75 North Country Road, Port Jefferson, NY 11777 • 631.473.1320

What is Physical Therapy?

Physical therapy is prescribed to help prevent the onset and/or slowing the progression of conditions resulting from injury, disease, and other causes.

What is a Physical Therapist?

Physical therapists are experts in movement and function. They do not confine their talents to treating people who are ill, because a large part of a physical therapist’s program is directed at preventing injury and loss of movement.

Physical therapists are educated in understanding the interaction of all the body parts. Their hands-on approach begins with examination, diagnostic review, and treatment of the immediate problem. Then they teach the patient how to do exercises and how to use the body properly to gain strength and mobility and prevent recurring injury. They advise on proper posture and body motion during functional activities and in the work place. They treat injuries, neurological and orthopedic conditions, and they consult on fitness.

Who Needs Physcial Therapy?

People of all ages who are experiencing functional conditions as a result of back and neck injuries, sprains/strains and fractures, arthritis, burns, stroke, amputations, multiple sclerosis, birth defects such as cerebral palsy and spina bifida, injuries related to work and sports, and others. Mather Hospital’s Outpatient Physical Therapy program can help people lead a more active independent lifestyle. Physical Therapy programs are individually designed and address problems relating to pain, strength, range-of-motion, flexibility, posture, endurance, balance and coordination. A prescription for treatment from a physician is required.

How Does Physical Therapy Work?

Specific needs of each patient are identified in a detailed evaluation and a treatment plan and goals are established. Special care is given to develop a home exercise program that will help achieve an independent and active lifestyle.

Mather Hospital's Outpatient Physical Therapy Program Can Help

With more than 25 years of service, the Outpatient Physical Therapy Program at Mather Hospital is staffed with seven licensed Physical Therapists and six Physical Therapist Assistants to accommodate both inpatient and outpatient appointments. The staff at Mather Hospital is experienced in working with patients with varied diagnoses including back, neck, knee, and shoulder pain, fibromyalgia, arthritis, neurological disorders, orthopedic problems, lymphedema and many other problems. The entire staff is dedicated to providing patient care using state-of-the-art equipment and treatment techniques. Mather’s team of therapists attend seminars and conferences that enable them to provide patients with traditional treatment and the most advanced techniques available.

Treatment Modalities

Joint mobilization: Increases mobility of joints and soft tissues.
Therapeutic Exercises: Develops strength, coordination, endurance, flexibility and proper body alignment.
Myofascial Release and Soft Tissue Mobilization: Manual techniques that are used to release muscle spasm, decongest tissue, increase blood flow and stretch muscles and fascia present throughout the body.
Complete Decongestive Therapy: A four-part program of manual lymphatic drainage, compression bandaging, exercise and skin and nail care for patients diagnosed with Lymphedema. All lymphedema
therapists are LANA certified.
Gait/Balance Training: Develops efficient gait patterns and effective use of devices, if necessary. Helps to
achieve balance and coordination during activities.
Electrotherapy: An electrical current applied across the skin used to achieve many goals such as
improved motor control, pain relief and wound healing.
Ultrasound: Sound waves imparted to tissue to achieve increased range of motion and decreased
inflammation and pain.
Manual and Mechanical Traction: A tractive force applied to achieve a gliding apart of neck or back spinal
segments. Used to reduce signs or symptoms of spinal compression, alter intradiscal pressure and
elongate muscle tissue.
Heat Modalities: Used to assist in reduction of pain and stiffness, alleviate muscle spasm, increase range
of motion and improve tissue healing.
Cold Application: Used to decrease blood flow, decrease inflammatory response and muscle activity.

Mather Hospital’s Outpatient Physical Therapy Program offers private treatment areas, a spacious gym with state-of-the-art equipment, whirlpool therapy, and cardiovascular equipment. Parking is conveniently located directly outside of the center, with ADA-approved access. Call us at 631-476-2737.

If you have any questions about the Outpatient Physical Therapy Program at MATHER HOSPITAL, please call us at: 631-476-2737.

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