|
Physical Therapy
MedStar Visiting Nurse Association provides physical therapy services to improve patients' independence at home and to treat a wide range of patient needs.
Physical Therapy Services
During the first visit, the therapist performs an evaluation of the patient's needs. The therapist then creates an individual treatment plan. Treatments provided may include:
- Therapeutic exercises to improve strength, joint range of motion, balance, endurance and general reconditioning
- Prescribing individual home exercise programs
- Practicing bed mobility and transfer training to allow patients to move about their environment as freely as possible
- Ordering necessary assistive devices or medical equipment
- Decreasing pain, muscle spasm, and/or edema, and improving flexibility through therapeutic massage
- Educating patients about their diagnosis and prognosis
- Teaching families and caregivers necessary skills to support the patient while also encouraging patient independence
- Evaluating the home for safety concerns and fall prevention
- Instructing pain management techniques post surgery or injury
Physical Therapy Goals
- Teach the patient and caregiver proper therapy and exercise techniques
- Improve strength, joint range of motion, balance, endurance and general mobility
Commonly Treated Conditions
- Stroke/neurological disorders
- Joint replacement
- Amputation
- Head injury
- Fractures of upper and lower extremities
- Spinal cord injury
- Arthritis
- Post-traumatic injuries
Who is Eligible for In-Home Physical Therapy?
It is not required that a patient be recently discharged from a hospital to qualify for in-home physical therapy. However, it must be ordered by a physician. Other requirements include:
- Patient must have a medical condition that requires the skill of a licensed professional on an intermittent, part-time basis
- Be under the continuous care of a physician who will work with a home health care service provider
- Be homebound as required by Medicare and some insurance policies
For more information or to refer a patient to MedStar VNA, call 800-862-2166.
|
