Physical therapists are licensed healthcare professionals with extensive education and clinical experience in helping patients address pain and improve or restore mobility. Often, treatment provided by a physical therapist is a less costly alternative to surgery and reduces the need for long-term prescription medication and associated side effects.
Physical therapists work with patients to prevent or manage their conditions in order to achieve long-term health benefits. They diagnose and treat individuals of all ages and develop plans, using therapeutic techniques that promote the ability to move, reduce pain, restore function, and prevent disability. In addition, physical therapists develop fitness and wellness programs to encourage health and prevent disability.
Physical therapist assistants (PTAs) work as part of a team to provide physical therapy services under the direction and supervision of a physical therapist. PTAs implement treatment, obtain data related to interventions, and make modifications in selected interventions to progress the patient/client as directed by the physical therapist.
Outpatient Rehabilitation:
Outpatient physical therapy is provided at our locations in Tupper Lake, Saranac Lake and Lake Placid, operating Monday through Friday. We provide evaluation and individualized treatment of functional impairments associated with orthopedic, neurological, vestibular and/or cardiopulmonary conditions. Below are examples of the interventions provided. Click on each subject for additional information, or feel free to reach out with any questions regarding our services.
Direct Access Physical Therapy:
Adirondack Health’s Rehabilitation and Sports Medicine Department is offering direct access physical therapy appointments, which can facilitate evaluation and treatment without a referral from your medical provider.
Patients will receive care from a licensed physical therapist who specializes in movement disorders and musculoskeletal injuries. Direct access physical therapy allows you to save time and money, including co-pays, by not having to see your primary care provider to get an order for physical therapy. Our team can treat you for 30 days or 10 visits, whichever comes first. If at that time more services are needed, you would need to see your primary medical provider.
If it is determined that physical therapy services are not appropriate, we will assist you in securing a referral for a more suitable course of treatment.
Many insurances can be billed for direct access. Our team will verify coverage with your insurance provider before your first visit.
Call any of our Rehabilitation and Sports Medicine locations to begin this service.
Acute Care Rehabilitation:
Physical therapy (PT) plays an important role in the care of patients in the acute care/hospital setting. Some patients may experience a change or a decline in their physical ability due to the onset of a new medical condition, traumatic event or exacerbation of chronic disease for which they are seeking medical attention.
The acute care physical therapist will be asked to evaluate a patient’s current level of function in light of their current illness. Based on the results of this evaluation the physical therapist works with the patient on exercising and improving their mobility with the goal safely returning home to their previous level of function.
The physical therapist also makes recommendations to the patient, their family and to the multidisciplinary hospital team regarding need for assistance, assistive devices, and the safest discharge plan following their hospital stay. Sometimes, the patient may require assistance for functional mobility and be appropriate for further rehabilitation in a skilled setting prior to returning home. This is often referred to as “short term rehab.” Typically, the case manager assigned to the patient would make a referral to a facility based on physical and occupational therapy recommendations and patient preferences.
