Compassionate Therapy Preparing You for the Future
Physical therapists work with patients to help improve mobility, strength, and balance. PTs train patients to get into and out of bed, sit down and rise out of a chair, get on and off the floor, improve balance, improve strength, operate a wheelchair, walk, and climb stairs.
PTs look at how strength, endurance and balance affect the patient’s ability to move safely and independently within their environment. Treatment is designed to enhance their ability to move, reduce pain and restore function. PTs may also add age-appropriate activities such as previous hobbies and interests to a care plan.
We also employ Physical Therapist Assistants (PTA). A PTA works under the direction of a physical therapist to provide physical therapy services. PTAs provide treatment, gather information, and make modifications in selected interventions to progress a patient as directed by the physical therapist.
The goal of physical therapy is to maximize the patient’s independence and prepare them (and their families) for when they are discharged. This may also include home assessments and opportunities for a temporary leave of absence. The information gained from all of these experiences aids the therapy team in making the appropriate recommendations for discharge and community reintegration.
Our team is focused on providing the most current interventions supported in research. In this spirit, we have a nationally recognized residency program in Neurologic Physical Therapy. Our PT residents are licensed and selected based on their dedication to the profession, high academic achievement, and passion for excellence in providing high-quality services to all individuals. In this program, residents gain specialty training in neuro-rehabilitation from our Health System&rsquo's expert staff members. Our physical therapy residents often collaborate with their mentors to provide the best possible care.
Many of our physical therapy staff members have specialty certifications. These certifications include: Neurologic Clinical Specialist (NCS), Neuro-Developmental Treatment (C/NDT), Certified Lymphedema Therapist (CLT), and Vestibular Rehabilitation.
When working with a PT, patients may use different types of treatment interventions and equipment, including:
- LiteGait® Body Weight Supported Treadmill Training: A gait-training device that simultaneously controls weight bearing, posture, and balance for walking on a treadmill or on the ground. It creates an ideal environment for treating patients with a wide range of impairments and functional levels.
- Vector Dynamic Body Weight Support Gait and Safety System: This advanced over-ground gait system allows patients to safely practice intensive physical therapy early in rehabilitation (which can enhance progress). It consists of a customized dynamic body-weight support system along an overhead track and a comfortable harness that holds patients securely.
- Up n’ Go: This is a true partial weight-bearing system; its support supplements a patient’s existing leg strength. The lifting support can help them to attempt standing and walking.
Occupational therapist (OT)
An OT helps patients to develop, improve or restore independence by focusing on activities of daily living (e.g., eating, grooming, bathing, dressing, and safe use of the toilet, tub, and shower). They help patients to regain the ability to engage in activities that have personal meaning and value. When appropriate, they can also help patients get back to independent activities such as cooking, cleaning, laundry, and other household tasks.
The OT focuses on helping the patient restore upper body function by addressing the range of motion, strengthening tasks, coordination, sensation, endurance, and visual skills. The goal is to help restore the skills that will allow them to get back to their normal daily activities — and to prepare them (and their families) for the return home.
We also employ occupational therapy assistants (OTAs) and certified occupational therapy assistants (COTAs). These professionals work with OTs and may assist patients with performing exercises, teaching them how to use certain types of equipment and other activities.
When working with an OT, patients may use different types of treatments and equipment, including:
