Get patients moving with therapy services

May 8, 2025

Inpatient and outpatient therapy offers numerous benefits for improving mobility, especially for individuals recovering from illness, injury, or surgery. Here are some key advantages:

  1. Enhanced Mobility: Outpatient therapy helps patients regain their ability to move and perform daily activities, reducing dependence on others 
  2. Pain Management: Targeted exercises and treatments can reduce chronic pain, allowing patients to live more comfortably 
  3. Strength and Endurance: Therapy programs are designed to improve muscle strength and endurance, which are crucial for maintaining mobility 
  4. Fall Prevention: By improving balance and strength, outpatient therapy helps reduce the risk of falls, which is especially important for seniors 
  5. Cognitive Retraining: Cognitive retraining techniques improve attention and problem-solving skills which can help individuals avoid distractions and make safer decisions.

What to expect from therapy services while patients are in the hospital

At our hospitals, we offer a range of therapy services to support your recovery and enhance your quality of life. Our Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, and Speech Language Pathology services are physician-ordered, ensuring you receive the care tailored to your specific needs.

·       Occupational Therapists evaluate and treat patients, addressing physical and cognitive changes that impact the ability to complete Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) such as mobility, bathing, dressing, and toileting. They also assist with Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADLs) like managing medications, appointments, finances, meal preparation, housekeeping, shopping, communication, and community access.

·       Physical Therapists focus on improving and restoring movement and function, managing pain, reducing symptoms of chronic conditions and diseases, and aiding recovery from and prevention of injury.

·       Speech Language Pathologists diagnose and treat cognitive communication, speech, language, and swallowing disorders.

Our therapists are integral members of the multidisciplinary team, providing input on discharge needs, including mobility and ADL equipment, caregiver/family training, and recommendations for follow-up post-hospitalization therapy. They collaborate closely with nursing staff to ensure safe mobility techniques, communication/cognition considerations, and swallow strategies that patients can practice outside of therapy sessions.

 

Providence Swedish Outpatient Therapy options

Here in South Puget Sound, Providence Swedish continue to offer Occupational, Physical and Speech therapy specialty services at the following locations:

·       Sleater-Kinney in Thurston County (360-493-4995):

o   Outpatient Neuro Therapy

o   Outpatient Lymphedema (oncology-related)

·       Providence Centralia Hospital (360-330-8720)

o   Outpatient Neuro, Pediatrics, Hand and Wound Care

In addition, virtual therapy options will be added.

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