With its spacious layout, leading-edge equipment and soothing atmosphere, patients sometimes forget that the new UHS Physical Therapy & Rehabilitation Center on the Vestal Parkway is not a luxury fitness club. Although, as healing begins with state-of-the-art physical therapy, occupational therapy and neuropsychology services designed to meet individual treatment and recovery needs, the center’s true purpose becomes clear.
“We differentiate ourselves with a core focus on manual therapy,” says Brian Tableman, DPT, manager of UHS Physical Therapy & Rehabilitation Vestal and adjunct professor, Decker School of Nursing at Binghamton University. “That means hands-on soft tissue manipulation, mobilization and stretching, as opposed to the cookie-cutter approach where a patient works on equipment and someone supervises. Our equipment is available to give patients variety, but never to replace manual therapy techniques.”
AGES & STAGES
Located at 4401 Vestal Parkway East, adjacent to UHS Vestal, the center’s physical therapists are on the cutting edge of outpatient treatment for a wide range of musculoskeletal issues as well as post-surgical rehabilitation, including recovery from total joint replacement, spinal procedures and rotator cuff repair. “We also treat a high volume of non-operative conditions that respond well to therapeutic intervention,” Dr. Tableman explains. “And our patients’ ages range from newborn to 100.”
For example, infants may need treatment for torticollis (stiff neck) and center therapists combine manual therapy techniques with education to help parents learn the best way to hold and position their baby. For adults, age is rarely part of the equation. “We work from our physical assessment of the patient and patient goals,” Dr. Tableman stresses. “If the patient has balance issues, we work on balancing techniques and therapeutic strength exercises. If it’s someone who wants to get back on the golf course but suffers back or shoulder pain, we address the issues. It’s always about achieving goals.”
EASY DOES IT
In designing the new UHS Physical Therapy & Rehabilitation Center, convenience topped the priority list. Right across the street from Binghamton University, the facility has a parking lot that leads directly into the facility as well as accommodating hours for BU students and professors along with other working people. Appointments are available from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Thursday; 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., Friday; and 7 a.m. to noon, Saturday.
Adding to the convenience, the center is next door to UHS Vestal, so patients can plan physical therapy appointments in the same trip as a visit to the UHS pharmacy, lab, imaging center, breast center or physician offices. “As part of the UHS system, we have access to physician notes involving special tests done anywhere in our system,” Dr. Tableman says. “This often makes for a smoother, quicker transition to physical therapy — so we can start the healing process.”
IN THERAPY
For an appointment, call 729-7000. Remember, a prescription for therapy from your primary care provider or specialist is required.
