For those patients whose treatment plan includes a surgical procedure, it is important to understand that physical therapy and rehabilitation will play a significant role in their post-surgery protocol and in their recovery. Most any surgery performed will typically result in some type of physical therapy, no matter how invasive or minimally invasive the surgery may be. Physical therapy helps patients with movement and mobility while decreasing pain, restoring function, and limiting disability in individuals with various injuries or impairments. *
Michael Friar, D.P.T., leads our physical therapy department here at the NYSI. He administers a variety of physical therapy treatments to all our Elmont patients, and those in surrounding towns as well. PT plans are designed to incorporate proper stretching, exercise, and manual therapy. The primary goal of any form of physical therapy is to help patients improve their health by way of their own body mechanics and postural awareness. PT also offers patients instructions on how to perform home exercises that are beneficial to their healing process, and help patients to avoid reinjury.
PT treatments vary from patient to patient, but typically will include a combination of cardio and weight machines that serve to target strength and endurance training. A licensed physical therapist will perform an assessment and evaluation of your health, and your condition before prescribing a personalized PT plan. The assessment is mandatory in determining current functioning levels, pain thresholds, and physical restrictions. Upon completion of an evaluation, your personal doctor and Michael Friar, D.P.T. together will collaborate in designing a PT treatment plan that will focus on your own personal health goals.