VOLUME 1 ISSUE 2

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MAXimize
MAXi mize Motion with
PerforMAX Physical Therapy
March/April 2010
Focus On . . .
Occupational Therapy
What is Occupational Therapy?
At Performax Occupational therapists work with patients who have had an injury or illness that
limits their ability to live their life to the fullest potential. The term “occupation,”
Physical Therapy,
as it relates to therapy, is defined as “everyday activities at work, home, or
Michelle Gilmer, recreation.” The OT assists people of all ages by enhancing their skills for the job
OTR, also treats of living. The OT’s goal is to maximize each patient’s level of independence in
hand injuries with his or her daily routine.
Trigger-Point Dry The occupational therapy treatment may focus on
Needling, making physical treatment such as strengthening and improving
Performax unique range of motion, but will also include analysis of mental,
among hand environmental, spiritual, political, and cultural barriers to
clinics in the achieving maximum performance in everyday life. For
Denver Metro example, those suffering from chronic pain may
definitely benefit from physical treatment – a past injury
area. Trigger Point
is often the beginning of life-altering chronic pain.
Dry Needling is a However, the OT recognizes that physical exercise is only one aspect of treating
treatment for severe pain, and plans individualized treatments that address each patient’s
muscular tightness subjective pain experience.
and spasms that Cognitive evaluation can help with care planning and finding proper living
commonly follows arrangements for individuals with changing functional status.
injuries and often Occupational therapy will often complement physical treatments with a
accompanies the cognitive evaluation. OT applies the Allen Cognitive Levels, a proven framework
degenerative for identifying functional levels in all activities. OT will address rehabilitation
services in the following areas:
processes or a
chronically painful
Cognitive retraining
Caregiver Education

Orientation
Perceptual and Cognitive Skills
condition and
Problem Solving
Cognitive Assessments
dysfunction.
Environmental Adaptation
Visual Impairments

Improving Self-care Function
Activities to restore upper extremity strength,
gross and fine coordination, and hand function
Occupational and Hand Therapy
PILATES SPECIAL One specialization within the field of OT is hand therapy. The complexities of the
hand/arm and the hand’s role in everyday living make the occupational
Wondering what “Pilates” or “core
therapist a very important resource in hand treatment. Occupational therapy
strengthening” is all about? can address injuries including fractures, sprains, tendon transfers,
Schedule your FREE half-hour Pilates repairs/reconstructions, grafts, tendonitis, nerve injuries and amputations.
session at Performax and find out! Treatment in these injury areas involves range of motion, strengthening,
Call us at 303-932-2500 to make manufacture and application of splints for healing and protection, and
increasing function of the upper extremity and hand in activities of daily living.
your appointment
today! April is Occupational Therapy Month. For more
information about OT, visit the American
Occupational Therapy Association, Inc. website
at www.aota.org.
PAGE 2 MAXIMIZE
MAXIMIZE MOTION

Meet Your Therapist

Focus on . . . Michelle Gilmer, DPT, OTR, MSHA
Michelle Gilmer is not only Performax’s Occupational Therapist; she also has her doctorate in Physical Therapy, a Masters in
Healthcare Administration, is a certified Polestar Pilates instructor and licensed Aquatic Therapist (directing the Performax Pilates
and Aquatic programs), has recently received certification in Medicare Compliance, and still finds “spare” time to work with the
Colorado Ballet Company. Leanna Leder caught up with Michelle for a Q & A session about her diverse
therapy disciplines and treatment philosophy.
Q. What part of therapy interests you the most?
A. Seeing people taking techniques I have taught them and being able to apply them independently.
I love to see patients reach a positive outcome through their own work.
Q. What was your major in school?
A. As an elite gymnast, I was interested in how the body moved, so I majored in Kinesiology/Athletic
Training.
Q. How did you become interested in Occupational Therapy?
A. I wanted to learn the cognitive and psychological tools available to help treat physical disabilities.
Q. How do you incorporate Pilates into therapy and how is it beneficial?
A. Pilates strengthens the body’s mind and core muscles, helping patients maintain correct posture and
movement. Once a patient has completed their therapy sessions, I encourage them to participate in Pilates. This continues
the patient’s progress and prevents re-injury. It is exciting to see the continual functional gains in our Pilates participants.
Q. What are the benefits of aquatic therapy and how does it differ from land-based therapy?
A. Aquatic therapy does an excellent job integrating treatment of the nervous and musculoskeletal systems. The pool
environment is relaxing and takes patients’ minds off “doing therapy”. Many patients are surprised at how great they feel and
how much progress they make during an aquatic therapy session.
Q What prompted you to become involved with the Health Care Compliance Association and how has it been helpful for you?
A. I have always been intrigued by the business of healthcare. Compliance is a necessary part of the therapy profession. It
enhances professional growth and quality of care.
Q. How did you become involved with the Colorado Ballet and what do you enjoy best about your involvement?
A. I really enjoy helping athletes achieve their best by staying healthy. Working with the Colorado Ballet just seemed like a great
chance to be able to combine my therapy skills – manual therapy, athletic training, and Pilates-based treatment methods.
The dancers are all very athletic and concerned with their movement. It has been fun.
Q. Do you have a general theme or philosophy when it comes to treating patients?
A. Everybody has a unique situation, so I approach each patient with a fresh mind and concentrate on them as an individual.
Q. Is there any advice you give your patients about being healthy or active?
A. I tell my patients to keep active every day – even just a small amount of activity every day is better than heavy workouts on
an irregular basis.

Need Ride Assistance To An Appointment?

For some people, finding transportation to appointments can be difficult. But there are services in the
community able to provide rides for seniors and people with disabilities to get to various locations.
Senior Resource Center is a non-profit organization that provides transportation services for mobile seniors
(not requiring a wheelchair) over the age of 50. The service offers a way for seniors to get to their medical-related
appointments (and other necessary locations within 5 miles of their home) by a volunteer driver with SRC. 50
volunteer drivers not only provide a ride, they are also able to assist people to their destinations’ door to help with
carrying bags. The rides allow seniors to maintain their normal schedule throughout the day with the ease of door-
to-door assistance free of charge (however, donations are welcome!). Hours of operation for volunteer drivers in
Jefferson County are M – F, 6am to 6pm. The bus or van service is M – F, 9am to 2:30 pm. Call SRC at 303-235-6972
for information.
Access-a-Ride is another service provided by RTD to assist disabled individuals get to their appointments or
other trips with the ease of curbside assistance. A person must first meet the necessary requirements of eligibility for
this service, but are then given the ease of transportation to continue their necessary day-to-day activities. The fare
starts at $4 one-way, and $8 roundtrip. Call Access-a-Ride at 303-299-2960 for more information. Leanna Leder

Performax Physical Therapy Park Meadows Physical Therapy

Pilates & Aquatic Center Denver Tech Center Lone Tree
5920 S. Estes St. #100 8200 E. Belleview Ave., #505E 8671 S. Quebec, #130
Littleton, CO 80123 Greenwood Village, CO 80111 Highlands Ranch, CO 80130
303-932-2500 303-741-0235 720-344-7034
www.performaxpt.com