How Can Physical Therapy Help You?

Physical therapy is a health care specialty designed to treat disorders of the musculoskeletal system and its interaction with physical movement.  This form of therapy helps people develop, maintain, and reach maximum movement and functional ability throughout a lifetime.

The primary goal of PT is to identify and maximize movement potential, as well as provide preventive treatment and rehabilitation.

What conditions does physical therapy help treat?

Many different conditions can be treated with physical therapy.  Some of the most common include arthritis, migraines, fibromyalgia, sports injuries, back and neck pain and obesity.  In general, there are five specialty areas in PT: Orthopedic, Neurological, Geriatric, Cardiovascular and Pediatric.

What does a physical therapist do?

Physical therapists are health care professionals who manage and evaluate health conditions for individuals of all ages.  After your doctor refers you to a physical therapist, the therapist will then evaluate your medical history and perform a physical exam.  A physical therapist can then establish a diagnosis by organizing the evaluation results into defined syndromes or categories to help determine appropriate intervention strategies.

Types of interventions include therapeutic exercise, muscle and massage therapy, functional training, spinal and extremity mobilization, electric stimulation and more.

Physical therapy at Allegheny Medical

Dr. Krista Shiwarski is the Director of Physical Therapy at Allegheny Medical.  She received her Doctor of Physical Therapy from Chatham University and has extensive experience rehabilitating patients with orthopedic problems and sports injuries.  Dr. Shiwarski works closely with the referring physician and other staff members in order to coordinate treatment to promote optimal, quality results.

Physical therapy hours of operation at Allegheny Medical are Monday through Thursday 9am to 7pm and Friday 9am to 1pm.  Please call us at 412-494-4550 to schedule your appointment for physical therapy services today.