The physical therapy department is an integral part of DeWitt Nursing & Rehabilitation Center.  It's staff consisting of Physical Therapists, Physical Therapist Assistants and Transport Aides works to provide services to every resident of this 499 bed facility that needs therapy.

They work together and cooperate with physicians, dentists, nurses, social workers, occupational therapists, speech language pathologists and audiologists to maximize the potential of each patient as quickly as possible and restore independence and skills necessary for a successful return home or return to prior-to-illness functional status.

After examining patients medical histories, physical therapists test and measure there strength, range of motion, coordination, balance, posture, cardiopulmonary status and functional mobility.  They develop treatment plans that are implemented during everyday treatment seminars.

Treatment includes strengthening exercises, range of motion and cardiovascular that by utilizing free weights, therabands, pulley system, upper and lower extremity bikes improves patients strength, flexibility and endurance.  A variety of exercises are performed to help patients restore balance and coordination.

From the first day of therapy patients are trained in bed mobility, moving between lying, sitting and standing positions and in safe ambulation, ramp/stair climbing.  Motorized parallel bars, mini-stair system and ramps are utilized to ensure patients safety and progress during the first days of treatment.

Patients are taught to use assistive and adaptive devices i.e. crutches, walkers, canes, orthotics, prosthetics and wheelchairs.  Education in fall precautions, safety awareness, energy conservation techniques and effective breathing becomes an integral part of treatment.  Patients returning are trained in home exercises to maintain the progress achieved during treatment.