Physical Therapy
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617.638.7869
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Hours of Operation: Monday-Thursday - 7:00 AM - 7:00 PM, Friday - 7:00 AM - 4:30 PM
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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.
PTs teach patients how to prevent or manage their condition or injury so that they will achieve long-term health benefits. When a patient begins PT, their physical therapy care team will develop a plan, using treatment techniques, to promote the ability to move, reduce pain, restore function, and/or prevent disability. In addition, PTs work with individuals to prevent the loss of mobility before it occurs by developing fitness- and wellness-oriented programs for healthier and more active lifestyles.
Patients are referred for PT when their provider thinks it will be beneficial. People of all ages can receive PT and it is useful in treating many different medical conditions including sport and orthopedic injuries, neurological and muscular illness, and cardiopulmonary diseases.
Caring for Patients
Physical therapists (PTs) are licensed healthcare professionals with a master’s or doctoral degree in physical therapy. They develop the physical therapy treatment plan, customizing it to each individual’s needs. PTs help patients reduce pain and improve or restore movement that may have been affected due to an injury or disease. Physical therapy (PT) can prevent the need for surgery and reduce the need for long-term use of prescription medications.
Patients may also receive care from a physical therapist assistant (PTA). PTAs are licensed healthcare professionals that deliver care by following the PT patient care plan. PTAs may also measure changes in the patient's performance as a result of the physical therapy provided.
Contact Us
Preston Family Building 617.638.7869
Specialty Clinics
Physical and Occupational Therapy
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
Medical Oncology
Orthopedic Surgery
Parkinson's Disease and Movement Disorders Center
Pediatrics - Pain Clinic
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
Conditions We Treat
- Abdominal Pain and Pelvic Floor Disorders
- Balance Disorders
- Bone and Joint Replacement
- Bone Fracture
- Concussion
- De Quervain's Tendonitis
- Dyspareunia
- Interstitial Cystitis (IC)
- Lymphedema
- Overactive Bladder Disorder (OAB)
- Parkinson's Disease
- Pelvic Floor Weakness
- Pelvic Organ Prolapse
- Pelvic Pain
- Spinal Fractures
- Stroke
- Walking Abnormalities (Gait Abnormalities)
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, PT, MS
Manager, Outpatient Rehabilitative Services, Boston Medical Center Campus
James Sherman, PT, DPT
Manager, Outpatient Rehabilitative Services, Winthrop Neighborhood Health
Julie Murray, OTR/L
Manager, Inpatient Rehabilitative Services