BUCKHANNON, W.Va. — St. Joseph’s Hospital recognizes its physical therapy staff during the month of October.  Physical therapists are movement experts who improve quality of life through hands-on care, patient education, and prescribed movement.

Physical therapists create personalized treatment plans that help their patients improve mobility, manage pain and other chronic conditions, recover from injury, and prevent future injury and chronic diseases.

Physical therapists and physical therapy assistants’ patient care may include teaching people how to exercise for mobility, strength and coordination, training for activities such as walking with crutches, canes, or walkers, massage, and the use of physical agents and electrotherapy such as ultrasound and electrical stimulation.   

They care for people of all ages and abilities. They empower people to actively participate in their own treatment. They work collaboratively with each other, and with other health professionals, to ensure patients receive the best care.