Physical Therapy: Meet Our Leadership
Director of Clinical Therapies: Valerie Ruddock, PT
Inpatient Occupational, Physical, Recreational and Massage Therapy Program Manager: Teresa Hite Gueth, MS, OTR/L
Outpatient Occupational and Physical Therapy Program Manager: Michelle Byars, PT
Sports and Orthopedic Physical Therapy Program Manager: James Marrie, PT
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Physical Therapy
Physical Therapy refers to the various treatment methods used to develop or restore movement, promote healing and function, and educate children and their families. PT cares for patients who have a temporary or permanent disability due to injury, disease, birth defect or pain. Therapists also evaluate and instruct children in the use of wheelchairs, braces, crutches, walkers, canes or other durable medical equipment.
The goal of the PT program is to help the child enjoy life by attaining his/her optimum level of independence.
Programs
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Constraint Induced Movement Therapy
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Treadmill Training Program
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Aquatic Therapy
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Handwriting Programs
Services
One key to an effective Physical Therapy program is a complete evaluation. We consider the child’s age and diagnosis when we decide which abilities to test. Skill areas may include:
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Motor skills, balance and posture
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Muscle tone, strength and range of motion
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Hand Therapy
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Walking and running
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Need for special equipment, which may include adaptive seating, splints, casts or other devices
Who Do We Serve?
We provide service to children of all ages. Some of the problems we help with are:
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Delayed development of mental, motor and social skills
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Nervous system problems
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cerebral palsy
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spina bifida
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brain and spinal cord injuries
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Babies born too early
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Problems brought on by long-term illness
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Limited movement or injuries to neck, arms or legs
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Conditions that require casting or splinting