Physical Therapy: Helping Patients Heal

David Gilbert was lifting weights in the gym when he damaged his shoulder, tearing both his rotator cuff and his bicep muscle. David is retired and lives in West Chester, but after the surgery to repair the injury, his doctor referred him for physical therapy (PT) at TriHealth’s McCullough-Hyde Memorial Hospital in Oxford. “The most important thing to me is playing golf, so it was critical for me to get my shoulder back in shape,” he says. “My doctor recommended I go to the therapist he views as the best in area.”

That therapist was Tim Holder, director of the physical therapy and rehabilitation department at McCullough-Hyde, where David’s rehab process started with an initial evaluation. “We always start by talking about their injury, medical history, lifestyle and their goals for the therapy,” explains Holder. “From that we can develop a plan specifically designed to make this patient better. It’s always helpful to find that activity they want to get back to, whether it’s golfing or working in their garden.”

Whether they’re doing PT after a surgery or to recuperate from a sports injury, most patients take between six and ten sessions with a therapist, going once or twice a week. During those visits, the therapist will normally provide therapies like soft tissue mobilization to reduce pain and swelling, and help the patient work through exercises that they’ll continue doing independently at home.

“I think what really sets us apart is our patient experience and our dedication to doing what the research has shown is best for their injury,” says Holder. “We’re well versed in making good decisions with patients.”

After finishing his PT, David says of his experience: “I can’t describe how much I appreciate Tim, and how he kept me focused. I’m really satisfied with my recovery, and now I’m back to playing golf two to three times a week.”