CenterIMT has a dynamic, aggressive, and very unique program
focusing on optimal recovery from any and all degenerative disc diseases.
You are encouraged to explore further.
For further inquiry contact the
Integrative Manual Therapy Association for
Degenerative Disc Disease
cimtatlanta@aol.com.
The GOAL of the Degenerative Disc Disease Recovery
Program:
To restore health, hope and optimal function to all clients diagnosed with
Degenerative Disc Disease.
Our CenterIMT MISSION is two-fold:
PHILOSOPHY:
The Degenerative Disc Disease team strongly believes that all clients with
Degenerative Disc Disease have the potential for recovery, beyond the traditional
predictors of outcome. We believe there is no one single answer for Degenerative
Disc Disease. However, with a combined approach of treating the entire body,
we know recovery is possible. Because it is vital for the Degenerative Disc
Disease client to play an active role in their recovery process, we feel it
is empowering for the client to participate in the goal setting process, functional
rehabilitation, and nutritional wellness programs. Our team is committed to
providing ongoing support to clients and their families throughout their recovery
process. We are dedicated to further advancement of techniques through ongoing
clinical research.
Centers for Integrative Manual Therapy is a world wide healthcare organization offering therapy for clients with Degenerative Disc Disease. Our multi-disciplinary team consists of professionals from around the world.
 |
Sharon Weiselfish-Giammatteo, Ph.D., P.T., I.M.P.,C. |
Dr. Sharon Giammatteo is the developer of Integrative Manual Therapy which
is an important aspect of the Degenerative Disc Disease Recovery Program:
Integrative Manual Therapy ™, the Integrated Systems Approach ™,
and Integrative Diagnostics ™. She is founder and President of CenterIMT
and Dialogues in Contemporary Rehabilitation (DCR).
Dr. Giammatteo graduated from Wingate Institute of Physiotherapy in Israel in 1970. She received her undergraduate degree in Advanced Health Sciences and Medicine and later earned her graduate degree in Clinical Neurosciences from University of Hartford in Connecticut. Dr. Giammatteo has done extensive clinical research in the field of neurology, with her Ph.D. thesis on manual and cranial therapies for the neurologic client. Her list of publications includes articles on developmental manual therapy, manual and craniosacral therapy for cerebral palsy and more. Her books include: Manual Therapy for the Autonomic Nervous System and Related Disorders with Advanced Strain and Counterstrain Technique.
Dr. Giammatteo currently practices IMT in CentersIMT across the country where she facilitates ongoing clinical research for the Degenerative Disc Disease population. She teaches throughout the United States, Canada, Asia, Europe, and Israel on topics such as: Manual Therapy for the Neurologic Patient, Cranial Therapy, and Neural Tissue Tension Techniques.
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Sue Leger, D.Sc., PT, I.M.P.,C. |
Sue Leger is the Director of Neurologic IMT for all CentersIMT, worldwide, and has her home base at CenterIMT Atlanta. She received her B.S. in Physical Therapy from the University of Florida in 1979 and her M.S. in exercise physiology from Louisiana State University in 1985. Sue is a neuroscience specialist with a Doctor of Science degree, Health Science and Nutrition, from Westbrook University (2004). Sue's dissertation was on 'The Effects of IMT on SCI Recovery'.
Sue has worked with clients with Degenerative Disc Disease since 1985. Sue has taught over 170 continuing education workshops, focusing primarily on biomechanical and neurological assessment, handling and movement, lower extremity biomechanics, gait, and the fabrication and function of lower extremity serial casts, splints and orthoses. She has been a speaker at numerous state, regional, and national conferences. Sue is faculty for The Connecticut School of Integrative Manual Therapy and Dialogues in Contemporary Rehabilitation, where she teaches courses in IMT. She is a co-developer, with Dr. Sharon Giammatteo, of IMT courses on stroke, a pediatric-neuro series, as well a series of certification courses on the ankle and foot.
Along with extensive training in IMT techniques, Sue has received in-depth
training in many areas, including Neurodevelopmental Treatment (NDT), Acupressure,
Cranial Sacral, Manual Lymphatic Drainage, Motor Control and Learning, Proprioceptive
Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF), Sensory Integration and Praxis, Mechanical
Link, and Visceral Manipulation. Her publications include: Significant Functional
Gains Using Integrative Manual Therapy With a Patient Diagnosed With Cerebellar
Ataxia and Peripheral Demylination, Lower Extremity Biomechanical Checklist
for the Neurologically Involved, and Taping Applications for the Neurologically
Involved.
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Laurie Lunn, P.T., I.M.P.C. |
Laurie Lunn is the Director of the Degenerative Disc Disease Rehabilitation
Program for CenterIMT. A 1988 graduate of the Medical University of South
Carolina, Laurie has a B.S. in Physical Therapy. Her extensive training has
focused on the functional rehabilitation of the neurologic client, neurodevelopmental
techniques, motor control theories, and manual techniques. In addition to
her leadership in inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation facilities in North
and South Carolina, Laurie has also worked as a clinical wheelchair and seating
specialist.
Laurie's knowledge of functional rehabilitation, combined with her skills
in IMT, has propelled her to be a leader in the field of Degenerative Disc
Disease rehabilitation. She is currently involved in ongoing clinical research
with Dr. Sharon Giammatteo at CenterIMT Bloomfield, CT. Laurie is the Director
of Admissions for the Connecticut School of Integrative Manual Therapy. She
is teaching faculty for Dialogues in Contemporary Rehabilitation, where she
teaches courses on Degenerative Disc Disease. Laurie is also teaching advanced
tutorials across the country focusing on functional training for the Degenerative
Disc Disease Client.
CenterIMT is successfully assisting with the optimal habilitation of clients
with Degenerative Disc Diseases of all types from around the world. All clients
with Degenerative Disc Disease begin with a thorough initial evaluation utilizing
Integrative Diagnostics and The Integrated Systems Approach. Assessment is
vital and on-going throughout the Degenerative Disc Disease recovery program.
Immediate short term goals and long term goals are outlined on an individualized
Quadrennial Plan. This individualized plan includes goals, a home program,
and quarterly tracking of efforts and progress. It is reviewed and updated
with the client, and all support persons, on a quarterly basis.
An individualized treatment plan of Structural Integrative Manual Therapy is drafted and begun. Typically, the initial plan addresses the neural shock and toxicity, Disruptions of Membrane, and blood supply. Structural techniques for all systems of the body (The Integrated Systems Approach) lead to changes in orthopedic restrictions, sensory deficits, postural alignment and balance, spasticity, and overall strength and function. Structure dictates function. Whenever there is an area of the body that is dysfunctional and limited in function, it is always important to begin the treatment process by addressing the structural problems of that area. Once the structure has begun to normalize, function can be addressed optimally.
Bracing and splinting for protection and alignment is assessed throughout the program. Nutritional support and education is given to clients and families as well as testing of foods and supplements. Sensory enhancement, reduction of synergic spasticity, and strengthening of muscle weakness are assisted with a home program of Threshold Electrical Stimulus (TES) and Neuromotor Electrical Stimulation (NMES).
Function allows ownership of structure. Once the client has begun treatment with Structural Integrative Manual Therapy, Functional Integrative Manual Therapy is implemented. The client begins extensive functional rehabilitation, which is continually modified throughout the Center-based and home-based program. A personal Pre/Post Video Functional Record is completed initially and repeated every six months. Clients and families appreciate the rewarding digital photographs and video documentation of the rapid performance changes.