Physical Therapy

At Good Shepherd Rehabilitation, we understand the crucial role that physical therapy plays in helping individuals regain their mobility, independence, and overall quality of life. Our dedicated team of professionals is committed to providing comprehensive physical therapy services tailored to your unique needs. Whether you’re recovering from an injury, surgery or living with a chronic condition, we’re here to support your journey to improved physical health and well-being.

What is Physical Therapy?

Physical therapy is a specialized service that focuses on improving an individual’s physical function, reducing pain and enhancing overall well-being. At Good Shepherd Rehabilitation, we believe in the power of movement and its ability to transform lives. Our physical therapy services encompass a wide range of conditions, from post-surgical rehabilitation to the management of chronic pain and orthopedic disorders.

Conditions Treated by Physical Therapy

Physical therapy is a comprehensive field that addresses a wide range of musculoskeletal and physical conditions. Conditions treated by physical therapy include, but are not limited to:

1. Orthopedic Injuries: This includes conditions such as fractures, sprains, strains, and injuries related to muscles, bones, joints, and ligaments.
2. Post-Surgical Rehabilitation: Physical therapy is essential for post-operative recovery, helping patients regain strength, mobility and function after surgeries such as joint replacements, ligament repairs and spine surgery.
3. Back and Neck Pain: Physical therapy can help manage and alleviate chronic or acute pain in the back and neck, including conditions like herniated discs and degenerative disc disease.
4. Arthritis: Physical therapy plays a crucial role in managing pain, improving joint mobility and enhancing the overall quality of life for individuals with arthritis, including osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
5. Sports Injuries: Athletes with injuries like sprains, strains, tendonitis and overuse injuries often benefit from physical therapy to recover and prevent future issues.
6. Neurological Conditions: Physical therapists work with individuals affected by conditions like stroke, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis and spinal cord injuries to improve mobility, balance and functional abilities.
7. Pediatric Conditions: Children with developmental delays, congenital conditions or injuries often receive physical therapy to address motor skill deficits and improve their mobility.
8. Chronic Pain: Physical therapists help individuals manage chronic pain conditions, such as fibromyalgia, complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) and chronic low back pain.
9. Balance and Gait Disorders: Physical therapy is used to enhance balance and coordination and reduce the risk of falls, especially in the elderly population.
10. Vestibular Disorders: Vestibular physical therapy can help individuals with inner ear disorders or other balance problems regain equilibrium and reduce dizziness.
11. Lymphedema: Physical therapists with specialized training can assist individuals with lymphedema in managing and reducing swelling through manual lymphatic drainage and other techniques.
12. Injury Prevention: Physical therapists work with individuals to prevent injuries and enhance physical performance, especially in athletes and those with physically demanding jobs.
13. Work-Related Injuries: Individuals who have sustained injuries in the workplace often undergo physical therapy to facilitate recovery and return to work safely.
14. Geriatric Care: Physical therapists provide care to older adults to address mobility and functional limitations associated with aging.
15. Pre- and Postnatal Care: Physical therapists offer exercises and guidance for pregnant individuals to manage pain and prepare for labor. They also help with postnatal recovery.
16. Amputations: Physical therapists assist individuals who have undergone amputations in adapting to prosthetics and regaining functional mobility.

These are some of the many conditions that physical therapy can effectively treat. Physical therapists create personalized treatment plans to meet the unique needs and goals of each patient, focusing on restoring or enhancing physical function, mobility, and overall well-being.

The Work We Do:

Our team of skilled physical therapists at Good Shepherd Rehabilitation works collaboratively with you to achieve your personal goals and enhance your physical abilities. Here’s an overview of the work we do:

• Assessment and Diagnosis: We begin with a comprehensive evaluation of your physical health, which allows us to pinpoint your specific challenges and create a personalized treatment plan.
• Customized Treatment Plans: Based on your assessment, our physical therapists develop individualized therapy programs that target your unique needs, whether it’s improving mobility, strength, balance or pain management.
• Exercise and Rehabilitation: We guide you through exercises and techniques that help build strength, flexibility and endurance, fostering better physical health and functionality.
• Pain Management: For individuals dealing with chronic pain, our physical therapy techniques are designed to alleviate discomfort and enhance your overall well-being.
• Orthopedic Rehabilitation: Whether you’ve had joint replacement surgery or are recovering from an orthopedic injury, we provide specialized rehabilitation to help you regain mobility and restore function.

The Role of Physiatrists in Physical Therapy:

Physiatrists, or physical medicine and rehabilitation physicians, play a vital role in our physical therapy programs. They specialize in diagnosing and managing conditions that affect the musculoskeletal and nervous systems. Working alongside our physical therapists, physiatrists help develop and oversee your treatment plan, ensuring the most comprehensive care for your specific needs.

Getting Started with Physical Therapy:

Beginning your journey to improved physical health with Good Shepherd Rehabilitation is a straightforward process:

1. Referral: Obtain a referral from your primary care physician, specialist, or healthcare professional. They will help determine if physical therapy is necessary for your condition.
2. Evaluation: After receiving your referral, we will schedule an initial evaluation. During this session, we’ll assess your physical health and develop a personalized therapy plan tailored to your unique goals.
3. Therapy Sessions: Once the evaluation is complete and your treatment plan is in place, you can begin your therapy sessions. Our dedicated physical therapists will guide you through every step, offering support, encouragement and expertise.
4. Progress and Follow-up: We closely monitor your progress throughout your therapy, making any necessary adjustments to your treatment plan to ensure the best possible outcomes. Our goal is to help you achieve your physical health and well-being goals.

PT Now/Direct Access

Depending on your condition, Good Shepherd’s PT Now program offers fast, convenient pain relief. No doctor referral is needed. After your initial evaluation, your Good Shepherd physical therapist may ask that you consult your primary care physician or specialist, depending on your needs. Don’t have a physician? We can help schedule an appointment with a Good Shepherd physician who specializes in physical medicine and rehabilitation.