Physical Therapist Assistant
Rehabilitation Services Manager
The increased use of opioids for pain management in America has created a national health crisis. Opioid prescription rates have quadrupled since 1999, leading to similar increases in prescription opioid deaths and heroin deaths.
In response, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released guidelines in March 2016 urging prescribers to reduce the use of opioids in favor of safer alternatives in the treatment of chronic pain. Physical therapy is one of the recommended nonopioid alternatives.
Physical therapists treat pain through movement, helping patients improve strength, flexibility, and range of motion. Physical therapists also can educate their patients about pain, which has been known to improve outcomes.
During October’s National Physical Therapy Month, the American Physical Therapy Association is focusing on pain relief through physical therapy. Their national campaign, #ChoosePT, highlights the many benefits that physical therapy provides versus masking the pain with medication.
Johnson Memorial Health Services highly skilled physical therapy team has a combined 35 years of experience. They work with their patients to create an individualized treatment plan that includes realistic goals and expectations.
Bonnie Will, PT/DPT, ATR has over 18 years of experience as a Physical Therapist. She is a Certified Therapeutic Pain Specialist and NATA certified Athletic trainer. She completed her Master’s Degree in Physical Therapy in 1998 and her Doctorate in Physical Therapy in 2007.
Jill Matthies has more than 17 years of experience working as a Physical Therapy Assistant. She has an associate’s degree from a PTA program. She enjoys working with all individuals of all ages. She has a great talent for working with individuals with neurological conditions such as strokes or the elderly.
If you have any questions or concerns about an injury or are suffering from chronic pain, please contact JMHS’s Physical Therapy department at call 320-312-2128.