What's the difference in the kinds of therapy available and what do the therapists do?

The National Rehabilitation Awareness Foundation designates a week to educate people about the benefits and impact of rehabilitation. Physical Therapists, Occupational Therapists, and Speech Language Pathologists all work together to help individuals overcome obstacles and accomplish normal tasks of daily living.

Physical Therapy:Physical therapists are experts in the examination and treatment of musculoskeletal and neuromuscular problems that affect peoples’ abilities to move the way they want and function as well as they want in their daily lives.

When do you need physical therapy?

• Low back pain
• Neck pain
• Knee, ankle or foot problems
• Sprains and muscle strains
• Arthritis
• Cardiac Rehabilitation
• Rehabilitation after a serious injury
• Chronic respiratory problems
• Stroke rehabilitation
• Shoulder problems
• Problems with balance
• Hip fractures
• Incontinence

Occupational Therapy:Occupational therapy uses goal-directed activity in the evaluation and treatment of persons whose ability to function is impaired by normal aging, illness, injury or developmental disability. Treatment goals in occupational therapy include the promotion of functional independence and prevention of disability.

Who should receive occupational therapy?

• Individuals who have limitations in their abilities to carry out self-care
activities
• Individuals whose strength and endurance are at risk
• Individuals whose ability to function in the community has been impaired
• Individuals whose physical, cognitive, or psychological problems prevent
them from achieving tasks that are currently important to them
• Limitations following a stroke or heart attack
• Arthritis, multiple sclerosis, other chronic conditions, mental health
problems including Alzheimer’s, schizophrenia and post-traumatic stress


Speech Therapy:Speech language pathology, also known as Speech Therapy, is the study, diagnosis, and treatment of defects and disorders of the voice and of spoken and written communication. Speech therapy also evaluates and treats neurological and physical disorders and conditions caused by an injury or illness.

Who should receive speech therapy?
• Individuals that have swallowing difficulties
• Individuals who have trouble with memory or have increased confusion
• Individuals who cannot follow simple commands or have trouble understanding
• Individuals who cannot formulate words and sentences correctly
• Individuals who have slurred speech, are very hoarse, or strain to talk
• Individuals who are having trouble reading and writing
• Individuals that have lip, mouth or tongue weakness, lack of coordination or
decreased range of motion


If you would like to learn how therapy can benefit you or a loved one, please contact our Therapy Department at the Franklin United Methodist Community.

Our Garden Memory Care Apartments are assisted living accommodations provided for those who are experiencing the effects of an early stage of dementia or Alzheimer's disease. The lovely area was recently renovated and opened to the first residents who are enjoying the secured environment, but have access to the outdoors via the Sunken Gardens. This gives them the chance to plant flowers and enjoy the nice, but unpredictable, Indiana weather. Special activities and services make this the perfect starting point for residents who have some memory impairment, but still function fairly independently.