October Is National Physical Therapy Month!

October Is National Physical Therapy Month!

Choose more movement • Choose better health • Choose physical therapy

Rehabilitation Services is extremely proud of its 35 physical therapists, 15 physical therapist assistants and 5 physical therapy aides. We would like to recognize them and the wide range of services and outstanding care both our inpatient and outpatient PT teams provide throughout the year. Thank you for a job well done!

Benefits of Acute Care Physical Therapy

Acute health issues, the sudden and serious onset of medical conditions or injuries, can be overwhelming. Patients will likely be working with a team of medical specialists in a hospital, emergency room, trauma unit, intensive care unit, long-term acute care or skilled nursing facility. Physical therapists (PT) who specialize in acute care are important members of that team ensuring the patient’s safe movement and mobility. Acutely ill patients can experience complications caused by hospitalization, including weakness and mobility issues. Early treatment by a PT can help eliminate or minimize these complications, by helping to optimize mobility and strength during and after the patient’s hospital stay. Here are some of the benefits of working with an acute care physical therapist:

Prevention of decline with early mobility

• Research has shown patients in the hospital are not nearly as active as they are at home, spending 93% to 98% of the time in bed, and walking less than 1,000 steps a day.
• Early mobility during the hospital stay has been shown to lead to numerous positive effects, such as prevention of pneumonia and blood clots.
• Patients in the intensive care unit who receive skilled physical therapist treatment report being more independent with activities, such as rolling in bed, standing, and walking.

PT-prescribed exercise programs improve outcomes and decrease hospital stays

• A PT will perform an evaluation to create an individualized plan to improve strength and physical function to help patients safely become independent and decrease time spent in the hospital.

• Research has shown that if patients follow their PT treatment plan, they may decrease their time in the hospital and chances of being readmitted.
• Studies have shown when a PT's recommendations were not followed, patients were 2.9 times more likely to be readmitted to the hospital.

PTs play a significant role in safe discharge planning

• A PT will screen for continued therapy services after hospital discharge and recommend an appropriate therapy setting to meet the patient’s needs.
• PTs will also educate patients and caregivers on strategies to manage physical activity after leaving the hospital – including how to exercise and move safely at home, and provide training on the use of mobility equipment like walkers, crutches, and canes to encourage independence.

Source: https://www.choosept.com/Resources/Detail/3-benefits-of-acute-care-physical-therapy