Phone: 912-421-8536 (Text is preferable)
Physical Therapy and Wellness Programs in a one on one setting!
I am a fellowship trained doctor of physical therapy who specializes in treating the spine and temporomandibular joint disorders. I have 8 years of experience and work outside of the insurance model to provide higher quality care at a lower cost to you.
This office is only open on weekends to meet the needs of busy students/ professionals that need flexible appointments.
PHYSICAL THERAPY AND WELLNESS
Physical therapy is medically necessary treatment for specific injuries and pathologies. Wellness services are meant to optimize function and performance.
Wellness services are right for you if you do not have any serious acute or chronic injuries. Physical therapy is to treat pathology and injury (ie. muscle tears, broken bones, sprains/strains). For physical therapy, the state of Georgia requires patients to have a physician referral (primary care or specialist) in order to be treated past 30 days. If you are a Medicare beneficiary, you are only eligible for wellness services since I am not a participating Medicare provider.
INITIAL CONSULTATION, ASSESSMENT & DIAGNOSIS
To determine what treatments will be best for you. ($55 for a 45 min session)
Assessment & Diagnosis for Temporomandibular Joint Disorders: Some people experience the jaw tighten up after a dental cleaning, surgery, braces, or trauma. Clicking, popping, tinnitus, headaches, and neck pain are often associated symptoms. In many of these cases, the disc in the TMJ has become anteriorly displaced. Specialized physical therapy can reposition the disc and improve these symptoms so the jaw can open normally again for eating, talking, and yawning.
Assessment & Diagnosis for Neck and Back pain involves performing a complete physical exam to determine joint mobility deficits, range of motion deficits, areas of muscle weakness, nerve involvement/ reflex testing, sensation/ dermatome testing, and gait mechanics. Taking the time to perform a comprehensive exam is critical to determining the sources of your pain. Then, we will create a plan that works for your pocket and your lifestyle.
DRY NEEDLING
For muscular restriction and pain ($55 for a 45 min session).
Dry Needling for Temporomandibular Joint Disorders involves placing sterile acupuncture needles in the medial and lateral pterygoid muscles just inferior to the cheekbone. These muscles are responsible for displacing the disc anteriorly. This causes clicking and pain with mouth opening. Once these muscles are released, the disc is able to slide into the correct position. Once treatment is completed (generally 5-7 visits), clicking will minimize and the jaw can open with ease. The severity and chronicity of your pain may impact how many visits you will need.
Dry Needling for Neck/Back pain involves placing sterile acupuncture needles in tight muscles that are contributing to pain. Most commonly the upper trapezius and periscapular muscles become tight with poor posture, computer work, and repetitive lifting. Often you will develop palpable “knots” or trigger points. Placing acupuncture needles into these trigger points will release the tight areas of muscle, improve range of motion, and decrease pain.
JOINT MOBILIZATION AND MANIPULATION
Moving joints for improved motion. ($55 for a 45min session.)
Joint Mobilization for Temporomandibular Joint Disorders involves gently gapping the TMJ to improve joint motion and to create space for the disc in that joint to assume the correct position. This is performed by the therapist putting on gloves and placing a thumb between your back molars and pulling downward slightly. Once joint mobility has been restored, the mouth can comfortably open and close again.
Joint Mobilization and Manipulation to the neck and back involves gliding the facet joints to restore segmental and functional motion. This can improve local pain (only in the spine) or radicular pain ( going into the arm or leg). This will allow you to move normally and resume work or recreational activities with less pain.
CUPPING AND BODY TEMPERING
For muscular or neural restriction ($55 for a 45min session)
Cupping and Body Tempering is very effective at reducing muscle tightness in the neck and back as well as the calf area in runners.
Cupping involves placing suction cups on the skin and gently pulling apart the layers of muscles, fascia, and nerves to improve mobility in the soft tissue. Once the suction cups are on, we may perform certain motions or stretches to mobilize the tissue in the cup.
Body tempering involves using a weighted roller to large muscle groups. This helps to reduce pain and improve flexibility.
MYOFACIAL RELEASE
For muscular restriction ($55 for a 45min session)
Myofascial Release for Temporomandibular Joint Disorders includes intra-oral and external techniques to relieve muscle tightness. This feels like a massage to specific muscles in your face. It will improve mouth opening range of motion and decrease pain.
Myofascial Release for Neck and Back pain involves using sustained and continuous pressure to decrease muscle tone and improve mobility. Muscles are bound to fascia (bands of connective tissue) which separates them into different compartments. These compartments allow muscles to contract in groups. Repetitive movements like running daily or reaching to the same side of your desk can create restrictions around muscles and nerves in these compartments. Relieving this pressure improves mobility and decreases pain. .
PHYSICAL THERAPY
Orthopedic and Soft Tissue Pathologies ($99 for a 60 min session)
Physical Therapy consists of a myriad of the above services but includes exercise instruction on your specific condition. Physical therapy requires the patient to have a range of motion, strength, or functional limitation related to an orthopedic condition.
Your physician may give you a referral to physical therapy and you will need to attend a specific frequency in order to make good progress. This is generally 1x/week for 4-6 weeks but can vary. Orthopedic conditions can involve joint pain (ie. Spine, shoulder, TMJ, etc) or soft tissue problems (ie, plantar fasciitis, tendinitis, muscle tears, etc).
Please email or call with questions regarding wellness services and physical therapy. No payment is due until the time of your visit. Only credit and debit payments are accepted in the clinic. HSA cards can be used to pay for physical therapy. No cash or checks please.
MY STORY
Lauren Lee, DPT, FAAOMPT, cert DN, cert SMT
I am originally from Maryland and graduated from American University with a Bachelor’s of Science in Biology in 2012. Then, I received a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from the University of Maryland in 2015. I started working in outpatient orthopedics in Virginia at that time and pursued a residency program through the Virginia Orthopedic Manual Therapy Institute at the University of Virginia’s HealthSouth location.
In 2017, I relocated to the lovely Savannah, GA seeking sand and sun. I completed my fellowship training with the American Academy of Manipulative Therapy in 2019. This is where I received advanced and specialized training in spinal disorders, temporomandibular joint disorders and dry needling.
I currently work full time during the week at the Wellness Institute in Okatie, SC as an outpatient therapist. This office in Savannah is meant to expand skilled services to the area and provide a uniquely flexible experience you cannot get anywhere else.
My goal is to bring highly skilled, cost effective treatment to busy people.
HOURS OF OPERATION
Friday: 3-7pm, Saturday/ Sunday: 8am-7pm. I only offer weekend appointments due to my weekday clinic schedule.
CONTACT ME
I am located in downtown Savannah, Ga at 508 East 34th Street. Parking and entrance are behind the yellow house. I am available by text or email for questions about setting up a consultation or regarding concerns between visits.
508 East 34th Street Savannah, Ga
Phone: 912-421-8536 (Text is preferable)
Fax number : 912- 428- 7207
