Physical therapists are highly-educated, licensed healthcare professionals with extensive clinical experience who help patients address pain issues and improve or restore mobility. Often, treatment provided by physical therapists is a less costly alternative to surgery and reduces the need for long-term prescription medication treatment and associated side effects.
Physical therapists work with patients to prevent or manage their condition in order to achieve long-term health benefits. They diagnose and treat individuals of all ages and develop a plan, using therapeutic techniques that promote the ability to move, reduce pain, restore function, and prevent disability. In addition, physical therapists work with individuals to prevent the loss of mobility before it occurs by developing fitness- and wellness-oriented programs for healthier and more active lifestyles.
Physical therapist assistants (PTAs) work as part of a team to provide physical therapy services under the direction and supervision of the physical therapist. PTAs implement treatment, obtain data related to the interventions provided, and make modifications in selected interventions to progress the patient/client as directed by the physical therapist.
Once patients have graduated from physical or occupational therapy, we offer continued support of their wellness goals through our Post Rehab, MedFit or Fit for Life programs.
You may be able to start physical therapy without a referral from a medical provider.
Our direct access physical therapy service 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.
Many insurances can be billed. Our team will verify coverage with your insurance provider before your first visit.
Call any of our Rehabilitation and Sports Medicine sites to begin this service.
If you are coping with an injury, pain or other physical ailment, our rehabilitation specialists provide free screenings for anyone who may benefit from physical therapy.
The free screening is a one-on-one consultation with a licensed physical therapist or athletic trainer. After gathering information about your condition, an assessment will be completed to help you decide the best course of treatment.
If this includes rehabilitation services, a member of our staff will help you get any referrals you need to ensure those services provided are covered by your health insurance.
Outpatient rehabilitation services are offered at our facilities in Lake Placid, Saranac Lake and Tupper Lake.
All outpatient clinics are open Monday through Friday from early morning to late afternoon. Our highly trained staff can provide you with expertise in all areas of rehabilitation including the following:
If you are a patient at Adirondack Medical Center - Saranac Lake, the hospital's rehabilitation staff will work with your physician and the nursing staff to help you achieve and maintain your highest level of function through physical therapy, occupational therapy and/or speech therapy during your stay.
You will receive a visit from a rehabilitation staff member if you have surgery for total knee or hip replacement or to repair a broken bone. The rehabilitation staff may also visit you during pre-admission testing for a total joint surgery to answer questions and provide education about rehabilitation. Other illnesses that may require rehabilitation are chronic lung problems, stroke, heart attack, gait disturbance, balance dysfunction, general weakness or difficulty swallowing.
The rehabilitation team can help you regain independence with mobility, self-care skills and the resources needed to continue your care after returning home.
For more information on inpatient rehabilitation services, please call our Saranac Lake office at 518-897-2697.
