PAIN MANAGEMENT AND CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY
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Howard Belon, Ph.D. provides pain management and other psychological services at Greeley Center for Independence. He specializes in treating young adults to seniors who are suffering from pain, anxiety, depression, and adjustment and grief reactions. In addition, he has specialized skills in Biofeedback, Hypnosis, and Eye Movement Desensitization, and Reprocessing (EMDR). |
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Dr. Belon takes a mind-body approach toward helping
individuals cope with pain management.
He helps patients identify and address the many behavioral and emotional
issues that can accompany chronic pain, such as depression, anxiety,
frustration, and anger. He also
tries to clarify issues that may be contributing to a patient’s pain, such as
strained relations with family members or stress at work. In addition, he teaches patients
important coping skills, including stress reduction and relaxation techniques.
As a community service NCTC offers free support groups run by Dr. Howard Belon with guest speakers as well as group discussion. A Parkinson’s support group meets monthly on the fourth Thursday of each month at 10:00 AM. The pain management support group meets on the first and third Thursday of the month at 1:00 PM. A Stroke support group meets on the third Thursday of each month at 11:00 AM. Each group meets in the Board Room on the second floor of NCTC and lasts one hour.
Mike Nunley, Ph.D. is a neuropsychologist that works as a consultant for all divisions of the Greeley Center for Independence. At North Colorado Therapy Center he occasionally will see patients that have acquired a brain injury for neuropsychological testing. Testing will show the degree to which cognitive and behavioral processing have been compromised, and also what intellectual or emotional resources remain intact that can be used to facilitate rehabilitation.
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Falls are not an inevitable part of aging. Recent research shows balance can be retrained and the potential of falls minimized. At North Colorado Therapy Center we are also concerned with the effects of osteoporosis and how it contributes to potential falls and fractures. Our therapists are researching and training in the current treatment protocols for osteoporosis and its effects on posture and balance. The combination of balance retraining and therapeutic intervention for osteoporosis will be a service that will greatly benefit our aging population.
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VESTIBULAR REHABILITATION THERAPY
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Dizziness is one of the leading reasons people visit their doctor and affects 90 million Americans at least once in their lifetime. A deficit in Vestibular function can cause complaints of dizziness, vertigo, unsteadiness in gait, disorientation and blurred vision. Vestibular Rehabilitation Therapy (VRT) is a specific form of physical therapy designed to promote visual stability, improve balance and decrease complaints of dizziness and dysequilibrium. Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo or BPPV, causes a spinning sensation with changes in head position and is one of the most common causes of vertigo. BPPV is easily treated with VRT in one to five visits. The goal of VRT is to improve balance, minimize falls and decrease dizziness by optimizing Vestibular function. An accurate diagnosis and assessment is critical for a successful VRT program. At NCTC we have physical therapist specifically trained and certified in balance and Vestibular therapy. |
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The Osteoporosis treatment program at North Colorado Therapy Center utilizes a comprehensive treatment strategy with regards to risk factors, first signs, treatment guidelines and precautions. The initial evaluation assesses posture, flexibility, strength, balance and body mechanics. Precautions and modifications for Activities of Daily Living are recommended on an individual basis. Patient Education is the cornerstone of our treatment process. The patient is instructed in site-specific exercises for stretching of tight areas and strengthening of the core trunk muscles and other weak areas. In some instances bracing may be advised as an adjunct to the exercise program for frail patients or those with fractures. Modalities such as ultrasound and or electrical stimulation may be used to augment the treatment. Old injuries are taken into consideration in the treatment process as they may inhibit progress. All exercises begin at a low level and are progressed until the patient is independent and competent in a home exercise program to improve strength, posture and flexibility.
Aquatic Therapy is a procedure in which therapeutic exercise is administered in an aquatic setting. At NCTC aquatic therapy services are provided by our skilled and licensed staff of Physical and Occupational Therapists. Aquatic Therapy is usually reimbursed by Third party payers if deemed medically necessary by a physician. Aquatic exercise may include range of motion exercises, manual resisted exercises, progressive resisted exercises with buoyancy dumbbells and core stabilization exercises.
The immediate benefits of aquatic exercise are increased range of motion, circulation, and muscle relaxation. Decreased swelling, muscle spasms and spasticity are also immediate benefits. The long term benefits are improved sleep, digestion and healing as well as improved immune system responses. Aquatic Therapy is also beneficial in reducing anxiety.
Our goal is to teach and train our patients to become independent in an aquatic exercise program for ongoing therapeutic benefits. NCTC offers a variety of aquatic fitness classes and open swim times for independent exercise so patients can continue to benefit from the aquatic setting after discharge from Therapy services. More about our pool and programs.
If you have any questions about the Fall Prevention Program, Vestibular Therapy,
or Osteoporosis treatment intervention please feel free to call 970-339-0011.