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Published Sunday, October 05, 2008 in Health
Foley is Neurodynamic Solutions' only U.S. instructor
By Megan Almon
The Times-Herald
More often than not, patients referred to physical therapists figure the exercises they'll undergo are designed to get their injured muscles back up to speed.
They're right, of course, but for the physical therapists at Georgia Rehabilitiation & Imaging of Warm Springs Medical Center physical therapy is much more multi-faceted than that. The multidimensional approach is thanks in large part to the guidance of Director Russ Foley, who has been surfing the waves of cutting-edge treatment for more than two decades.
It's no surprise that Foley was recently chosen as the United States adjunct professor for Neurodynamic Solutions (NDS), an international teaching organization that, fundamentally, incorporates the nervous system into the world of musculoskeletal rehabilitation and treatment.
Treatment for injuries no longer focuses solely on the muscles and ligaments in an irritated area, but integrates the nerve(s) and its/their effects on the surrounding tissues.
A patient suffering from carpal tunnel syndrome, for example, is given specific exercises that "load the [median] nerve" that runs the length of their arm. Inflammation and swelling of the tissues cause the tiny channels the body's nerves run through to tighten, pressing on the nerves themselves. Extension exercises open those channels, providing relief and clearing the way for better blood flow and, hence, nutrition.
In other words, no longer are physical therapists such as Foley rehabilitating muscles and ligaments, but nerves as well -- an element that was often "overlooked in the old days," Foley said. The result is a more complete recovery.
Neurodynamic Solutions was created by Michael Shacklock, a physiotherapist who has published numerous articles and books on the subject of neurodynamics -- including "Clinical Neurodynamics" -- and who has been teaching techniques internationally for more than a decade. Shacklock's own practice is located in Adelaide, South Australia.
NDS recently made Atlanta -- specifically, Georgia State University (GSU) -- its United States hub. Foley is considered NDS' GSU Lecturer, and -- as the only NDS instructor working in the U.S. -- will travel throughout the nation and Canada teaching NDS courses.
Foley earned a bachelor of science degree in physical therapy from Northwestern University, where he completed his masters of science degree with an emphasis in neuroscience and pain mechanisms. He received an honorary doctorate degree from the International Multidisciplinary Scientific Society for the first original research from the U.S. in the use of low intensity laser for pain management.
Foley joined the faculty at Northwestern University Medical School, Programs in Physical Therapy in Chicago, Ill. He also served as a civilian consultant to the United States Air Force on pain management and musculoskeletal evaluation and treatment.
Foley's continuing clinical focus is on integrating the recent advances in the pain sciences into effective physical therapy assessment and management strategies. His particular interest is on the autonomic nervous system and neurobiological research, which has shed new light on pain mechanisms.
Foley has lectured extensively throughout the U.S. on the subjects of pain management; Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS); Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS), also known as Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy Syndrome (RSD) -- cases in which a nerve injury cannot be immediately identified; neural mobilization; and musculoskeletal evaluation and treatment.
Foley has worked as director of Georgia Rehabilitation, located at Newnan's The Summit Healthplex, for nearly two decades. He'll continue as director while traveling for frequent two-to-four-day teaching programs.
Additionally, Foley is wrapping up a chapter he's contributing to a book on his areas of expertise, "Physical Agents."