Physical Therapy

Physical Therapy is a direct form of professional patient care that can be applied in most disciplines of medicine.  It provides a hands-on component which can partner with physicians who have medical expertise in  neurology, neurosurgery, orthopedics, general surgery, family practice, pediatrics, geriatrics, rheumatology, internal medicine, urology, cardiovascular medicine, cardiopulmonary medicine, psychiatry, and sports medicine.

The objectives of physical therapy are:

• Prevention of disability and pain

• Restoration of function and relief from pain

• Promotion of healing

• Adaptation to permanent disability

Physical therapy is a vital part of the total care for patients who have problems of temporary or permanent disability.  A medical referral is often made post-operatively, following stroke, upon recognition of birth defects, and following injury or illness.

Our definition of Physical Therapy, includes the evaluation, planning, and implementation of treatment procedures to assist a patient in returning to his/her highest level of physical and mental function. This type of physical therapy is utilized as conservative management of musculoskeletal and/or neurological dysfunction or as pre and post-operative rehabilitation with the conditions being evaluated and treated ranging from acute, sub-acute, long-term or even disabled. Types of treatment may include the use of physical, chemical, and other properties such as air, cold, heat, electricity, exercise, massage, water, ultrasound.

The primary goals of physical therapy treatment are to prevent disability, to restore the patient’s functional capacities to an optimal level, to assist the patient in maintaining that restored level in all aspects of a patient’s daily life. We pride ourselves in assisting the patient in returning to pre-injury functional, work and athletic status as quickly as medically possible.

The physical therapist selects appropriate tests to evaluate and quantitatively measure the patient's problem.  Then, in consultation with the referring physician, an appropriate rehabilitation plan is developed.

Physical Therapy uses numerous physical therapy modalities and physical therapy procedures to expedite healing, and instructs the patient in a home program.  There may be follow-up visits for re-evaluation and update of the home exercise program.

Physical Therapy's ultimate goal is for the patient to achieve freedom from pain, independent living, and understanding of how to prevent re-injury.