What is Physical Therapy?

Physical therapy: A branch of rehabilitative health that uses specially designed exercises and equipment to help patients regain or improve their physical abilities.
Common Conditions Treated with Physical Therapy

• Joint replacement surgery
• Fractures
• Low back pain
• Neck Pain
• Knee, ankle, or foot problems
• Sprains and muscle strains
• Arthritis
• Cardiac Rehabilitation
• Orthopedic injury and conditions
• Stroke/CVA rehabilitation
• Balance problems & deficits
• Incontinence

The goals of physical therapy include:

• Improve recovery of function after joint replacements and fractures
• Restore or improve the ability to ambulate (walk) and function
• Strengthen the body affected by injury/illness
• Reduce pain
• Education and prevention of injury

Physical Therapists are the experts in the examination of treatment of musculoskeletal and neuromuscular problems that affect people’s abilities to move and function as well they want in daily living. Physical therapists work with many types of patients, from infants born with musculoskeletal birth defects, to adults suffering from joint replacement, fractures, orthopedic conditions or the after- effects of injury, to elderly post-stroke/ CVA patients.
Physical Therapy Professionals:

• Physical Therapist, Doctorate of Physical Therapy (PT, DPT)
• Physical Therapy Assistant (PTA, RPTA)
  

What is Speech Therapy?

Speech language pathology (Speech Therapy) is the study, diagnosis and treatment of defects and disorders of the voice and of spoken and written communication. Speech therapy also evaluates and treats neurological and physical disorders and conditions caused by injury or illness, such as Dysphagia (problems swallowing, Apraxis and Dysarthria.
Common Conditions Treated with Speech Therapy

• CVA / Stroke Recovery
• Dysarthria
• Apraxia
• Aphasia
• Dysphagia
• Throat and Esophogeal Cancer
• Dementia
• Alzheimer’s
• Parkinson’s
• Huntington’s

The goals of speech therapy include:

• Communicate wants and needs effectively
• Modify diet needs to improve functioning and the least restrictive
• Reducing disability
• Improve understanding and comprehension

Speech Language Pathology Professionals:

• Speech Language Pathologist (SLP/CCC, SLP, Speech Therapist)
  

What is Occupational Therapy?

Occupational Therapy uses goal-directed activity in the evaluation and treatment of persons whose ability to function is impaired by normal aging, illness, injury or developmental disability. Treatment goals in occupational therapy include the promotion of functional independence, prevention of disability.
Common Conditions Treated in Occupational Therapy

• Neurological conditions and injuries
• Alzheimer’s & Dementia
• Joint replacement surgery
• Fractures
• Upper extremity injuries
• Neck Pain
• Arthritis
• Cardiac Rehabilitation
• Orthopedic injury and conditions
• Stroke/CVA rehabilitation

What are the Goals of Occupational Therapy?

• Restore, maintain or improve activities of daily living (ADL’s)
• Participate in meaningful work, leisure and social activities
• Cope with physical and emotional effects of disabilities
• Prevent further deterioration through techniques such as energy conservation and joint protection
• Identify strengths and abilities to compensate for losses
• Evaluate home environment for safe living and daily functioning

Occupational Therapy Professionals:

• Occupational Therapist (OT, OTR, OTR/L)
• Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA, OTA)
  

How is "Contract Therapy" different from "In-house Therapy"?

The majority of health care providers contract some or all of their services. For example, in a long term care setting, the food, pharmacy and medical supplies are contracted by providers that are 100% invested in their product and services. Therapy is no different. An “in-house” program is where the facility hires each therapist as an employee of the building. A “contract therapist” is hired by a contract rehabilitation provider, but works in the building on a daily basis. With a strong rehab partner, your staff, residents and community should not know the difference. AccucareTX therapists observe the same principles, guidelines, dress codes and quality measures as the facility mandates for their own employees.
Just as you would contract out specialists of their trade to come into your home (electrician, plumber) hundreds of long term care providers and rural hospitals also seek out health care partners that are 100% invested in their specialty such as physical, occupational and speech therapy.