Physical Therapy


Mission

The mission of this multidisciplinary team of therapists is to improve the quality of life by enabling the people of Miami.


Who We Are

Physical therapists are health professionals with special expertise in physical conditioning and the movement sciences.  They use this knowledge to reduce activity restrictions, and enable people of all ages to return to their work, community, and leisure activities.

Occupational Therapy is the art and science of using purposeful activities to remediate dysfunction in self-care, work, or leisure.

Speech Therapy services are provided to facilitate functional speech, language and swallow functions.


Physical Therapy at the University of Miami HospitalHow We Can Help

Based on your specific condition, our therapist will determine a diagnosis (primary activity restriction toward which therapy will be directed) and a prognosis (optimal outcomes expected from therapy, with timelines). The therapist then establishes a plan of care that includes specific interventions designed to produce changes in the patient’s condition in order to achieve the desired outcomes.


Common Conditions - Physical Therapy

Some of the common conditions for which physical therapist evaluate and treat include:

  • Arthritic conditions
  • Cardiopulmonary and circulatory conditions
  • Integumentary conditions
  • Joint and soft tissue injuries
  • Neurologic conditions
  • Orthopedic conditions
  • Physical deconditioning
  • Sports injuries
  • Workplace injuries


Physical Therapy Examination

Our physical therapist takes a history, performs a systems review, and administers special tests to determine the status of the musculoskeletal, neurological, cardiovascular, pulmonary and integumentary systems, as well as any activity restrictions. Some of these tests include:

  • Aerobic capacity and endurance
  • Gait and balance
  • Integumentary integrity examination
  • Motor function
  • Muscle performance
  • Ventilation and circulation examination


Physical Therapy Interventions

Physical therapists use interventions to achieve your desired outcome. The following includes some of the many interventions used by our physical therapy team.

  • Coordination, communication and documentation to assure optimal care
  • Patient/client- related instruction
  • Direct interventions, including:
    • Therapeutic exercise
    • Functional training in self-care, home management
    • Functional training in community and work
    • Manual therapy techniques
    • Airway clearance techniques
    • Electrotherapeutic modalities


Occupational Therapy at the University of Miami HospitalOccupational Therapy

Common diagnoses that require Occupational Therapy:

  • Rheumatic diseases
  • Immunologic diseases
  • Any Bodily Injury
  • Cardiopulmonary diseases
  • Nervous system disorders
  • Systemic disorders
  • General functional decline in self-care ability


Occupational Therapy Interventions include

  • Joint protection/ body mechanics adaptive equipment training
  • Energy conservation/ work simplification
  • Range of motion, strength, and coordination exercises
  • Neuromuscular re-education
  • Activities of daily living/training


Speech Therapy

Patients suffering from the following will benefit from our speech therapy program.

  • Stroke
  • Progressive neurological disorders
  • Traumatic brain injury patients experiencing dysphasia

 

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UNIVERSITY OF MIAMI HOSPITAL

From emergency services and intensive care, to life-saving surgeries and minimally-invasive procedures, University of Miami Hospital delivers advanced care by the region's top physicians. With 560 private rooms, UMH provides patients with personalized treatment in a high-quality environment.