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Diagnostic Services
Our experienced Physical Therapists perform comprehensive patient evaluations to identify your specific problem areas and to establish individualized treatment plans and goals. Treatments may include traditional modalities, such as ultrasound, electrical stimulation, traction, massage, stretching and flexibility exercises, as well as advanced manual techniques not offered elsewhere, such as Myofascial release, joint mobilization, postural restoration, muscle energy and spray and stretch techniques. Body mechanics and modification of faulty movement patterns and postures are taught and reinforced during treatment sessions. Our therapists instruct patients in correct sitting and standing postures, workplace ergonomics, use of assertive devices, sleep positioning and bending and lifting techniques specific to their needs and activities. Exercise is an important component of all treatment plans. Therapists instruct patients in performing exercises that promote self-management of their conditions and prevent recurrence of injuries. Patients may then progress into more active exercise programs offered at our Back-to-Fitness Centers. Special programs include:
Following their initial evaluation, patients may be scheduled for an individualized therapeutic exercise regimen in our Back-to-Fitness Centers. Our staff orients patients to our Center and initiates rehabilitation plans utilizing Nautilus, Ther-x and other isotonic strengthening exercises, stationary recumbent ergometers, motorized treadmills, hand weights, thera-tubing, physioballs and stretching exercises. These sessions focus on the anatomy and physiology of pain and its relation to patients' diagnoses, as well as prevention and management of various secondary problems and reinjury. Functional Capacity Assessments (FCA) and ergonomic job site analyses may be conducted to determine patients' physical abilities, work limitations and restrictions and to ensure patients' continued safety and comfort. Posture and body mechanics training are also available. Patients are typically scheduled for six weeks of exercises, three times per week, for a total of 18 sessions; however, our program can also be tailored to meet patients' individual needs. Following completion of our therapeutic exercise program, patients repeat strength and range of motion measurements, which help determine their capabilities and restrictions. A home program or membership at a health club for continuation of the structured exercise program may be recommended.
The Minneapolis Clinic of Neurology offers patients psychology and Neuropsychology services at our Golden Valley location. Psychotherapy is the treatment of mental, emotional, personality and/or psychosomatic (physical) disorders through various modalities including insight-orientated talk therapy, relaxation and desensitization techniques, support, education, bibliotherapy (self help reading on your own). Therapy may be provided to individuals, couples or families. What happens in therapy? The psychologist will likely ask you about how/why you were referred or what concerns motivated you to seek help. Information regarding current and past mental health and medical conditions and treatments can be very helpful. A thorough evaluation may take two or more sessions, particularly if there is more than one patient (e.g. couple or family). You may be asked to take tests involving paper and pencil. Evaluation results will be used, along with your expressed goals or hopes to develop a working treatment plan, which may involve a referral to another provider. Patients are encouraged to share any information they believe important and to ask questions. Some good questions to ask a psychologist
As an out-patient facility, the Minneapolis Clinic of Neurology does not have a psychologist on 24-hour call. If appropriate, your psychologist will recommend a physician on call with hospital privileges so that you may be admitted if necessary. Feel free to discuss any concerns about availability and recommendations for community crisis resources and urgent or emergency care. Medications Psychotropic (prescription) drugs can be very helpful in the treatment of some disorders; but are not required or necessary for psychotherapy. Any such drug sould be prescribed by a physician with knowledge of your overall medical status. Patients may appear for psychological treatment already taking medication (such as an anti-depressant), in which case it would be important for your health providers to coordinate and share information about you (with your permission). Conversely, your psychologist may want to refer you to a psychiatrist or another physician to consider prescribing a drug. Confidentiality Because your privacy is important, the Minneapolis Clinic of Neurology complies will all applicable State and Federal laws related to patient privacy and confidentiality. Your psychologist is not required to write down everything you say, but will make a few notes to document your treatment. If you are having an evaluation for an employer, attorney or other third party, you will be asked for permission to release information necessary to answer relevant questions. We must comply, however, when records are subpoenaed by a court. Psychosomatics No condition is strictly physical or strictly psychological; if a provider suggests you work with a psychologist on emotional health issues such as stress management, this does not mean you "want" or have chosen your condition. People with chronic medical conditions can be helped tremendously by psychological treatments aimed at improving mood, self care skills, etc. Personal growth/prevention Most third party payers (such as insurance companies) fund the treatment of diseases and disorders, not prevention or "self improvement". While psychotherapy can lead to outcomes of personal growth and quality of life improvements, if those are your main reasons for seeking therapy, you may have to pay out of pocket. Please check with your insurance company prior to beginning any therapy. Please bring your insurance card, and any required co-payment to all visits. Sexual Health Services Sexual health concerns include those related to sexual functioning and sexual desire as well as issues related to sexual abuse, sex roles and gender identity. For specific sexual problems, evaluation and psychological treatment are often a fairly short-term and efficient solution. A typical course of sex therapy lasts 12 weeks and includes components of education, communication training, relaxation techniques and behavioral homework assignments in a therapeutic environment. When an ongoing relationship exists, couples are encouraged to work together in therapy; but individuals, too, can be treated alone or in groups. Treatment of victims of sexual abuse may include working on sexuality, self-esteem, body image and assertiveness problems. Each person's experience is unique and an individualized treatment plan is developed following the initial evaluation. At the Minneapolis Clinic of Neurology, treatment of sexual health problems uses historical material, yet places more emphasis on present and future functioning. Following a two to three session evaluation phase, an individually tailored program is developed. Specialized sexual health services are offered to populations such as the aged, mentally disabled (mentally retarded, chronic mentally ill), and physically disabled (e.g. spinal cord injured). Patricia J. Aletky, Ph.D. offers sex therapy at the Minneapolis Clinic of Neurology's Golden Valley office. Psychology Services Frequently Asked Questions Q: Do I need a referral to see a psychologist? A: Usually a referral is not required to see our psychologists, however, you will be asked how you heard about our Clinic. Please note that a referral from a medical professional is different than an authorization from your insurance carrier. Some insurance carriers require a referral from your primary care provider and/or authorization from your insurance carrier. Q: How long does it take to get an appointment? A: You can usually make an appointment to be seen within one to two weeks. Q: How long will my appointment take? A: Appointment lengths are dependent on the type of appointment:
A: Our psychologists practice exclusively at our Golden Valley Office located at 4225 Golden Valley Road. Q: What information is needed for my appointment with the Psychologist? A: Our Psychologist prefer a referral letter or visit notes from your referring physician, or other professional, indicating the purpose of your visit, diagnostic test results and reports, if available, and your medical history, including the names and dosages of current medications, if the referral is from a physician. Please bring your insurance card and, if required by your insurance company, your co-payment for the visit. Q: What will happen during my visit with the psychologist? A: Our Psychologists will ask you for information related to your medical and mental health history. You may be asked to take tests involving paper and pencil. Q: Does my insurance cover my appointment with the psychologist? A: This depends on your specific insurance coverage. Please check with your insurance carrier before your appointment regarding your specific coverage. Q: When will I get my results? A: Depends on type of evaluation, typically 2 to 4 weeks.
What is neuropsychological testing? Neuropsychological testing involves the administration of standardized ability tests that are potentially sensitive to changes in brain functioning that may result from various medical and neurological conditions. Results are interpreted in light of the individual patient's background and what is known regarding the relationship between brain status and mental and behavioral function. Why is neuropsychological testing an important diagnostic tool? Whereas CT and MRI scans are useful diagnostically in assessing any changes in the structure of the brain, neuropsychological testing provides information about brain function. Neuropsychological assessments aid in the diagnosis of conditions where gross brain structure may be normal, as in mild head injuries or early manifestations of Alzheimer's Disease. These assessments also provide useful information regarding patients' strengths and weaknesses, implications for work or independent living, and treatment needs in persons with known brain conditions, such as strokes or other neurological diseases. Neuropsychological testing helps physicians answer the following questions:
Neuropsychological testing takes from two to three hours to a full day, depending on the patient's age and the referral questions to be answered. Evaluations measure patients' skills and abilities in the following areas:
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Click to see outreach locations serviced by our physicians.
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A correct diagnosis is the first step in selecting the best course of treatment. That's why The Minneapolis Clinic of Neurology, Ltd. has complete neurodiagnostic testing facilities and trained technologists. Offering these services in our offices reduces extra trips to the hospital and speeds the timeliness of test results.
Our Back-to-Fitness Centers' team designs reconditioning programs to help patients increase their range of motion, resistance levels and muscular and cardiovascular endurance, while decreasing pain levels.
