Dr. Har-El employs a wide variety of Physical Therapy techniques, including Bobath, Maitland, Feldenkrais, and body tuning (Tatz’s method). She emphasizes hands-on techniques along with therapeutic exercises. She treats patients with a variety of orthopedic and neurological disorders, such as back, neck, and TMJ problems; myofascial pain; disc problems; sport, dance, and occupational injuries; and stress and tension related difficulties.

One aspect of Dr. Rivi’s work has to do with the employment of a wide variety of physical therapy techniques. The goals of physical therapy are to decrease pain, increase flexibility, improve range of motion, increase stability, improve posture, enhance functional ability in every day life activities, geared to a person’s specific need. Some of the techniques that are being utilized are:

Joint Mobilizations which involves painless loosening up of the restricted joint and increasing its mobility by providing slow velocity (i.e. speed) and increasing amplitude (i.e. range of movement) directed to the actual bone surface.

Soft Tissue mobilization - consists of rhythmic stretching and moderate pressure to break up inelastic or fibrous muscle tissue. The procedure usually applied to musculature surrounding the spine and is done in various intensities based on patients’ need.

In Therapeutic Exercises stresses and forces are placed on the body systems in a progressive and appropriate fashion in order to develop, improve, restore or maintain normal function including the following: strength, endurance, flexibility, relaxation and
coordination.

Body Tuning (Tatz’s method)-using cross modalities of many techniques combining western and eastern medicines. Emphasizing hands- on work on the joints related to the disorder (rather than one joint only). For example, elbow pain treatment including treatment of the entire arm and upper body.

Alexander technique is a method of re-education of mind and body that works to change movement habits in our everyday activities. It is a simple and practical method for improving ease and freedom of movement, balance, support and coordination.

Feldenkrais technique - focuses on replacing old habits of movement with new, healthier ones. It comprises a set of exercises which focus on slow, non- aerobic movement with minimum effort and maximum efficiency.

The following disorders are among the ones being treated: neck and back pain, myofascial pain syndrome, Sacroiliac dysfunction, fibromyalgia, scoliosis and other postural deformities, repeated stress injuries, such as, carpal tunnel syndrome, strain/ sprain. Sciatica, radiculitis/ radiculopathies, heel spur, plantar fascitis, trigger fingers, tendonitis, bursitis, sports, dance and occupational injuries, stress and tension related difficulties.

Dr. Rivi will determine along with her patient whether physical therapy alone is sufficient to over come the disorder. At times it may be enough but at other times a combination approach of movement therapy, guided imagery or body- mind techniques should be utilized simultaneously.