Physical Therapy

Physical Therapist’s help pave the road to Total Health and Wellness.

A Physical Therapist at Sussex County Physical Therapy designs a personalized exercise/treatment program to specifically target your injury or surgical rehabilitation.

The role of our therapist is to evaluate and manage a program, which is designed to accomplish the goals set by the Doctor, our Physical Therapist and YOU. Based on your evaluation and objective measurement, the type of treatment may include a muscle strengthening program, a flexibility and general conditioning program, and pain management program.

Your treatment plan will consist of a specific exercise/rehabilitation program, which may include modalities such as moist heat, paraffin, ultrasound, electrical stimulation, ice, Anodyne Therapy, and a home exercise program. “Hands on” therapy consisting of myofascial release, soft tissue massage, passive range of motion, and joint mobilization, as prescribed.

The goals of Physical Therapy will depend on the patient’s level of activities prior to injury/surgery. A HEP (home exercise program) will be designed for you and is vital for achieving the goals set by your physician, therapist and YOU!

We will work together as a team to help you return to your optimum level of function.

Physical Therapist (PT)

Prior to becoming a physical therapist, students complete rigorous didactic (class instruction) and clinical training that includes (but is not limited to) anatomy, kinesiology (study of movement), the study of disease and injury, healing and recovery, and a myriad of therapeutic treatment techniques (e.g. passive modalities, therapeutic exercise).

Prior to practicing students must obtain either a Bachelor's or Master's Degree in Physical Therapy and pass an examination to become licensed.

Physical Therapists are certified by the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA) and are governed by a strict ethical code of conduct. They are required to complete CE's, credits for continuing education throughout their career. Further, many therapists choose to concentrate on a subspecialty of physical therapy such as orthopedics or sports.

Therapists practice in many different settings such as hospitals, outpatient clinics, rehab centers, home healthcare agencies (serving homebound patients), and private practice.

The Physical Therapist evaluates patients; designs individual treatment plans, re-assesses patient progress, and supervises other therapy personnel.

Physical Therapy Assistant (PTA)

A Physical Therapy Assistant completes a two-year professional certification program to obtain an Associates Degree in Physical Therapy. Under the close supervision of a Physical Therapist, the PTA is able to perform most treatments. A PTA is not involved in the patient's initial evaluation, treatment plan design, or re-assessment.

The PTA carries out the treatment plan as outlined by the Physical Therapist. This may include teaching patients therapeutic exercises, performing ultrasound or other passive modalities, and observing and recording the patient's progress.