Overview of Services
Physical Therapy
To begin treatment, you may need physical therapy care to reduce swelling, decrease muscle spasms and restore movement. Physical therapy can be used alone or in conjunction with chiropractic care and/or acupuncture. If you have been referred to physical therapy as part of your treatment, you can obtain physical therapy services at Medical Care of WNY as a part of our interactive, multidisciplinary, “team approach” to health care.
Treatment associated with physical therapy is often referred to as rehabilitation. Rehabilitation includes, but is not limited to, passive and active therapeutic exercise, joint mobilization and mechanical traction, massage, ultrasound, paraffin, heat and ice therapy and electrical stimulation. As treatment progresses, the physical therapist documents each patient’s progress, conducts periodic re-evaluations and carefully monitors the patient’s treatment plan. In all cases, a home exercise program is developed to foster the patient’s recovery, as well as to allow each patient to play an active role in their treatment and management plan.
Outcomes of the rehabilitation process are focused on the patient’s return to his/her performance of the activities of daily living. The fundamental purpose of the treatment plan is to integrate newly acquired gains in flexibility, strength and coordination and apply them to how the individual functions at home and at work. In effect, the physical therapist helps to ensure that the healing process continues and that there is correction of the musculoskeletal abnormality and/or no reoccurrence of the treated condition. The doctor - physical therapist collaboration is crucial when diagnosing and treating a patient. It is imperative that both the medical doctor and physical therapist have a cohesive working relationship regarding the patient’s care. This interaction between doctor and physical therapist will yield the most effective results on behalf of the patient.