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Lynda Nanney of Morton felt the benefits of physical therapy and occupational therapy. She’s experienced both after several different surgeries, of which she’s had more than her share including a spinal fusion, one hip replaced, both knees replaced and carpal tunnel surgery, with therapy following each endeavor. Because the surgeries required specialists that Arbor Health Morton Hospital does not employ, all of them were conducted at other hospitals. However, Lynda always came back to Morton for her follow-up therapies. She also used the therapy pool for the last five and a half years for general mobility.

Arbor Health Morton Hospital
Occupational Therapist Paige Hebard works with Morton resident Lynda Nanney. Photo courtesy: Arbor Health Morton Hospital

Most recently, Lynda received occupational therapy on her elbow at Arbor Health Rehabilitation Services. This injury actually began with a break she experienced when she was just five years old. She got an infection in it but was fortunate with the timing as penicillin was just being released for non-military use after World War II. However, 55 or 60 years later, arthritis moved in sending her back for more therapy. “The occupational therapist really helped me,” Lynda said. “Not just the therapy itself but she helped me find different ways to do everyday things with different movements. It’s really getting a lot better.”

Convenience is one of the benefits of therapy close to home for Lynda. “I’ve been through the physical therapy department for a lot of different things,” she said. “It’s so nice to be close to home and not have to travel to town for therapy. It also saves money on gas. It would be foolish to go into town when we have it right here.”

The small-town, personal treatment is what keeps Lynda coming back. “Everyone is so friendly,” Lynda said. “The department is small enough that you get to know everyone. If you have problems or questions between appointments, you can drop in and ask.”

The occupational therapist even had Lynda in the little therapy kitchen to teach her little tricks on how to do things like loading dishes in the dishwasher in a way that is easier for her. “As I’ve followed what she told me to do, it’s gotten better,” Lynda said.

Physical and Occupational Therapy

Arbor Health Morton Hospital
The front of Arbor Health Morton Hospital welcomes patients in. Photo courtesy: Arbor Health Morton Hospital

Both Physical Therapy (PT) and Occupational Therapy (OT) provide essential hands-on rehabilitative work to help patients complete everyday tasks as independently as possible. They take a different approach in helping people get back to their usual way of life.

The main difference between occupational therapy and physical therapy is that OT focuses on improving a patient’s ability to perform activities of daily living where PT focuses on increasing mobility, aligning bones and joints or lessening pain.

Arbor Health’s Rehabilitation Services provides both PT and OT. Your doctor will determine which therapy you need when making the referral. For more information on their rehabilitation services call 360-496-3593.

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