Physical Therapy

In the healthcare setting, physical therapy is of great importance for the well-being of individuals with compromised health, whether they are receiving it due to a chronic disease process or a surgical procedure, there are various conditions that may warrant the need for this service.  If you or a loved one is admitted into a hospital with a condition such as pneumonia, this may cause you to be immobile for a certain time period.  Furthermore, once you are on the mend you may possibly find yourself weaker than normal from the short immobility, and this is where physical therapy services come into play.  At this point in your situation where your strength needs to be improved and restored, a physical therapist (PT) and/or a physical therapist assistant (PTA), will become involved in your plan of care among the other members of the healthcare team.  As compared with treatment such as occupational therapy, physical therapy aims to remediate any impairments or disabilities you have sustained and promote mobility, functional ability, quality of life and movement potential.

The Physical Therapist provides skilled therapy interventions in the treatment of the patient illness, rehabilitative needs and preventative care.  He/she utilizes a holistic approach in the provision of ongoing assessments, problem identification and specific therapeutic interventions, teaching and training activities.  The Physical Therapist is responsible to provide service in accordance with accepted standards of clinical practice, to facilitate problem solution, and thereby, the achievement of individualized patient goals and outcomes.

Physical therapy is a type of treatment you or your loved one may receive when your well-being has become compromised either with an illness or from a surgical procedure; physical therapy is generally in conjunction with other treatment types dependent upon your unique situation.  The therapy services provided will work diligently toward goals set specifically for you.  Mainly the goal will be to ensure better movement for you in the targeted body areas so that you may once again perform daily routines as usual.  The services provided may also help to relieve any pain you may have been experiencing.  One must be motivated and other underlying conditions must be treated beforehand, such as illness or pain. This will ensure the individuals are comfortable and ready to participate, so the most optimal results are observed from the physical therapy services performed.

Physical therapy may help one to recover after some surgeries; a total knee replacement or rotator cuff surgery, for example.  Your provider may also suggest physical therapy services for you if you sustain certain injuries, or if you have long-term health problems such as arthritis or COPD that may progressively cause deterioration in your functional status.  If you have a long-term health problem such as COPD, physical therapy services can help you to develop alternative ways for you to manage your daily tasks easier, through the difficulty breathing and fatigue you will experience along the way.

Once referred for therapy services by your provider, you will be placed under the care of a physical therapist (PT).  He or she will then work to perform a thorough examination and communicate with you regarding your symptoms to get a general idea of what used to be your normal daily activity functional status.  From the information the PT gathers, a treatment plan and measurable goals, specific for you, will be established for your journey.  The goals will be set with a time frame and will provide you with an understanding of how you should be progressing with the services being provided.  Setting goals, in a sense, serves as a motivator for some individuals because they can track their progression and know what additional steps they need to take to achieve the end result.  The goals will focus on helping increase maneuverability in your joints and to restore/increase any flexibility, strength, endurance, coordination, and balance that you may have lost due to your health situation.  At first a PT usually tries to decrease any pain or swelling that you may be experiencing, if any, so that you are comfortable maintain motivation to participate in the exercises.  Pain and swelling relief may be accomplished by the use of heat, cold, water, ultrasound, or electrical stimulation as tolerated by you and per the discretion of your PT and provider.  Physical therapy almost always includes exercise.  It can include stretching, core exercises, weight lifting, and walking.  With Total Home Health and for your independence in your home, your physical therapist may also teach you an exercise program that is safe and can be done without their supervision in between their visits to help reach your goals as quickly and efficiently as possible.

Do not be alarmed, however please be advised that physical therapy services may cause mild soreness or swelling.  This response is normal, however if you should have any concerns please do not hesitate to consult with your physical therapist or provider.  The goal is that upon discharge of the physical therapy services that you have met each goal that was set as part of your treatment plan with a positive outcome, and that your functional status and mobility has returned to normal so that you may safely perform your own daily routines independently.

Total Home Health has a program available to provide physical therapy services in the home for individuals once they are referred by their primary physician.  Skilled professional visits will be performed per your unique treatment plan so that you can regain your functional independence.  Remember, with Total Home Health you are not alone in your journey; our compassionate staff are here for you every step of the way!