Patricia Creel, DPT stands with Georgia Governor Nathan Deal, who this week signed a proclamation making April Parkinson’s Disease Awareness Month. Patricia serves as an outpatient neurological physical therapist with PT Solutions at Emory Adventist Hospital located in Smyrna, Georgia.

Originally from Louisiana, Scott earned his Bachelor’s degree from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, and physical therapy degree from Hogeschool Enschede in the Netherlands. Scott has an extensive background in orthopedics, sports medicine, and manual therapy. He is a speaker for sports medicine conferences and physical therapy continuing education courses. Scott was recently published in the Journal of Strength & Conditioning Research.

Since relocating to the Pensacola area in 1997, Scott deMahy has developed strong ties in the community and a continued presence in the Physical Therapy profession. Scott and his wife Dusti of 22 years have 4 children. Scott enjoys spending time with family and friends, numerous sporting activities, and the beach.

Cameron received her Master’s of Science in Physical Therapy in 1999, graduating with honors from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Cameron began her career in Montgomery, AL working in an outpatient orthopedic setting during which time she also worked through the Hughston Clinic. She was quickly recognized as one of the premier clinicians in the area eventually managing and partnering in her own private practice. Cameron has extensive experience in orthopedic, pain management and neurologic rehabilitation with certifications in the Graston Technique for treatment of musculoskeletal dysfunction, and SABO certification for treatment of the CVA. She has also participated in teaching cadaver dissection courses at The University of Tennessee (UT Memphis).

Since relocating to the Florida Panhandle in 2007, Cameron has developed strong ties in the com- munity and a continued presence in the Physical Therapy profession. Cameron will make the therapy experience positive and results based with her warm personality and personal care. Her manual approach and hands on skills combined with traditional physical therapy will send patient’s on their way to a speedy recovery.

Medical literature reveals that orofacial pain is a product of pain receptors that extend from the neck and facial region into the subnucleus of the brain that also houses important cranial nerves. Due to the close relationship of these pain receptors in the facial region and neck, it is evident that pain and impairments at the cervical region can affect the facial region. With this in mind, it is imperative that those patients dealing with pain in the facial region or TMD are evaluated and treated with a well-rounded approach with careful consideration of the upper spine.

Poor upper body positioning is also closely related to pain of the jaw and upper spine. Faulty mechanical positioning of the jaw causes increased stress and trigger points in the muscles that are responsible for movements of the jaw. These trigger points or areas of tightness can cause referred pain into the facial region and can also lead to associated headaches. Research shows that patients with headaches present with a more forward head posture as well as poor strength and endurance of the deep neck flexor musculature.

Physical therapy treatment, with the use of manual therapy, has been shown to provide relief of TMD and associated facial pain. Though injections to the affected tissue and joints have been shown to help, they cannot change the biomechanical problems related to poor posture and muscle impairments. Research supports that 90% of patients have relief from conservative manual based physical therapy.

At PT Solutions, we first provide a careful assessment of the musculature and joints involved in the jaw and neck. We implement effective treatment including joint mobilization, myofascial techniques, dry needling and therapeutic exercises to help improve overall posture of the upper body. PT Solutions therapist are trained and certified in Dry Needling. Dry needling assists in disrupting the release of intracellular potassium and can play an important role in reducing muscle spasm and trigger point in the involved musculature. Overall, in conjunction with a dentist, PT Solutions physical therapy has been successful in the treatment of TMD and orofacial pain.

This article was featured in the Douglas County Sentinel.

Here are results from the event:
Overall Results
Age Group Results