Physical and Occupational Therapy

What is Physical and Occupational Therapy?

Physical Therapy (PT) focuses on restoring and improving movement, strength and function after illness, injury or surgery. It involves evidence-based techniques to reduce pain, build mobility and support recovery so patients can return to daily activities with confidence. Physical therapists use individualized treatment plans to address a wide range of conditions, from orthopedic injuries and joint replacement recovery to neurological conditions and chronic pain.

Occupational Therapy (OT) helps people of all ages participate in activities of daily living (ADLs), including getting dressed, preparing meals, returning to work or managing school routines. OT fosters independence, confidence and quality of life by addressing the physical, cognitive and emotional skills you need for daily living.

Occupational therapists (OTs) help patients recover from injury, manage chronic conditions and adapt to new limitations. From rebuilding hand strength post-surgery to managing fatigue during cancer treatment, it provides tailored strategies to make daily tasks easier.

Physical and Occupational Therapies

Our PT and OT programs provide evidence-based therapies and specialty programs designed to improve mobility, independence and quality of life, including:

Joint replacement therapy: Restores mobility and function after hip, knee or shoulder replacement
Postoperative care: Builds strength and function following surgery
Soft tissue injuries and tendinopathies: Target muscle, ligament and tendon recovery
Back and neck pain: Relieves pain, improves posture and increases mobility
Chronic pain management: Uses therapeutic exercise and strategies to reduce pain and improve daily function
Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) therapy: Restores jaw mobility and reduces pain
Balance therapy and fall prevention: Improves strength, gait and stability to reduce fall risk
Neurological rehabilitation: Supports recovery after stroke, brain injury or spinal cord injury
Stroke rehabilitation: PT restores movement and balance, and OT supports self-care, fine motor skills and independence
Vestibular therapy: PT addresses dizziness, balance issues and headaches related to vestibular disorders or concussions, while OT provides vision and cognitive support for daily activities
Parkinson’s disease therapy: PT focuses on gait and movement, and OT supports fine motor skills and daily living tasks
Cognitive and vision therapy: Focuses on memory, attention, executive function and visual processing, often following a concussion or neurological injury
Lymphedema therapy: PT and OT therapists provide manual lymph drainage, compression and functional support
Pelvic health therapy: PT and OT provides pelvic floor rehabilitation, supports daily routines and adaptations related to pelvic health throughout the lifespan.
Amputee rehabilitation: PT supports prosthetic and mobility training, and OT helps patients adapt to daily activities and maintain independence, Therapy provides a supportive environment to help you cope with the emotional and psychological challenges of limb loss.
Bariatric rehabilitation: PT builds strength, endurance and mobility before and after bariatric surgery, while OT provides strategies to make everyday tasks easier and safer
Cancer rehabilitation and fatigue management: PT restores strength and function, and OT focuses on energy conservation and daily living strategies
Hand and upper extremity therapy: Physical Therapists, Occupational Therapists and Certified hand therapists (CHTs) provide advanced rehabilitation for hand, wrist and arm conditions
Custom splinting: Static and dynamic splints designed to support healing and restore function
Functional capacity and ergonomic evaluations: Therapists assess work and daily task performance and offer recommendations for safer and more effective function

two

How Physical and Occupational Therapy Work

Physical Therapy

Every PT plan begins with a one-on-one evaluation to assess movement, strength, balance and functional ability. Based on this assessment, the therapist develops a plan tailored to each patient’s goals, such as regaining independence after surgery or improving balance to prevent falls.

PT may include guided exercises, manual therapy, balance training and use of specialized equipment. Progress is monitored at each session, and therapy is adjusted to ensure safe, steady improvement. Patients are often given exercises to continue at home, reinforcing gains made in the clinic.

Occupational Therapy

OT begins with an evaluation to understand a patient’s goals, daily challenges and functional abilities. This may involve testing motor skills, cognition, vision or endurance, as well as discussing how limitations affect life at home, school or work.

Based on this assessment, the OT develops a tailored plan. Treatment may include therapeutic exercises, adaptive strategies, custom splints or energy-conservation techniques. Education and home practice are key, ensuring patients and families have the tools they need to continue progress beyond the clinic.

What To Expect When You Have Physical and Occupational Therapy

At Inspira, patients can expect a supportive and individualized experience designed to promote safe movement, functional independence and confidence. Sessions are structured, interactive and goal-driven—whether the focus is rebuilding strength after surgery, improving flexibility to ease pain, restoring balance to prevent falls or practicing the daily activities that matter most.

Physical Therapists work closely with each patient, providing encouragement, education and strategies for continued progress outside the clinic. With consistent participation, patients experience meaningful improvements in mobility, independence and overall quality of life.

Occupational Therapy may include practicing self-care skills, learning adaptive techniques or using tools such as custom splints and ergonomic adjustments. Occupational Therapists also work closely with families and caregivers to ensure progress continues at home and in the community, reinforcing the skills that lead to lasting independence