Physical Therapists provide examination, evaluation, and treatment to patients with a variety of impairments, functional limitations and disabilities. At New England Baptist Hospital, while the larger focus is on orthopedic conditions, our Physical Therapists are also experienced in the management of a wide variety of specialties including cardiopulmonary dysfunction, respiratory dysfunction, lymphedema management, wound care, and neurologic dysfunction. Our staff includes board-certified clinical specialists in many of these areas.
We provide patient care seven days a week, three hundred sixty five days a year, with the goal of providing evidence-based, twice per day therapy to every eligible patient.
The Inpatient Physical Therapy Service will assess your individual needs to develop the most appropriate plan of care in the immediate post-operative phase, continuing on through discharge. Patients and their families should expect to work with Physical Therapy staff to establish realistic goals, expected outcomes, and the most appropriate plan of care.
In addition to working with the inpatient population, our Inpatient Physical Therapy staff works in a variety of areas within the Hospital. These include:
Pre-Operative Education Classes
NEBH offers pre-operative classes to patients preparing for total hip or total knee replacement or spinal fusion surgeries. A physical therapist will present information in each class on what to expect from the rehabilitation aspect of post-operative care. The role of physical and occupational therapy is explained, as well as the plan of care, goals for discharge, precautions, exercise, equipment needs and expectations for home.
Pre-Admission Screening
During the pre-admission screening visit, patients undergoing total joint replacement or fusion surgery will also meet with a licensed physical therapist. During this visit, your baseline range of motion, strength, sesnsation, and mobility will be assessed. The physical therapist will also review your home set-up, equipment owned, and anticipated discharge plan. Handouts are issued and reviewed regarding potential precautions, home safety, and pre-operative exercises. DVDs are provided with the post-operative exercise program. You will also have the opportunity to ask or clarify any remaining therapy-related questions.
Outpatient Day Surgery
Each day, a physical therapist staffs the outpatient surgical area to meet with patients before and after orthopedic lower extremity or shoulder surgery, as appropriate. The goal of these visits is to ensure independence with any post-operative exercises, and if necessary, to guide the patient in the safe use of crutches. The physical therapist will ensure that all patients are safe before they are discharged home.
Cast Room Services
In order to best meet the casting and bracing needs of our patients, the Hospital also maintains a full-time staff of Cast Techs with more than 30 years of experience. They are able to provide on-site casting and bracing services both pre- and post-operatively, as well as on an outpatient basis for those with ongoing needs. They communicate directly with the physicians and therapists to best meet patients' needs.