Physical Therapy
The main focus of physical therapy in the hospital setting includes but is not limited to:
- Early intervention to promote improved strength and functional mobility skills.
- Prevent complications of immobility such as blood clots, muscle wasting, pneumonia, general weakness, skin breakdown, etc.
- Identify what the next level of care should be (i.e. skilled nursing facility, inpatient rehab, outpatient therapy, etc.) and to also identify the equipment necessary to safely discharge the patient to the next level of care.
Often times during hospitalization, a patient may require assistance with re-training in certain aspects of physical functioning. This includes, but is not limited to:
- Moving around in bed
- Getting in and out of bed
- Getting to the bathroom
- Walking
- Specific strengthening exercises
Physical Therapy treatment may include, but is not limited to:
- Functional training: training for increased independence with movement in and out of bed, walking, and using assistive devices such as a walker.
- Neuromuscular Re-education: facilitating movement for patients with neuromuscular impairments (i.e. a patient who has a weaker limb due to a stroke) using specific techniques and therapeutic approaches.
- Therapeutic exercises: incorporates various methods of exercise to address impairments of flexibility, strength, pain and mobility.
- General function assessment and treatment: to address issues including swelling (edema) and impairments in range of motion, muscle strength, sensation, and coordination of the extremities.
- Pre-operative consultation
- Neurological rehabilitation
- Patient and family education and training
- Referral for additional services