Physical and Occupational Therapy: Conditions We Treat

Strokes can cause temporary or permanent loss of physical function in some parts of the body, which can impact speech, vision, and balance. People who have experienced a stroke may have difficulty with daily activities (dressing themselves, bathing, or household responsibilities). OT or PT can help patients be more independent, increase safety, and improve quality of life after having a stroke.

A concussion occurs when someone sustains a traumatic blow to the head or their upper body, neck, and head is shaken hard. It also causes damage to the brain and its ability to function. Symptoms are usually mild and may include headaches and problems with concentration, memory, balance, and coordination.

Most concussions heal with a combination of time and rest. However, some patients need post-concussion rehabilitation to help restore normal function before they can return to their daily activities.

Therapists use a goal-oriented approach to help individuals recovering from spinal cord injury improve physical function and mobility and develop the skills and strategies to perform activities of daily living.

Therapists use TheraStride body weight supported treadmill system for intensive locomotor training designed for the recovery of walking for individuals with central nervous system injury or disease.

PT and/or OT can help people who are living with Parkinson’s disease or other movement disorders. The team will evaluate how symptoms are impacting quality of life and work with patients to develop a treatment plan that best fits their needs.

The link between the inner ear and the brain helps people balance. This link is called the vestibular system. Sometimes a disease or injury can damage this system causing dizziness, vertigo, trouble with walking or balancing, and sometimes difficulty with hearing and vision.

Specialized exercises are crucial when treating a vestibular disorder. Occupational and physical therapists will evaluate the patient’s vestibular disorder symptoms and create an individualized treatment plan to improve balance and quality of life.

Losing a limb(s) is an extremely life-altering adjustment for patients. BMC’s PT/OT team helps patients regain strength and mobility to improve quality of life.

Walking, running, or moving around on foot is referred to as “gait.” Gait abnormalities or walking abnormalities are usually caused by a disease or injury in the leg, foot, brain, spine, or inner ear. PT can help improve muscle strength and stability and balance to improve gait mobility and function.

Neuromuscular dysfunction secondary to cancer

Certified lymphedema therapists utilize Complete Decongestive Therapy- the gold standard treatment consisting of manual lymph drainage, bandaging, and exercises to help with movement and drainage of the lymph fluid and reduction in limb size.

Following any orthopedic surgery, PTs and OTs provide treatment to regain function and mobility.

After bone or joint replacement surgery, specific exercises can help increase range of motion and flexibility, as well as strengthen the muscles while you get used to your new bone or joint. Your doctor, physical therapist, or occupational therapist can help develop an individualized exercise program that meets your needs and lifestyle.

Patients referred to PT/OT for their osteoporosis are seen for weight and resistance and training.

Tendinitis is described as inflammation in a tendon. A common condition associated with tendinitis is tennis elbow. PT and/or OT can help patients preserve, regain, or improve their physical abilities following injury, disability, disease, or surgery.

Tendinosis is chronic degeneration of the tendon. This occurs when tendon breakdown occurs from overuse, injury, or slow healing process.

PT can help strengthen the muscles to promote adequate healing and teach patients the proper way to transition back to activities that may have been slowing down the healing process.

Overactive bladder can cause the sudden urge to urinate which can be difficult to control. It often causes frequent urination (more than 8 times in 24 hours), nighttime urination, and sometimes urinary leakage. PT can help change voiding (urinating patterns) by timing voids during the day, making changes to drinking/eating habits, and learning to hold the bladder using pelvic floor muscles.

The pelvic floor muscles are a group of muscles located in the bottom of your pelvis and inside your pelvis. They control urination, bowel function, and sexual function. If these muscles become weak, you could have problems with urinary leakage, urinating frequently, difficulty with bowel movements, or pain with intercourse. PT can teach you exercises to help strengthen these muscles to help manage your symptoms.

Dyspareunia is described as pain with intercourse. This pain can be on the outside of the vaginal opening or deep in the pelvis. Sometimes the muscles in the pelvic floor are tense or tight and this can cause pain. Dyspareunia can be caused by many other things such as endometriosis or postpartum issues. PT can help patients manage their pain with relaxation techniques for the pelvic floor, exercises to control pelvic movement, and education to manage symptoms.

This is also known as painful bladder syndrome. IC is a chronic condition that can cause increased frequency of urination, urgency, and pain/pressure in bladder. Chronic pain can cause spasms of pelvic floor muscles. PT can help control pain, teach relaxation techniques, educate patient on timing voids during the day, and teach healthy bladder habits.

Pelvic Pain can be any pain in or around your pelvis. It can be caused by many things such as tight pelvic muscles, weak muscles of the pelvic floor, or other bladder/bowel issues. PT can help relax muscles of the pelvic floor, strengthen muscles that are weak, and educate patients on how to manage symptoms independently.

Prolapse is when the uterus, bladder, or rectum “drops” down onto the vaginal canal. This can cause pain, heaviness, or sense of something bulging in pelvis. PT can help educate patient on posture and body mechanics to avoid worsening of symptoms. Exercises can also help strengthen the pelvis and abdomen to help manage this condition.