Physical Therapy

Physical therapy, also known as physiotherapy, may include exercises, massages and various treatments based on physical stimuli (e.g. heat, cold, electrical currents or ultrasound). The aim of physical therapy is to relieve pain, help you move better or strengthen weakened muscles. Another important goal is to show patients what they can do themselves to improve their own health. The treatment isn’t only done in a practice or hospital: You can and should continue doing it at home yourself.

Physical therapy includes:

• exercises to actively do certain movements yourself,
• guided, passive movements that the therapist does for you, as well as applying pressure (manual therapy and massage), and
• treatments based on physical stimuli such as heat, cold, electrical currents or ultrasound.

These approaches are used to treat acute and chronic symptoms, and also to prevent future problems – or for rehabilitation after long-term medical problems, surgery or injuries.

The most suitable physical therapy approaches will depend on the symptoms and specific medical problem, as well as whether the patient has had the pain for a short time or long time, for instance. Their personal preferences and overall physical fitness will play a role too.

(National Library of Medicine, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK561514/)

Q & A

1. Why is Physical Therapy important?

Physical therapy is an important treatment for multiple conditions and can help you to improve your strength, balance, mobility, recover from injuries and illnesses and decrease pain. Physical therapy can boost your overall health and happiness.

2. Can PT be beneficial even if the doctor/provider does not order it?

Yes, Arizona has Direct Access Laws for Physical therapy, and you can see the therapist without a physician’s order. The therapist will keep your doctor informed on how you’re doing and in the coordination of your care.

3. How can Occupational Therapy help and when is it typically ordered?

Occupational therapy is holistic in its approach to treating individuals. Taking into consideration their daily activities of living, leisure and how illness and or injury impacts function. OT’s frequently see hands and shoulders as well as those suffering from neurological issues.

4. What is the most common reasons PT/ OT is not a successful treatment? Meaning what could cause it to fail?

Lack of participation and or minimal improvement with therapeutic intervention. Sometimes rest, surgery or other medical treatments may need and
then a patient may benefit from treatment from a therapist.

5. What are a few benefits of receiving therapy from WCH as opposed to other locations?

At WCH we offer one on one care for 45 to 60 minutes a session. That’s uncommon in today’s therapy world. In addition, we have hours designed to meet your schedule. We have specialty programs as well, such as pelvic health for both men and women, dry needling a form of pain relief, and a program specifically for the treatment of Parkinson’s patients. In addition, we treat lower back and knee pain, post-surgical recovery, tennis elbow, sciatica and other conditions.

The Rehabilitation Program at Wickenburg Community Hospital is not just about Rehabilitation after a surgical procedure, accident or other condition. It is also about helping you to continue enjoying what you love!