Outpatient physical therapy

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Whether you’re rehabbing an injury, recovering from surgery or dealing with other physical challenges, working with a physical therapist can help you heal.

At Atrium Health Floyd and Harbin Clinic, our physical therapists work with patients at several convenient locations. No matter what injury or condition you’re coping with, they can help you regain movement and restore physical function.

What is outpatient physical therapy?

Outpatient physical therapy refers to care geared toward people who are not currently in the hospital or staying in a rehabilitation facility. You might meet with your physical therapist at a hospital, rehab center or an outpatient clinic.

Outpatient physical therapy may be a continuation of care you started in the hospital – especially if you had a joint replacement or other type of orthopedic surgery. Your doctor may also recommend physical therapy as part of a non-surgical treatment plan.

Either way, the goal of outpatient physical therapy is the same. We help restore your movement and function so that you can successfully return to doing the activities you love.

Types of outpatient physical therapy

Your physical therapist will customize a rehabilitation plan for you based on your physical condition and goals. Outpatient physical therapy can also include working with an occupational therapist or speech therapist, depending on your needs. These specialists can be an important part of your recovery.

Your program might include some combination of:

Bracing or taping
Electric muscle stimulation to decrease pain and spasms
Functional movement to regain the ability to perform daily tasks
Gait and balance training
Manual therapies like massage, needling and trigger-point release
Rehabilitation after cancer treatment, stroke or injuries to the spinal cord or brain
Speech and swallowing therapy to regain the ability to speak and eat normally
Strengthening exercises
Stretching to improve mobility
Ultrasound therapy to decrease inflammation and promote tissue healing

Conditions treated with outpatient physical therapy

Physical therapy may be part of your treatment plan for a wide range of conditions, including:

Amputation
Arthritis
Autism
Back pain
Brain injury
Fibromyalgia
Fractures
Hand injuries
Lymphedema
Orthopedic surgery recovery
Spinal cord injuries
Sports injuries
Stroke

Benefits of outpatient physical therapy

Working with an outpatient physical therapist is critical to your ongoing recovery. Following your personalized rehabilitation program will help you heal faster and get stronger.

When you commit to physical therapy, you’re investing in your future health and well-being. Completing your physical therapy program has many benefits, including: