Many area residents may have noticed a new, shiny blue sign in the Oxford Marketplace stating in bold letters ‘Physical Therapy? and wondered what new business is planting roots in Oxford.
Well, here is the answer: the Clinic for Functional Physical Therapy.
Functional Physical Therapy is an outpatient orthopedic physical therapy clinic that focuses upon providing one on one therapy. The business plans on bringing ‘hands-on individualized treatment? through a range of physical therapy services to Oxford.
‘We thought it was an under served are and we could fill the gap,? explained Joseph D. Stephens, the Oxford clinic director and physical therapist.
Functional Physical Therapy is a private, individual practice owned by physical therapists; however, doctor referrals are needed for an appointment. Services from the clinic include orthopedic therapy, manual therapy, sports physical therapy, hand therapy, headache treatment, whiplash, auto accidents, foot therapy, functional work hardening, peripheral and central neurological pathology, sports-specific evaluations and sports-specific advice.
‘It’s nice that the clinic is physical therapist-owned because we can direct how the care goes, oversee the whole process,? said Stephens. ‘That gives us a lot of freedom to focus on the patient’s goals.?
Functional Physical Therapy will work with any age patient for a range of problems such as arthritis, headaches, joint pain, post surgical recovery, neck pain and back pain. ‘If it hurts, we can treat it,? concluded Stephens.
When a patient is seen at Functional Physical Therapy, their treatments are structured to improve their function. Stephens said this is done by providing exercises that are multidirectional and focused at the patient’s core strength and stabilizing muscles.
‘Patients get one on one, hands-on care,? he explained. ‘Here, you get personal time with a physical therapist… we go further and even manipulate soft tissues and stress the joints. You get good quality care here.?
Stephens himself has been practicing physical therapy now for five years. He was educated in Amsterdam, Holland where he learned the importance of hands on therapy. He will be heading the Oxford office with the assistance of two physical therapy aids.
Functional Physical Therapy will be holding an open house on Saturday, Sept. 18 from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. The event will include a band, free food and fun activities for the kids.
‘It’s a great opportunity for people to come, meet the staff and physical therapist and see the clinic,? said Stephens.
Functional Physical Therapy is open from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Stephens said the clinic ‘will make exceptions for patients that are unable to make it at those times? and extended hours can be arranged based on need.
For more information about Functional Physical Therapy, please call the clinic at 248-628-7000.