When most people think of Physical Therapy, they think of somewhere that you go to recover after surgery or injury. Physical therapists are movement specialists, so it is true that we are the ideal provider for orthopedic injuries and post-surgical rehabilitation. We would be happy to assist you in returning to full function following an injury to your knee, hip, back, neck, ankle, or shoulder. However, there are other specialties that physical therapists may treat of which many people are unaware.
Our clinic specializes in vestibular rehabilitation. Vestibular refers to the balance system located in your inner ear. We treat patients for balance deficits/dizziness problems that may or may not be related to your inner ear. These diagnoses include benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), neuronitis or labyrinthitis, concussion, Parkinson’s Disease, vestibular migraine, motion sensitivity, and general gait or balance dysfunction among others. Falls are the #1 cause of morbidity and mortality in older adults, so balance deficits and diminished balance confidence should not be left untreated. In addition, dizziness is NOT a normal symptom of aging and can contribute to falling. If you or someone you know is feeling dizzy, it is important to see a vestibular physical therapist to see if the issue can be addressed before it results in a fall which can lead to injury.
Physical therapists also treat pelvic floor dysfunction. This can include incontinence, difficulty with bowel and bladder movements, pain with intercourse, postpartum and pregnancy-related pain and/or weakness, and other pelvic pain/dysfunction. While we at WWSPT do not specifically treat pelvic floor dysfunction, we would be happy to point you in the direction of a therapist who would be able to meet your needs.
Because the hand is such an intricate and detailed body area, there are some physical therapists (and occupational therapists) that are certified, hand specialists. There are other physical therapists who specialize in treating the pediatric population. Others work in cardiac rehabilitation following heart attacks, strokes, and heart surgeries. Some physical therapists focus on the treatment of neurologic diagnoses such as spinal cord injury, traumatic brain injury, or stroke.
Because of the variety of specialties and abilities of physical therapists, we can be found in many different settings. You will find physical therapists at an outpatient clinic, a hospital, a nursing home, a school, or on the sideline at a sporting event.
All newly licensed physical therapists must have a doctoral degree, or DPT, to practice. This means that practicing therapists either have many years of experience or 7 years of education after high school when they are treating you. You are in well-educated, caring, and capable hands. So take advantage of the wide variety of physical therapy care available to you in order to live your best life!
Dr.Kelsey Hanlon, PT, DPT
WWS Physical Therapy and Vestibular Rehabilitation
1456 Ferry Road
Suite 601
Doylestown, PA 18901
P:215-489-3234
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