Throughout a person’s life, it is almost certain that unexpected injuries and illnesses will occur. When an injury is serious enough to disrupt a person’s ability to participate in normal activities such as walking or being self-sufficient, outpatient physical therapy may be necessary.
Physical therapy (PT) is a highly beneficial care option for many individuals and plays a crucial role in the recovery process. To help raise awareness about this important field and the numerous benefits it offers, October is designated as National Physical Therapy Month.
Physical Therapists (PTs) provide services that help restore function, improve ambulation, increase strength and range of motion, relieve pain, and prevent or limit permanent physical disabilities of patients suffering from injuries or disease. They restore, maintain and promote overall fitness and health. Therapists examine patients’ medical histories, then test and measure their strength, range of motion, balance, coordination, posture, muscle performance, respiration and motor function.
PT develops treatment plans that utilize exercises, various exercise equipment, ultrasound, electricity, traction, heat, ice, braces, etc. These services have been provided at the hospital since 1973. PTs treat patients of all ages with neurological and musculoskeletal conditions.
PT is a crucial component for patients who have suffered injuries or are recovering from surgery, but can also be beneficial for those who are battling illnesses or other health conditions. Therapists work one-on-one with patients, utilizing a wide range of techniques and equipment to reduce pain for the patient and strengthen and increase the range of motion of muscles in a part of the body that has been weakened or injured.
PT is beneficial for people of all ages with a wide range of medical or physical conditions. It has many benefits for patients and can help with a wide range of conditions, many of which are common problems, such as neck and back pain. PMC provides PT services for both adults and children.
Some of the most common conditions that can be helped by outpatient physical therapy include:
- Sports injuries
- Repetitive use injuries
- Overuse injuries
- Lymphedema
- Muscular dystrophy
- Neck and back pain
- Osteoporosis
- Headaches
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Parkinson’s disease
- Joint replacement
Physical therapy can also be beneficial for patients experiencing pain from overuse or repetitive strain issues, which can occur over time.
To learn more about physical therapy and other outpatient therapy services available at PMC, please visit https://www.pmcky.org/outpatient-rehabilitation-services or call (606) 430-9300.
PMC Offers the Only Hand Therapy Program in the Region
One of the most common reasons patients participate in outpatient physical and/or occupational therapy services, whether post-surgery, by physician referral or for other reasons is due to an injury to the hand or arm. It is crucial for patients who experience these injuries to receive specialized care to regain the function of their arms and hands to carry on with their careers or with daily tasks. Physical therapists (PTs) at PMC are dedicated to treating hand injuries and helping patients regain mobility in their hands.
Hand therapy can be utilized in overuse injuries, traumatic injuries, fractures, dislocations, crush injuries, burns, arthritis, tendon/nerve injuries and more. PMC has provided hand therapy services for several years, resulting in many patients regaining strength and the ability to resume their daily activities through this specialized service. PMC offers the only high-level hand therapy treatment facility in the region, allowing patients to remain close to home to receive this specialized care. Therapists at PMC utilize a variety of techniques and interventions to treat hand injuries and promote recovery.
The specific methods used are determined by the nature and severity of the injury and the patient’s needs. Treatment plans employ a range of devices such as TENS Units, which stimulate muscle activity and reduce pain, grip strength trainers, manual massage, past range of motion flexing and stretching. Patients also work on performing daily activities such as buttoning a shirt and gripping pens and pencils. Other exercises include using Velcro tool exercise boards, resistance bands and more.
In addition to the medical center’s hand therapy program, the Orthopedic Surgery & Sports Medicine Institute at PMC offers two board-certified hand surgeons. Anil Duggal, MD, FRCSC, FACS, Devesh Sharma, MD and Sydney May, PA-C each specialize in hand surgery, dedicated to treating various injuries, diseases and disorders of the hand.
For more information about the PMC Hand Therapy program, please visit https://www.pmcky.org/outpatient-rehabilitation-services or call (606) 430-9300.
Stay Healthy, Stay In Touch With Your Provider
Staying healthy does not always require physical therapy. Scheduling regular doctor’s appointments is crucial for maintaining a healthy body and lifestyle. A primary care provider can provide treatment for various illnesses, offer preventive screenings, referrals to specialists and more. PMC Outpatient Internal Medicine Physicians, Kamala Ojha, MD, and Ahsen Ali, MD, are currently accepting new patients.
At PMC’s Urgent Care & Family Wellness Center, Dr. Ojha is prepared to treat conditions such as the common cold, flu and other respiratory illnesses. In addition, she helps patients manage various chronic conditions that require long-term care. For special conditions, Dr. Ojha can provide referrals to specialists so patients can receive the specialized treatment they need. Additionally, she can help patients get preventive screenings such as low-dose CT scans, MRIs and more. Conveniently located beside Walmart on Cassady Boulevard, the facility also provides on-site X-rays and offers an on-site laboratory for quick diagnosis and treatment, which Dr. Ojha is ready to provide.
Located at PMC’s Primary Care Clinic in Downtown Pikeville, Dr. Ali is also accepting new patients. He is prepared to treat various illnesses like the common cold, flu, respiratory illness, and other emergent illnesses. He also helps patients manage chronic conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, and more. For special conditions, Dr. Ali can provide referrals to specialists and can help patients get preventive screenings such as low-dose CT scans, MRIs and more.
To schedule an appointment with Dr. Ojha or Dr. Ali, call (606) 430-2213.