What is Physical Therapy? American Physical Therapy Association (Apta.org)
Physical therapists (PTs) are highly-educated, licensed health care professionals who can help patients reduce pain and improve or restore mobility – in many cases without expensive surgery and often reducing the need for long-term use of prescription medications and their side effects. Physical therapists can teach patients how to prevent or manage their condition so that they will achieve long-term health benefits. PTs examine each individual and develop a unique plan, using treatment techniques to promote the ability to move, reduce pain, restore function, and prevent disability. In addition, PTs work with individuals to prevent the loss of mobility before it occurs by developing fitness and wellness-oriented programs for healthier and more active lifestyles.
Physical therapists provide care for people in a variety of settings, including hospitals, private practices, outpatient clinics, home health agencies, schools, sports and fitness facilities, work settings, and nursing homes. State licensure is required in each state in which a physical therapist practices.
Client Testimonials
I have been to several Physical Therapists in Honolulu due to injuries to myself and my sons. I only go to Apex Physical Therapy Specialist now, Shawna Yee is very thorough and easy to talk to. I like having the same person working with me from start to finish. Some of the other bigger places, you might have different people working with you each time you go.
I recently damaged my right knee during aikido. My doctor referred me to APEX and told me to see Shawna Yee, who he highly recommended. I must say I was skeptical to have to go through this but went to see if I could be helped. Shawna was nothing short of incredible. She first assessed my condition with great detail and then proceeded, with meticulous care to help me to understand the best exercises to improve my knee conditions.After just a few visits I had a much better understanding of how to help myself and strengthen my knee muscles. I would highly recommend her to anyone who needs her expertise and is looking for more knowledge and understanding on how to help oneself.
During one of my runs, training for a marathon, pain grabbed my hamstring and would not let go. I was done. All runs after that hurt. I started seeing Shawna a few weeks later – out of pure desperation. She got me mobile – but any PT could do that. The pain was still there just less.
It was Part II that makes her magical. She wanted to figure out what was aggrivating the pain so we went for a run. She took a video and went through it step by step with me. She explained how my form was causing problems (I knew that) BUT explained how I could actually fix it! She gave me exercises for home, and run form fixes to focus on. She found stretches and exercises I could fit into my busy schedule. In the office she continued to show me how weaknesses were impacting my daily movements.
Am I pain free now? Nope not totally – but that is because I am running 15 miles at a pace I never though possible… and I am walking the next day. I will continue to implement and work on the skills she taught me.
If you are an active middle-age adult… go see her. She will get you back doing all those sports and activities you gave up on a few years ago because you think your “knees” can’t do it or whatever the pain.
I was referred to Shawna by my doctor for a neck issue after a bodysurfing mishap. I wasn’t sure what to expect, but I ended up with a great experience!!!
Over the course of a few months, Shawna worked with me to figure out what the issue was and how to alleviate the pain and discomfort. Not only did she provide excellent muscle massage targeting the exact point of pain, but she also gave me totally doable “homework” to practice at home. These exercises were adapted to my skill level, activities, and resources at home!
By the end of our sessions together (due to end of insurance coverage), there was a definite improvement in my motion and strength and a reduction in pain. However the best part of the experience was
Shawna’s adaptability, warmth, and sense of humor! I think every session included great laughs and time to talk story.Thanks Shawna!!!