I'm leaving my original review below and updating with new information.
Since writing my original review, I began working in the field of physical therapy, in part because I became fascinated with anatomy and orthopedics during my recovery. I experienced a broad range in the quality of care throughout the two years I was treated for this injury, and unfortunately, this practice was at the poor end of the spectrum.
My original review is very emotional because, during a time of severe discomfort, I was being neglected. It was frustrating. My intention here is to describe the same experience from a different frame of mind, with additional perspective. Perhaps my case was an anomaly, but I believe if any patient at any physical therapy practice has the experience I did, they should change practitioners.
First, I was instructed to do "the exercises I used to do in Physical Therapy" with no supervision (Bill Scanlon was in a private room or behind a curtain with a patient, and there were no staff present in the gym area). The "exercises I used to do" were to correct for a sacroiliac rotation. At the time I was suffering from a herniated disc. I now know that these are very different diagnoses, and require different exercises. To leave a patient completely unattended during exercise is unethical. A huge part of physical therapy is to correct problematic movement patterns and strategically strengthen specific muscles. To leave someone to determine their own therapeutic exercise is like hiring a plumber to tell you to fix your own sink.
Secondly, during my time with Bill Scanlon, my symptoms worsened, and I began to suffer from pain in new areas due to compensatory movement patterns from the disc herniation. The most severe was a case of IT band tightness that was so painful I struggled to sleep. During a trip home, a previous physical therapist performed soft tissue mobilizations that dramatically improved my symptoms. When I relayed this to Bill, he informed me that he did not provide that service. This is unusual, as most orthopedic physical therapists and sports medicine specialists are trained to mobilize soft tissue, and Bill Scanlon's website says that one of his specialties is soft tissue injuries.
Lastly, I noted that my therapy consisted nearly exclusively of e-stim/heat and unsupervised exercise. E-stim in the form I was administered uses electricity to prevent pain signals from reaching the central nervous system. Thus, it does not heal, but is very effective at providing temporary relief. Another reviewer mentioned that e-stim was his favorite part of his treatment. I am not disagreeing that it is helpful. However, no amount of (inferential) e-stim will correct a muscular imbalance, realign a joint, stretch a capsule, or improve movement patterns. It is a helpful tool, but nearly useless without other strategies.
For these three reasons, I believe Bill Scanlon took advantage of me while I was a patient. Here are the things which my subsequent physical therapist did that helped me recover:
1. I was given parameters for safe activity outside of physical therapy, helping me to avoid motions which would prolong my injury.
2. In addition to my therapist providing manual joint mobilizations, capsular stretching, lumbar traction, and soft tissue mobilization, gym staff were always present during exercise to ensure the correct muscles were being targeted and exercise was being performed safely.
3. I was taught techniques to help with pain relief at home including self traction and foam rolling.
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I have no idea how this practice has 4 stars. I've seen 7 physical therapists over 8 years for lower back and leg pain, and this practice is BY FAR THE WORST.
My sessions consisted mostly of heat and stim, and then he basically just told me to do the same regimen my former PT had me on.
While I was seeing him my pain got FAR worse. I ended up seeing an old PT who said that I desperately needed myofacial release on my leg. When I told Dr. Scanlon what this physical therapist said and how much it helped (after one session I could finally sleep again), he simply replied "oh, well we don't do that here." WTF, we don't do that here??? I'm in extreme pain and that's all you've got? He didn't even show me how to use a foam roller to help relieve my symptoms OR direct me to someone who does myofacial work. I understand if you don't provide a specific service, but have a mother-f-ing alternative in your arsenal buddy or refer me to someone.
Additionally, in over two months of seeing him, he didn't use a single hands-on modality, which for me is CRITICAL to healing. It takes five minutes to adjust my hips or spine. I know because my current PT does it, and it really, really helps.
If you want to waste your money and time to do what you could have done at home, go see Dr. Scanlon. One star for having a centrally located office and professional reception staff. read more