Physical Therapists are licensed health care professionals who specialize in maximizing mobility and physical functioning.  Following an examination of referred patients, the therapist will design individualized treatment plans for each patient.  Utilizing available techniques, our physical therapists can alleviate physical impairments, functional limitations, and relieve pain.  Appointments for physical therapy are arranged by your physician when medically necessary.  Examples of diagnosis that may require physical therapy include back and neck injuries, sprains/strains and fractures, arthritis, burns, amputations, stroke, multiple sclerosis, birth defects such as cerebral palsy and spina bifida, and injuries related to work and sports.  Interventions may include therapeutic exercise, functional training, manual therapy techniques, assistive and adaptive devices and equipment, and electrotherapeutic modalities.

Our Physical Therapy department is committed to providing outstanding care to our patients.  When needed, we work closely with patient’s family to address their needs and to incorporate their goals in developing and implementing a treatment program to give the patient the greatest opportunity to succeed. 

Helpful Hints Before You Go for Physical Therapy

Write down all of your questions and bring them with you to your physical therapist.  Do not be shy about asking your physical therapist about your injury or condition. 

• During your treatment, your physical therapist may ask you to do exercises using weights or other gym equipment.  Please dress in comfortable, loose-fitting clothes, such as a tee shirt or sweatshirt, sweatpants or athletic shorts, and athletic shoes and socks.  Bring a hair-tie if you have long hair and leave your jewelry at home.

• In order to design an individualized program, the therapist will need approximately one hour for your first appointment

• You may be instructed on a home exercise program.  You are invited to have a family member or caregiver attend your appointment to help you learn the home exercises.

• Please tell the physical therapist if your injury or condition is aggravated by activities such as household chores.  Your physical therapist may be able to instruct you on better body mechanics for these activities in order to eliminate discomfort and reduce the chance of a recurrence of the injury. 

Medical Insurance

Since insurance policies vary, you may be responsible for co-pays, deductibles, and/or payments due at the time of your visits.  Please call your insurance company if you have any questions regarding your policy and coverage.  Read over your insurance policy and become familiar with your physical therapy coverage/benefit.  Your physical therapist or your doctor will recommend a certain number of visits to accomplish your treatment goals.  If you feel you have not achieved your goals at the end of the allotted number of visits, talk to your physical therapist and/or doctor to see if you could benefit from additional treatment.  Do not be afraid to appeal a decision to end treatment if you feel continued physical therapy is needed.

Physical Therapy Services

• Manual Therapy (mobilization and manipulation)

• Individualized therapeutic exercise programs

• Women’s Health Issues (bladder control, pelvic floor dysfunction, and low back pain secondary to pregnancy)

• Body mechanics and postural education

• Modalities (Iontophoresis, ultrasound, phonophoresis, electrical stimulation, biofeedback)

• Traction: cervical and pelvic

• Fitness equipment (treadmill, recumbent bicycle, upper body ergonometer, and total gym)

• McConnell taping

• Industrial rehabilitation

• Back School, Cumulative Trauma School

• Job Site Analysis

Common Ailments/Conditions Seen by Physical Therapy

General:

• Acute Sprains/Strains

• CTD of Spine/Extremities (Cumulative Trauma Disorder)

• Osteoporosis

• Gait Training

• Vertigo

• Morton’s Neuroma

• Pelvic Floor Dysfunction

• Incontinence

Acute:  

• Medial/Lateral Epicondylitis

• DeQuevain’s Tendonitis

• Radial Tunnel

• Carpal Tunnel

• Intersection Syndrome

• Shoulder Impingement/Bursitis

• Cervical Facet Irritation/Sprain

• Thoracic Outlet Syndrome

• Thoracic/Lumbar Facet

• Neck/Back Disc Disorders

• Spinal Stenosis

• Piriformis Syndrome

• Sciatica

• Trochanteric Bursitis

• Pelvis/SI Dysfunction

• ACL/Knee Sprain/Strain

• Pes Anserine Bursitis/Tendonitis

• Ankle/Foot Sprain/Strain

• Achilles Tendonitis

• Plantar Fasciitis