Treatments & Services

Our orthopedic physical therapy practice specializes in the evaluation, management, treatment, and prevention of a wide range of musculoskeletal diagnoses of the spine and extremities. We assess and treat the functional movement patterns of the entire patient, coordinating care closely with referring providers. Therapists with advanced training and certifications work collaboratively to assure that patients return to the highest level of function.

The neuro-vestibular team specializes in the evaluation and treatment of patients with dizziness, gait and balance abnormalities and other movement problems related to disease or injury of the nervous system. Our therapists work collaboratively with patients and their caregivers to design specialized rehabilitation programs to improve functional capabilities and enhance quality of life.

The side effects of cancer and cancer treatment often impact a patient’s performance of daily activities. Our physical therapists evaluate and treat pediatric and adult patients who are experiencing impairments related to their cancers, such as muscle weakness, limited joint range of motion, deconditioning, fatigue, and lymphedema. Physical therapy treatment helps patients return to their highest level of function so that they can participate in work and community events, and resume their life roles.

Pediatric care at Mass General is child-centered, play-based, and family-focused. Physical therapy interventions are age-appropriate and designed to meet the unique needs of each child. We evaluate and treat children of all ages from birth to adolescence who have been diagnosed with developmental, musculoskeletal, neurological, or cardiopulmonary conditions that affect their ability to move and play. Consultation and assistance with bracing and adaptive equipment needs are also available.

The pelvic floor is composed of muscles and other soft tissues that support the abdominal and pelvic organs, as well as control bladder, bowel, and sexual function. Our highly skilled pelvic health physical therapists work collaboratively with the medical team to understand specific patient problems and to design individualized treatment plans to meet personal needs and functional goals. Our therapists use an evidence-based approach to provide optimal care to people of all genders and ages with pelvic floor dysfunction.

Cardiopulmonary physical therapists at Mass General provide comprehensive assessment and management of patients with pulmonary conditions, cardiovascular diseases, and cancer-related fatigue. Physical therapy care includes evaluation and instruction in exercise, airway clearance techniques, and strategies to reduce breathlessness and fatigue. Our Boston location also hosts a multidisciplinary Pulmonary Rehabilitation program which is certified by the American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation.

Following a variety of planned and unplanned surgical procedures, traumatic injuries and burns, patients need physical therapy to help them recover as fully as possible. With comprehensive and evidence based treatment, patients improve their strength, range of motion, pain and endurance. In addition, our therapists provide training and education about activity restrictions that impact healing. This care allows patients to regain their independence and return to their life roles.

Physical therapy in the intensive care unit (ICU) has been shown to improve patient outcomes. At Mass General, physical therapists care for patients across all critical care settings. With careful consideration of patients’ fluctuating medical status, we focus on progressive strengthening and early mobilization to minimize decline and restore functional independence.

Many patients come to the emergency department due to a sudden onset of vertigo, dizziness and disequilibrium. For other patients, these symptoms significantly limit their function, but are not the primary reason they are admitted to Mass General. Our vestibular trained therapists diagnose and treat these patients, both in the emergency department and on all hospital units. Through specialized exercises, balance and gait training, and education, we help improve our patients’ symptoms, functional abilities and quality of life.

Physical therapists on the Neuroscience service specialize in the evaluation and treatment of individuals with movement problems due to disease or injury of the nervous system. We provide care for individuals in the Neuroscience Intensive Care Unit and on the floors to maximize functional performance as well as prevent deconditioning.

Patients may have physical therapy when they are first diagnosed with cancer or at any point over the course of their oncology treatment, including end of life. Our physical therapists develop specific exercise and functional training programs to minimize the impact of cancer as well as its treatment side effects, such as cancer-related fatigue. As a result, patients maintain their highest level of function and maximize their quality of life.

Our pediatric therapists provide developmentally appropriate and family centered care to infants and children who are admitted to the hospital for a wide variety of developmental, musculoskeletal, neurological, or cardiopulmonary conditions. We evaluate and treat children to promote gross motor skill development, prevent deconditioning from prolonged bed rest, and maximize functional mobility.

Physical therapists on the medicine service provide comprehensive care to patients who have experienced a change in their mobility and physical function due to acute medical illness. Using a detailed physical examination, knowledge of pathophysiology, and understanding of a patient’s social situations and goals, we design individualized treatment plans to help patients return to their life roles.

Cardiopulmonary physical therapists address problems such as breathlessness, low endurance, weakness and fatigue that affect the quality of life of patients with cardiopulmonary disease. We have an added focus on disease management and prevention for individuals at risk for, or diagnosed with, cardiovascular or pulmonary impairments.