Rehabilitation Services

Anything keeping you from your optimum mobility and motion for daily tasks - whether that's pain, problems with balance, or physical limitations - is an opportunity to experience the benefits of physical therapy.

Many people think of physical therapy as a path to rehabilitation following a major medical trauma – like a stroke or heart attack, or a car or workplace accident – or surgery, and that's one of their primary roles. However, physical therapists can also act independently of traumatic situation, offering excellent non-surgical, drug-free options for conditions ranging from back pain and muscle tears to degenerative bone conditions like osteoarthritis and diseases such as Parkinson's or cerebral palsy.

It's important that you are willing and able to work collaboratively with your physical therapist, since the plan of care developed for you is usually developed with you. Treatment by a physical therapist is rarely a passive activity, and participating in your own recovery is usually very rewarding.

FHN physical therapy begins with an assessment of the patient's condition, performed by a physical therapist. A physical therapist works with patients to establish a plan of care and personal goals, focusing on maximizing function. Physical therapy services are available for patients of any age, from pediatric to geriatric.

If you are in pain or experiencing swelling, getting those issues under control will be the first order of business. This may require manual therapy (massage or manipulation), educating you about how your body works (or doesn't), or techniques such as heat, cold, ultrasound, electrical stimulation, and aquatherapy (exercising in water).

Because this field of care is working to restore or optimize your physical movements, physical therapy almost always includes exercise, which might be stretching, weight lifting, or movements like walking or swimming that are specific to your injury, illness, condition, or that can help prevent future health problems. Your physical therapist will probably teach you how to exercise on your own so that you can continue to improve once your course of therapy is complete.

FHN physical therapists provide evaluation and treatment for patients of all ages. Based on your needs, your physical therapy team could include doctors, nurses, various types of therapists, psychologists or other behavioral health professionals, social workers, and others. FHN therapists can help you navigate various healthcare channels to develop the best possible plan of care. A referral from your healthcare provider is needed for FHN physical therapy services.

Some physical therapists are board-certified in areas such as orthopedics, sports, and neurology, or may offer more specialized care such as cardiac rehabilitation or treatment focused on children, the elderly or women's health. Some physical therapists also use devices such as prosthetics (artificial limbs), orthotics (braces and supports), or other equipment.