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The Physical Therapy Department at St. Mary treats patients with a wide range of orthopedic and neurological diagnoses. This can begin in the hospital (Inpatient Rehabilitation) and progress to outpatient therapy.   In providing a strong continuum of care, physical therapy has the ability to make a positive difference in the quality of peoples’ lives.  Physical therapy utilizes a personal and direct approach to meeting an individual’s healthcare needs.  The therapist works closely with patients, families, and other healthcare professionals to establish appropriate goals and treatment plans for each patient.

To schedule Outpatient Therapy, call 215.710.2223 Request an appointment online

Outpatient Physical Therapy Department      Hours      Monday to Friday 8AM to 8PM      (last appointment one hour before close)      Saturdays 8AM to 12 PM      (last appointment one hour before close) For appointments call 215-710-2223 Please email cmalinowski@stmaryhealthcare.org with questions about the physical therapy department.

A Physical Therapist evaluates a patient’s range of motion, muscle strength, endurance, functional mobility, muscle tone and reflexes, and gait disturbances.  They also can help determine the need for appropriate bracing for an involved limb.  Treatment may include patient education, stretching and strengthening activities, endurance training, balance training, use of assistive devices, moist heat, ultrasound, electric stimulation, cryotherapy, traction, or massage.

For patients with functional limitations resulting from an injury, surgery, disease, or neurological insult the physical therapist assists in the recovery process by helping to increase strength or motion, relieve pain, regain use of an affected limb, improve balance and gait, and regain abilities to perform activities of daily life.

The physical therapist develops goals and a comprehensive treatment plan upon a patient’s initial evaluation.  The frequency and duration of treatment is determined by a patient’s level of function and progression in his or her program.

Since recovery does not end for patients when they are discharged from physical therapy, an important goal for our department is to teach patients and families methods and techniques to allow them to continue their recovery at home.  Another goal of the department is to promote the importance of fitness and training to prevent injuries from occurring in the future.  This transition is made easier by access to a Wellness Gym located on-site next to the outpatient therapy gym. 

Advances in Neurologic Treatments

St. Mary physical therapists have trained in neurodevelopmental techniques and have a variety of assistive devices to help patients improve limb mobility, strength, and function as they recover from a stroke, traumatic injury, or neurologic disorder. 

Therapy is an important part of recovery for many stroke survivors.  The rehabilitative care provided by St. Mary Medical Center is highly personalized to meet the individual needs and functional abilities of each patient.  The goal of neurological rehabilitation is to help patients regain function and strength, as well as their ability to perform activities of daily living.

“Our outpatient center is unique in the fact that we offer speech therapy, occupational therapy, and physical therapy to patients, which makes it extremely convenient for them to receive their multidisciplinary services at the same site,” notes Chrissy Colistro, Chief of Physical Therapy. 

The physical, speech, and occupational therapists at St. Mary use a variety of specialized rehabilitation equipment and medical devices with people who are recovering from stroke, traumatic brain injuries, and other neurologic conditions.  

	The Litegait Treadmill Training Unit uses a harness to support the patient's body weight.  As the patient strives to walk on the treadmill, the therapist can focus on enhancing the mobility of the lower extremities to help retrain the large muscle group.
The Litegait Unit is among devices used in physical therapy that can help in the recovery of strength and mobility after a stroke or injury.

SaeboFlex SaeboFlex is a rehabilitation device that positions the wrist and fingers into extension in preparation for functional activities.  The brace attaches to the stroke survivor's forearm, hand, and fingers and supports the weakened wrist, hand, and fingers.  The mechanical device has no motor or electrical parts. The SaeboFlex allows neurologically impaired individuals the ability to incorporate their hand functionally in therapy.  The user is able to grasp an object by voluntarily flexing his or her fingers.  The extension spring system assists in re-opening the hand to release the object. Even individuals who have had a stroke many years ago have shown improvement with SaeboFlex therapy.  In addition, the ability to use the hand has been reported as extremely motivating during the recovery process.     SaeboReach
	The SaeboReach not only incorporates the affected wrist and hand, but also the elbow. The orthosis consists of the SaeboFlex and an above-elbow component. The SaeboReach is ideal for neurologically impaired individuals that have hand and elbow involvement. The custom fabricated above-elbow cuff, as well as the dynamic elbow extension system, allows patients to incorporate their elbow for functional reach during grasp-and-release activities. The SaeboReach orthosis, along with repetitive task-oriented activities, is a highly effective strategy for maximizing arm and hand recovery.
VitalStim VitalStim is an electric stimulation device that strengthens the muscles responsible for swallowing.  It also can be useful in speech therapy.

BioNess H200 The BioNess H200 is an orthodic device that surrounds the patient's hand and forearm for proper positioning.  Five surface electrodes stimulate and activate the hand.  Therapeutic treatment regiments are programmed into a microprocessor that activates the paralyzed hand and provides the patient with control over the desired function. The BioNess H200 promotes the grasping and releasing of objects, enhancing the patient's ability to perform activities of daily life.  Clinical studies support the effectiveness of this unit in facilitating the return of functioning for patients recovering from a stroke or brain injury, including patients whose injuries occurred years ago.

Bioness L300 This orthodic device is a lower extremity-unit that uses electrical stimulation to correct foot drag while walking.  Clinical studies support the effectiveness of this unit in facilitating the return of functioning for patients recovering from a stroke or brain injury, including patients whose injuries occurred years ago.