PHYSICAL THERAPY ASSOCIATES

With a third clinic now on the way, Dallas Williams, Owner of Physical Therapy Associates (PTA), can know without a doubt that his desire to provide for the well-being of the people in his hometown (and beyond) has thrice been achieved. What started in hopes of buying a local physical therapy practice in December 2000 has grown to include the original practice in Huntsville, a practice in Conroe, and an additional location to open in Huntsville toward the end of this year. “Mission accomplished,” as the saying goes.

The real mission has always been to enable the patients who walk through their doors to leave with improved skills and abilities, able to perform tasks that may have been lost due to injury or illness, and to enjoy as pain-free a lifestyle as possible. This is accomplished through the expertise and knowledge of their medical providers. From an initial staff of three people, the staff and providers now number more than thirty, a number which will continue to grow as the new clinic opens. These providers offer a wide variety of specializations and skills and endeavor relentlessly to continue to learn and improve their techniques. As Dallas states, “We consider ourselves to be an outpatient orthopedic facility with therapists who have great diagnostic abilities and are specialized in a wide variety of skills. They constantly work as a team to solve problems and provide our patients with excellent care.” A weekly meeting for their fourteen licensed provider team allows the sharing of information on best care for patients and finding solutions for challenges facing specific patients.

As Dallas explains, “The therapist will look at the entire person to provide a differential diagnosis, will treat the areas within their scope, and refer other areas appropriately.” 

Differential diagnosis means that a PT can use appropriate testing to rule out possibilities and confirm a final diagnosis. For example, a patient may come in for shoulder pain, but the actual problem is originating in their neck with symptoms presenting in their shoulder. Some people think physical therapy is only needed for post-surgical conditions; however, the top conditions treated at Physical Therapy Associates address back, neck, knee, and shoulder, as well as balance issues. In some cases, incontinence can be treated by licensed staff who specialize in pelvic floor, since other issues can lead to this condition.

Dry needling and manual visceral mobilization techniques are also employed to treat various conditions. Dry needling is a process whereby the therapist uses a thin filiform needle to penetrate the skin and stimulate the underlying trigger points to relieve pain and improve range of motion. This process allows the therapist to target tissues that are not manually palpable and can help speed up a patient’s return to active rehabilitation.

Visceral manipulation is a form of intervention by specially trained therapists who can access and address movement restriction involving the organs. It involves hands-on orthopedic skills and has been known to help with acute disorders such as abdominal sports injuries and concussion, musculoskeletal disorders including headaches and migraines, sciatica and neck pain, digestive disorders, and others.

Aquatic therapy with a certified therapist is available at both the Huntsville and Conroe locations. A factor that places PTA above other similar facilities is that the therapist can work alongside the patient in the pool. Recovery from all types of injuries and illness can benefit from this therapy which can help to improve joint flexibility and range of motion, improve muscle strength and aerobic endurance, improve balance and walking skills and aid in pain management. If you suffer from arthritis pain, low back pain, obesity, fibromyalgia, or have had joint replacement or sports injuries, this therapy is for you.

As Dallas states, “We try to fix the problem before surgery is necessary.” PTA has a strong relationship with other medical providers in the community, and referrals among these professionals are common with the patient’s best interest in mind. 

“Our goal is not to keep the patient coming for months, but to achieve goals quickly.”

Why choose Physical Therapy Associates? Christa Ikard, a DPT with the practice, shares a comment from a patient which answers that question. “I feel welcomed here as a part of a family. I’m not just somebody’s job.” Co-owner Diane Williams agrees, “We have empathy and genuine caring and concern for our patients. We want them to feel like a part of our family.”

As mentioned, PTA is opening a new “satellite” location in Huntsville across the street from Ironworks. This smaller clinic will be opening in the next few months and will be perfect for patients who prefer a quieter environment, such as those with PTSD or anxiety concerns. Building progress and opening dates can be found on their Facebook page at www.Facebook/PTAHuntsville.

The Huntsville clinic is located at 127 Medical Park Lane and may be contacted by phone at 936- 294-0283. The Conroe clinic address is 1020 Riverwood Court Ste 120, and available by phone at 936-494-1292. The PTA website can be accessed at ptaclinic.com.

The PTA Slogan reads “Together We Can Overcome.” Physical therapy requires participation and hard work from the patient along with the right treatment plan from our PTs.

The PTA Mission Statement reads:

Our mission is to provide to our patients the best possible physical therapy services for their individual needs. We will go above and beyond each person’s expectations when they walk into our clinic.

According to testimony we have read, Physical Therapy Associates has fulfilled this mission for almost 21 years and will continue to grow the business because of it. They look forward to meeting your health needs and including you as part of their family.