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Physical Therapy

Physical therapy helps people of all ages who experience pain, get injured, struggle with mobility or are considering orthopedic surgery. The specialized physical therapy team at Mayo Clinic Health System can help improve your condition and extend your ability to live independently. Our therapists work to decrease pain, restore your function and mobility, prevent reinjury and reduce your reliance on long-term medications. We care for adults and children in the hospital, in the outpatient setting and virtually, when appropriate.

Find out more about our physical therapy services:

Conditions and consultations

Physical therapists can provide rehabilitation and treatment for a variety of health issues, including:

Amputation
Back pain
Bedwetting and constipation in children
Concussion
Delayed milestones with crawling, sitting or walking
Imbalance of muscle tone and strength
Inner ear (vestibular) problem
Gait and balance dysfunction
Joint sprains and strains
Lymphedema
Neck pain and headache
Neurologic dysfunctions such as stroke, Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, spinal cord injury, and traumatic brain injury
Pelvic health dysfunction for women and men
Pregnancy and associated back pain
Sports performance and injury prevention
Torticollis
Urinary and fecal incontinence
Work-related injury

Treatments and services

After a thorough evaluation, the physical therapy team works with you to develop an individualized treatment and exercise plan. Physical therapy sessions are conducted in the hospital or in an outpatient setting. Our therapists also offer convenient virtual sessions when it meets your needs and enhances your care plan.

Part of your road to recovery may require using an assistive device, such as a cane or walker. Your physical therapy team will help you identify and get a device appropriate to your condition.

Physical therapy treatments and services at Mayo Clinic Health System include:

Adaptive equipment training
Provides instruction for using specialized tools or devices tailored to your unique needs and abilities to facilitate greater independence and functionality in daily activities
Amputee rehabilitation
Helps you attain independence, enhances your quality of life and maximizes your function after an amputation
Balance and coordination treatment
Enhances your body's ability to maintain stability and control movements
Biofeedback training
Uses electromyography (EMG) sensors to test and reeducate muscles to correct abnormal responses
Child bedwetting and constipation therapy
Includes an evaluation of bathroom habits and physical abilities before providing biofeedback, strengthening exercises, relaxation techniques and behavioral modifications
Dry needling
Uses a thin needle inserted at specific trigger points to treat movement impairments, manage musculoskeletal pain, decrease tightness and increase blood flow
Fall prevention
Implements strategies and interventions, such as modifying environmental factors, improving balance and building strength, to reduce accidental fall risk
Gait aid fit
Includes fitting for and training in the use of gait aids, such as canes, walkers or crutches
Gait analysis and training
Evaluates your gait pattern; addresses proper posture, muscle tightness and limitations; and teaches exercises to strengthen muscles and improve gait mechanics
Industrial rehabilitation
Provides work rehabilitation, on-site consultation, injury management and provider care coordination
Manual therapy
Restores your mobility and posture by improving joint mobility and relaxing or extending soft muscle and connective tissue using a gentle, hands-on approach
Neurological rehabilitation
Evaluates limitations and develops a care plan for people with neurological conditions, such as a brain tumor, multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy, neuropathy and stroke
Neuromuscular reeducation
Teaches proper body mechanics and movement patterns
Pain management
Provides specialized education to help you reduce sensitivity to nerves, gradually increase activity tolerance, improve function and reduce overall pain
Parkinson's disease therapy
Uses evidence-based interventions to improve daily function, mobility, communication and quality of life
Pelvic health therapy
Addresses pelvic floor dysfunction, incontinence, postural changes and weakened core caused by aging, pregnancy or functional issues
Sports performance and injury prevention program
Combines physical therapy and sports medicine to improve athletic performance and prevent injuries
Strength training
Targets specific muscle groups to build muscle mass, enhance strength and improve overall physical performance
Therapeutic exercises
Improves muscle coordination, reduces range of motion limitations, manages scar restrictions and increases flexibility and strength
Vestibular and balance therapy
Manages and treats vestibular disorders, such as difficulty walking, dizziness, imbalance or vertigo, in a non-invasive way

Physical Therapy specialists

The team is comprised of physical therapists and physical therapist assistants. You will be referred to other specialties as needed.

Additional care may be provided by:

Referrals

A referral may be required for physical therapy. Call your preferred physical therapy location to learn more. If you are a provider, you can refer a patient online, by phone or by fax.

FAQ

What should I bring for my first appointment?

For your first appointment, bring your current prescription information or medical records from non-Mayo Clinic Health System facilities. Complete a medical records release form to authorize the transfer of health records from another healthcare facility to us. Visit our Medical Record Forms page for this and other forms in multiple languages.

What happens at my first physical therapy session?

During your initial visit, you will discuss your goals for therapy, and the physical therapist will evaluate your concerns. They will assess your movement, muscle strength and endurance, ambulation, balance and performance of daily living activities. After the assessment, the physical therapist will diagnose the problem and develop an individualized treatment plan with you, which may include:

Counseling
Education
Medical interventions
Rehabilitation
Therapeutic exercise
Training in activities of daily living

What does amputee rehabilitation involve?

The physical therapy team will tailor your treatment program to help you become independent, improve function and enhance your quality of life. The team works with your orthopedic specialist and prosthetist to educate you on a variety of topics, including proper fit, position and care for your prosthesis.

Your amputee rehabilitation may include:

Initial evaluation — to address your needs and limitations
Exercises — to help optimize your limb position, strengthen the muscles around the residual limb and build support and stability for proper posture and body mechanics
Prosthesis fitting — which involves coordination between your prosthetist and physical therapist, as well as adjustments during several sessions
Education — on how to care for your residual limb, including information on protection, hygiene and compression wrapping to control swelling
Gait training — to help you return to daily function and independent tasks

What is aquatic therapy, and is it offered at Mayo Clinic Health System?

Aquatic therapy is physical therapy conducted in a warm water pool and is offered at our locations in:

Mankato, Minnesota
Menomonie, Wisconsin
Onalaska, Wisconsin

The buoyancy and warmth of the water support joints to decrease pain and stiffness during exercise. Exercising in the water provides resistance for improved strength, endurance and flexibility.

Aquatic therapy is appropriate for people experiencing:

Chronic pain
Injury
Neurological conditions, such as stroke
Osteoarthritis
Recovery from surgery

Before beginning aquatic therapy, you will complete a screening questionnaire to make sure aquatic therapy is right for you. Exercises vary and treatment sessions last 30 to 60 minutes. Your therapist will work with you in the water to guide your movements. You should expect to be in the pool for your entire session, though some exercises may involve non-pool activities.

What services and treatments are offered for pelvic floor dysfunction?

A dysfunctional pelvic floor caused by aging, pregnancy or weak core muscles can affect the body in many ways. Physical therapists address issues related to pelvic floor dysfunction, such as:

Back pain
Interstitial cystitis or painful bladder syndrome
Male incontinence after radical prostatectomy
Muscle imbalances
Overactive bladder or urinary urgency and frequency
Pelvic floor pain and instability
Postpartum rehabilitation
Postural changes
Prenatal pelvic floor strengthening
Urinary or fecal incontinence
Vulvar vestibulitis

Individualized treatment for pelvic floor dysfunction may include:

Back or pelvic supports — to provide pain relief and proper positioning during healing
Biofeedback training — to test and reeducate muscles to change abnormal responses
Electrical stimulation — to alleviate pain and promote pain control, muscle function and healing
Individualized home programs — to optimize outcomes
Manual therapy — to gently restore joint mobility and posture
Neuromuscular reeducation — to help with movement, balance, coordination and posture
Therapeutic exercises — to improve coordination of muscles working and relaxing, manage scar and myofascial restrictions and increase strength, flexibility and core stability

Prenatal and postpartum rehabilitation therapy

The physical therapy team also offers prenatal preventive services and postpartum rehabilitation therapy to address postural, pelvic floor and core changes that happen during pregnancy. Treatment includes exercises to prevent and treat pain, urinary incontinence and diastasis recti (separation of abdominal muscles).

In addition, physical therapists can provide prenatal and postpartum services to guide you with:

Alternative options for pain relief during labor
Back and pelvic pain during pregnancy
Bracing and support garments for pregnancy
Positioning guidance for labor
Posture and body mechanics during and after pregnancy, including while sleeping, lifting and carrying children, breastfeeding and bottle feeding
Relaxation training before and during labor
Return to activity and exercise after pregnancy
Starting or advancing exercises during pregnancy
Varicosity (varicose vein) care during pregnancy

Do Mayo Clinic Health System physical therapists provide vestibular therapy?

Our physical therapists evaluate vestibular impairments and help patients manage the symptoms of vestibular disorders. The vestibular system includes the parts of the inner ear and brain that help control your balance and eye movements. If a disease, illness or injury damages your inner ear or brain, you may develop a vestibular disorder.

The most common symptoms of vestibular disorders are:

Difficulty focusing the eyes during head movements
Difficulty walking
Dizziness
Imbalance or feeling unsteady
Nausea
Vertigo (spinning sensation)

After a thorough assessment of your symptoms, the physical therapy team creates an individualized plan for your vestibular rehabilitation. Diagnoses treated by vestibular rehabilitation include:

Bilateral vestibular hypofunction or loss
Central vestibular pathologies, primarily caused by stroke or head injury
Unilateral vestibular hypofunction or loss, primarily caused by labyrinthitis, vestibular neuritis or acoustic neuroma
Vertigo (benign paroxysmal positional vertigo)

Physical therapists also treat poor balance and unsteadiness not directly related to vestibular impairments. Vestibular and balance rehabilitation is an effective, noninvasive way to manage and treat these common conditions and complaints. The goal is to provide complete relief or a decrease in symptoms, as well as improved functional mobility.

What sports performance and injury prevention services are available for athletes?

Sports-related injuries can be devastating and often require surgery, intensive rehabilitation and months away from your sport. Any athlete can get injured, but your risk may be higher if your sport involves jumping, lunging, pivoting or twisting.

Injury prevention is the best option to keep you in the game, and it is our highest priority. The sports performance and injury prevention program combines physical therapy and sports medicine. Team members focus on helping you gain proper neuromuscular control through:

Balance exercises
Core stabilization and strengthening
Instruction in postural awareness and body mechanics
Speed and agility
Sports-specific functional activities

To help you improve athletic performance, the physical therapy team can introduce you to game-changing techniques to:

Boost your acceleration
Improve your ability to change directions
Increase your vertical jump

Watch this video to see how Mayo Clinic Health System physical therapists use gait analysis for evaluation, injury prevention and performance improvement:

Do any Mayo Clinic Health System locations offer blood flow restriction training?

Blood flow restriction (BFR) training is an exercise method that enables you to lift less weight but experience strength gains similar to high-weight strength training. You perform exercises while wearing an inflated cuff, much like a blood pressure cuff. A physical therapist oversees the cuff inflation and guides the exercises.

BFR can be an effective treatment for:

Increasing muscle mass to improve performance
Post-surgical recovery
Reducing muscle atrophy in people who cannot exercise

A physical therapist will determine if BFR training is appropriate for you. There are excluding factors, such as having a blood-clotting disorder. If BFR training is recommended, the physical therapy staff will determine a personal treatment plan that may include strength training and cardiovascular exercises.

What does neurological rehabilitation involve?

Physical therapists treat patients with neurological dysfunction resulting from trauma, genetics and disease, such as:

Aneurysm
Brain tumor
Cerebral palsy
Encephalitis
Guillain-Barre syndrome
Meningitis
Multiple sclerosis
Myopathy
Neuropathy
Parkinson's disease
Spinal cord injury
Stroke

The goal of neurological rehabilitation is to maximize your independent functioning and address your specific needs and concerns. Physical therapists will:

Coordinate with your primary care provider, occupational therapist, surgeon and family members to develop a comprehensive clinical and home treatment plan
Conduct an in-depth evaluation to determine areas of limitation and develop a care plan consistent with your abilities and goals
Discuss the likely progression with you and your family to set realistic rehabilitation goals

Your treatment may focus on:

Balance and coordination
Fine motor skills and dexterity
Gross motor training
Instruction in the use of adaptive equipment to enhance function and independence
Neuromuscular electrical stimulation
Neuromuscular reeducation to teach proper body mechanics and movement patterns
Sensory reintegration
Strength training

Can physical therapy help with fall prevention?

Physical therapists provide gait and balance training, which can help reduce fall risk for anyone who has experienced:

A period of inactivity, bed rest or sedentary lifestyle
A recent fall
Neurological conditions, such as cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis and Lou Gehrig's disease (ALS)
Stroke
Total joint replacement surgery

Services for gait and balance dysfunction include:

Evaluation for orthotics
Fitting and training for gait aids, such as canes, walkers and crutches
Gait pattern analysis and correction exercises to strengthen muscles specific to proper gait mechanics
Posture education and guidance
Treatment to address muscular tightness or other limitations

Mayo Clinic Health System in La Crosse, Wisconsin, also offers the Otago program, which focuses on fall prevention in community-dwelling older adults. This individualized and evidence-based program is proven to prevent falls in people 65 and older by improving strength and balance. It is most beneficial for people 80 and older who walk on their own with or without a walking aid.

How can physical therapy help children?

Pediatric physical therapy can help infants, children and families with development and function. Physical therapists evaluate balance, mobility, motion, posture, strength and transitions.

Treatment can help with:

Delayed milestones
Imbalance of muscle tone and strength
Poor coordination
Toe-walking
Torticollis

Parents will meet with a therapist to discuss concerns before the therapist observes, tests and assesses your child's current abilities. Based on their assessment, the therapist will recommend a treatment plan, including frequency of sessions, goals and home activities to do with your child.

The physical therapist may work with your child to:

Explain and encourage proper positioning
Improve balance and coordination
Provide age-appropriate developmental activities
Recommend adaptive equipment
Teach motor development

What services do you provide for employees looking to return to work safely after an on-the-job injury?

Getting people back to work quickly and safely following an injury can benefit both the employer and employee. Specially trained physical therapists provide:

Care coordination among providers
Determination of an employee's return-to-work readiness
Injury management
On-site consultation
Work rehabilitation

Select Mayo Clinic Health System locations also offer focused industrial testing services, including:

Ergonomics education and training
Functional capacity evaluations (FCE)
Functional job analysis
Post-offer prework screen (POPS)

What are my payment options, and do you offer financial assistance?

Visit the billing page of your preferred location for information on insurance, billing and payments. We serve patients in difficult financial circumstances and offer financial assistance to those who have an established need to receive medically necessary services. Learn about the financial assistance options.

Can you provide a second opinion?

Yes. Call the appointment number at your preferred physical therapy location.

Do you have an after-hours number in case of emergency?

Always call 911 in case of an emergency. For after-hours help with other issues, get virtual care 24/7 through the Primary Care On Demand app or review our convenient care options.