LSVT BIG trains people with Parkinson disease (PD) to use their body more normally. People living with PD or other neurological conditions often move differently, with gestures and actions that become smaller and slower. They may have trouble with getting around, getting dressed and with other activities of daily living. LSVT BIG effectively trains improved movements for any activity, whether “small motor” tasks like buttoning a shirt or “large motor” tasks like getting up from sofa or chair or maintaining balance while walking. The treatment improves walking, self-care and other tasks by helping people “recalibrate” how they perceive their movements with what others actually see. It also teaches them how and when to apply extra effort to produce bigger motions – more like the movements of everyone around them.

PWR!Moves is specifically designed to help individuals diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease improve neuroplasticity and slow the progression of Parkinson’s Disease. PWR!Moves is functional exercise for symptom management that is designed to help you mitigate symptoms and rebuild functionality.

Pilates-based rehab addresses the whole body and focuses on individual asymmetries in flexibility, strength, and muscle recruitment patterns, with an emphasis on exercises that help to develop the smaller muscles in our bodies which provide support for our joints. It is a great way to learn about your body, integrate movement patterns, and reduce the likelihood of future injury.

As we age our balance will decline, and without maintaining a functional level of strength, flexibility, and balance you can become prone to an increased risk of falls. Every year more than one in three people age 65 years or older fall, and the risk increases with age. A simple fall can cause a serious fracture of the hip, pelvis, spine, arm, hand, or ankle, which can lead to hospital stays, disability, and loss of independence. Elderly parents, friends, and neighbors can benefit from a physical therapy program designed to improve their function and ability to remain active.

Feeling dizzy or unbalanced can be extremely troubling to patients, and these symptoms often result in a loss of function and can severely limit the enjoyment of daily activities. Alves & Martinez has locations and physical therapists that can help in cases of positional vertigo (BPPV), gait instability, motion sensitivity, cervical disorders, and other balance-related disorders. Additionally, as post-concussion syndrome continues to gain national attention, we continue to develop and implement post-concussion protocols in combination with national thought leaders and local physicians in the Sacramento area.

Alves & Martinez approaches the management of the injured worker the same way we would approach the treatment of any patient – with an emphasis on goals and a focus on getting them back to work safely and effectively. We are partners in your care and recognize some of the unique challenges faced by employers and payers who are looking for efficacious, cost-effective, and safe return to work strategies for their employees. All injured workers are evaluated by a physical therapist and a plan of care is developed and implemented that will minimize time off work and maximize functional recovery. Both Alves & Martinez locations accept patients covered under the Workers’ Compensation laws in California.