Physical therapy at home

Your ability to move can decline for many reasons, from injuries and long hospital stays to illnesses and chronic conditions. To help you get back in motion, our physical therapists provide hands-on treatment when a medical condition makes it hard to leave home.

Physical therapy that targets your needs

Movement and muscle strength bring freedom. For some, that means returning to work or resuming an active lifestyle after surgery. For others, it means moving safely around their homes.

No matter your goal, our physical therapists work to help you achieve it. Our physical therapy includes specialized, targeted programs and practices:

• Total joint therapy: If you receive a new hip, knee or shoulder, our therapists use the newest technology and mobilization techniques. They get you strong enough to attend outpatient therapy.
• Chronic disease program: Our specialty-trained physical therapists personalize therapy and prescribe exercises specific to people living with heart failure and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
• Vestibular training: If you have inner ear problems or get a spinning feeling called vertigo, our specialized vestibular therapists can help. They know how to improve your balance and movement.
• Program for Parkinson’s disease: If you have Parkinson’s disease, we offer therapists certified by the LSVT Big^® program, which addresses the condition’s physical challenges. Treatment helps you with walking, self-care and other tasks.
• Lymphedema relief: Our lymphedema-certified therapists use massage, manual drainage and exercise to treat swelling and poor circulation.

Who does home health physical therapy help?

Physical therapy improves movement and stability for people of all ages, from children to older adults. Getting therapy in your home allows you to safely remain where you live, rather than traveling for outpatient care. To receive in-home physical therapy, you must meet the requirements for home health care.

Many diseases, illnesses and injuries may improve with physical therapy. As the largest home health care provider in Wisconsin, we treat people for a variety of reasons, including:

• Joint replacement
• Congestive heart failure (CHF)
• COPD
• Diabetes
• Cancer
• Parkinson’s disease
• Lymphedema
• Multiple falls
• Extended hospital stays or bed rest

Benefits of in-home physical therapy

Our therapists treat you through exercise, stretching, massage and heat therapy. In addition to increased movement, our program can benefit you in other ways, including:

• Post-surgical care: Following joint surgery, in-home physical therapy acts as a steppingstone to any outpatient therapy you may need. Your therapist checks your wounds, manages your medication and evaluates your home. You’re a candidate for in-home joint therapy if one or more of these circumstances applies:
  • Can’t get to outpatient therapy without assistance
  • Have 2 or more chronic conditions
  • Take multiple medications
  • Don’t have caregivers or a support system in place
  • Had medical complications during surgery
• Energy conservation: For chronic conditions such as COPD or heart failure, our therapists teach you how to conserve energy while still improving mobility.
• Improved circulation: If you have heart failure, our therapists work to improve blood flow. After cancer treatment, they help the flow of lymph, a fluid that assists the immune system.
• Lower risk of falling: Therapists evaluate your hearing, vision, balance and medications, as well as your need to hurry to the bathroom. After your assessment, the therapist may suggest small changes to your surroundings to make falls less likely.

Getting started with physical therapy at home

If your doctor prescribes in-home physical therapy, you can expect:

• Initial assessment: During your initial assessment, a skilled therapist evaluates your health, reviews your medications and looks around your home for fall risks. The therapist answers any questions you have and explains the schedule for your therapy.
• Expert providers: During your visits, a certified physical therapist or physical therapist assistant treats you and monitors your progress.
• Patient education: Your therapist teaches you specific exercises and movements you can do between visits. You also learn how to recognize fall risks in your home.

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