberly Clark Corporation Warrior & Gulf Navigation Mobile Water & Sewer System Arkema Atlas Cold Storage Roadway Express Rhodes Furniture O’Neal Steel Old Dominion Freight Lines Delta Air Lines Anderson / Kelly Associates
In Alabama, physical therapy services may be initiated by a licensed physical therapist when the patient is referred by a physician or dentist. Though a physician referral is required, the patient has the choice of where to attend therapy
and we hope you will choose one of our facilities.
To schedule an appointment, call the facility you would like to attend, Monday through Friday from 8:00 to 5:00.
Brookley 251-433-1414 Dauphin St. 251-586-0067 Saraland 251-675-3390 Semmes 251-645-3708
If you must cancel an appointment, please call at least 24 hours in advance. If, due to unforeseen circumstances, you cannot give 24 hours notice, please call as soon as you know you will not be able to keep your appointment so we can reschedule your appointment.
Our trained professional staff will make every effort to assist you with any questions and concerns about your billing and insurance information. Please bring your insurance card with you on your first appointment. It will contain information that we need to file your claim.
We are in-network providers for most major insurance companies including:
Blue Cross / Blue Shield Blue Advantage Medicare Healthspring of Alabama Senior’s First Aetna Tricare / Champus Viva ProNet First Health Focus Wausau Comp One Worker’s Compensation
Spine problems, chronic and acute