Benson Hospital History - Benson, Arizona

Physical, occupational and speech therapy to restore normal function, improve mobility and achieve a greater degree of independence is provided in a variety of settings including the hospital, nursing homes, patient homes and work sites in Benson and surrounding areas.

Physical therapists evaluate muscle function, mobility, safety, strength, range of motion and functional abilities and limitations. The modalities used are ultrasound, heat, cold, electrical stimulation and exercise to achieve the desired goal. Treatment is based on prior level of function and individual need.

Patients are referred to physical therapy when:

The patient has suffered a stroke or work-related injury.
The patient has been injured in a fall or other accident.
The patient is unsafe in functional mobility.
The patient has had hip, knee or back surgery.
The patient has a chronic wound requiring the skills of a physical therapist for treatment.
The patient would benefit from physical agent modalities such as heat, cold, ultrasound, TENS, electrical stimulation or manual therapy.

Occupational therapists use functional activities, such as dressing, personal hygiene and leisure interests, to achieve the highest level of independence in activities of daily living, as well as therapeutic exercise and modalities.

This includes caring for one's self, work and leisure. Occupational therapists also treat a variety of upper extremity disorders and provides splinting services.

Patients are referred to occupational therapy when:

The patient has had a change in his/her ability to take care of his/her self, such dressing, bathing, feeding themselves, money management, household management, etc.
There is a question regarding the patient's judgment for personal safety, especially if the discharge plan is for the person to return home.
The patient has had an injury to the arm or hand requiring therapy to improve the range of motion, strength, coordination and function.

Speech/Language pathologists use a wide range of language activities to treat communication disorders and evaluate swallowing disorders.

Patients are referred to speech/language therapy for disorders of:

Swallowing: The patient coughs or chokes when eating or drinking or avoids foods or doesn't want to eat.
Cognition: The patient is disoriented, confused or unable to handle tasks as before.
Communication: The patient cannot understand or express ideas as before or has difficulty reading or writing.
Voice: The patient is hoarse or cannot control loudness.