Physical Therapy Services
At Pivotal Connections, we offer a different and unique approach to healthcare and physical therapy. We consider our clinic to be a Physiospa, offering a hybrid of one-on-one physical therapy services and an array of therapy modalities designed to tap into the body’s incredible potential to heal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you take insurance?
We want to treat the patients who come to us, regardless of insurance. Sometimes insurance won’t cover a certain type of therapy, even though it’s beneficial. For that reason, we don’t bill insurance. However, if you have insurance, we can give you billing information to process on your own for reimbursement. It’s important to note that this doesn’t work with Medical or Medicare.
I’m in pain now. How soon can I book an appointment?
It is very likely that you can get same-day treatment for Cryotherapy, Compression Therapy, and Infrared Sauna! Schedule your appointment online, call to make an appointment, or just stop by! Physical Therapy appointments are possible, give us a call at 707-702-2241.
What modalities are used?
Our therapists use a combination of multiple treatment styles, from myofascial release and Graston Technique to Osteopractics and manipulations. This combination brings a unique approach to your physical therapy care.
Physical Therapy
Personalized & Effective Care
With a holistic and personalized approach to physical therapy, Dr. Sandi Buchheister and her Physical Therapy team use a combination of multiple treatment styles from myofascial release and Graston Technique to Osteopractics and manipulations to help you feel better than you ever thought possible.
A refreshingly different approach to physical therapy
A typical physical therapy clinic operates like a factory. Limited by what insurance will pay for, patients are processed in bulk and sent on their way. It may only help you feel 60-70% better.
We want to help you get beyond 100% better—We want to help you feel better than you ever thought possible. We want to set you up for a lifetime of independent success to treat yourself.
Online Scheduling for Sandi is currently unavailable secondary to having a full schedule! We do have cancellations and are currently running on a waitlist-only basis. To schedule an appointment please call or text 707-702-2241. We have front desk help 5 days a week and we will respond to you as quickly as we are able.
Here’s what others have to say about our physical therapy service:
Cryotherapy
Harness the power of cold
Cryotherapy, which literally means “cold therapy”, stimulates the body’s natural ability to heal by exposing your whole body to extremely cold temperatures for a short period of time. As your body responds to that sudden drop in temperature, it releases anti-inflammatory proteins and endorphins, which trigger a bunch of benefits for your physical and mental wellbeing!
What is Cryotherapy?
Whether you’re an athlete with sore muscles, an individual with chronic pain or inflammation, or simply wanting to boost your metabolism or mood, Cryotherapy is a natural, safe, and effective way to get well. It uses exposure to extremely cold temperatures for two to three minutes, which triggers positive effects throughout your body.
When you step into our Juka Cryosauna, liquid nitrogen gas pours into the chamber, making things pretty chilly—down to -250 degrees. Don’t worry, it’s safe, and we have protective gear on your extremities—with gloves on your hands and socks and Crocs on your feet. As your body reacts to the cold, several physiological changes start occurring. Essentially, your body will kick into “fight or flight” mode. To keep your core temperature stable, your blood will flow away from your extremities and towards your core internal organs.
Once you step out of the chamber, your body starts the recovery process. You might start noticing a cascade of positive effects within a few short minutes and lasting for days.
Benefits of Cryotherapy:
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As all of that blood rushes back out to the rest of your body, you should notice a decrease in pain, soreness, and inflammation.
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Your body releases a tidal wave of endorphins, elevating your mood, providing mental clarity, and even decreasing symptoms of anxiety and depression.
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Your body will burn an extra 500-800 calories throughout the rest of the day, boosting your metabolism and promoting weight loss.
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The process of your blood vessels constricting in the cold, and then expanding again as you warm up helps eliminate toxins and increases collagen production. It can also diminish wrinkles and other signs of aging.
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Exposing your body to cold causes the release of norepinephrine, which can improve your sleep cycles.
Cryotherapy can help with:
Arthritis
Anxiety & Depression
Acne
Burn & Wound Recovery
Cellulite
Dementia Prevention
Eczema
Fibromyalgia
Headaches / Migraines
Inflammation
Insomnia
Sports Injuries
Tendonitis
Weight Loss
Experience the power of Cryotherapy!
Step 1:
Book Appointment
Schedule your session online or by phone. Same-day appointments are often available! Buy one session or a bundled pack for a discounted price.
Step 2:
Get Prepared
When it’s time for your appointment, head back to our cryo room. You’ll put on a robe, and our protective gear. When it’s your turn, you’ll step into the tank, take off the robe, and begin!
Step 3:
Get Cold!
Liquid nitrogen gas will start pouring in, and it will feel chilly. Our cryotechnicians will be there every step of the way to help you feel comfortable. Many people note that after one minute, you start to acclimate, but you can “tap out” at any moment.
Step 4:
Feel the Afterglow!
Three minutes later, we’ll hand your robe back, and guide you out of the tank safely. Your skin might feel a bit tingly (like coming in from the snow) but as you warm back up, you’ll start feeling the effects. Less soreness and pain as well as a boosted mood, and possibly appetite!
Here’s what others have to say about our cryotherapy service:
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I schedule an appointment?
You can book online here. If you want to talk to someone first, feel free to give us a call at 707-702-2241. That same number can be used for text correspondence as well. We check the phone most days of the week and some weekends. We will get in touch with you as soon as possible!
How long does it take?
The cryotherapy session itself takes just three minutes. Add in a little time to change out of your clothes and wait time for the chamber to cool down, but most of our clients are in and out in less than 20 minutes!
What does it cost?
A single cryotherapy session is $40, but you can buy packs in bulk (3 sessions, 6 sessions, or 10 sessions), for a significantly reduced price!
A single cryofacial/spot treatment is $25, but again, can be cheaper if purchased in packs.
What do I need to bring to a cryotherapy session?
You don't need to bring anything! We just ask that you come as dry as possible. We provide you with our own socks, crocs, robe, and gloves.
Is this safe?
ABSOLUTELY! This is a well-researched and proven modality of treatment. The only circumstances in which cryotherapy can become unsafe is when it is being used inappropriately, such as prolonged exposure, or lack of protection. And with us by your side the entire time, you can be confident that you’ll be safe. We are highly trained and have safety as our number one priority.
Note: Pregnant women, children under 16, and people with severely high blood pressure or heart conditions should not use cryotherapy. We screen all of our clients during our intake process, but if you are uncertain, consult with your doctor before trying cryotherapy.
Could anything freeze off?
This is one of our most common questions. Don’t worry—three minutes is not long enough to cause hypothermia or loss of limb. Plus, your toes are in socks and crocs, your fingers are in gloves, and everything else is completely safe! Individuals with male parts are asked to wear underwear (if you don't have any we provide disposable ones for you) to keep everything safe "down there". Ladies, nope, they won't freeze off either.
How long before I see results?
The positive benefits of cryotherapy can be felt almost immediately, and throughout the rest of the day. Repeating cryotherapy sessions frequently can have a cumulative effect, particularly for those with chronic issues.
How many times should I do it?
Like all forms of therapy, this answer depends on your individual needs. We recommend people try it 2 or 3 times to truly see the impacts that cryotherapy can have. We have recommended treatment regimens for varying conditions. Contact us to get your personalized cryotherapy treatment plan.
How can I bring in a group? Or have a cryo-party?
We love having groups of common interests come in! Conquering the tank together is a great team building event, that is COVID safe, and provides something fun, exciting, and healthy to do. Just give us a call 707-702-2241 to set up a group appointment.
How do I schedule my next appointment when I bought a package?
If you can get into your package and schedule more, great. But if you are having trouble, don't worry, just schedule as if you are doing a single (it won't ask for payment info). We can work out the details when you are in the clinic.
What is Compression Therapy?
When you exert your muscles, you build up lactic acid, which means you’re going to feel sore and tight. To speed up recovery, try our compression therapy. Our mechanical compression devices act as a large blood pressure cuff, utilizing air within an enclosed tube to create waves of pressure that help mobilize lactic acid build-up and reduce soreness.
Think of it like a deep-tissue massage. You put on the boot, hip, or arm cuff, and experience a pulsing constricting sensation. The pressure is significant enough to mobilize lactic acid buildup, so your downtime is shorter, and you aren’t left feeling sore. The pressure and amount of time in the compression boot can be tailored to your needs and comfort level.
Try Compression Therapy Today!
Step 1:
Book Appointment
Schedule your session online or by phone. Same-day appointments are often available! Buy one session or add on to another physical therapy service for a discounted price.
Step 2:
Slide into the Boot/Cuff
When it’s time for your appointment, we’ll get you fitted into the boot (for leg compression therapy) or cuff (for arm or hip therapy) and adjust the pressure to the appropriate level.
Step 3:
Feel the Squeeze!
Sit back and relax as the Rapid Reboot does its thing. Depending on your needs and comfort level, we’ll adjust the time of your session.
Step 4:
Get Back to the Game
As compression therapy removes the lactic acid build-up and toxins in your muscles, you’ll notice a quicker recovery. You’ll be ready to hit the gym or head into your high-performance activity with minimal soreness!
Have you tried compression therapy with us? Let us know in a review!
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost?
A short (15 minutes or less) session is just $15, while longer (30 minutes) sessions are $30. If you are adding on a longer session to another physical therapy service, we discount your cost to $25..
Does it hurt?
Compression therapy should not hurt, but just feel like squeezing pressure on your limbs. The amount of pressure that the inflated cuff reaches can be adjusted, so if you have a lower pain tolerance, we can accommodate that with a lower amount of pressure.
How long is a compression therapy session?
Sessions can vary. We break them up into short sessions, of 15 minutes or less, or longer sessions, which can last up to 30 minutes. Our therapists will consult with you to determine the best length of time to suit your needs.
Can I use it when I have a fracture or open wound?
No, we do not recommend using compression therapy when you are wounded. It is an effective treatment for muscular soreness and swelling only.
Who would benefit from compression therapy?
This is an ideal modality for athletes and high-performance athletes. It can also be a helpful therapy for lymphedema, leg pain, vein problems, or post-surgery blood clot prevention.
How soon should I see the benefits?
Immediately! Hopefully, you’ll walk out our door feeling better than when you walked in.
How frequently should I utilize compression therapy?
It depends—if you are an ultra-athlete, compression therapy can be an essential component to your post-workout routine and recovery.
How does compression work with cryo?
Similar to compression therapy, cryotherapy addresses the blood flow in your body. After the blood flow has increased from a cryotherapy session, adding compression therapy can help pump inflammation out of your body even more thoroughly.
What is Infrared Sauna Therapy?
Unlike a traditional sauna, Infrared saunas heat your body directly rather than heating the air around you. Infrared lamps give off heat allowing you to experience a more intense sweat at a lower temperature for a longer time. Infrared Saunas operate at a temperature between 145°F and 150℉, while a traditional sauna operates between 150°F and 180°F. With Infrared Suana Therapy you’ll still feel like you’re in a sauna, but instead of trying to relax in unbearable heat, you’ll be able to relax as you work up a sweat.
Infrared Sauna Therapy can help with:
Better Sleep
Relaxation
Detoxification
Weight Loss
Relief from sore muscles
Quicker muscle recovery
Relief from joint pain such as arthritis
Clear and tighter skin
Improved circulation (help with blood pressure)
Chronic fatigue syndrome
Immune support
Natural Anti-Aging
Try the Infrared Sauna Today!
Step 1:
Book Appointment
Schedule your session online or by phone. Same-day appointments are often available! Buy one session or a bundled pack for a discounted price.
Step 2:
Prepare
Make sure you’re hydrated before going into an infrared sauna. Drink a glass of water before your session.
Step 3:
Feel the Heat!
When your session is done, we suggest that you take your time and let your body cool down. Once cooled down, feel free to take a shower or bath. Just remember to drink plenty of water.
Have you tried our infrared sauna? Let us know in a review!
Frequently Asked Questions
How is this different than other saunas?
Rather than heating the air around you, our Infrared sauna focuses on heating the body directly. Infrared rays heat up the body by penetrating deeply into the skin without raising the overall temperature of the room and instead, raising your body’s internal temperature.
How hot does it get?
During a session in the Infrared Sauna, you can expect temperatures to reach between 145℉ - 150℉.
Who does this benefit?
Everyone can benefit from Infrared Sauna Therapy, however, this form of therapy is especially helpful for those who have arthritis, as it’s a great form of pain management. This form of therapy also helps the body detox and encourages weight loss by increasing your metabolism. Infrared therapy also acts as a passive cardio workout, by improving your heart’s circulation while reducing blood pressure.
How many people fit in one sauna?
Just you! When you book a session in our infrared sauna, it’s guaranteed YOU time, with no one else.
How do you clean it between customers?
Our Infrared Saunas are cleaned and sanitized before and after the use of each client.
DXA Scan
Body Fat, Muscle, & Bone Testing
Get a precise breakdown of what your body fat percentage and bone health looks like. In just about seven minutes, you can get a comprehensive snapshot of your internal body composition. Empower yourself with the precise knowledge of your critical health markers so you can optimize your training program, identify important long-term health risks, and customize your diet to lose fat and build muscle.
Some of the most important indicators of your health are the hardest to measure. Certain elements such as subcutaneous fat (the type of fat that sits just under your skin), visceral fat (the hidden kind that surrounds your internal organs), and bone mineral density (the strength of your skeletal system) are all key indicators of longevity and physical wellbeing.
For individuals at higher risk of osteoporosis, heart disease, or other health issues, being able to track and accurately measure these health indicators is a game changer in taking proactive steps towards maintaining health and vitality. The DXA Scan offers a new approach to establishing baseline health and tracking progress.
What is DXA?
With a DXA Scan you’ll know exactly how much body fat and muscle you have and where. This kind of information helps athletes and those who are monitoring their health know just how much body fat and muscle they have.
A DXA scan, or dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry, uses x-ray technology to determine the distribution of lean muscle, fat, water and bone in your body. Unlike any other body composition measuring tool, DXA results are highly accurate and highly reproducible.
A DXA Scan can also measure your bone health by taking a closer look at the strength of your bones. The DXA Scanner uses two X-ray beams; one high energy and one low energy, measuring the X-rays that pass through the bone from each beam. This will vary depending on how thick your bone is. Based on the difference between the two beams, the machine determines your bone density. Physicians and patients are then able to assess the risk and proactively treat any problems that arise. This is extremely helpful when identifying patients that are at high risk for osteoporosis and bone fractures.
Did you know?
In comparison to men, women have the highest risk of developing the disease. Osteoporosis affects 55% of Americans aged 50 or older, and women are 4 times more likely to develop osteoporosis due to their lighter, thinner bones and longer life spans. Thin bones are the cause of 1.5 million fractures per year in the United States while hip fractures result in 300,000 hospitalizations. (choosept.com)
Bone density peaks at age 30 and then decreases over time. This is why it’s important to do strength training, weight bearing exercise and to include enough calcium and vitamin D in your diet.
Benefits of DXA:
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Get a precise idea of your overall body fat, lean tissue (muscle), bone weight and percentages
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Receive composition breakdowns for both legs, arms and your torso
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Learn where your body fat and muscle is distributed
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Become aware of your body’s visceral fat, the dangerous fat that surrounds your organs
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Be proactive and know if you’re at risk for osteoporosis and bone fractures
DXA can help with:
Building Muscle
Muscle Imbalances Asymmetries
General Health
Sports Injuries
Osteoporosis Awareness
Weight Loss
Learn more about your internal body composition!
Step 2:
Prepare
Do NOT take calcium supplements for at least 24 hours before the exam and avoid wearing clothes with metal zippers or hooks.
Step 3:
Relax
You’ll be instructed to lay flat on the scanning bed for five-to-ten minutes.
Step 4:
Get Results
Directly after you’re scanned, you and your Physical Therapist will go over your results and decide what your next steps are.
Have you tried our DXA Body Composition Scan?
Let us know in a review!
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I schedule an appointment?
You can book online here. If you want to talk to someone first, feel free to give us a call at 707-702-2241. That same number can be used for text correspondence as well. We check the phone most days of the week and some weekends. We will get in touch with you as soon as possible!
How long does it take?
The DXA Scan takes just five-to-ten minutes to complete. During the scan, you lay still on the scanner bed and results will be available immediately after the test.
What should I wear to a DXA Scan?
Wear something comfortable without metal to your DXA Scan. Zippers, underwire bras, and belt buckles will need to be removed to avoid interfering with scan results.
How often should I get scanned?
It is recommended to get a scan once a year. However, if you’re trying a new diet or a new exercise program and you want to see if there’s any changes in your body composition, then you’ll want to get more frequent scans such as once every 3 - 6 months.
For tracking bone density (osteoporosis screening), the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends routine screening for all women over-65. The test is also recommended for women under-65 with additional risk factors. The scan is typically repeated every two years.
When should I not get scanned?
You should not get scanned if you are under 18 years of age, pregnant, or if you’re unable to maintain a motionless position for 7 minutes while being scanned. You should also avoid getting scanned if you’ve gotten a DXA scan within the past 8 weeks or if you’ve had a total of 4 DXA scans in the past year.
Is this safe?
ABSOLUTELY! DXA uses a very weak type of wave. The radiation dose is just one-tenth the amount in a regular chest x-ray. It is approximately equal to the amount of natural radiation you would experience in a day.