National Physical Therapy Month provides a great opportunity to recognize the professional staff of the Jersey Shore Hospital Physical Therapy Department for its committed medical service to the people of Clinton and Western Lycoming counties. The Department provides personalized treatment in physical therapy and sports medicine to patients at the Hospital, Tiadaghton Health Services, Lock Haven and Bucktail Medical Center, Renovo.

Jersey Shore Hospital Celebrates Its Physical Therapy Program and Staff

JERSEY SHORE, October 25, 2001 - October is National Physical Therapy Month, which provides Jersey Shore Hospital Physical Therapy Department with an opportunity to demonstrate its contributions to patient care.

According to JSH's Physical Therapy Department director Karen Johnson, physical therapy is becoming increasingly important in healthcare because it focuses on restoring a patient to normal activity by evaluating and addressing such specialized needs as:

o orthopedic conditions;

o work-related injuries;

o wound care;

o neurological impairments; and

o sports injuries.

Under the leadership and guidance of Johnson, Mike Sikorskas, assistant director of PT, and the PT staff, the Hospital's physical therapy program has experienced significant growth and advancement in areas of treatment and levels of rehabilitation.

Johnson, a graduate of Lock Haven University and the University of Pennsylvania's postgraduate physical therapy program, has worked in the department for more than 23 years helping it to build its reputation as a recognized regional leader in providing quality, personalized physical therapy and sports medicine not only at the Hospital, but also at the Hospital's outreach medical facilities at Tiadaghton Health Services in Lock Haven and Bucktail Medical Center, Renovo.

Johnson says her Department's dedicated professionals work throughout these three medical facilities to provide a comprehensive array of physical therapy services to patients of all ages, ranging from pediatrics to geriatrics.

At the Hospital, patients have access to the latest technology and equipment:

o ultrasound with electrical stimulation;

o transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation;

o therapeutic exercise and aerobic conditioning;

o whirlpool and paraffin bath;

o gait training/ strength training;

o acupressure and biofeedback; and

o activities of daily living training.

Treatment is administered by licensed physical therapists and certified physical therapy assistants. Johnson stresses that Physical Therapy follows JSH's philosophy to ensure that each patient receives one-on-one attention and is provided with individualized, compassionate care.

"Our staff never forgets this principle. We understand that the needs of our patients vary depending on their age and diagnosis, which is why we offer individualized treatment plans and therapeutic exercise programs," says Johnson.

She adds, "We make sure we provide a continuity of care to our patients by working with the patient and communicating with the family members to ensure the patient is receiving complete comprehensive therapy while at our facility and in the home."

After recently receiving ultrasound therapy to remedy osteoarthritis on her right knee, 75 year-old Shirley Rodabaugh recognized JSH's staff on its quality service.

"The department is like a loving, caring family. The care is personalized. It has been very helpful to me in relieving my pain. The quality of its people and the care they offer make the difference in this physical therapy department," says Rodabaugh.

Although sports medicine is provided at the Hospital, Tiadaghton Health Services has emerged as one of the area's leading sports medicine clinics. By providing orthopedics and sports medicine emphasizing injury prevention, treatment and education, Tiadaghton provides a comprehensive array of physical therapy and sports medicine services to the residents of Clinton and Western Lycoming counties. Physical therapy for sports-related injuries and athletic training are also provided. Tiadaghton Health Services provides athletic training services to the Keystone Central School District, and employs several certified athletic trainers in support of the program.

Laurel Confer, a 15-year-old Central Mountain High School student is undergoing treatment for patella malalignment, an injury seen in young athletes. Confer, a former cheerleader, is hoping the therapy she is receiving to strengthen her legs and knees and pull the knee cap to the inside of her leg will alleviate the current pain she has and allow her to become more active in high school athletics.

According to her mother Judy Pinelli, the experience with Tiadaghton Health Services has been positive and helpful.

"Tiadaghton Health Services' extended hours have worked well to accommodate my daughter, and the level of care and service offered has been individualized and professional," says Pilene.

Aside from sports medicine, Tiadaghton Health Services also provides services to workers who have been injured on the job. This rehabilitative physical therapy is designed to help employees to recover from the loss of physical capacity and to remain injury-free when they return to work. Other services offered by Tiadaghton Health Services include:

*complimentary sports medicine injury clinic for local high school athletes;

*therapeutic exercise equipment; and

*workplace safety assessments.

For the past ten years, JSH has collaborated with Bucktail Medical Center to extend its quality physical therapy services to patients at the center in Renovo.

"Our collaborative efforts with the Medical Center have allowed our department to provide physical therapy services to patients in Northern and Western Clinton County. Currently, we are open five days a week treating the physical therapy needs of the Renovo community," says Johnson.