Physical Therapy

Physical therapists help patients with TBI regain functions such as:

• Getting in and out of bed.
• Changing their position in bed.
• Sitting down.
• Rising to stand.
• Walking.
• Using a wheelchair.

Physical therapy typically consists of strengthening exercises, stretching, transfer training, wheelchair mobility training and gait/walking training.

LSVT BIG therapy is a research-based approach for patients with Parkinson's disease. Exercises are executed by specially trained therapists to facilitate larger-amplitude muscle movements and increase balance in both sitting and standing. This teaches the patient to modify movements for greater muscle control and transitions the patient to an independent home exercise program to continue to apply activities learned in therapy.

Improvements with LSVT BIG therapy can include:

• Faster walking with bigger steps.
• Improved balance.
• Increased trunk rotation.

Physical therapy focuses on assisting the patients to use limbs that have been weakened or paralyzed due to stroke. The goal is to ultimately return patients to their fullest functional capabilities.

Physical therapy can help with:

• Balance problems.
• Clumsiness.
• Poor coordination.
• Fatigue.
• Pain.
• Weakness.
• Strategies to save energy.

Ultrasound is used to increase temperature of deep and superficial tissues to:

• Reduce or control pain and muscle spasms.
• Treat tendon and ligament injuries.
• Increase circulation.
• Increase soft tissue extensibility.

Ultrasound can also be used nonthermally to decrease hematomas and acute injuries.

Application of ultrasound in conjunction with a topical drug. The ultrasound is intended to enhance delivery of the drug through the skin.

Application of an electrical current to decrease pain.

Transcutaneous electrical stimulation used for pain control.

Hot packs are used to heat tissue and increase blood flow.

Used to decrease inflammation, pain and swelling typically associated with acute injuries.

Iontophoresis is the use of a low-amplitude direct current to facilitate transdermal drug delivery to decrease pain by the use of patches.

Decreasing disc protrusions, soft tissue stretching, muscle relaxation and joint mobility.

Balance testing and fall prevention for seniors to decrease falls risk.

Discussion of how to keep seniors safe in the home and decrease falls risk.

Teach patients joint protection exercises to improve walking and range of motion and decrease pain.

Tightness to muscle in neck, typically caused in utero. Treatment includes stretching, handling techniques for caregivers, gentle manual therapy, and assisting baby to meet and achieve developmental milestones.

Assess and assist with improving gross motor skills such as:

• Running.
• Jumping.
• Hopping.
• Skipping.
• Balance.
• Coordination.
• Endurance.

Overuse injuries or traumatic acute injuries, such as ankle sprains.

Yes, but there are a few things that need to be done first. Before making your appointment, you will need to see a doctor who will evaluate your needs and write an order for you to start therapy.

Individual insurance policies vary. It is the individual's responsibility to call their insurance provider to discuss coverage. When talking to your insurance provider, inquire about limits on visits and whether prior authorization is needed.

In the state of Minnesota: A patient may be treated by a physical therapist without an order or referral from a physician, chiropractor, dentist, or podiatrist or nurse practitioner for up to 90 days, but always check with your insurance provider to see if services will be covered without a physician referral.

Your first visit will be scheduled for 60 minutes, and any additional visits will be between 30 and 45 minutes.