Physical and Occupational Therapy Is Now Downtown
By Annette Pinder

 

Jeannethe (Neddie) King, PT is excited to lead Excelsior Orthopaedics’ new physical and occupational therapy center team located in downtown Buffalo. King understands the importance of physical therapy (PT) and occupational therapy (OT) saying, “While the recovery process that impacts mobility and range of motion takes time, PT and OT help the body acclimate to regular activity. Individuals who have suffered a sprain, broken bone, or even spent time immobilized in the hospital due to an illness are often prescribed PT or OT as part of their follow-up treatment.”

PTs and OTs are licensed medical professionals who are trained in diagnosing abnormalities, restoring function and mobility, maintaining that function, and promoting proper form for future activity. King says, “We help patients progressively increase their strength and improve their mobility, helping their bodies return to a state where they function as best as possible. In addition to treating injuries, we teach exercises, stretches, and techniques to help prevent problems, but therapy extends beyond disabled or injured people. We provide education on body weaknesses to help correct and guide them on poor body mechanics and function that cause pain. We teach them how to make changes to help prevent future pain and injury.” 

Focusing primarily on orthopedic and musculoskeletal conditions, new patients undergo a physical exam and evaluation of pain, movement, flexibility, gait, and performance. They receive a clinical diagnosis and plan of care, including long-term goals, and participate in treatment, such as stretching, 3-D movement mechanics, and weight-bearing activities based on the therapist’s guidance. “Patients also receive at-home work to further their progress in between sessions. “PT is particularly helpful for patients recovering from strokes or paralysis, injuries, trauma, and musculoskeletal conditions, while OT focuses more on the hand and wrist, with an aim of getting a person’s fine motor skills working properly,” says King. 

Both PT and OT benefit healthy people so that they can take a proactive approach to avoiding pain and injury. For example, PT can help people improve their balance and prevent falls, and provide posture guidance so patients can prevent shoulder or low back injuries while at work. King says, “People tend to think PT and OT is only for people with injuries. In addition to therapists helping heal body injuries, they also assist with overall wellness.”

Excelsior welcomes patients to the new 4,380 square foot facility, located on the first floor of the Main Court building at 438 Main Street (formerly CVS Pharmacy), which includes state-of-the-art equipment and comprehensive physical and occupational therapy services for patients of all ages — whether they are recovering from an orthopaedic surgical procedure, pursuing therapy as an alternative to surgery, or simply want to learn how to avoid future injuries.

“Our team is excited help patients along their road to recovery from our beautiful new location where patients can see us prior to starting their workday, during their lunch hour, or before heading home,” said King.

Excelsior’s PT OT Center hours are Mondays and Wednesdays 9:30 am to 6:00 pm and Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Friday 7:00 am to 3:30 pm. Enter on Main or Court Streets where street parking is available, or park at the Fernbach ramp located just around the corner on Pearl Street. Call 716-906-5666 to make an appointment.