Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital
Physical Therapy

Physical Therapy

RHCI physical therapists are experienced in treating a wide variety of musculoskeletal and neurological injuries and conditions. They treat acute injuries and chronic conditions as well as provide pre- and post-surgical rehabilitation. Your physical therapist will work with you to create an individualized treatment program designed to maximize your mobility and facilitate an active return to work, school, leisure activities and community.  

Goals of physical therapy:

  • Restore function
  • Optimize strength, range of motion, and endurance
  • Reduce pain
  • Facilitate safe return to activity

RHCI's physical therapy program is comprehensive, innovative and outcomes-oriented. Our highly skilled and caring therapists use the latest technologies and treatments to promote rapid healing. Therapy includes education on preventing injury and instruction in a home exercise program to promote the fullest possible recovery.

Scroll down for information about:

  • Common Diagnoses
  • Specialty Services
  • Physical Therapy Treatment Modalities
  • Physical Therapy Equipment
  • RHCI Outpatient Locations
Common Diagnoses

RHCI physical therapists have extensive experience treating patients of all ages for impairments caused by a variety of conditions.

  • Amputation
  • Arthritis 
  • Back and neck injuries and conditions
  • Balance disorders
  • Cardiac disorders
  • Fibromyalgia
  • Joint Replacement (single or double knee, hip, shoulder)
  • Neurological disorders, such as cerebral palsy, muscular dysthropy, post-polio syndrome
  • Orthopedic conditions and sports injuries, such as ACL repairs, bursitis, fractures, osteoporosis, rotator cuff repairs, sprains/strains, tennis elbow, etc.
  • Parkinson's disease
  • Pulmonary disorders, such as COPD, emphysema
  • Stroke
  • Work-related injuries, including repetitive use injuries

Specialty Services

  • Orthotic Clinic - Comprehensive assessment and management for adults with neuromuscular and/or musculoskeletal abnormalities
  • Prosthetic Clinic - Custom fitting of lower extremity prostheses including ongoing adjustments to maximize function and preserve skin integrity
  • Ergonomics - Work site evaluations by our Certified Ergonomic Assessment Specialists (CEAS) to reduce on-the-job injuries and improve employee productivity

Physical Therapy Treatment Techniques and Modalities

  • Aquatic Therapy - exercise in a heated therapy pool
  • Electrical Stimulation- the use of electrical current to stimulate muscle contraction to promote blood supply to the affected area and facilitate healing
  • Hot and Cold Therapies
  • Iontophoresis - safe introduction of an ionic substance, typically an anti-inflammatory medication, into intact skin by applying direct electrical current
  • Manual Therapy - Specific hands-on techniques to mobilize joints and decrease pain
  • Neuromuscular Re-education - Therapeutic techniques used to improve balance, coordination and posture
  • Postural and Body Mechanics Education - Education and instruction regarding proper posture and movement to reduce the risk for injury and promote healing
  • Therapeutic Exercise - Exercises to improve mobility, increase muscle strength, and improve coordination
  • Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) - electrical stimulation of the skin to relieve pain by interfering with the neural transmission of signals from underlying pain receptors
  • Ultrasound - use of high- or low-frequency sound waves applied to the skin to stimulate tissue regeneration, increase blood flow, soften scar tissue and provide pain relief

Physical Therapy Equipment

RHCI therapists draw upon an extensive array of therapeutic equipment to individualize each patient's treatment plan.  

  • Biodex® Balance System - computerized equipment used to evaluate and improve the patient's postural stability
  • Body Blade® - dynamic resistance tool that utilizes inertia to generate muscle contractions and thereby improve strength and coordination
  • Cardiovascular Equipment - treadmills and stationary bicycles
  • LiteGait ® - partial weight-bearing gait therapy device
  • Nautilus® NS4000 - an all-inclusive strength machine system
  • NESS® L300 - advanced neuroprosthesis technology for treating foot drop to enable a more natural gait
  • Nu Step® TRS4000- recumbent cross-trainer provides upper and lower body exercise in a natural walking motion
  • ReboundAIR® - exercise on mini-trampoline
  • Total Gym® -- strength training equipment utilizing a bilateral pulley system that offers adjustable resistance and incline


Your First Visit: The Physical Therapy Evaluation

Prior to your first visit, we will ask you to complete a medical history form which includes the reason you are seeking physical therapy. During the initial visit, your therapist will perform a comprehensive evaluation to assess your level of impairment and to determine possible causes of that dysfunction. Your therapist will measure the strength and range of motion of the affected areas and assess your performance of some everyday tasks. Your therapist will  identify specific functional problems and determine what therapeutic interventions should be used to treat these problems. Your therapist will notify your physician of the findings and provide an individualized treatment plan for review and approval.

RHCI Outpatient Locations

RHCI-Sandwich           (508) 833-4141

RHCI- Yarmouth         (508) 771-1300

RHCI- Orleans            (508) 240-7203

RHCI for Children      (508) 833-1060     (birth to age 15)