Wednesday, October 19, 2016

VERSAILLES HEALTH CARE CENTER CELEBRATES PHYSICAL THERAPY MONTH

National Physical Therapy Month is a nationwide observance held each October by the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA). National Physical Therapy Month is designed to recognize the impact that physical therapists and physical therapists assistants make in restoring and improving people’s lives through physical therapy. This year’s celebration provides an opportunity to raise awareness about the risks of opioids and physical therapy as a safe alternative. According to APTA, America is in the midst of a devastating opioid epidemic, and physical therapy has been identified as part of the solution by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the US Surgeon General. Physical therapy is a safe, non-opioid alternative to managing chronic pain conditions, including low back pain, hip and knee osteoarthritis, and fibromyalgia.

Physical therapists examine the patients and develop a plan to provide treatment techniques to promote movement, reduce pain, restore function and prevent disability. Physical therapists can also develop fitness and wellness programs for a more healthy and active lifestyle.

Falls among the elderly are prevalent, dangerous, and can diminish their ability to lead an active and independent life. According to the National Aging Council, about one in three seniors above age 65, and nearly one in two seniors over age 80, will fall at least once this year, many times with disastrous consequences. Physical therapists can help prevent falls by designing an individualized program of exercises and activities with an emphasis on strength, flexibility, and proper gait. Balance may be improved with exercises that strengthen the ankle, knee, and hip muscles and with exercises that improve the function of the vestibular (balance) system. The physical therapist also may teach specific strengthening and balance exercises that can be performed at home.

Whether it is working on balance and strengthening to prevent falls, recovering from a stroke or a sports injury, healing after a fractured hip or regaining strength after a recent hospitalization, the physical therapy team at Versailles Health Care Center work together to help their patients achieve the highest level of independence with mobility. The Rehab Clinic at Versailles Health Care Center has three physical therapists on staff, Gina Boerger, Stephanie Goubeaux, and Stephen Winner, as well as five physical therapist assistants, Tayler Crawford, Jennifer Everman, Rachel Francis, Phil Gessner, and Beth Hirn. The Rehab Clinic at VHCC offers inpatient and outpatient physical therapy to people of all ages and is open seven days a week. Specialty programs offered are Parkinson’s Therapy Program, Vestibular (Balance) Rehab Therapy, Sports Medicine, Cardiac Recovery, Pulmonary Rehab, Stroke Recovery, Wound Care, Orthopedic-Joint Replacement Therapy, and much more. If you are interested in learning more about the physical therapy services at The Rehab Clinic at Versailles Health Care Center, call 937-526-0130 or visit www.versailleshealthcare.com.

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