The Role of the Physical Therapist at Home: Movement Is Medicine

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Interim Healthcare of Sarasota

For more information about the author, click to view their website: Interim Healthcare of Sarasota

Posted on

Aug 04, 2023

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Physical therapists (PT) are an integral part of a patient’s home healthcare team, particularly for patients who are recovering from a surgery or illness that resulted in the loss of function or mobility. Physical therapists play a huge role in improving the quality of life for patients who are healing at home and learning to regain form and function, they can live independently and return to performing the activities they enjoy.

 

October is observed as National Physical Therapy Month, and it’s the perfect time to celebrate our Interim HealthCare physical therapists, who are such an important part of our home healthcare team. 

 

What does a home health physical therapist do?

Home health physical therapists visit patients in their homes to provide a wide range of rehabilitative services. Some common responsibilities of a home physical therapist include:

 

  • Performing hands-on therapy using appropriate therapeutic exercises, gait training, and functional mobility training for certain orthopedic and neurological conditions
  • Instructing patients on the safe and effective use of adaptive devices and durable medical equipment (DME)
  • Teaching patients how to effectively transfer from the bathtub, chair and bed
  • Conducting balance training and providing instruction for safe stair-climbing
  • Performing home safety evaluations

Why become a home health physical therapist?

Many patients who are recovering from a serious illness, injury or surgery can benefit from home health physical therapy, especially if they aren’t able to leave home due to medical restrictions. A career as a home healthcare physical therapist can be very fulfilling and rewarding.
 

A few benefits of working as a home health PT include:

 

  • Enjoy building relationships with patients and their families.
  • Compensation is typically very rewarding and competitive for home health PT positions
  • Experience a less stressful environment as compared to hectic outpatient or inpatient settings.
  • Experience the fulfillment that comes from making a difference in the lives of others every day.
  • Enjoy a flexible work schedule with assignments to fit your needs.

Why work for Interim HealthCare?

So, you’re a physical therapist, and you’ve decided that home health is the right place for you. Why should you choose to work for Interim HealthCare? Here are just a few reasons physical therapists choose Interim over other home healthcare agencies.
 

Interim HealthCare has been around for 50 years. And, we have a great reputation. 

We are the nation’s first home care company. As a leader in our industry, we’ve been matching skilled healthcare professionals and compassionate caregivers like you to clients and patients in their homes since 1966. While we are national in scope, we operate through 300+ locally-owned offices that are passionate about providing the kind of personalized care you can’t find anywhere else.
 

You can work with top home healthcare professionals. 

At Interim HealthCare, we are a family of healthcare professionals and caregivers focused on improving the lives of the individuals we serve. As a physical therapist, you will be working with an entire healthcare team that is focused on the same goal–providing the very best care for our patients and clients. We only hire the best providers to care for our patients. So when you work for Interim HealthCare, you are working with the best in the business.
 

You can earn competitive compensation and benefits.

To keep you at your best, we offer some of the most competitive benefits and compensation packages in the industry. Just a few of the benefits our home healthcare providers enjoy include:

 

  • Flexible Schedule
  • Rewarding assignments
  • Positive work culture
  • Steady hours
  • Training & growth opportunities
  • Tuition discounts
  • Competitive pay
  • Autonomy

You can experience a healthy work-life balance

At Interim HealthCare, work-life balance is a top priority. Whether you’re a full-time physical therapist with our company or picking up shifts here and there, we will work with you to ensure your work schedule is not overwhelming.
 

You were made for this.

At Interim HealthCare, we are a family of healthcare professionals and caregivers focused on improving lives through home-based care. It’s who we are. If you feel called to serve, help, support, care and connect with others, you bear the DNA of a home care professional, too. Don’t take our word for it; listen to our healthcare professionals share their stories. Then click here to check out the job opportunities with Interim HealthCare in your area.

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Activities that once felt effortless, such as walking, climbing stairs, or getting out of a chair, may become difficult when muscles are weak or joints are stiff.For older adults in Tillman's Corner and the surrounding Mobile area, physical therapy can provide a structured approach to improving everyday function.The Orthopaedic Group Therapy Tillman's Corner offers outpatient rehabilitation designed to address movement limitations, injuries, postoperative recovery, and spine-related concerns.Located in western Mobile County, the clinic provides a community-based rehabilitation option for people working toward greater mobility and independence.What Is Mobility-Focused Physical Therapy?Mobility-focused physical therapy addresses limitations affecting movement and daily activities.Therapists assess strength, balance, flexibility, walking patterns, and functional abilities.Treatment plans are individualized.Common Reasons for RehabilitationThese include:Difficulty walkingReduced 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practice's therapy department.Its certified therapists provide conservative injury treatment, preoperative and postoperative treatment, and spine care and management.Orthopedic RehabilitationTherapy addresses appropriate conditions involving bones, joints, muscles, and movement.Postoperative TherapyPatients recovering from orthopedic procedures may need strengthening and movement training.Spine RehabilitationCertain back and neck problems may benefit from individualized therapy.Occupational TherapyThe practice lists occupational therapy services across selected therapy clinics, including Tillman's Corner.These services may address functional activities and upper-extremity concerns.Verified Tillman's Corner LocationThe Orthopaedic Group Therapy Tillman's CornerAddress: 5201 Highway 90 West, Suite A, Mobile, AL 36619Phone: 251-450-1280Website: https://www.theorthogroup.comThe official current locations directory identifies this address for the Tillman's Corner therapy clinic.Why Physical Therapy Matters in Western Mobile CountyTillman's Corner serves residents in the southern and western portions of the Mobile area.Older adults may need transportation to healthcare appointments, shopping, family events, and other activities.When mobility becomes difficult, maintaining independence can require additional support.Convenient Rehabilitation AccessA neighborhood therapy location may make regular appointments easier to coordinate.Supporting Family CaregiversTherapists may educate families about appropriate movement precautions and home exercises.Maintaining Everyday FunctionRehabilitation may help patients improve strength and mobility for tasks such as walking, standing, and transferring.Physical Therapy After HospitalizationSome older adults experience weakness after a hospital stay.Extended inactivity, illness, or surgery may reduce strength and endurance.A medical provider can determine whether outpatient physical therapy is appropriate.Rebuilding StrengthTherapeutic exercise may help address muscle weakness.Walking TrainingPatients may work on walking mechanics and endurance.Functional TransfersTherapy may include standing from a chair or moving safely between positions.Balance TrainingSome patients need additional work on stability and coordination.Rehabilitation After Orthopedic SurgeryFollowing certain surgeries, physical therapy may help restore appropriate function.The program depends on the procedure and medical restrictions.Patients should follow the surgeon's instructions.Joint Replacement RecoveryRehabilitation may address strength, movement, and walking.Shoulder Surgery RecoverySome procedures require movement restrictions during early healing.Fracture RecoveryRehabilitation may begin when medically appropriate.Improving Mobility at HomeHome environments can influence everyday movement.Families may consider:Clear walking pathsAdequate lightingStable furnitureAppropriate footwearSafe bathroom arrangementsProperly fitted mobility equipmentA healthcare professional can recommend changes based on the patient's needs.The Importance of Home Exercise ProgramsPhysical therapy often involves exercises between appointments.These should be performed according to the therapist's recommendations.Follow the Prescribed PlanAvoid adding difficult exercises without guidance.Monitor SymptomsReport worsening pain, dizziness, or other concerning changes.Track Functional ProgressProgress may involve walking farther, standing more easily, or completing familiar tasks with greater confidence.When Mobility Problems Need Medical AttentionSudden weakness, inability to walk, severe pain, or new neurological symptoms may require urgent evaluation.Physical therapy should not replace appropriate medical assessment.Patients should also discuss persistent or worsening limitations with their healthcare provider.Expert Tip for Mobility RecoveryExpert Tip: Focus rehabilitation goals on the activities you want to regain. 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Does The Orthopaedic Group have a clinic in Tillman's Corner?Yes. Its official locations directory lists the therapy office at 5201 Highway 90 West, Suite A.4. Can older adults benefit from strength training?Many older adults can improve strength through appropriately designed exercise programs.5. How can patients schedule physical therapy?Contact The Orthopaedic Group's therapy department at 251-450-1280.Take the Next Step Toward Greater MobilityMobility supports independence, confidence, and meaningful daily activities.When injury, surgery, or illness creates physical limitations, appropriate rehabilitation may help patients regain function.The Orthopaedic Group Therapy Tillman's Corner provides outpatient rehabilitation for residents of western Mobile County.Contact the clinic to discuss available services and take an informed step toward improving everyday movement.Featured ProviderThe Orthopaedic Group Therapy Tillman's CornerCategory: Physical TherapyAddress: 5201 Highway 90 West, Suite A, Mobile, AL 36619Phone: 251-450-1280Explore more on SeniorsBlueBook.com.

Physical Therapy for Back Pain in Semmes, AL

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Physical Therapy for Joint Pain in Saraland, AL

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