Jun
27
Written by:
Eric Mason
6/27/2009 12:28 PM
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact:
Chris Kopp PT, OCS
Premier Physical Therapy
3500 Beachwood Court, Suite 203
Jacksonville, FL 32224
Phone: 904-996-6922
www.pptjax.com
chris.kopp@pptjax.com
UNF Grads at Premier Physical Therapy Offer Performing Arts Rehabilitation to Local Entertainers
Jacksonville, FL – When J.B. Scott, Associate Professor of Music at the University of North Florida’s acclaimed jazz studies program, developed shoulder pain and immobility that interfered with his ability to play trumpet, he turned to the physical therapists at Premier Physical Therapy, which has locations near UNF, in Jacksonville Beach, and in the Northside. Eric Mason PT and Chris Kopp PT, OCS, who are both UNF alumni, evaluated his shoulder, analyzed his trumpet playing ergonomics, and successfully restored pain-free motion to Mr. Scott’s right arm so that he could return to his rigorous practice, teaching, and performance schedule. According to Mr. Scott, “I knew that I needed to see a physical therapist who understands the physical demands of playing the trumpet and it just seemed logical to go to a clinic with a therapist who is also a musician. These guys really worked hard to get me back to playing and even had me bring my trumpet to therapy. ”
Eric Mason PT graduated from UNF’s jazz studies program in 1991 and Florida International University’s physical therapy program in 1993. He has been a professional drummer throughout his physical therapy career and one of his bands recently opened for Kenny Chesney to a sold-out crowd at the Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Coliseum.
Chris Kopp PT, OCS graduated from UNF’s physical therapy program in 1995 and is a board certified specialist in orthopedics who is widely known for his expertise on shoulder therapy.
As co-owners of Premier Physical Therapy, Eric and Chris are excited about the opportunity to add Performing Arts Rehabilitation to their list of specialties including vestibular, orthopedic, cancer, spine, and other forms of rehabilitation. According to Eric, “there are a large number of entertainers and performing arts programs in Jacksonville in settings such as the Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra, the music programs at JU, FCCJ, UNF, and the Douglas Anderson School for the Performing Arts, as well as numerous dance schools and theatre groups who benefit from having a physical therapy company that is sensitive to their unique issues.” Chris states, “we offer a wide range of services to performing artists including preseason screenings; education seminars that focus on injury prevention; supervised strengthening, conditioning, and cross-training programs; evaluation and rehabilitation of dance and music-related injuries such as repetitive strain disorders; and performance enhancement programs.” Chris and Eric have conducted seminars on overuse injuries in musicians on to the UNF Jazz Studies Program and JU Music and Dance students.
Physical therapy for the performing arts is a relatively new specialty and includes the rehabilitation of dancers, musicians, figure skaters, gymnasts, circus performers, and actors. Because of the many opportunities for physical therapists to work with performing artists in both major cities and small towns across America, the American Physical Therapy Association now features a Performing Arts Special Interest Group that drafted a practice analysis that provides a foundation for establishing clinical specialization and residencies in performing arts rehabilitation. Physical therapists practicing in the performing arts arena must know the language, culture, and aesthetics of the art, and understand the unique demands placed on the artist. Ongoing research is shedding new light on the causes of overuse syndromes in performing artists, allowing physical therapists to play a greater role in the prevention as well as the treatment of their injuries.
For information: http://www.pptjax.com or
Contact: chris.kopp@pptjax.com
Phone: 904-996-6922