Physical therapy and occupational therapy are not the same. They do, however, complement each other, because physical therapy focuses on achieving flexibility, movement and restoration of function, while the purpose of occupational therapy is to help the patient carry out daily tasks at home, school and work.

The Physical Therapy Department here at Plantation General Hospital can help you or a loved one get moving and living life as fully as possible. The staff is trained in all aspects of physical and occupational therapy, and treatment plans are customized to each patient.

Physical Therapy

Physical therapy patients can be young children, the elderly, and every age group in between. Therapists work with anyone who has a condition or injury that restricts their movements and, if left untreated, can impede his or her ability to live independently.

People seek out physical therapy for a number of conditions, including:

• Arthritis
• Motor coordination difficulties
• Diabetes
• Fibromyalgia
• Spina bifida
• Stroke
• Accident injuries
• Sports injuries

A physical therapist’s treatment plan will include activities designed to improve movement; relieve or reduce pain; restore function, and prevent the patient from becoming permanently disabled. It can involve strength building, aquatic therapy, walking and balance training, and exercises to improve coordination.

Occupational Therapy

While physical therapy restores or improves function, occupational therapy helps the patient manage the activities of everyday life, from fixing meals to cleaning their home to attending classes and holding a job.

An occupational therapist may perform work and home evaluations and incorporate their findings into a treatment plan. After assessing their patient, he or she may recommend adaptive devices, if appropriate, and show the patient (and their caregivers) how to use them.

Occupational therapists can help people with:

• Lower-back injuries
• Repetitive stress injuries
• Limitations following heart attack or stroke
• Schizophrenia
• Post-traumatic stress disorder
• Burns
• Chronic conditions

Therapy and Insurance

Many health care plans and workers compensation programs include coverage for physical and occupational therapy, but potential patients should check with their insurance provider and/or Human Resources department for specifics.

For more information on our physical therapy services, call us at (954) 513- 6080. To speak to someone about a physician referral, contact Consult-A-Nurse^® at 1-866-4-HCA-DOCS, or visit Plantation General Hospital online.