Physical Therapy is the treatment and prevention of illness and injury by physical means such as exercise, light, cold, heat, water, sound, electronic waves, etc… The goal of physical therapy is to help the patient function as close to normal as possible. Rehabilitation helps the patient maintain strength, regain motion and achieve independence.

Your physician can tell you if physical therapy is right for you.

Bring your physician referral form
You will be evaluated by the therapist
Your treatment program will be designed
Your appointment schedule will be arranged
In most cases, the sooner physical therapy begins after the injury the shorter the recovery phase

Examples of some diseases or problems that physical therapy may treat are:
* Arthritis * Whiplash
* Sprains * Post-Delivery
* Strains * Post-op Knee Amputation
* Bursitis * Diabetic Sores
* Tendonitis * Soreness from a Vehicle Accident
* Strokes * Frozen Shoulder
* Back Pain * Stiffness After an Injury
* Burns

The ultimate goal of physical therapy is aimed at restoring physical efficiency via functional training. This is to help the permanently disabled people achieve the most independence in activities of daily living. Treatments available at the Ashley County Medical Center Physical Therapy Department are:

* Balance Activities * Lymphedema Management
* Hot Pack * Electrical Stimulation
* Ice Pack * Intermittent Traction
* Contrast Bath * TENS
* Whirlpool Bath * Massage
* Ultrasound * Diathermy
* Exercise * Daily Living Activities
* Gait Training * Burn Therapy
* Phonophoresis * Iontophoresis

For more information about the physical therapy department call Kathy Launius, PT (Director), Teri Johnson, PT, Cathy Smith, OTR, or Sherry Walker, PTA at 870-364-1243.


10 Tips for a Healthier Back

Most back strain results from making the back do more than it has the strength to do.

The majority of back strains heal when re-straining the back is avoided

As the swayed-in position of the lower back is it’s weakest point, to avoid strain means to avoid increasing the curve in the lower back.

When doing anything that requires standing, place one foot on something that will bend the knee and hip and flatten the lower back.

When sitting, keep one or both knees higher than the hips. When driving a car, keep the seat close to the pedals to elevate the knees.

Do bending exercises to strengthen the abdominal muscles to improve low back sway.

Consult a physician about how to detect and correct back weakening deficiencies or diseases.

General exercise is necessary to prevent weakness from lack of use, however, do NOT go beyond your endurance.

Remedial exercises should be done before excessive general exercise is attempted if you have more than the average lower back sway.

Weight control is very important. The smaller the waistline, the smaller the strain on the lower back