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.

    Physical and Occupational Therapy has moved from the Preston Building to South Bay (39B District Ave, Dorchester).

    Contact Us

    South Bay Location
    39B District Avenue, Dorchester, MA 02125
    South Bay Rehabilitation Clinic
    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

    Programs and Services

    Treatments & Services

    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.

    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

    Department News

    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