Physicians, Physical Therapists work closely to make sure patients have best results

MCLEAN, VA – January 30, 2015 — Whether it’s a torn rotator cuff for weekend warriors or senior athletes or chronic hip and knee pain, physical therapy is a constant component of MedStar National Rehabilitation Network’s Orthopaedic Program system of care.

Physicians who specialize in treating shoulder joints through the MedStar Orthopaedic Institute at MedStar Georgetown University Hospital use a ‘treatment toolbox’ with a full spectrum of options for patients, designed to get them back to their routines in no time.

In fact, post-surgery, physical therapy becomes a naturally effective way to reduce pain and improve function. “We work collaboratively with the MedStar NRH rehabilitation team and sports medicine experts at the McLean outpatient center to develop an effective plan of care for each patient,” says Brent Wiesel, MD, chief of shoulder services with MedStar Orthopaedic Institute.

Rehabilitation protocol is developed for patients who don’t always require surgery, but who may simply benefit from therapy, beyond those patients who undergo repairs to their knees or hips.

Athletes are also helped by this collaboration. Physicians work closely with MedStar NRH sports medicine experts to help athletes prevent injury, especially damage to the ACL. Many ACL injuries occur in girls and women, especially those who play soccer. “ACL injuries are caused by sudden turns in direction,” says William Postma, MD, sports medicine expert with MedStar Health Physical Therapy at McLean, VA. “Exercises to improve balance and agility can go a long way to prevent ligament tears.”

MedStar Health Physical Therapy at McLean, VA center offers neurologic, orthopaedic rehabilitation and medical specialty care, radiology services, sports medicine, a runner’s clinic, and a concussion clinic. For more information on any of these services call 703-288-8260 or go to MedStarNRH.org/Locations.

About MedStar National Rehabilitation Network

The MedStar National Rehabilitation Network (MedStar NRH) is a regional system of rehabilitation care that offers inpatient, day treatment and outpatient services in Washington, D.C., Maryland and Northern Virginia.

The Network’s interdisciplinary team of rehabilitation experts provides comprehensive services to help people recover as fully as possible following illness and injury.  Rehabilitation medicine specialists, psychologists, physical and occupational therapists, and speech-language pathologists work hand-in-hand with other rehab professionals to design treatment plans tailored to each patient’s unique needs.  Rehabilitation plans feature a team approach and include the use of state-of-the-art technology and advanced medical treatment based on the latest rehabilitation research.  

The Network provides comprehensive programs specifically designed to aid in the rehabilitation of adults and children recovering from neurologic and orthopaedic conditions such as amputation, arthritis, back and neck pain, brain injury, cancer, cardiac conditions, concussion, fibromyalgia, foot and ankle disorders, hand and upper extremity problems, post-polio syndrome, stroke, spinal cord injury and disease, and sports and work-related injuries.

Inpatient and day treatment programs are provided at MedStar National Rehabilitation Hospital located in Northwest Washington, DC and at more than 40 outpatient sites conveniently located throughout the region.  MedStar NRH is consistently ranked by physicians in U.S. News & World Report as one of America’s “Best Hospitals” for Rehabilitation, and is fully accredited by The Joint Commission, the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF), with CARF accredited specialty programs for Amputations, Brain Injury, Spinal Cord Injury and Stroke.

For more on MedStar NRH and to find a location near you, log on to MedStarNRH.org.

For Immediate Release

Contact: Derek Berry
Director of Communications
Ph: 202-877-1773
M: 571-218-7594
[email protected]