Van Buren

Physical Therapy


The Results You Want,

The Care You Deserve.

P: 479.474.0041
F: 479.474.0099

About our Therapists

Dr. Tamra Brown

Physical Therapist

 

There’s a reason why Dr. Brown is the area’s favorite physical therapist.


She truly enjoys what she does, and has a passion for helping people achieve wellness, which in turn, allows them to continue doing the things they love. As an athlete herself, she understands the human body and knows what it takes to bring it into alignment & wholeness.


In 2006, Tamra received her Bachelor’s Degree in Science from St. Gregory’s University in Shawnee, Oklahoma. In 2010, she received her Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Langston University.


Finally, in 2013, she opened Van Buren Physical Therapy, where she embarked on her dream of offering high-quality care to the community and surrounding areas. She currently resides in Van Buren with her husband, J.B. and her 2 sons, Jalen & Jarren.


Hunter Shirley

Physical Therapist Assistant

 

Hunter is a 2016 graduate of the Physical Therapist Assistant Program at Carl Albert State College, where he also earned an Associate's Degree in Applied Science.

 

He enjoys sports & outdoor activities and was a member of the Phi Theta Kappa (National Honor Society) during his college years. He resides in Fort Smith with his wife Jettie, son Jett, and daughters Luna and Isla. We are proud to have him on our team!


Crystal Anderson

Physical Therapist Assistant

 


Crystal graduated the Physical Therapist Assistant program in 2022 from Arkansas Tech University - Ozark Campus with her Associates in Applied Sciences. She enjoys riding her horses and being outdoors as well as spending time with her husband Aaron, son Connor,  and daughters Harper and Noodles ! We are excited to have her as part of our team!

Awards

 

 6 years in a row!

 

 

3 years in a row!


 

 

Most Outstanding Physical Therapist 


state of Arkansas

 

New Patient

Please make sure to bring the following with you to this appointment:

 

               Photo ID
               Insurance card
               Provider referral/prescription if available
               The forms below (completed and signed)

 

 For your convenience, our patient registration forms are available to print and complete in advance.  Please complete the Patient Registration Form.  Please bring the forms to your first office visit.

 

 Patient Registration Form

Services

Manual therapy is the skilled passive movement of joints and soft tissues.

 

Manual therapy is concerned with normalizing arthrokinematics, or specific motions that take place between joint surfaces that allow for normal joint mobility. PTs seek the answers to questions such as: Why can’t this patient bend his/her knee? What specific joint movements or soft tissue restrictions are present?

 

During manual therapy, PTs use specific hand placements and the precise application of forces to restore normal movement to joints and soft tissues.

 

Mechanically, passive movement of a joint stretches the surrounding muscles, ligaments and the joint capsule. It may also break adhesions or realign scar tissue, leading to increased range of motion. These improvements are supported and maintained by having the patient perform specific exercises or modalities.

A modality is a type of electrical, thermal or mechanical energy that causes physiological changes.

 

It is used to relieve pain, improve circulation, decrease swelling, reduce muscle spasms, and deliver medication, in conjunction with other procedures. Typical types of modalities include electrical muscle stimulation, ultrasound, heat, ice and traction.


Ultrasound

  • High frequency sound waves that produce a form of deep tissue heating
  • For relief of pain and muscle spasm
  • Promotes circulation
  • Relaxes tight muscles / soft tissue
  • Prepares tissues for stretching

Electrical Stimulation

  • Use of different forms of electrical current through surface electrodes that cause muscles to contract and relax
  • For relief of muscle spasm, pain and swelling
  • For muscle re-education and strengthening

Traction

  • A longitudinal pull or distraction of spinal segments for the relief of nerve irritation (radiculitis) or muscle spasm by use of a machine on the cervical (neck) spine with the use of a neck halter or lumbar (low back) spine with the use of a pelvic belt
  • Can also be done manually

Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS)

  • Use of low voltage electrical current through surface electrodes that overrides the sensation of pain
  • Small unit (slightly larger than a beeper) worn throughout the day for pain control that the patient can apply as needed

Moist Heat (Hydrocollator)

  • Produces a deeper heat than a dry heating pad
  • Increases circulation, relaxes muscles/soft tissue, prepares tissue for other treatments

Cold / Ice

  • Use of “ice packs” or “ice massage” in acute injuries and for pain relief (acute or chronic)
  • Reduces swelling, inflammation, muscles spasm

Paraffin

  • A form of heat using paraffin wax and mineral oil
  • Usually applied to hands or feet where other applications of heat are difficult

Kinesiology tape is used during a rehabilitative taping technique that is designed to facilitate the body’s natural healing process.

 

Kinesiotaping provides support and stability to muscles and joints, without restricting the body’s range of motion. It also provides extended soft tissue manipulation to prolong the benefits of manual therapy.

 

Latex-free and wearable for days at a time, kinesiology tape is safe for everyone from kids to senior adults, successfully treating a variety of orthopedic, neuromuscular, neurological and other medical conditions.

 

The therapeutic taping technique not only offers support, but it also rehabilitates the affected condition as well. By targeting different receptors within the somatosensory system, kinesiology tape alleviates pain and facilitates lymphatic drainage by microscopically lifting the skin. This lifting effect forms convolutions in the skin, increasing interstitial space and allowing for a decrease in inflammation of the affected areas.

 

Kinesiology tape can be applied in hundreds of ways, and has the ability to re-educate the neuromuscular system, reduce pain and inflammation, optimize performance, prevent injury and promote good circulation and healing. It has been proven to have positive physiological effects on the skin, lymphatic and circulatory system, fascia, muscles, ligaments, tendons, and joints.

 

Kinesiotaping can be used in conjunction with a multitude of other treatments and modalities, and is effective during the rehabilitative and chronic phases on an injury, as well as being used for preventative measures.

Whole Body Vibration is a type of therapy that utilizes vibrations for musculoskeletal healing and strengthening.

 

 To begin, most people stand on the vibration platform with knees bent at a 30-degree angle, while the surface beneath their feet vibrates around 30 times-per-second.

 

The vibration tricks the body into thinking you're falling. In turn, this activates a “stress reflex,” which is an extremely rapid muscle contraction. These muscle contractions are responsible for most of the benefits attributed to this type of exercise.

 

Benefits include increased circulation, muscle strength, and flexibility; better range of motion; core conditioning and stability; and faster muscle recovery after working out. Health benefits also include enhanced metabolism, increased bone mineral density, reduction of the stress hormone cortisol, elevation of human growth hormone levels, and improved lymphatic flow.

 

Whole Body Vibration can provide muscle toning and conditioning for those who have health restrictions that keep them from exercising, such as multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, and some forms of arthritis.

 

Whole body vibration offers a host of benefits and can assist with:

  • Fall prevention
  • Improving muscular strength and power
  • Alleviating pain
  • Increasing bone mineral density and preventing bone mineral density loss related to aging
  • Improving circulation and cardiovascular function
  • Improving flexibility and range of motion
  • Improving general wellbeing and fitness

 

Learn more:

Dry needling is a general term for a therapeutic treatment procedure that involves multiple advances of a filament needle into a muscle that is causing pain.

 

 There is no injectable solution, and typically the needle that is used is very thin. Most patients will not even feel the needle penetrate the skin. Usually, a healthy muscle feels very little discomfort upon insertion of the needle. However, if the muscle is sensitive or contains active trigger points, a sensation much like a muscle cramp may occur (also called a “twitch response”).

 

The twitch response also has a biochemical characteristic to it, which likely affects the reaction of the muscle, symptoms and response of the tissue. The patient may only feel the cramping sensation locally, or they may feel a referral of pain or similar symptoms for which they are seeking treatment.

 

A reproduction of their pain can be a helpful diagnostic indicator of the cause of the symptoms. Patients soon learn to recognize and even welcome this sensation, as it results in deactivating the trigger point, reducing pain and restoring normal length and function of the involved muscle.

 

Typically, positive results appear within 2-4 treatment sessions, but can vary depending on the cause and duration of the symptoms and overall health of the patient.

 

Dry needling is an effective treatment for acute/chronic pain, rehabilitation from injury, and even pain/injury prevention with very few side effects. This technique is unequaled in finding and eliminating neuromuscular dysfunction that leads to pain and functional deficits.

 

Dr. Brown is certified at KinetaCore Training FDN Level 1.

 

VBPT is excited to offer a new, innovative exercise approach to speed your recovery!

 

The use of Blood Flow Restriction Therapy (BFR) has allowed us to offer an alternative way to strengthen weak muscles without the stress to joints that traditional exercise requires.

 

How does BFR work?

 

BFR is performed with a medical grade, FDA-approved tourniquet that is placed on the upper arm or thigh. This computerized tourniquet has built-in safety features and establishes the minimal amount of pressure it takes to restrict blood flow. The minimal pressure is called your Limb Occlusion Pressure (LOP). This pressure is regulated and monitored continuously for patient comfort and safety. The cuff accounts for different variables such as your systolic blood pressure, cuff design, cuff application, limb size, limb shape and tissue at the cuff site. All these features ensure that your pressure stays consistent and safe.

 

Once your individual LOP is established, the actual treatment can begin. Your Personal Tourniquet Pressure (PTP) is established by restricting 80% of blood flow to the leg or 50% to the arm. Every patient is different and it can fluctuate from week to week, so it is monitored on a regular basis.

 

By restricting blood flow to a limb, the muscles aren’t required to work as hard in order to strengthen. With the use of BFR, patients who used to be limited by the body’s natural healing process can start strengthening earlier. Earlier strengthening equals a faster recovery. A faster recovery means patients getting back to doing the things they love to do!

 

Is BFR right for you?

 

If you’ve suffered an injury or have an orthopedic surgery scheduled and you’re wondering if BFR Therapy could work for you, contact us for more information. We will be happy to discuss any and all questions that you have.

 

More information on Blood Flow Restriction Therapy:

Q&A

What is a Physical Therapist?

Physical Therapists (PT's) are licensed health care professionals who:

  • Diagnose and treat individuals of all ages
  • Work to enhance movement and a person's ability to accomplish daily activities
  • Examines and evaluates patients and plans therapy programs to improve movement, reduce pain, restore function, and prevent disability
What Can Physical Therapy Do For Me?

The practice of physical therapy has evolved significantly since it was created in the early 1900s.

 

Today, physical therapists provide services that help restore function, improve mobility, relieve pain, and prevent or limit permanent physical disabilities.

What Should I Wear?

Wear something comfortable.

 

If we have to treat an area, such as your knee, neck, or shoulder, please make sure it is easily accessible.

What Should I Expect at My First Visit?

You will have approximately 10-15 minutes of paperwork to complete at the initial visit.

 

We will ask you a number of questions regarding your current problem and past medical history, and then do a physical examination.

 

During the physical examination, we will look at strength, flexibility, and other special tests to determine the cause of your pain.  We will educate you on our findings and usually give you some instructions or exercises to start working on at home.  We usually have time for some treatment at the end as well.

What Should I Expect During Follow-Up Visits?

Your treatment session will depend on what we find on the examination but may include:

 

Exercises, stretches, modalities (electrical stimulation, ultrasound, heat, or ice), joint mobilization, and soft/deep tissue work as appropriate.  We will also regularly assess goals and re-evaluate strength, flexibility, range of motion, etc.

Do I Need a Doctor's Referral?

We are certified under Arkansas’s Direct Access Law to treat patients without a physician referral.

 

Contact us to schedule an appointment.

Does My Doctor Need to Specify a Physical Therapy Facility?

No. You can choose where you want to receive your physical therapy treatments.

 

Contact us to schedule an appointment.

Testimonials

Best of the Best

 

Its no wonder they were nominated best of the best in the River Valley - this place is awesome. VBPT has friendly staff, knowledgeable therapists, clean/individual  rooms for privacy, and not to mention it always smells so good! I would recommend VBPT to anyone, even if they aren't in Van Buren. 


Ray

VB Physical Therapy is fantastic.

 

Staff members are professional and courteous to the clients, and the facility is clean and well maintained. The high level of customer service and individualized care really sets them apart from other facilities. It was easy to give them a five star rating.


Courtney Bishop

Top notch professional.

 

Highly recommend to anyone needing physical therapy. Studied my condition and provided individualized treatment. I felt that I received personal attention. I also liked the office environment.


Lou Jacks

Dr. Brown is amazing!

 

Very up to date on all the latest procedures, takes the time needed with her patients, and really shows she cares!


Christine Owens

Dr. Brown has done wonders for me.

 

She is very caring and considerate. If you are in need of a physical therapist, she is the one to choose.


Tracey Crase

Very caring & dedicated to her patients.

 

Would recommend her to anyone needing PT services!


Alana Gregory

I went to Tamra for dizziness & vertigo and wow, did she help!

 

I had been going to Fort Smith for years and decided to see Tamra because I had heard wonderful things (and she was close which was a plus). I will go to her for everything now. A+ in my opinion. Thank you again Mrs. Tamra.


Bill S.

Woo hoo! This is as good as it gets!

 

Tamra helped me regain function after a car accident. She did everything. We even got into the heated pool which was so nice. She showed me exercises I can do after therapy on my own time that were easy to understand. I definitely owe her for everything!


Robin D.

Resources

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Location

Van Buren Physical Therapy

619 Fayetteville Road / Van Buren, AR 72956

 

We are conveniently located at the top of Log Town Hill in Van Buren, next to Clouse Chiropractic and Van Buren Family Dentistry.

 

 

Directions to Office >

Contact

479.474.0041

Fax: 479.474.0099

 

tamra@vbphysicaltherapy.com

Hours of Operation:

 

7 AM - 3 PM, Monday - Friday

By Appointment Only


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