Physical Therapy

What is PT and How Can it Help You

What is Physical Therapy?

Physical Therapy is a form of rehabilitation that aims to help people of all ages reduce pain, regain their physical functionality, and improve their overall quality of life. This therapy highlights the use of exercise and movement as a means of improving someone’s physical ability and wellness. This type of therapy is an important part of the recovery process for injuries, illnesses, or other ailments.

For instance, if a resident is at the facility for a short-term stay with the goal of returning home, the therapy will often be more injury specific, and outcome based. If a resident is staying long-term, their care plan will be more of a continuous process that provides tools to ease discomfort and manage chronic pain.

The ultimate goal is to ensure residents have all the tools and support they need to live comfortably and safely, while also maintaining their independence.

Key Benefits of Physical Therapy

Improves Mobility

Physical Therapy helps individuals be able to move more comfortably and confidently. Certain exercises and movements are used to encourage different muscle movements that can help improve functions like walking, standing, and sitting, giving residents more independence. This can also help to reduce falls, an important benefit to aging adults.

Managing Pain

For residents living with pain from an injury or a chronic condition, physical therapy can provide relief from discomfort and stiffness. Movement, exercise, and specific therapy techniques can target painful areas, making it easier to manage lasting pain and in some cases, get rid of chronic pain all together.

Surgery or Injury Recovery

After surgical procedures or injuries, physical therapy becomes an important part of the recovery process. It promotes movement and healing, pain reduction, and helps get a resident back to their normal functionality.

Inside CSNHC’s Partnership with QRM

Creative Solutions in Healthcare is committed to providing the best quality of care, and we do this with our in-house therapy team and with our partnership with QRM, an organization that aims to improve patient outcomes and provide the needed support to skilled nursing facilities.

Support, Education, and Resources

QRM’s top priority is aiding and advocating for our entire rehab team, including our physical therapists. QRM’s team provides on-site regional support, ensuring our therapists have all they need to be successful. They follow through with this support by providing weekly operational calls, facility visits, and regular training from clinical specialists. This allows our therapists to stay up to date with any advancements or necessary information.

QRM also plays a big role in creating a positive therapy environment. They are big supporters of highlighting resident success, and they encourage our facilities to celebrate therapy milestones and achievements among residents.

Another helpful resource for our therapy team is QRM Universities, which provide comprehensive training specific to skilled nursing and long-term care environments. Through a variety of courses across every level of the therapy industry, this training ensures every therapist has the knowledge and resources to be prepared to enter this environment.

Therapy Outcomes

QRM uses various methods to track therapy outcomes. They carefully review therapy records and follow along with the residents’ therapy journey to look for continued improvement. Whether the resident’s goal is to discharge to home or to regain movement and functionality, success is measured by how and when these goals are met.

With specific data, such as resident ability, risks, cognitive levels, etc., this partnership allows us to plan more individualized treatment plans and better track resident progress throughout their therapy journey.

Our partnership with QRM is not only about enhancing clinical outcomes but also about improving the overall well-being of our residents.

How to Know if You Need Physical Therapy

Pain and Discomfort

If you are experiencing persistent pain or discomfort, especially in your joints or muscles, physical therapy can help. Whether it’s chronic pain, acute injuries, or post-surgery discomfort, physical therapists can develop a treatment plan to manage and help ease pain.

Limited Mobility

Difficulty moving, walking, or performing everyday activities can be a sign that you need physical therapy. This limitation may result from injuries, surgeries, or medical conditions, and physical therapy can help improve your mobility and day to day functions.

Prevention and Wellness

Physical therapy isn’t just for treating current injuries. By doing consistent exercises and movements, physical therapy can also be used as a preventative measure, helping to maintain strength and reduce the risk of future pain and injuries.

If you are experiencing any of these issues, finding a healthcare provider can be a good first step. A physical therapist can help determine any underlying issues and come up with a personalized plan to help you meet your therapy needs and movement goals. Physical therapy is about more than just recovery, it is also about prioritizing your physical health and wellbeing.

How Do I Find a Qualified Physical Therapist Near me?

Physical Therapy plays a big role in helping people recover and maintain their physical independence. Whether it be for day-to-day support or for the purpose of returning home, our physical therapists prioritize therapy goals to improve the well-being of residents.

If you or a loved one is in need of rehab or help regaining functional abilities, click here to locate a facility providing Physical Therapy near you.