Recovering from an injury or learning to live with a physical disability or limitation can be challenging. Physical therapy (PT) and occupational therapy (OT) can help patients regain strength or mobility, relearn skills, or find new ways of performing everyday tasks. Each patient will experience a different treatment program designed especially for them. By working with the patient and their loved ones physical and/or occupational therapists can care for patients to provide the following therapies:

  • Walking and balance retraining
  • Wheelchair seating and medical equipment assessment
  • Mobilization Techniques
  • Return to Sport Retraining
  • Physical Modalities
  • Range of motion, strengthening, flexibility, and stabilization exercises
  • Body weight supported treadmill training
  • Neuromuscular re-education
  • Functional electrical stimulation
  • Splinting
  • Functional mobility and transfer retraining
  • Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) retraining
  • Contracture management
  • Vestibular rehabilitation
  • Fall prevention

When a patient is referred to PT or OT, their first visit will be an evaluation. This means the therapist will ask about the patient’s physical history, examine the area of the body that needs therapy, and make a recommendation for treatment. Patients will be asked to come in once a week or more frequently, depending on their care plan.

Inpatient Therapy

Physical and occupational therapists work with patients while they are in the hospital to help them regain independence and function. They can also help in making sure the patient goes to a safe setting when they are ready to leave the hospital. This could be home, but could also be to a non-hospital setting that helps with physical therapy

Physical Therapy

PTs may evaluate range of motion, strength, coordination, balance and cognition as they relate to functional mobility, including bed mobility, transfers, ambulation, wheelchair mobility and stairs. 

Occupational Therapy

OTs may evaluate range of motion, strength, coordination, balance, and cognition as they relate to activities of daily living (ADLs) including bathing, dressing, toileting, and self-feeding.

Contact Us

BMC Campus Location

732 Harrison Ave Boston, MA 02118
Preston Family Building
617.638.7869
Monday-Thursday 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM, Friday 7:00 AM – 4:30 PM

Hyde Park Location

890 River Street, Boston, MA 02136
BMC Rehabilitation Services - Hyde Park
617.638.0330
Monday-Thursday 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM, Friday 7:00 AM – 4:30 PM

Specialty Clinics

Physical Therapy

Physical therapy (PT) is a healthcare specialty used to evaluate, diagnose, and treat physical problems or disorders of the human body. The goal of PT is for people to be able to go about their normal daily activities as they did before an injury or surgery. Therapists use exercise, manual skills, and functional training to help patients return to their prior level of activity.

Occupational Therapy

Occupational therapy helps patients recover from injuries, trauma, and neurological or musculoskeletal disorders to regain the skills needed to resume the highest level of function for daily living and tasks. Occupational therapy helps people participate in the things they want and need to do every day, such as dressing, bathing, and getting around. At a first OT appointment, a therapist and the patient will set goals and create a plan to achieve those goals.

Center for Transgender Medicine and Surgery

The Center for Transgender Medicine and Surgery is the first center in New England to provide such a comprehensive program and is a leader nationally in delivery of gender affirming care.

Medical Oncology

The Cancer Care Center at Boston Medical Center cares for patients with malignant and non-malignant blood disorders and cancer. The Center provides diagnostic services, innovative treatments, and comprehensive care to patients by an outstanding, nationally recognized, multidisciplinary team of hematologists, oncologists, radiation oncologists, surgeons, oncology nurses, social workers, and dieticians.

Orthopedic Surgery

The Department of Orthopedic Surgery at Boston Medical Center, one of the most outstanding in New England, provides comprehensive, exceptional orthopedic care to every patient, without exception.

Parkinson's Disease and Movement Disorders Center

The Parkinson’s Disease and Movement Disorders Program offers consultation, expertise and comprehensive care to individuals with neurological movement disorders. Ongoing, long-term care delivered by an interdisciplinary team of specialists provides patients with individualized care and access to the newest developments in treatment. Our team includes Neurologists who are Movement Disorder Specialists, nurses and rehabilitation specialists. 

Pediatrics - Pain Clinic

The Pediatric Pain Clinic at Boston Medical Center manages acute, complex, and chronic pain in children from infancy to age 22. Our team of experts work closely with each patient's primary care physician, striving to help children regain normal lives and participate in typical age-appropriate activities.

Rheumatology

The Department of Rheumatology provides a full range of services - including joint injections, musculoskeletal ultrasound, and infusion therapies – for arthritis and systemic rheumatic autoimmune diseases, including scleroderma, lupus, inflammatory arthritis, spondyloarthritis, osteoarthritis, and gout. For all conditions, our rheumatologists work closely with providers in other departments to ensure you receive the best care possible, for all aspects of your health.

Stroke and Cerebrovascular Center

Boston Medical Center’s Comprehensive Stroke and Cerebrovascular Center offers a full spectrum of clinical and academic services to provide contemporary treatment for patients with brain, carotid and spinal vascular diseases.

Our Team

The Physical and Occupational Therapy Team

Karen Mattie, PT, DPT, MS
Senior Director, Clinical Operations

Kara Schworm, PT, DPT, CCS
Director, Rehabilitative Services

Jeffrey Merritt
Operations Manager, Rehabilitative Services

Kathryn Ferrari, MSPT
Manager, Outpatient Rehabilitative Services, Boston Medical Center Campus

Mary Kate Miller, PT, DPT, OCS
Manager, Outpatient Rehabilitative Services, Hyde Park

Julie Murray, OTR/L
Manager, Inpatient Rehabilitative Services

James Sherman, PT, DPT
Manager, Outpatient Rehabilitative Services, Winthrop Neighborhood Health

Patient Resources

Residency and Fellowship Information

Physical and Occupational Therapy Education & Training for Students

Clinical affiliations with accredited PT, PT, and OT programs:

Physical Therapy

  • Boston University
  • Drexel University
  • Ithaca University
  • MGH – IHP
  • Northeastern University
  • Quinnipiac
  • Simmons
  • Springfield College
  • University of Indianapolis
  • UMass – Lowell
  • University of Rhode Island

Occupational Therapy

  • Boston University
  • MGH-IHP
  • Springfield College
  • Tufts
  • UNH
  • University of Indianapolis

Physical Therapy Assistant

  • Baystate College
  • University of Indianapolis

Affiliations

Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine Logo

As the principal teaching affiliate of Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston Medical Center is devoted to training future generations of healthcare professionals.  Learn more about Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine.