Our team is committed to the excellence in the practice of physical and occupational therapy and appreciates the opportunity to be of service to you. Together we have over 110 years of clinical experience.
Who We Are
Physical therapists (PTs) are licensed health care professionals who diagnose and manage movement dysfunction and enhance physical and functional status in all age populations. Following an examination of individuals with impairments, functional limitations, and disabilities or other health-related conditions, physical therapists design individualized plans of physical therapy care and services for each patient.
Choosing from a broad array of physical therapy interventions, PTs alleviate impairments and functional limitations as well as promote and maintain optimal fitness, physical function, and quality of life as it relates to movement and health. PTs also implement services to reduce risk and prevent the onset of progression of impairments, functional limitations, and disabilities that may result from injury, diseases, disorders, and other health conditions.
Occupational Therapists (OTs) are licensed health care professionals providing services to people of all ages whose lives have been disrupted by physical injury or illness, developmental problems, or the aging process. Occupation refers to any task a person needs to accomplish in his/her daily life.
What We Do
Physical therapists provide care to people of all ages who have functional problems resulting from, for example, back and neck injuries, sprains/strains and fractures, arthritis, burns, amputations, stroke, multiple sclerosis, birth defects such as cerebral palsy and spina bifida, and injuries related to work and sports.
Physical therapy care and services are provided by physical therapists and physical therapist assistants who work under the direction and supervision of a physical therapist. Physical therapists evaluate and diagnose movement dysfunction and use interventions to treat patient/clients.
Interventions may include therapeutic exercise, functional training, manual therapy techniques, assistive and adaptive devices and equipment, and physical agents and electrotherapeutic modalities.
The goal of occupational therapy is to assist individuals in achieving maximum function with work, home, self care, and leisure activities. The aim is to assist those who are temporarily or permanently disabled in becoming as independent as possible while recovering or adapting to their disability.
Where We Practice
Physical and occupational therapists practice in hospitals, outpatient clinics or offices; inpatient rehabilitation facilities; skilled nursing, extended care, or sub-acute facilities; patients’ homes; education or research centers; schools; hospices; industrial workplaces or other occupational environments; fitness centers; and sports training facilities.
Education & Licensure
The minimum educational requirement to become a physical or occupational therapist is a post-baccalaureate degree from an accredited education program. The majority of programs offer a master’s degree, but a growing number offer the Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) degree. After graduation, candidates must pass a state-administered national examination for licensure. State licensure is required in each state in which a physical therapist practices.
American Physical Therapy Association
The American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) in a national professional organization representing more than 63,000 members throughout the United States. The Association’s efforts are directed toward serving its members and the public by increasing the understanding of the physical therapist’s role in the nation’s health care system and by fostering advancements in physical therapy education, practice, and research.
Why is Direct Access So Important?
Direct access eliminates the burden of unnecessary visits to physicians. The referral requirement can cause delays and denials of services provided by physical therapists. Delays in care result in higher costs, decreased functional outcomes, and frustration to patients.
Direct access to physical therapists improves the accessibility to rehabilitation services. Currently, Medicare beneficiaries do not have the choice to directly access the services of a physical therapist that they need. HR 792 / S 493 give Medicare beneficiaries the accessibility they need to make important health care decisions for themselves.
For more information: APTA
