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