Our Specialists
THOMAS BIANCO
P: 413.221.4956
Tom has been practicing physical therapy since graduating from Springfield College with a Master’s of Science degree in 1990. He has worked in hospital, clinic and home care settings.
Throughout his career, Tom has been interested in manual techniques facilitating movement and function of the individual. Currently Tom’s private practice revolves primarily around using manual techniques, exercise prescription and movement re-education to improve a person’s
overall functioning level.
MIKE ST. GERMAIN:
413.297.4437
Mike has been working in the physical therapy field since 1990, graduating from S.T.C.C. in 1998 with a Physical Therapist Assistant degree. Mike’s focus includes outpatient physical
therapy with a broad range of specialties including manual therapies, exercise and spine care programs, Shiatsu massage, CranioSacral therapy and Lymph Drainage. Mike is also experienced in aquatic therapy.
SCANTIC VALLEY YMCA
45 Post Office Park Wilbraham, MA 01095
413.596.2749
ALTERNATIVES IN PHYSICAL THERAPY
Physical Therapy
Physical Therapists believe that the body’s structure affects its functional capacity. Movement patterns are related directly to posture. Both structure and posture can be changed utilizing a variety of manual techniques and exercise programs that are based on the interrelationship between movement and structure. By concentrating on the patient’s musculoskeletal structure, physical therapists facilitate normal functioning levels.
Exercise Prescriptions
Ever have an injury to your body that prevents you from exercising at your previous level? Not sure what to do besides stopping all exercise totally? An exercise prescription will provide you with a complete assessment to your current work program.
Shiatsu Massage
Shiatsu massage is an ancient form of therapy derived from Japanese and Chinese medical techniques having evolved over the last 5,000 years. It uses pressure and touch on the acupuncture points, which are based on the acupuncture meridians.
Aquatic Therapy
Movement in a pool can often be easier than on land. Water helps with movement, provides safe resistance, and deceases weight bearing on injured body parts. Aquatic therapy will help you get started on a safe, effective and progressive exercise program.
Lymph Drainage Therapy
Lymph Drainage Therapy is a unique, innovative, hands on method of lymphatic drainage that was developed by Bruno Chickly, MD, DO. It is a gentle technique that works through the body’s interstitial and lymphatic systems to activate the body’s liquid circulation and to drain the stagnant body fluid (lymph). This method enhances the healing process.
Craniosacral Therapy
This manual technique is a highly effective and gentle form of therapy designed to affect and enhance the functioning of the CranioSacral System. CranioSacral Therapy utilizes a light touch, which can affect profound changes with out pain or discomfort by gently manipulating and freeing the membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord.
Any restriction of the CranioSacral System’s normal motion can have far reaching and varied effects including:
• headaches
• neck or back pain
• chronic pain anywhere in the body• dizziness
• low energy
• poor immune system functioning
• ringing in the ears
• sleep disorders
• numbness
• temporal mandibular joint pain
• general nervous tension
• poor digestion or elimination