Specialty Programs

Our clinicians specialize in the treatment of injuries and or dysfunction of the musculoskeletal system; tendons, bursa, bones, joints, muscles, ligaments.

Available at:  Fairfield - Sacred Heart ,  Manchester ,  Norwalk ,  Stamford ,  Suffield ,  Tolland ,  Trumbull - Sacred Heart ,  Vernon ,  Wilton

Our clinicians are trained in skilled “hands on” techniques to restore functional movements of joints including spinal motion of the neck and back and soft tissue. These techniques consist of joint mobilizations, specific joint manipulations, trigger point release, myofascial release; as well as specific Mulligan and Cyriax.

Available at:  Fairfield - Sacred Heart ,  Manchester ,  Norwalk ,  Stamford ,  Suffield ,  Tolland ,  Trumbull - Sacred Heart ,  Vernon ,  Wilton

The Mulligan concept is a manual therapy technique developed by New Zealand physiotherapist, Brian Mulligan. This form of manual therapy combines the theory and practice of joint mobilization with active movement, as well as taping strategies to improve joint alignment. Techniques have been developed for the spine, upper and lower extremities. In order for a therapist to be certified as a Mulligan practitioner, they must attend 4 courses of continuing education, pass a written exam, and demonstrate proficiency in a practical exam. This process generally takes approximately 2 years, with extensive hands-on practice, to complete.

Available at:  Manchester ,  Tolland ,  Vernon

Certified in Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy (Cert. MDT). The McKenzie method is a manual therapy technique developed by New Zealand physiotherapist, Robin McKenzie. The McKenzie method offers a unique assessment process, treatment techniques and prevention strategies based on the mechanical principles of the spine. In order for a therapist to be certified as a McKenzie therapist, they must complete 4 courses of continuing education, pass a written exam and demonstrate proficiency in a practical exam. This process generally takes approximately 2 years, with extensive hands-on practice, to complete.

Available at:  Manchester ,  Tolland ,  Vernon

Sport Medicine therapy focuses on returning the athlete to their pre-injury status. It involves education in proper techniques, using functional and training-specific exercises custom designed to help return the athlete back to play as soon as possible.

Available at:  Fairfield - Sacred Heart ,  Manchester ,  Norwalk ,  Stamford ,  Suffield ,  Tolland ,  Trumbull - Sacred Heart ,  Vernon ,  Wilton

A custom orthotic is a device that is worn inside a shoe to control motion and improve biomechanical alignment of the foot and lower extremity. After a detailed biomechanical evaluation and gait observation, a plaster cast is taken of both feet and then sent to a lab for fabrication. This process is performed by a Physical Therapist who has undergone extensive training in biomechanics and orthotic management to ensure that the device is custom to your specific needs. Custom orthotics can be beneficial in reducing pain and dysfunction in joints and soft tissues due to abnormal stresses caused by malalignment.

Available at:  Manchester ,  Tolland ,  Vernon

Certified Athletic Training Services are part of our outreach to local community high schools. IRS is the provider of Athletic Training services at Ellington and East Catholic High Schools. Our Certified Athletic Trainers (ATC) provide this contracted service to the student-athletes during the athletic school year. The ATC is on-site for training room assessment times, practice/game coverage, as well as rehabilitation of injured athletes. The ATC provides a vital link between the onset of injury and return to play. Athletic Trainers are health care professionals that specialize in preventing, recognizing, managing, and rehabilitating injuries that commonly result from physical activity. Successful passage of a National Board of Certification exam is required for certification as an Athletic Trainer. Once certified, continuing education units are required to maintain certification.

Available at:  Manchester ,  Tolland ,  Vernon

IRS has programs upon completion of physical therapy geared toward overall body conditioning and health. All components of fitness are addressed and based upon goals and or/conditions. Our Wellness program is administered by physical therapists and athletic trainers.

Available at:  Fairfield - Sacred Heart ,  Manchester ,  Norwalk ,  Stamford ,  Suffield ,  Tolland ,  Trumbull - Sacred Heart ,  Vernon ,  Wilton

Strength and Conditioning Programs are designed to improve your performance. Whether you are training for high school/college athletics, or just want to keep performing as a weekend warrior, our sport specific program provide the foundation for optimal performance. We work with our athletes to formulate a plan to gain strength, endurance, speed, and power. The end result being faster speeds, higher jumps, greater strength and less risk of injury.

Available at:  Fairfield - Sacred Heart ,  Manchester ,  Stamford ,  Suffield ,  Tolland ,  Trumbull - Sacred Heart ,  Vernon ,  Wilton

Return to Work Rehabilitation consists of specific treatment programs designed to return an individual back to their work environment. Programs consist of functional activities and exercises, instruction in proper body mechanics, work place ergonomics and education to avoid overuse and repetitive stress that can cause workplace injuries.

Available at:  Fairfield - Sacred Heart ,  Manchester ,  Norwalk ,  Stamford ,  Suffield ,  Tolland ,  Trumbull - Sacred Heart ,  Vernon ,  Wilton

Our physical therapists reach out to the community to share the most up-to-date information on specific areas of interest. Lecture series usually focus on injury prevention, specific joint pathologies, and treatment options. We bring physicians, healthcare providers, community leaders, and local educators together to update the community on the latest health topics. IRS collaborates with Courthouse Plus and local youth programs to provide an ongoing lecture series on various topics. We also host complimentary lectures at our facilities to educate the members of our community on these topics. If you are interested in learning more about upcoming lectures, please check our website for updates.

Available at:  Manchester ,  Tolland ,  Vernon

Our physical therapists are committed to staying current with the latest in Evidenced Based Practice. Our staff participates in monthly clinical in-services to share the growing knowledge base with each other. In addition, our facilities host continuing education seminars for physical therapists and other health care professionals. If you are interested in learning more about our continuing education series and how to earn contact hours (CEH), please check our website for upcoming events.

Available at:  Manchester ,  Tolland ,  Vernon

Evidence Based Practice Consists of three components which a clinician utilizes in their clinical decision-making process: research, clinical expertise and patient goals. In the clinical decision-making process, the therapist must process the most current research when available as the basis for their clinical decisions in order for the patient to achieve their functional goals. An assessment offers a professional opinion as to whether your complaint or injury needs further medical intervention, such as referral to a primary care physician, an orthopedic physician or other specialist, recommendations for special tests, physical therapy or a home exercise program.

Available at:  Fairfield - Sacred Heart ,  Manchester ,  Norwalk ,  Stamford ,  Suffield ,  Tolland ,  Trumbull - Sacred Heart ,  Vernon ,  Wilton

Our program is designed to familiarize the participant with the basic biomechanics of the classic golf swing and present the most current research regarding physical conditioning and training for golf. Each participant will become aware of how swing faults are often related to body faults. Lean how corrective exercises can improve golf performance and reduce the risk of injury. The participant will learn warm up and flexibility techniques specific to golf; body fault assessment; specific and meaningful assessment and plan for improvement; conditioning program incorporating specific body faults. Our program is available as a group or individual sessions.

Available at:  Fairfield - Sacred Heart ,  Manchester ,  Tolland ,  Trumbull - Sacred Heart ,  Vernon

Temporomandibular Dysfunction (TMD): The temporomandibular joint is the most used joint and the most neglected. Our therapists are specifically trained to evaluate the whole body and identify sources of soft tissue, posture, or biomechanical changes that may be contributing to your jaw pain. We work closely with Dental specialists, nutritionists, and phychologists when needed to ensure the best outcome for the patient.

Available at:  Norwalk ,  Vernon

Our therapeutic pool programs are private individualized programs designed and run by licensed physical therapists to address impaired walking and balance due to muscle weakness or neurological disorders; joint pain and stiffness due to Rheumatoid or Osteoarthritis; or post-operative spinal or lower extremity joint replacement surgery.

Available at:  Fairfield - Sacred Heart

Rapid recovery and return to function after hand injury or surgery is essential to restore ones’ ability to work and care for themselves or their family. Our certified hand therapy specialists are highly experienced in managing all types of hand and upper extremity traumas, including repetitive strain/cumulative trauma injuries, pain and dysfunction due to Rheumatoid or Osteoarthritis, work- and sports-related fractures and dislocations, and post-operative conditions such as carpal tunnel release, tendon transfers, and joint replacement.

Available at:  Fairfield - Sacred Heart ,  Stamford ,  Trumbull - Sacred Heart

Balance impairments and falls are the primary source of accidental injuries and deaths for older adults in the US. Physical therapists with specialized training and experience in the assessment and treatment of balance and vestibular disorders are uniquely qualified to identify and treat the underlying source of balance problems and dizziness. Integrated Rehabilitation Services offers the distinction of providing this service in an outpatient setting. Persons’ who have limited mobility, difficulty walking, experience falls or a fear of falling, or are limited by dizziness or impaired balance would benefit from this highly specialized service.

Available at:  Fairfield - Sacred Heart ,  Stamford ,  Trumbull - Sacred Heart ,  Wilton

We specialize in providing the most advanced rehabilitation available for patients with amputations and prosthesis. Using the latest information we are able to teach patients how to maximize their mobility with either a transtibial (below knee) or a transfemoral (above knee) prosthesis. Many patients never achieve their best outcome once they have received their prosthesis. We work very hard to help patients become the most mobile with the best gait possible.

Available at:  Fairfield - Sacred Heart ,  Trumbull - Sacred Heart

Pre-op therapy helps to strengthen and maximize range of motion/flexibility and strength prior to surgical intervention, to help minimize and hasten post-op recovery. It also is helpful in familiarizing the patient with their post-op exercises and care.

Available at:  Norwalk

Post-op therapy involves treatment to help reduce inflammation and pain from surgery. It also helps to restore range of motion, strength and function.

Available at:  Norwalk

Craniosacral Therapy is a gentle, manual technique to help normalize the balance and symmetry of the musculoskeletal system.

Available at:  Norwalk

Our innovative and individualized programming serves children with developmental, neuromuscular and orthopedic needs. Our child-focused family oriented treatment facility offers a relaxed and positive environment. Our program also offers aquatic physical therapy along with the traditional treatments to a wide variety of children as they may require. We deliver the most appropriate and effective treatment along with the most results oriented management plan in order to maximize the potential of each child.

Available at:  Fairfield - Sacred Heart ,  Trumbull - Sacred Heart ,  Wilton

Eliminate down time due to sore muscles! Start the season off with improved Performance and maximum slope time. This year Dr. Daniela Walsh, Physical Therapist and competitive athlete, is introducing a Ski/Snowboard Muscle Toning Program four conditioning sessions to get your snow legs back and improve your fitness level in time to hit the slopes. Youll be guided through a customized 45 minute workout designed to build muscle strength and power, enhance cardiovascular endurance, and improve balance and flexibility. There will also be a daily home program & weekly aerobic plan included.

Available at:  Wilton

We also offer a supervised "At-Risk" Fitness program for persons with chronic medical conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, osteoarthritis and high cholesterol. Participants desire to learn how to exercise safely and reduce their risk factors as well as the impact of these diseases on their daily routine and lifestyle. This program includes 12 visits in a 6 week session.

Available at:  Fairfield - Sacred Heart ,  Trumbull - Sacred Heart

Age-related physiological changes can significantly impact the older adult’s ability to maintain an independent lifestyle. Many of our physical therapists have extensive training and experience in geriatric rehabilitative medicine and research, making them highly qualified to provide safe and effective individualized exercise programs to restore function, mobility, and independence. Programs will address problems in walking and balance ability, muscle weakness, diminished endurance, cardiovascular and cardiopulmonary compromise, and joint diseases as a result of the normal aging process or after illness, injury, or surgery.

Available at:  Fairfield - Sacred Heart ,  Stamford ,  Trumbull - Sacred Heart ,  Wilton

Persons’ dealing with the limitations from chronic or progressive neurological problems such as stroke, Parkinson’s Disease, Post-Polio syndrome, Multiple Sclerosis, and Acquired Brain Injury can continue to minimize their disability through specific exercises and training activities. Working with a physical therapist that is trained in managing neurological disorders is vital to maximizing function through exercise programs that are safe and effective without risk of injury and regular reassessment of adaptive equipment.

Available at:  Fairfield - Sacred Heart ,  Stamford ,  Trumbull - Sacred Heart

Women who experience genitourinary changes due to pregnancy, injury, or aging can benefit from treatment with our female physical therapist that specializes in women’s health-related issues. Exercises and techniques aimed at building strength, tone, and control of specific muscle groups can help with symptoms like urinary incontinence, pelvic pain and chronic low back pain.

Available at:  Stamford ,  Wilton

Sometimes the hardest part of a fitness program is starting and Integrated Rehabilitation Services of Wilton will help customize a program specific to your needs and equipment accessibility. It includes 4 components - Aerobic training, Core stability, Flexibility, and Strengthening. This program is once per week for four weeks under the supervision of a licensed physical therapist, to transition to a manageable fitness program that fits your specific lifestyle.

Available at:  Wilton