Rehabilitation Services

Newspaper Column

October is National Physical Therapy Month! For many of us, our image of a physical therapist is someone helping us walk. But, the scope of physical therapy is much broader.

Physical therapy is the evaluation and treatment of numerous physical conditions of all age groups. The aim of physical therapy is to restore movement and function, relieve pain, prevent illness and injury, and help people lead more active and independent lives.

Physical therapy treats people with musculoskeletal disorders such as neck strains or knee injuries; neurological deficits such as stroke patients or cerebral palsy children; and skin disorders such as wounds, burns or diabetic foot ulcers.

Physical therapy is active in cardiac care by monitoring and progressing patients after a heart attack or with cardiovascular difficulties. PT is also active in the rehabilitation of pulmonary patients.

Physical therapy includes practice in sports medicine, fitness and health, the performing arts, industrial screenings, and with women’s health issues such as pregnancy or incontinence issues.

Physical therapy is available in a variety of settings. At HSC Medical Center, we are well served by an excellent team of physical therapists in the acute, rehab, outpatient, and home health settings. According to Dennis Morris, PT, the number of physical therapists serving Hot Spring County has grown from only one in 1976 to at least 14 physical therapists at work each day in this county.

Please join me in acknowledging the physical therapists in our community during this recognition month!

Ann Gasper is the marketing coordinator for the rehabilitation program at HSC Medical Center.