Physical therapy can help you lead an active, healthy life. Whether you’re bouncing back from an injury or healing following surgery, our physical therapy experts can help.
Conditions our physical therapists treat
Our physical therapists offer treatment for a wide variety of conditions. We work closely with you to help you safely and gradually regain or continue your independence and get back to the activities you enjoy. Your needs and goals are always the center of your treatment plan.
Reviewed 2/3/2023
PHYSICAL THERAPY QUIZ
TRUE OR FALSE?
Physical therapists (PTs) are experts in movement. They can help people reach their fitness goals and maintain independent, active lives. How much do you know about the many ways PTs can help you?
START THE QUIZ
True or false? PTs mostly treat people who are recovering from orthopedic surgery.
False. Orthopedic care is only one part of physical therapy. PTs may also help with a wide range of other issues, such as:
- Chronic pain.
- Developmental disabilities.
- Heart or lung problems.
- Cancer and lymphedema.
- Neurological issues, like multiple sclerosis.
- Pelvic pain.
- Urinary incontinence.
- Wounds.
True or false? Increasing the use of physical therapy could help alleviate the opioid epidemic.
True. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says physical therapy can be a safe and effective alternative to opioids for chronic pain. Opioids come with the risk of addiction and overdose.
True or false? Your doctor might refer you to a PT to help you avoid surgery.
True. Physical therapy has been found to work just as well as surgery for some conditions. These include:
- Knee osteoarthritis.
- Rotator cuff tears in the shoulder.
- Spinal stenosis.
- Degenerative disk disease.
True or false? PTs work almost exclusively in hospitals.
False. Many do work in hospitals. But you can also find PTs providing care in:
- Outpatient clinics.
- Homes.
- Schools.
- Sports and fitness clubs.
- Workplaces.
- Nursing homes.
True or false? Physical therapy can include many types of treatment.
True. PTs may use a variety of techniques depending on your health needs. Examples include hands-on manipulation, patient education, working with exercise equipment, stretching maneuvers, dry needling, exercise and aquatic therapy.
Occupational therapy can also be helpful for many people. Test your knowledge of occupational therapy by taking this quiz.
Sources: American Physical Therapy Association; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Our services include:
- Aquatic therapy
- Concussion care
- Dry needling—to decrease pain by improving length, strength and flexibility of the muscle
- Exercise programs to improve flexibility, strength and coordination
- Lymphedema therapy
- Pediatric rehabilitation to help children with delayed development and motor function in a kid-friendly environment
- Oncology rehabilitation to decrease pain and improve independence during cancer treatment
- Orthopedic rehabilitation for problems like knee, shoulder, back and neck pain
- Neurological rehabilitation for stroke recovery, multiple sclerosis and Parkinson’s disease
- Sports rehabilitation for optimal and safe return to play
- Pelvic floor therapy for conditions like pelvic floor disorders, pelvic pain, bowel dysfunction and incontinence
- And more
No referral needed
You have direct access to most physical therapy services, without the need for a referral from a doctor. If your injury or condition turns out to be more serious, our therapists will help you find the best provider for your specific situation.
It’s always a good idea to check with your insurance company to ensure that they do not require a referral, even though it is not required by Mercyhealth.
To make an appointment, find a physical therapist or call 888.396.3729.