Physically debilitating injuries can be difficult on the victims, but with
appropriate rehabilitation they can feel more in control of the situation
and possibly work towards a complete recovery. Butler Health System has
several well-resourced physical therapy centers where our diversely experienced
medical team teaches patients new exercises that ease the pain and long-term
effects of an injury.
After assessing your strength, flexibility, range of motion, and other
factors, our physical therapists create a new rehabilitation routine tailored
to your specific injuries and goals. In addition to on-site assistance,
we provide patients with instructions for at-home exercises so that they
can continue the therapy on their own time.
Treatable Conditions
Therapy uses physical methods, such as massage, exercises, cold, heat,
and more to improve circulation, strengthen muscles, and restore mobility.
Our physical therapists are trained in the use of a variety of rehabilitation
techniques, including aqua therapy and balance therapy.
A doctor will typically recommend if your injury could benefit from physical
therapy. If you believe your injury could benefit from rehabilitation
it never hurts to ask. When meeting with a physical therapist you can
discuss what you hope to accomplish and receive realistic goals and timelines
for recovery.
BHS offers a full range of therapy modalities, including:
Aquatherapy - Patients undergoing aquatherapy
perform a variety of exercises in a heated pool designed for therapeutic
services. This is a gentler form of physical therapy, ideal for patients
having a difficult time with more strenuous exercises. Water-based exercises
cushion a patient’s movement, allowing them to increase their strength,
flexibility, and balance, without pain or discomfort. It is commonly used
as a treatment for arthritis, joint replacement recovery, and multiple
trauma conditions.
Arthritis, Fibromyalgia, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome & Tennis Elbow - Physical therapy is one of the most effective treatments for arthritis,
carpal tunnel syndrome, and similar conditions. Exercises are designed
to improve the body’s movement without experiencing pain. Depending
on the severity of your condition, exercises may be very low impact to
help you gradually work into great flexibility without too much discomfort.
Patients also learn about using canes, wrist braces, hot and cold therapy,
and proper posture.
Balance Therapy - Intense surgeries, inner ear injuries, and aging can all make it difficult
for a person to maintain balance. Balance therapy
is designed to help patient’s maintain balance through exercises
and mental techniques. This is an important form of therapy, as long your
balance could result in a fall and cause serious damage. BHS therapists
carefully evaluate a patient’s condition and create a customized
plan to help them overcome their balance issues. The goal of this therapy
is to improve a patient’s physical and functional ability, increase
flexibility, and teach techniques to overcome a disability.
Hip Fractures - A hip fracture greatly limits your ability to move without pain. Thankfully,
physical therapists are trained to overcome this limitation. With slow,
low impact exercises designed by a professional, you can strengthen your
hip. You may be instructed on how to properly use a cane or walker to
avoid straining the hip. Be sure to follow the therapist’s directions
very carefully. Letting the condition worsen could result in the need
for a hip replacement.
Lower Back Pain - Suffering pain in the lower back can be extremely debilitating. It severely
limits your flexibility and could impact your ability to walk. There are
a number of stretches and exercises specifically designed to overcome
this condition. A physical therapist can monitor your progress and help
you perform the exercises properly.
Neck Pain - It is best to have a neck condition treated by a professional physical
therapist or chiropractor. They can perform a full assessment of the neck’s
condition and recommend appropriate treatment. Neck pain remedies include
deep tissue massage, neck strengthening exercises, and learning good posture
for sitting and lying down. Make sure you see a doctor about the condition,
as it may be the result of a vascular problem, which impacts what kind
of exercises you can and cannot do.
Sport Injuries - It is crucial for athletes to receive proper treatment after a sports injury.
As tempting as it may be to run back on the field as soon as you start
feeling a little better, doing so with an injury that has not totally
healed can further complicate the problem. With a sports-centered physical
therapy program, you and your trainer will work with the specific goal
of returning to prime playing condition. This means a customized plan
will be developed to overcome your injury and get back in the game.
Stroke, Parkinson’s Disease & Other Neurological Conditions - A special form of physical therapy, called neurological therapy, is used
to address the physical and behavioral problems accompanying strokes,
Parkinson’s disease, and other neurological conditions. After assessing
a patient’s conditions, therapists will create a treatment designed
to overcome limited mobility. This form of therapy may involve improving
a patient’s social skills to help them better interact with the
people around them.
Surgery Recovery - Surgery can take a toll on your body. It is not uncommon to experience
pain or decreased flexibility after a major operation. Working with a
physical therapist to monitor your exercises is important. You do not
want to do anything too vigorous that will reopen or exacerbate a wound.
A therapist will keep track of the amount of pain or discomfort you experience,
and prescribe appropriate treatments to manage these problems.
Total Joint Replacement Program - Your recovery from joint replacement surgery should start before the operation
even takes place. Pre-operative physical therapy allows you to do that.
Research shows that attending pre-operative physical therapy can help
to reduce the amount of post-surgical care and lead to faster and more
efficient recoveries.
Benefits of the Total Joint Replacement Program:
Meet your physical therapy team and learn important home exercises to get
a head-start on your recovery
Assess and identify balance impairments and improve balance prior to surgery
to enhance safety
Plan your post-operative goals with your physical therapy team
Work hands-on with physical therapists and physical therapy assistants,
at each session, to regain motion and strength, and improve transfers,
gait, and overall function
We also offer aquatic physical therapy for patients after all areas have
healed following surgery
BHS Foundation