Balance Physical Therapy’s Monterey office adds Certified Hand Therapist Margret Kelly to its team

  The human hand represents a triumph of complex engineering, exquisitely evolved to perform a wide range of tasks. 

Monterey, CA, June 02, 2021 — The human hand represents a triumph of complex engineering, exquisitely evolved to perform a wide range of tasks. Because it consists of 27 bones, 27 joints, 34 muscles, more than 100 ligaments and tendons, numerous blood vessels, nerves and soft tissue, it often requires the expertise of a certified hand therapist. 

Based on its reputation as a result-oriented rehabilitation facility committed to helping patients return to an active lifestyle, Balance Physical Therapy and Human Performance Center has expanded its team to include hand therapy services. 

Margret Kelly MS, OTR/L, CHT has joined BPT’s office in Monterey as a certified hand therapist and occupational therapist. Kelly graduated from Pennsylvania State University with a bachelor of science in biobehavioral health before pursuing her Masters in Occupational Therapy at the University of New Hampshire. She chose a career in rehabilitation with the intent of specializing in hand therapy based on an admiration for how the intricacies of the hand and upper extremity lend itself to an individual’s ability to express, experience, connect, and engage throughout life. 

A certified hand therapist (CHT) is a nationally registered occupational therapist or physical therapist who, through advanced continuing education, clinical experience, and integration of anatomy, physiology, and kinesiology, and has become skilled in the evaluation and treatment of upper-quadrant conditions resulting from trauma, disease, or congenital or acquired deformity. A CHT has a minimum of three years and 4,000 hours of clinical experience in hand therapy, successfully passed an examination of advanced clinical skills and theory in upper extremity rehabilitation, and meets mandated criteria to maintain this specialized credential. 

A hand therapist provides care for patients with a diversity of upper extremity disorders and injuries, from simple fingertip injuries to replanted extremities. Therapy is recommended for patients with a variety of diagnoses, including but not limited to: crush injuries; tendon and/or ligament lacerations/repairs; tendinopathies; peripheral nerve disorders; fractures/dislocations; infections; sports-related syndromes. Hand therapists also treat patients who suffer from chronic problems that affect upper extremity function, such as autoimmune disorders, neurological conditions, pain, diabetes, focal dystonia, congenital anomalies, and psychogenic disorders involving the upper quarter. 

Through BPT, Kelly will provide postoperative rehabilitation, non-operative or conservative intervention, preventive care and industrial ergonomic consultation. She enjoys the opportunities for lifelong learning in the specialty of hand therapy and is dedicated to applying the latest evidence-based practices. 

For more information, visit www.balancept.com.

Contact:

Marci Bracco Cain
The Buzz PR, LLC.
Salinas, CA
(831) 747-7455
http://www.balancept.com

Balance Physical Therapy reminds back-pain sufferers that PT can help solve the ‘mystery’

  Back pain is often one of medicine's true anatomical mysteries. 

Salinas, CA, April 30, 2021 - Back pain is often one of medicine's true anatomical mysteries. It is one of the most common ailments brought on by disease, injury or misalignment of the spine. https://balancept.com/want-low-back-pain-relief-3-quick-exercises-to-feel-better-immediately/ 

Yet, as common as back pain is, it's often difficult — and in some cases seemingly impossible — to diagnose its cause. 

Balance Physical Therapy & Human Performance Center strongly encourages back pain sufferers to seek the care of a qualified therapist. Physical therapy helps patients avoid prolonged episodes of pain that can result in long-term disability. For those experiencing chronic back pain, physical therapy should be part of a multi-faceted rehabilitation program. The fact is, PT is conservative, cost-effective, reversible, and rarely has any side effects. 

Dr. John Farahmand founded BPT in 2002 with a particular vision in mind: To provide the most exemplary physical therapy services available anywhere. He became interested in physical therapy during college after suffering a severe back injury. While going through an arduous regime of rehabilitation — and experiencing all of the frustration that accompanies most serious injuries — he decided to commit his professional career to caring for patients in need of specialized outpatient physical therapy services. Today, Dr. Farahmand is proud to lead a highly professional organization that promises its patients the highest standards of care in manual therapy, therapeutic exercise, patient education and results. 

Many patients find themselves fixed solely on what medical imaging says structurally about their spine and how it causes their pain. This could be a herniated disc, degeneration or stenosis. Patients should understand that other factors can cause back pain as well. This can include poor muscle control and movement patterns, nerve pain, referred pain from muscle trigger points, and even the fascia around the back can cause pain. 

Balance Physical Therapy believes that early intervention is critical to helping reduce pain and recover function. A combination of patient education, manual techniques, and therapeutic exercise is proven to reduce pain and help a patient recover their independence. 

Drugs offer short-term relief but may have severe side effects. Spinal adjustments may be helpful, but this type of intervention is usually recommended for months-on-end with little proof of its effectiveness. In contrast, a comprehensive physical therapy program will not only provide you with pain relief but will help you avoid repeat and often progressively worse episodes of pain. Once the pain subsides, BPT empowers patients with the tools they need to help avoid repeat problems. 

With three locations (Monterey, Salinas, Prunedale) to better serve patients, Balance Physical Therapy treats the following conditions: 

Lumbar Sprain/Strain

Acute Low Back Pain

Sciatica

Lumbago

Pinched Nerve

SI Dysfunction

Slipped/Herniated Disc

Arthritis

Spondylosis

Spondylolysis

Spondylolisthesis

Facet Arthropathy

Degenerative Disc Disease 

Balance Physical Therapy offers free 20-minute health and wellness screenings to members of the Central Coast community. Those suffering from back pain (or any other pain), will receive an unbiased opinion from a licensed Doctor of Physical Therapy to discuss the best treatment options going forward. 

For more information, visit www.balancept.com 

Contact:
Marci Bracco Cain
The Buzz PR, LLC.
Salinas, CA
(831) 747-74555
http://www.balancept.com

Balance Physical Therapy expands beyond Salinas and Monterey facilities by opening in Prunedale New Location to Open January 2021

  A native of the Salinas Valley, Dr. John Farahmand founded Balance Physical Therapy and Human Performance Center in 2002, vowing to build the most patient-focused, result-oriented rehabilitation facility in Monterey County. 

Monterey, CA, November 19, 2020 - A native of the Salinas Valley, Dr. John Farahmand founded  Balance Physical Therapy and Human Performance Center in 2002, vowing to build the most patient-focused, result-oriented rehabilitation facility in Monterey County. 

Using innovative exercise interventions, advanced rehabilitation techniques, and the latest in research and science, Dr. Farahmand and his team quickly expanded the practice, with offices in Monterey (2260 N. Fremont St.) and Salinas (143 John St.). 

Based on its reputation as a result-oriented rehabilitation facility committed to helping patients return to an active lifestyle, BPT has now expanded further, opening a third location (January 2021) in Prunedale at 17760 Moro Road, Suite #120 

The new facility will serve Prunedale, Castroville, Watsonville, Gilroy, San Benito County and South Monterey County. 

“We are excited to become  an integrated part of these communities,” said Dr. Farahmand. “We have a team of highly trained physical therapists and committed to helping our patients live a happy, healthy, and pain-free life” 

To better serve and connect with the region, BPT will join both North County Chamber of Commerce and Pajaro Chamber of Commerce. There is a planned joint virtual ribbon cutting ceremony on Thursday, January 28th at 5:00 p.m. with those chambers, along with Salinas Valley Chamber of Commerce, with details pending. 

For more information, visit www.balancept.com. 

Contact: 
Marci Bracco Cain 
The Buzz PR LLC 
Salinas, CA 
(831) 747-7455 
http://www.balancept.com

 

Balance Physical Therapy to hold Facebook Live Event on Sept. 24 called ‘Integrated Yoga’

With a 5,000-year history in ancient Indian philosophy, yoga helps strengthen both mind and body.

Salinas, CA, September 09, 2020 - Integrating the practice of yoga into the more modern techniques of physical therapy can improve the body’s mobility and range of motion, which can lead to better flexibility, strength and balance while reducing pain and promoting healing.

Passionate about movement science, Dr. Byanca Madrigal of Balance Physical Therapy & Performance Center incorporates yoga into her patients’ recovery process.

To reveal how the two disciplines can be successfully integrated, Dr. Madrigal will host a Facebook Live event called “Therapeutic Yoga” on Thursday, Sept. 24, at 5 p.m. The one-hour event will include a yoga flow, along with education on breathing techniques.

Dr. Madrigal is a licensed physical therapist and certified yoga teacher who specializes in pelvic health. She has a passion for implementing yoga techniques and teachings into her physical therapy practice with her patients every day. Through yoga, coupled with her years of training and experience in anatomy and body mechanics, Dr. Byanca is able to help patients of all types improve their body’s mobility and range of motion, which can lead to better flexibility, strength and balance while reducing pain and promoting healing.

A doctor of physical therapy, Madrigal earned her graduate degree at Loma Linda University. A former volunteer for an Imperial Valley physical therapist while attending high school, Madrigal credits that early experience with discovering her passion.

Her favorite thing about the profession is having “the opportunity to educate a patient on how to take care of their bodies,” she said. “This allows me to help not only treat and change how a person functions, but to create lasting change that impacts my patients’ lives.”

Anyone interested in the class should follow Balance Physical Therapy on Facebook at www.facebook.com/balanceptmove. Have a computer or smartphone ready, and roll out a yoga mat!

Balance Physical Therapy and Human Performance Center is at 2260 N. Fremont St., Monterey. For more information, call (831) 372-4782 or visit www.balancept.com.

Contact:
Marci Bracco Cain
Chatterbox PR
Salinas, CA 93901
(831) 747-7455
http://www.balancept.com

Balance Physical Therapy Founder Urges us to make Regular deposits into ‘Healthcare Bank Account’

Dr. John Farahmand founded Balance Physical Therapy to help patients improve movement and manage pain.

Salinas, CA, August 31, 2020 - Dr. John Farahmand founded Balance Physical Therapy to help patients improve movement and manage pain. Yet through the years he’s found that his practice plays an important role in preventive care.

Part of the treatment at BPT includes education — helping people heal, grow and feel empowered to build a stronger, more resilient body.

Patient education, especially focused on injury prevention, is a huge element of the practice, effectively helping to reduce return visits.

Farahmand puts the topic into relatable terms.

“I always like to ask people whether they do anything to save for retirement,” he said. “When they answer ‘yes,’ and I ask them why, they say, ‘Well, because I know I'll slow down some day and I'd like to have something put away to draw from.’ ”

Making regular deposits into a “healthcare bank account” can increase long-term wellness and longevity.

“Remember, regardless of how well you take care of yourself, time will force you to make some withdrawals along the way,” said the 46-year-old founder and CEO. “We must invest in the things we want to grow. If you want to have a healthy healthcare balance, start learning to make deposits. It’s really hard to draw from an account with a zero balance.”

Part of the answer involves taking personal responsibility for ourselves.

“Stay mobile and stay fit,” he said. “Everything in your life starts with a healthy body.”

Farahmand loves the philosophy of Hollywood actor Dick Van Dyke, who’s still spry at age 94. His secret? Wake up each day and keep moving.

“I think that is right in line with our slogan at Balance Physical Therapy — Movement is Medicine,” he said. “I believe in that, heart and soul.”

To help relieve stress and stay active, Farahmand offers the following tips:

• You don't need fancy equipment to work out: Walk, run, bike, garden … just get moving.
• Disconnect from the outside world periodically by putting down your electronic devices.
• Find a quiet place and focus on breathing and meditation, even for 10 minutes.
• Get at least 7 hours sleep; it’s an important way to regain motivation to stay active — and for the body and mind to stay healthy.
• Hug and touch and snuggle loved ones; it helps release “feel-good” hormones.
• Drink at least 32 ounces of water each day.
• Watch the sunset and sunrise, and enjoy nature’s healing powers.
• Cook your own meals at home.
• Play games (with grownups and kids) instead of sitting on the couch watching others play on TV.
• Farahmand likes to say that the most important step you can take toward fitness is the first one out your front door.

“Learn to adapt. We are humans, which means that our superhuman strength is that we are adaptable, we're malleable, we can learn new things,” he said. “We can adapt to new environments and new circumstances. These are certainly new and uncertain times but if you look inside yourself, you'd realize you have a tremendous capacity within you to adapt to anything. And it all starts with the way that you think.”

There are plenty of ways to stay physically active. Walking, gardening or biking all provide great opportunities to burn calories and create wellness.

Just 150 to 300 minutes per week of moderate-intensity or at least 75 minutes of high-intensity aerobic exercise shows substantial health benefits.

If you take care of your body, and keep making regular deposits into your healthcare “bank account,” you may never have to see Farahmand. And that’s just fine by him.

Contact:
Marci Bracco Cain
Chatterbox PR
Salinas, CA 93905
(831) 747-7455
https://www.balancept.com/

Dr. Farahmand of Balance Physical Therapy believes ‘Movement is medicine’ for Physical, Mental health

Dr. John Farahmand believes in his slogan at Balance Physical Therapy in Monterey and Salinas — Movement is Medicine.

Monterey, CA, August 24, 2020 - Throughout a long, distinguished career, Farahmand has shown countless patients how exercise benefits our bodies. But how does physical activity affect our psyche?

“Stay mobile and stay fit,” he said. “Everything in your life starts with a healthy body.”

According to Farahmand, physical activity can improve cognition, quality of life, reduced depression, reduced anxiety and improved sleep. Just 150 to 300 minutes per week of moderate-intensity or at least 75 minutes of high-intensity aerobic exercise shows substantial health benefits.

Farahmand describes the body as a system, with all parts dependent on each other. “Our mind and body are powerful allies,” he said. “How we think can affect how we feel. And how we feel can affect our thinking.”

An example of this mind-body connection is how your body responds to stress. Constant worry can cause tense muscles, pain, headaches and stomach problems.

When you're stressed, your body reacts as if it is under attack. “It doesn’t differentiate between types of stress,” he said. “Physiologically, a lion in your room or struggling to pay your bills are both perceived by the body the same. We can get an overwhelming feeling of fatigue. Just crushing.”

Staying fit through exercise can help enormously. People who exercise regularly report that it gives them an enormous sense of well-being. They feel more energetic throughout the day, sleep better at night, have sharper memories, and feel more relaxed and positive about themselves and their lives. And it’s also powerful medicine for many common mental health challenges, having a profoundly positive impact on depression, anxiety, ADHD, and more. It also helps reduce stress, something sorely needed during these unprecedented times.

Among his many fields of study, Farahmand earned a degree from UCLA in psychobiology, studying the physiological, genetic and developmental mechanisms of behavior in humans.

Farahmand says that stress starts to make our minds a jumbled mess. “All your focus is on the now, and you can’t see the forest through the trees.”

It’s all about setting priorities.

“This is an unknown time for us,” he said. “We all have COVID-19 in common. Remember, all we can control is ourselves. We can’t control the virus and others, so why be stressed?”

Stress can directly affect our physical and emotional health. Too much stress can cause unhealthy lifestyle choices, depression and anxiety. Some stress management tips from Dr. Farahmand include:

Exercise: Any type of exercise (walk, run, bike, body weight exercises) will, and you don't need fancy equipment to get in a great workout!
Relaxation: Try disconnecting from the outside world periodically throughout the day by putting down your electronic devices for a bit.
Mediation or deep breathing exercises: Find a quiet place and take at least 10 minutes to focus on your breathing (4-second inhale, hold breath for 4 seconds, and 4-second exhale).

Eating a balanced diet: Think about what you're eating and why you're eating it! Now is a great time to try some new recipes or ingredients you've never cooked.

Taking a break: Don't forget to take time in your day for yourself

Time management: With many of us working from home, our kids not in the classroom, and not seeing our friends as much, take time to have a balance between all three.

Balance Physical Therapy & Human Performance Center, 143 John St. Salinas and 2260 N. Fremont St, Monterey. www.balancept.com.

Contact:
Marci Bracco Cain
Chatterbox PR
Monterey, CA 93940
(831) 747-7455
http://www.balancept.com

Balance Physical Therapy Announces Seminars to help prepare Patients for Joint Replacement Surgery

Hip, knee and other joint replacement procedures are among the most common, cost-effective and successful elective surgeries in the United States.

Monterey, CA, July 06, 2020 - Hip, knee and other joint replacement procedures are among the most common, cost-effective and successful elective surgeries in the United States.

Doctors perform more than 1 million total joint arthroplasty procedures annually, with this number expected to increase to nearly 4 million by 2030.

Dedicated to being the most patient-focused, result-oriented rehabilitation facility in Monterey County, Balance Physical Therapy & Human Performance Center is now providing seminars to help prepare patients for joint replacement surgery.

With offices in both Salinas and Monterey, BPT has scheduled its first seminar on Thursday, July 23 in Salinas (143 John St.) and Thursday, July 30 in Monterey (2260 N. Fremont St.). Each seminar will start at 5 p.m., with classes limited to 10 people. Social distancing will be practiced, with face masks required.

Classes will be taught by BPT’s Dr. Miguel Vargas and Dr. John Schott. Vargas (PT, DPT, CSCS) is the Clinical Director at BPT Salinas, as well as a certified strength and conditioning specialist. Schott (PT, DPT) earned his Doctorate in Physical Therapy from University of California San Francisco, and his clinical experience includes outpatient orthopedics, sports rehabilitation, chronic pain, post-surgical procedures and vestibular rehabilitation.

Vargas and Schott will be discussing the specifics of total knee and total hip replacement, what to expect when you first wake up after your surgery in the hospital, and a typical plan of care with physical therapy.

There will be a limit of 10 people for each event and social distancing guidelines will be strictly enforced. Attendees temperatures will be checked before entering the facilities, participants will be spaced 6 feet apart and will be required to wear a mask (if you do not have a mask, one will be provided). The event will be recorded and posted to Facebook and YouTube for anyone who is unable to attend the event.

Topics for the one-hour classes will include: explanation of the specifics of each surgeries (how the knee and hip are replaced), pre-surgery exercises to help improve strength, range of motion and endurance; what to expect when you first wake up from surgery, how to optimize your recovery through circulation exercises to help control swelling and prevent more serious complications, such as blood clots; and your plan of care once you start the outpatient physical therapy process.

Those interested should RSVP through Eventbrite at the following links for Salinas and Monterey.

Balance Physical Therapy & Human Performance Center,
143 John St. Salinas and 2260 N. Fremont St,
Monterey. www.balancept.com.

Contact:
Marci Bracco Cain
Chatterbox PR
Salinas, CA 93901
(831) 747-7455
http://www.balancept.com

Balance Physical Therapy urges Monterey County residents to keep moving, reduce stress, stay safe

We’ve all spent much of springtime indoors, sheltering in place and often losing track of time.

Monterey, CA, May 03, 2020 - Balance Physical Therapy would like to remind us to take a peek outside. The days are getting longer and warmer — which means summer is right around the corner.

As sheltering restrictions relax, the timing couldn’t be better to plan outdoor activities and events with friends and family. It’s more important than ever to find a balance for summer fun, which means maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

Get up and move

During the summer, the most important step you can take toward fitness is the first one out your front door.

“Learn to adapt. We are humans, which means that our superhuman strength is that we are adaptable, we're malleable, we can learn new things,” said BPT founder and CEO Dr. John Farahmand. “We can adapt to new environments and new circumstances. These are certainly new and uncertain times but if you look inside yourself, you'd realize you have a tremendous capacity within you to adapt to anything. And it all starts with the way that you think!"

Exercising comes with a lot of perks for your body, mind and mood. There are plenty of ways to stay physically active. Walking, gardening or biking all provide great opportunities for summertime fun in the sun. Not only do such activities improve physical health, but they also benefit brain health. Physical activity improves cognition, quality of life, reduced depression, reduced anxiety and improved sleep. Just 150 to 300 minutes per week of moderate-intensity or at least 75 minutes of high-intensity aerobic exercise shows substantial health benefits.

Outdoor exercise is also a convenient way to get a daily dose of natural vitamin D through sunlight. Studies show that getting a sufficient amount of vitamin D is important for normal growth and development of bones and teeth, as well as improved resistance against certain diseases.

Remember, the outdoors belongs to all of us, and there are no membership fees. You don’t need any special equipment. It’s available wherever you are — just outside your door.

Manage your stress

Stress comes in all forms, regardless of the time of year, but these extraordinary times have really heaped on extra anxiety.

Stress can directly affect your physical and emotional health. Too much stress can cause unhealthy lifestyle choices, depression and anxiety. Some stress management tips from Dr. Farahmand include:

Exercise: Any type of exercise (walk, run, bike, body weight exercises) will, and you don't need fancy equipment to get in a great workout!

Relaxation: Try disconnecting from the outside world periodically throughout the day by putting down your electronic devices for a bit.
Mediation or deep breathing exercises: Find a quiet place and take as little as 10 minutes to focus on your breathing (deep breaths in through your nose and out through your mouth)

Eating a balanced diet: Think about what you're eating and why you're eating it! Now is a great time to try some new recipes or ingredients you've never cooked.

Taking a break: Don't forget to take time in your day for yourself

Time management: With many of us working from home, our kids not in the classroom, and not seeing our friends as much, take time to have a balance between all three.

Stay hydrated

Up to 60 percent of your body weight is water. Every cell, organ and tissue uses water to function properly. Water helps get rid of waste, keeps your temperature normal, lubricates joints and protects tissues.

If the body does not have enough water, it can lead to dehydration. Signs of dehydration include weakness, low blood pressure, dizziness or dark colored urine. Water intake is especially important during the summer months when the temperatures are warmer.

Get enough sleep

Are you getting enough sleep? If not, you are missing out on an important way for the body to recover and repair tissues and organs. At least seven hours of sleep each night is recommended by sleep researchers. Sleep deficiency is common, especially in times of stress, and can lead to detrimental consequences. Lack of sleep can cause irritability and decreased motivation toward work, exercise and eating properly. Long-term effects raise the risk for chronic health problems including obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure and heart disease.

BPT is here for you

Everyone needs to stay moving to stay healthy. If you want expert-level physical therapy care without having to risk the safety of leaving your own home, Balance LIVE is here to help. In addition to our Life In Motion Executive Healthcare Service, our providers also offer E-visit appointments so you can keep moving and living your best life. To get started, visit the BPT website at www.balancept.com or give our team a call today at (831) 422-4782.

Contact:
Marci Bracco Cain
Chatterbox PR
Salinas, CA 93901
(831) 747-7455
https://www.balancept.com/

Help someone get back on their feet with a Holiday gift from Balance Physical Therapy’s online store

During the holiday season, Balance Physical Therapy and Human Performance Center reminds shoppers that not everyone needs an ugly sweater or a coffee mug. There are many among us struggling with mobility or rehabilitation issues following an injury.

Monterey, CA, October 22, 2019 - What better gift than to help someone get back on their feet — and back into life.

It all starts on Black Friday (Nov. 29), when savvy online shoppers can save 20 percent on name brands such as Exertools, Lifeline Fitness, Per4M and Spirit TCR (just use the promo code BAL20).

Everyone knows that gift certificates remain the perfect stocking stuffer. Balance Physical Therapy provides certificates to be redeemed for a variety of services at either the Monterey or Salinas facility.

As December unfolds, follow Balance Physical Therapy on Facebook and Instagram as we unveil our 20 Days of Christmas that features daily online specials through the store. Each day one of our physical therapists will offer advice, and showcase their favorite product that will be featured online at a discount.

About Balance Physical Therapy
Founded in June 2002 by Dr. John Farahmand, Balance Physical Therapy and Human Performance Center is dedicated to being the most patient-focused, result-oriented rehabilitation facility in Monterey County.

Balance Physical Therapy achieves that goal through the application of highly skilled manual therapy, prescribed therapeutic exercise and patient education, forming a team that is committed to returning patients to an active lifestyle.

A native of the Salinas Valley, Dr. Farahmand attended local schools, and later graduated from the University of California at Los Angeles with degrees in Psychobiology and Business Administration. He then pursued his Doctorate in Physical Therapy at the University of Southern California.

BPT features 12 physical therapists, all tops in their field and committed to constant improvement in the areas of their clinical expertise, exercise interventions, advanced rehabilitation techniques, and the latest in research and science.

Balance Physical Therapy now has locations in Monterey (2260 N. Fremont St.) and Salinas (143 John St.), to better serve the community’s needs. Find out more at www.balancept.com.

Contact:
Marci Bracco Cain
Chatterbox PR
Salinas, CA 93901
(831) 747-7455
http://www.balancept.com

Balance Physical Therapy Adds Two Highly Advanced Anti-Gravity Treadmills to its Monterey and Salinas Locations

Balance Physical Therapy and Human Performance Center further cemented its reputation as being the most patient-focused and results-oriented rehabilitation facility in Monterey County by adding two highly advanced anti-gravity treadmills to its Monterey and Salinas locations.

Salinas, CA, March 04, 2019 - Balance Physical Therapy and Human Performance Center further cemented its reputation as being the most patient-focused and results-oriented rehabilitation facility in Monterey County by adding two highly advanced anti-gravity treadmills to its Monterey and Salinas locations.

The AlterG® Anti-Gravity Treadmill™ is a space-age treadmill that uses a pressurized air chamber to reduce the gravitational load on the body, so those recovering from post-operative injuries can exercise unrestricted and pain-free.

According to the company’s website, the AlterG® “integrates patented, NASA Differential Air Pressure (DAP) technology, a precise air calibration system, and real-time information to change what’s possible in rehab and training. Using a pressurized air chamber to uniformly reduce gravitational load and body weight in precise 1% increments, AlterG enables patients and athletes to move unrestricted and pain-free — restoring and building muscle strength, range of motion, balance, function, and fitness. No other unweighting technology offers as much freedom, control, and versatility.”

Adding the two high-tech machines is in line with Balance Physical Therapy’s goals when it was established in June 2002 by Dr. John Farahmand, a board-certified orthopedic clinical specialist, when he opened his first facility in Salinas. His goal was to be dedicated to being the most patient-focused, results-oriented rehabilitation facility in Monterey County.

“With ten physical therapists and three athletic trainers on our team, we're one of the largest private physical therapy clinics in Monterey County and the only one with clinics in both Monterey and Salinas,” said Farahmand, a native of Salinas who attended local schools. “And we’re one of the only clinics here that successfully bridges the gap between rehabilitation and wellness by offering programs like post-discharge gym memberships, fitness classes, personal training, Pilates for bone health, and massage therapy to our patients. We build relationships with our patients that stand the test of time.”

Balance currently has six physical therapists in Salinas and four in Monterey, all with doctorates and many who have also pursued even more education in the form of Board Certification in Orthopedics, Manual Therapy Certification, Certification as Strength and Conditioning Specialists, Lymphedema Specialists, and experts to help with Dizziness, Imbalance, and Vertigo. They'll also be adding Pelvic Health Specialists shortly!

All of Balance’s physical therapists frequently attend continuing education courses, serve as mentors and clinical instructors for graduate students, and speak on a variety of topics in the local community. In fact, the therapists hold a “journal club” every two weeks to go over medical journals to hone their skills and techniques and research new developments in physical therapy.

In addition to physical therapy, Balance also offers 18 group classes per week to patients, including Pilates for Bone Health, balance and fall prevention, high-intensity circuit training and massage therapy. Classes range from 10 to 30 people each.

Expansion is definitely in the future, with new clinics and strategic partnerships planned. "Growth is important," says Farahmand, "It not only gives us the opportunity to serve more patients, it gives our therapists opportunities for growth as professionals."

Even with all the physical therapists, high-tech equipment and administrative duties running involved with operating Balance Physical Therapy, Farahmand enjoys getting in the trenches, as it were.

“It’s what I love the most, to get in and work with patients, and to see them make progress” said Farahmand. “The heart and soul of our practice is hands-on patient care and the relationships that we develop along the way.”

ABOUT BALANCE PHYSICAL THERAPY®
Founded in June 2002, by Dr. John Farahmand, who grew up in Monterey and attended local schools, Balance Physical Therapy® and Human Performance Center is dedicated to being the most patient-focused, results-oriented rehabilitation facility in Monterey County.

Balance Physical Therapy® achieves that goal by the application of highly skilled manual therapy, prescribed therapeutic exercise, and patient education, forming a team with its patients that is committed to returning them to an active lifestyle.

Dr. Farahmand graduated from the University of California at Los Angeles with degrees in Psychobiology and Business Administration before pursuing his Doctorate in physical Therapy at the University of Southern California.

In addition to Dr. Farahmend, there are 10 physical therapists at Balance Physical Therapy®, all tops in their field. Dr. Joseph Melo and Dr. Miguel Vargas, both local, are the Directors of the Monterey and Salinas clinics, respectively. All of the physical therapists are committed to constant improvement in the areas of their clinical expertise, exercise interventions, advanced rehabilitation techniques, and the latest in research and science.

In order to maintain the highest standards of professional excellence, all of the physical therapists frequently attend continuing education courses, serve as mentors and clinical instructors for graduate students, and speak on a variety of topics in the local community.

Balance Physical Therapy now has two locations, in Monterey and in Salinas, to better serve the community’s needs.

Balance Physical Therapy Monterey
2260 N. Fremont St., Monterey, CA 93940
831-372-4782
monica@balancept.com
https://www.balancept.com

Balance Physical Therapy Salinas
143 John St., Salinas, CA 93901
831-422-4782
jessica@balancept.com
https://www.balancept.com

Contact:
Marci Bracco Cain
Chatterbox PR
Salinas, CA 93901
(831) 747-7455
https://www.balancept.com