Physical therapy has come a long way over the last few decades, and Gina V Physical Therapy in Papillion, Nebraska is at the forefront of this progress. Gina Vanderheiden, the owner of Gina V, has seen firsthand how the field has evolved and improved over the years. With over 20 years of experience as a physical therapist, she has witnessed significant changes in the way physical therapy is practiced and the results it can achieve.
One of the most significant changes in physical therapy has been the shift toward a more patient-centered approach. “The focus used to be on just treating the injury or condition, but now we take a more holistic approach,” says Vanderheiden. “We look at the whole person and their lifestyle to determine the best course of treatment.” This approach recognizes that every patient is unique, with their own set of challenges and goals. By taking into account a patient’s lifestyle, work, and home environment, physical therapists can design treatment plans that are more effective and easier to follow.
“The focus used to be on just treating the injury or condition, but now we take a more holistic approach,” ~ Gina V.
Another significant change in physical therapy has been the increased use of technology. Today’s physical therapists have access to a wide range of tools and techniques that were not available even a few decades ago. For example, Vanderheiden notes that “we now have specialized equipment and software that allows us to measure and track progress more accurately.” This technology helps physical therapists design more effective treatment plans and measure the effectiveness of those plans over time.
According to the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA), these changes are having a positive impact on patient outcomes. A study by the APTA found that patients who received physical therapy for low back pain were less likely to need further treatment, such as surgery or medication than those who did not receive physical therapy. Additionally, patients who received physical therapy reported less pain and better function compared to those who did not receive physical therapy.
At Gina V Physical Therapy, Vanderheiden and her team are using these changes in physical therapy to help their patients achieve better outcomes. “We believe that physical therapy should be an empowering experience for patients,” says Vanderheiden. “Our goal is to help patients take control of their health and wellbeing, and we do that by providing personalized care that is tailored to their needs and goals.”
We believe that physical therapy should be an empowering experience for patients. ~ Gina V.
In addition to these changes, Vanderheiden notes that physical therapy has also become more specialized. “There are now more areas of specialization within physical therapy, such as women’s health, sports medicine, and geriatrics,” she says. This specialization allows physical therapists to develop expertise in specific areas, which can lead to better outcomes for patients with specific conditions or needs.
Overall, the changes in physical therapy over the last few decades have been significant and positive. Patients today have access to more effective and personalized care than ever before, and physical therapists like Vanderheiden are leading the way in delivering that care. “We’re always looking for new ways to improve our practice and help our patients,” she says. “Physical therapy is a dynamic field, and we’re excited to be a part of its continued evolution.”
Tags: Gina V. Physical Therapy
