Physical Therapy

Physical Therapy is the promotion of optimal human health. Physical Therapists do this by restoring movement to traumatized and weakened limbs, promoting independent living, prevention of injuries and patient and family education. Common problems treated by physical therapy include arthritis, fractured hips, stroke and loss of mobility. Goals of therapy may include the reduction of pain, improvement of body movement, and/or the maintenance of mobility and overall general health. Physical agents utilized in the physical therapy clinic include massage, joint mobilization, electric stimulation, ultrasound, and moist heat modalities to name a few.

Although the physical therapy staff are experts in the field of rehabilitation the overall success of a residents program is not determined exclusively by these health professionals. For success to occur the resident must take an active part in his or her program. Often residents do not only perform therapy in the clinic, they also have a home exercise program, ambulation program or specific techniques to follow to ensure success. One of the primary goals of the physical therapy clinicians is to inform residents of the best way in which they can help themselves lead the most fulfilling life. Education is therefore a vital element to every treatment program.