Relieve Orthopedic Pain with Physical Therapy!

Physical Therapists plays an important role in an individual’s rehabilitation process, working closely to help them regain mobility and function and to reduce or eliminate pain. And thousands of area residents have turned to the experienced therapy staff of Saint Anthony’s Physical Therapy for over three decades.

Offered as part of the Outpatient Rehabilitative Services at 815 East Fifth Street, Saint Anthony’s Physical Therapy began in 1973 with a single therapist. Today, Saint Anthony’s Physical Therapy team has 25 physical therapists and physical therapist assistants.

“Saint Anthony’s has a wealth of experience from our professional staff treating a variety of ailments,” said Sue Curfman, Director of Therapies. “We specialize in the treatment of orthopedic pain, both surgical and non-surgical. We also believe in a more hands-on approach and focus on an individual care plan for each patient that is specific to their needs.”

Because physical therapists have extensive knowledge of the body’s muscle systems, they are able to accurately assess a patient’s muscle strength and endurance, joint motion, and ability to perform everyday functions following an illness or injury.

East Alton resident Don Curtis began going to Saint Anthony’s Physical Therapy after he had a total knee replacement.

“After years of wear and tear on my knees as a high school umpire, my knee just gave out and I couldn’t do any of the things that were once very easy,” said Don. “After the surgery I started with therapy. It was slow at first. The therapist began at a level that I could handle, but was still helping my knee. As therapy continued, the staff really pushed me and encouraged me with each visit to work hard. Now, I am back to working out five days a week and my knee feels great.”

Total knee implants replace cartilage and bone that has worn away over the years. Knee replacement can minimize or relieve pain and help get a person back to enjoying their normal, everyday life.

“When everyday activities such as walking, going down stairs or getting in and out of a chair becomes too painful to tolerate, a knee surgery may be needed,” said Curfman. “Other reasons to consider knee surgery is moderate or severe knee pain while resting, either day or night, swelling of the knee that does not improve with rest, bowing in or out of the knee or the inability to bend and straighten the knee.”

Some common diagnoses and procedures referred for physical therapy other than total joint replacement surgery include osteoporosis, fractures, amputation, acute back pain, head injury, stroke, degenerative joint disease, osteoarthritis, herniated disc, rheumatoid arthritis, laminectomy, and osteomyeliitis.

For more information on Saint Anthony’s Rehabilitative Services, please call 618/463-5172.