Featured in the Grunion Gazette -- July 9, 2009

Science of Healing, Art of Caring at Heart of Physical Thearpy

In-Home Physical Therapy Services

What is Physical Therapy?

It's an important question, and the answer will help you understand how a physical therapist can improve your ability to move and function, while also benefiting your general fitness and health.
Physical therapists are experts in "the science of healing and the art of caring." This is what that means:

The Science of Healing

Patients and physicians are demanding the talents of physical therapists for conservative management of a wide variety of conditions. In many cases, patients are being sent to physical therapy instead of surgery.

Physical therapists help people with orthopedic conditions such as low back pain or osteoporosis; joint and soft tissue injuries such as fractures and dislocations; neurologic conditions such as stroke, traumatic brain injury (TBI), Parkinson's disease (PD or Multiple Sclerosis (MS); connective tissue injuries such as burns or wounds; cardiopulmonary and circulatory conditions such as congestive heart failure (CHF) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD); Chronic swelling of a limb (Lymphedema) due to mastectomy, CHF, genetics; and workplace injuries including repetitive stress disorders and sports injuries.

The Art of Caring

The individualized, "hands on" approach that characterizes physical therapist care is highly valued by patients. When a physical therapist sees a patient for the first time, he or she examines that individual and develops a plan of care that promotes the ability to move, reduces pain, restores function, prevents disability and by developing fitness- and wellness-oriented programs for healthier and more active lifestyles. The physical therapist and the patient then work side-by-side to make sure that the goals of the treatment plan are met.
Therapeutic exercise and functional training are the cornerstones of physical therapist treatment. Depending on the particular needs of a patient, physical therapists may "mobilize" a joint (that is, perform certain types of passive movements at the end of the patient's range of motion) or massage a muscle to promote proper movement and function. Physical therapists may use other techniques such as electrotherapy, ultrasound (high-frequency waves that produce heat), hot packs, ice, and Low light laser therapy in addition to other treatments when appropriate.

Physical therapists practice in a variety of settings, including hospitals, private practices, outpatient clinics, home health agencies, schools, sports and fitness facilities, work settings, and nursing homes.

In-Home Physical Therapy allows patients to render services in the comfort of their own home rather than residential, long-term, or institutional-based nursing care. Home services include; Fall Prevention Program; A Home Safety Evaluation; Individualized Programs Increasing Endurance, Flexibility, and Strengthening; as well as Rehabilitation and Functional Training to improve one’s ability to perform daily physical actions, tasks or activities. These programs are specially designed for geriatric patients who may find it difficult to access services outside their home. We provide important interaction and stimulation in a comfortable and caring environment. All necessary tools are provided by the Physical Therapist and brought to each scheduled appointment.

Most people can benefit from physical therapy, whether their condition varies from a simple ankle sprain to a complex neurological disorder. Physical therapy uses non-invasive and non-medical tools to help improve total body function. Physical therapists focus on relieving pain, promoting healing, restoring function and movement, and facilitation and adaptation associated with injury. Therapy also focuses on ergonomics or body mechanic training, fitness, and wellness. So, as you can see, physical therapy can play a role in most people’s lives, including yours.