Physical Therapy

Move more comfortably and safely with help from UNC Health Johnston’s physical therapists in Smithfield.

Benefits of Physical Therapy

Physical therapy can help you or your child:

• Recover from an injury
• Reduce the need for pain medications or surgery
• Prevent future injuries or chronic disease
• Live more independently

Conditions We Treat

Ask your doctor about physical therapy if you have trouble moving, walking, or changing positions due to:

• Balance disorders
• Bone, muscle, or nerve injuries
• Chronic pain, especially in the back, neck, or joints
• Stroke
• Surgery
• Weakness or numbness
• Wounds

Your First Appointment

During your first visit, your physical therapist will:

• Ask about your symptoms, abilities, lifestyle, home and work environment, and overall health
• Perform a physical exam
• Have you do simple exercises that show your level of strength, flexibility, balance, or coordination
• Help you set goals for therapy

Treatments

You’ll receive a personalized treatment plan that may include:

• Aquatic therapy – Guides you through low-impact exercises in a warm-water pool at HealthQuest Fitness & Wellness Center
• Electrical stimulation – Delivers mild electrical pulses to an injured area to reduce muscle spasms and pain
• Joint or spine mobilization – Uses gentle, hands-on techniques to make movement easier
• Prosthetic training – Helps you use an artificial limb after an amputation
• Ultrasound therapy – Applies deep heat to soft tissue to ease pain

Stick to Your Therapy Plan

Make and keep regular appointments with your physical therapist to maintain your progress, ask questions, and get the best possible long-term results.