October 30, 1998

Linda Guerin, 48, could barely move her arm when she began physical therapy 10 months ago. After fracturing her humerus bone and damaging nerves around the injury, she could not even tie her shoes. She had difficulty working and had to sleep sitting up. As Guerin's fracture healed, Kathy Pierce, MS, PT, OCS, developed a treatment program for Guerin that included gentle exercises to increase her strength and mobility. Guerin now has returned to work and, Pierce adds, will be able to resume hobbies like kayaking by the spring.

Guerin is just one of the many types of patients physical therapists see at the MGH each day. Physical therapists help restore people with a wide range of health problems to their highest level of physical function. Numbering more than 60, Physical Therapy staff members can be found in just about every corner of the MGH – in both inpatient and outpatient settings and specialty care areas such as orthopedics, neurology, pediatrics and cardiopulmonary.

Andrew Granger, a 13-year-old who had a brain tumor, lost voluntary movement on his right side after contracting meningitis. Jen Griffin, MPT, started by helping him move around in bed and then walk. Gradually as he improved, she worked with him on high-level coordination and balance exercises, emphasizing those he would enjoy. Three weeks later and ready to leave the MGH, Andrew was kicking a soccer ball through the hallway.

His lungs damaged by a rare pneumonia, Ted LeClair, 55, needed pulmonary rehabilitation. Before physical therapy, LeClair required oxygen 24 hours a day and would tire easily performing simple tasks like washing, dressing and getting out of bed. Diane Heislein, MS, PT, OCS, developed a program that included aerobic conditioning and strengthening exercises. She then determined his progress by monitoring his oxygen levels and tolerance to the exercise program. After 11 weeks of physical therapy, LeClair no longer needed supplemental oxygen and increased his walking distance on a treadmill ten-fold.

To better serve its patients, Physical Therapy is currently renovating its space on ACC 128. The outpatient service has expanded hours of operation to Monday through Friday, 7 am to 7 pm, and Saturdays, 8 am to noon. In addition, the inpatient service extended its hours to Saturdays and Sundays, 8 am to 6:30 pm. Physical therapy services also are available at the MGH health centers in Revere, Charlestown, Chelsea and the new Mass General West building in Waltham.

To schedule a physical therapy appointment at the MGH or for more information about its services and other locations, call 6-2961.

Kathy Pierce, MS, PT, OCS, helps a patient with an elbow fracture.