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Let’s Get You Moving
Physical Therapists assist Veterans in performing everyday functions and movements.
Friday, October 18, 2013
October is National Physical Therapy month. VA Boston Healthcare System’s Physical Therapy Department is at the forefront of providing excellent evidenced based practice to help our veterans achieve highest functional mobility goals and improve quality of life. Physical therapists (PT) treat multiple conditions and as part of the rehab services is a vital and integral part of the healthcare team. PTs are movement experts who evaluate, diagnose, treat and prevent impairments and conditions that limit your ability to move and function in daily life. They restore motion, help people regain strength, flexibility, improve balance, decrease falls, decrease pain and return to prior level of independence.
Our PTs apply strong evidence in current research and use proven techniques using the latest innovations to provide the highest level of care to our veterans. All our PTs have graduate degrees, most have clinical doctorate and many have specialties. These include concentrations in vestibular rehab at Jamaica Plain Campus, lymphadema management at Lowell Campus, amputee clinic and urinary incontinence at West Roxbury and specialty wheelchair/seating clinics at all Jamaica Plain, West Roxbury and Brockton Campuses.
Often PTs can help you reduce pain without medication. Our PTs use various treatments including electric stimulation (TENS, Bioness), robotic and assistive technologies for pain reduction, gait training, orthotic and prosthetic training. Our exercise equipment includes specialized Pilates equipment, nu-step, Biodex balance, and Nautilus to assist veterans with exercises targeted to meet function-driven goals.
In addition to treating specific diseases, your PT will design a personal fitness and wellness-oriented program to prevent injury and disability.
Common diagnoses treated by PTs are:
• arthritis
• neck, back and other chronic or joint pain
• difficulty walking
• osteoporosis
• total hip and knee replacements
• overuse injuries
• stroke, Parkinson’s and other neurological disorders
• sprains/strains and fractures
• amputations
• spinal cord injuries
While you’re in the hospital, you physician will determine if you need inpatient physical therapy services to help you return home. If you are living in the community and feel you could benefit from outpatient PT, please contact your VA healthcare provider for a referral to our West Roxbury, Jamaica Plain, Lowell or Brockton PT clinics.
