Baptist Health Outpatient Therapy Services

Baptist Health Outpatient Therapy Services (a department of Baptist Health Paducah) provides a full range of physical, occupational, and speech therapy services for all ages in one convenient location. Our therapists and assistants are trained in treating neurological, orthopedic, vestibular, lymphedema, pediatrics, industrial medicine, swallowing, and speech and language disorders.

Physical Therapy Services

Orthopedic

Orthopedics include all musculoskeletal issues including low back pain, neck pain, and issues with all the joints and muscles. Common joint problems seen are shoulder injuries such as rotator cuff repairs, total joint replacements, ankle sprains, hip pain, sacroiliac dysfunctions, and much more.

Neurological

This includes all neurological disorders including but not limited to strokes, traumatic brain injuries/concussions, spinal cord injuries, peripheral nerve injuries, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, and all other neurological issues.

Vestibular

Vestibular includes any type of dizziness, particularly vertigo or the feeling that the room is spinning or there is a problem staying upright. Vestibular problems can be caused by a variety of things such as infections, vascular problems, or displaced crystals in the inner ear. Our therapists are trained in assessing the cause and providing specific treatment.

Pediatrics

Physical therapy focuses on mobility and developmental issues with children. This can include neurological issues such as cerebral palsy, spina bifida, Down’s syndrome, as well as any developmental delays. Treatment includes education for the family on how to work with their child at home to facilitate improvement. It also includes the assessment for any bracing that might be needed.

Lymphedema

We are fortunate to have two staff members, a PT and a PTA, both certified in the assessment and treatment of lymphedema. Assessment and treatment of lymphedema include a gentle massage to stimulate the flow of the lymphatic fluid as well as proper compression. Education is vital for the success of the treatment and is provided by our two very experienced staff.

Pelvic Health

Pelvic Health involves issues with the pelvic floor that can include pain, urinary or bowel incontinence or constipation, or sexual dysfunction. There is a wide variety of things that can cause these issues, and our PT is trained to assess and offer the proper treatment.

Industrial Medicine

Industrial medicine involves the assessment and treatment of work-related issues. We have therapists with experience working with job-related injuries. Industrial medicine may include assessment of a job site for safety issues or to prepare job descriptions, pre-employment testing of workers for the ability to do the physical demands of the job, or work hardening/conditioning to prepare an injured worker to re-enter the job safely.

Occupational Therapy Services

Orthopedic

Orthopedics with Occupational Therapy includes musculoskeletal issues involving the arm. This could include carpal tunnel, arthritis, trigger finger, tennis elbow, and other conditions.

Neurological

Occupational Therapy focuses on functional retraining for patients with neurological issues. This can include a head injury/concussion, stroke, tumors, spinal cord injuries, and other issues. Occupational Therapy will focus on working with the patient on how to do their daily tasks such as dressing, feeding, bathing, as well as the use of their arm. Cognitive training to help with the planning of their tasks is also involved.

Pediatrics

Occupational Therapy treats a variety of diagnoses in children such as developmental delays, brain injuries, Down’s syndrome, spina bifida, and others. The main focus for Occupational Therapy is working on the development of activities of daily living. This can include how to hold a pencil for school, cognitive challenges, dressing, etc., as well as education for the family on how to facilitate this at home. Assessment for bracing of the arm will also be made as needed.

Industrial Medicine

Industrial medicine involves the assessment and treatment of work-related issues. Our Occupational Therapist can assess ergonomics to prevent repetitive injury and help make recommendations for work accommodations for people with disabilities. Their treatment can also work on work-related injuries, mostly dealing with the upper extremity, for full recovery and return to work.

Speech and Language Pathology Services

Dysphagia/Swallowing Difficulties

Swallowing problems can occur for a variety of reasons including stroke, head injury, cancer treatment, surgery, or weakness. Speech therapists assess the patient for their ability to swallow a variety of liquids and foods and will work with them on how to safely swallow again.

Speech/Language Difficulties

Aphasia is a neurological disorder that can affect the ability to produce speech or comprehend language. Our Speech Language Pathologist will work with the patient on how to rebuild their communication skills. This can include helping to obtain and train with tools to facilitate communication. Speech and language difficulties can also include developmental delays, lisps, stutters, voice impairments, and surgeries that can make communication difficult or painful. We work with the patients on a strategy to efficiently use their voice in a healthy way.

Pediatrics

Our Speech Language Pathologists are very experienced working with children with a variety of disorders. These communication problems can arise from a developmental delay, autism, stuttering, or lisping, after surgery from a cleft lift or palate, etc. Our therapists help these children develop their language and communication skills to prepare them for school and life.

Cognition

Our Speech Language Pathologists are very experienced working with cognitive disorders. These can be from patients with head injuries, strokes, Alzheimer’s, or other age-related memory problems. Our therapists are able to thoroughly assess for memory and cognition and give recommendations.

Outpatient Physical Therapy Locations

Our outpatient physical therapy clinics are located throughout Kentucky and Southern Indiana with locations in Corbin, La Grange, Lexington, Louisville, New Albany, Madisonville, Paducah, and Richmond. All locations offer advanced physical therapy services, with licensed therapists providing one-on-one care throughout the entirety of your appointment. Additionally, each site offers easy access parking.

Getting Started

The first step in getting started with therapy services requires a referral from your primary care provider. Once you have the referral, you can schedule an appointment with one of our specialists. You may make this appointment over the phone or by sending a message through your MyChart account. Your physician can place the referral in Epic and then you will receive a phone call to schedule your appointment. Billing can also be managed in person or through your MyChart account.

What to Expect During Your First Physical Therapy Appointment

On your first appointment to a physical therapy provider, you can expect a comprehensive assessment of your condition and needs. Typically, the session begins with a discussion where you'll provide information about your medical history, current symptoms, and any specific goals you have for therapy.

The therapist will then conduct a physical examination, which may involve testing your strength, flexibility, range of motion, and any areas of discomfort. Based on this evaluation, the therapist will develop a personalized treatment plan tailored to your unique requirements. Throughout the session, you'll have the opportunity to ask questions and collaborate with your therapist to ensure you're comfortable with the proposed treatment approach.