Diamond Physical Therapy

Services available at both the Greensburg and Ligonier offices

Meilus Muscular Therapy Robot

In April 2007 Diamond Physical Therapy acquired a Meilus Muscular Therapy Robot which conceptually applies what we have known for years about the benefits of consistent pressure over specific points along a muscle (i.e. myofascial release and trigger point therapy).
Read More
Meilus Muscular Therapy Robot

Wellness Program

With our 40 years of combined physical therapy experience Diamond Physical Therapy recognizes the importance of wellness and fitness to our clients. Recently published articles have brought the importance of wellness and fitness to the fore front. I think Vonda Wright, a UPMC orthopedic surgeon, stated it best in a recent article published by the Pittsburgh Business Times. She stated, â?oeWe really have to think for the future (and) invest in fitness and health before we have to just react to illness.? In order to continually improve strength, balance, flexibility and overall fitness and â?oeinvest in fitness and health? we offer a fitness and wellness program to all. In addition we will offer this program to future clients whom will be undergoing a surgery in the near future as a preparatory phase in order to maximize their rehabilitation afterwards. With this program clients would independently exercise at our facility with Darleen or Jerry developing an appropriate exercise program.

This concept has been supported most recently by research performed by Dr. Anne Newman, director of the Center for Aging at Pitt. She found that regularly structured exercise allowed even previously sedentary people to improve physical functioning and reduce the chances of future disability. The activity for this research consisted of walking at a moderate intensity for at least 150 minutes a week (That is only 22 minutes a day!) combined with leg stretches, balance exercises and leg strengthening exercises. This study was performed on a group of sedentary people ranging from 70 to 89 years old. Another means we have implemented in order to â?oeinvest in the fitness and health? of the community is by offering yoga classes. These are small sized yoga classes in our private exercise room. Establishing a yoga practice with private or group lessons brings many benefits to your life. Some benefits you can look forward to are: establishing a balance of mind and body, improving your focus, flexibility, strength and relaxation. Yoga is a great way to blend strength, flexibility and balance along with focus to achieve your goals of a fit and healthy lifestyle.

Lumbar and cervical decompression

This decompression system has been cleared by the FDA to relieve pressure on structures that may be causing low-back pain. Decompression Therapy relieves pain associated with herniated discs, protruding discs, degenerative disc disease, posterior facet syndrome, and sciatica. These benefits are achieved through the decompression of intervertebral discs.

Neuromuscular Dentistry

Diamond Physical Therapy will also be working in concert with Dr. Greg Lane, DMD in treating neuromuscular dentistry disorders such as TMJ/TMD. Because of the inter-relationship of the overall musculoskeletal system, posture, and the bite, the collective efforts of a specialized neuromuscular dentist and physical therapist are necessary to correctly diagnose and treat such disorders.

Vertigo/Balance Therapy

Dizziness is the number one reason for adults greater than 65 years old to visit a physician. With increased age there is an increase in prevalence in dizziness; however, dizziness is present in all adult populations. 42% of the adult population will experience these complaints in their lifetime, but only 15% to 30% will actually seek medical attention. Dizziness is described in many ways by those who experience such symptoms. These include lightheadedness, blurry vision, an imbalance, a weakness in the legs, headaches or vertigo. There are many possible causes for these symptoms. Two of the most common are Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV) and cervicogenic. These are also very treatable with physical therapy. Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPPV) is identified by complaints of vertigo with positional changes such as sit to stand, rolling in bed, bending over or looking up. . In this case, crystals in the inner ear become displaced and come to rest in the semi-circular canals. The displacement of these crystals stimulates the brain in an inappropriate manner which results in vertigo. A maneuver called the Epley maneuver is performed by the physical therapist to realign the crystals in the semi-circular canals. The success rate of this maneuver is remarkable and usually only needs to be performed a single time; however, two or three times may be necessary over a week. Once the crystals become relocated through the Epley maneuver symptoms will be resolved.

Cervicogenic, on the other hand, is due to a restriction or limitation in the range of motion in the neck which effects posture and head position. Normally, the complaints of dizziness coincide with increased head movements along with neck pain. Headaches are also a common complaint. To treat cervicogenic dizziness the physical therapist will emphasize treatments to improve range of motion of the neck and promote better posture through the use of specific exercises designed to reeducate the brain to the proper postural alignment as well as strengthen the appropriate muscles needed to remain in good posture.

Yoga

Another means we have implemented in order to "invest in the fitness and health" of the community is by offering yoga classes. These are small sized yoga classes in our private exercise room. Establishing a yoga practice with private or group lessons brings many benefits to your life. Some benefits you can look forward to are: establishing a balance of mind and body, improving your focus, flexibility, strength and relaxation. This will ultimately improve your balance, body mechanics and overall fitness and wellness. Yoga is a great way to blend strength, flexibility and balance along with focus to achieve your goals of a fit and healthy lifestyle. Please contact us with any questions.

One of our goals is to not only educate our clients in wellness and fitness but to help everyone achieve their fitness goals and maybe be able to introduce different ways such as yoga to assist in this process. Private Yoga classes are also available by appointment with Von DeRiso.

Massage

I understand that each client has unique and specific needs. To best serve you, I customize every massage. Some may prefer light and relaxing massage, while others require deep pressure work to break tension. Everyone is different, and I try to ensure that my treatments are what is best for you, and what works for you! Here is a brief description of the massages offered at Diamond PT.

Hot Stone Massage
$70 for one hour

During a hot stone massage, an area of the body is initally warmed with traditional swedish massage. The same area of the body is then massaged with the heated stones. The black volcanic rocks are smooth and flat, and retain heat well. The stones help to improve the flow of energy in the body, while the heat is relaxing, and can ease tight muscles.

Therapeutic Massage
$60 for one hour
$90 for 90 minutes

This massage offers a blend of swedish massage techniques, trigger point therapy, and deep tissue massage to create a custom treatment perfect for anyone. Pressure can vary from light, to deep, depending on each client's needs. Therapeutic massage promotes relaxation, eases muscle tension, and reduces anxiety. Massage improves circulation, which delivers oxygen and nutrients to all of the body's cells, and also stimulates the lymph system, which carries away the body's waste. It can help with many conditions, such as sciatica, muscle spasms, arthritis, migraines, and can help manage chronic pain.

30 Minute Massage for $30


For those with specific problem areas. A 30 minute massage is a great way to relieve pain in the area's of the body that need it most! 30 minutes is just enough time to work on a sports injury, sore muscle, or just help to relax your neck and back after a stressful day.

Diamond Physical Therapy
1865 Route 30, Ligonier, PA, 15658


Jerome Deriso MPTPhysical Therapist
Darleen Ross PTPhysical Therapist