Celebrating physical therapy month in October

October is Physical Therapy Month — the optimal time to learn about rehabilitative services before you need them. Physical therapy is wide-ranging, making it more a case of when you’ll interact with the service versus “if.”

UHS offers a full slate of physical therapy services in Chenango Bridge, Endicott, Greene, Owego, and Vestal, as well as sports medicine services in Apalachin and Vestal.

Integrated Spine Program

Patients with acute-onset neck or back pain who visit a UHS Walk-In or a UHS Primary Care provider can be referred to an Integrated Spine Program manual therapist (a physical therapist or chiropractor) within 24 to 48 hours.

“Rapid access is key, decreasing the risk of chronic pain development, disability and reinjury. Since July 2023, the program has handled more than 700 referrals,” said Darrel Harvey, PT, DPT, director of outpatient operations, UHS Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation.

As experts in movement dysfunction, physical therapists provide manual therapy, prescribe exercise routines, and offer patient education about posture, activity modifications and pain management. Said Owego Physical Therapy Manager Kelly Buchsbaum, PT, MSPT

“We start with conservative care, but refer to other specialists if a patient needs pain management or surgery,” said Owego Physical Therapy Manager Kelly Buchsbaum, PT, MSPT. “Cooperation among team members ensures patients see the right provider at the right time. We’re motivated to help patients get back to work, sports and life.”

Vestibular TherapyVestibular therapy can help dizzy or unsteady individuals reduce their fall risk. “Frequent dizziness can be debilitating and affects every facet of a patient's life,” said UHS Physical Therapist Adam Beyer, PT, DPT.

This specialized therapy focuses on evaluating and treating the disorders of the inner ear, such as vertigo, lightheadedness and other balance disorders. A physician referral is required to rule out other conditions such as stroke, tumors or cardiac concerns. “In the 11 years I’ve worked with this population at UHS Physical Therapy & Rehabilitation in Norwich, we’ve successfully helped hundreds of patients manage this quality-of-life issue,” said Beyer. Techniques include repositioning of canaliths (small particles inside the ear), habituation exercises, lower extremity strengthening, cardiovascular conditioning and balance exercises.

School-Based UHS Sports Medicine Partnerships

Student-athletes at nine local high schools and Binghamton University benefit from care with UHS Sports Medicine providers. “Partner schools receive services year-round, designed to enhance performance and prevent injuries,” said UHS Sports Medicine Field Manager Andrew Long, MS, SCCC, CSCS, RSCC*D. Two UHS Sports Medicine staff members service each contracted school. The athletic trainer provides medical coverage at practices, games and clinics where they manage injuries and return-to-play for athletes, while the strength and conditioning coach manages the weight room, coach communication, and focuses on injury prevention. The approach is carefully crafted by sport, with trainers analyzing each sport’s demands and developing resiliency programs. Injured athletes benefit from cooperation of the on-site certified athletic trainer and the UHS sports medicine team at large, and necessary physical therapy can often take place at school.

Neurorehabilitation

UHS’ Neurological Outpatient Rehabilitation Center at Binghamton General Hospital offers specialized rehab services for patients experiencing function deficits related to a neurological condition such as stroke, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, spinal cord injuries and more. Multidisciplinary neuro-rehab team members cooperate to create personalized treatment plans for each patient. “We help patients enhance their quality of life by improving strength, mobility, balance, coordination and range of motion. Length of treatment varies, and some patients with chronic or progressive diseases form lifelong relationships with their therapists, who assist as patients’ needs change. Said Outpatient Neurological Physical Therapist Kimberly Olson, PT, “Our therapists have extensive neuro-rehab experience, giving patients the best chance to maximize functional independence and participate in activities of daily living. We provide one-on-one care to help patients achieve their goals.” 

For more information about physical therapy services at UHS, visit www.nyuhs.org.