Therapeutic exercise programs

Your therapy includes exercises specifically designed for you. Focused on helping you restore strength, flexibility, and endurance, these personalized exercises guide you through each movement so you can continue to progress both in therapy and at home.

Gait and balance training

A physical therapist may work on: Walking mechanics (gait training) — improving stride, posture, foot placement and walking speed Balance exercises — improving stability while standing and moving Coordination training — helping the body work together more efficiently Strengthening — particularly the legs and core Stair and step training Transfers — safely moving between a bed, chair, toilet or other surfaces Assistive device training — learning to safely use a cane, walker or other device Fall-prevention strategies Uneven-surface and obstacle training Community mobility — preparing someone to safely navigate environments such as sidewalks, curbs and busy spaces

Neuromuscular rehabilitation

A physical therapist may use: Balance and coordination exercises Gait training — improving how you walk Strengthening and motor-control exercises Proprioception training — improving your awareness of where your body is in space Movement retraining after an injury or surgery Functional training — practicing activities you need for daily life Neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) in some cases Core and postural control exercises Fall-prevention training

Our therapists use hands-on techniques to reduce pain, improve mobility, and support your body’s natural healing process. These approaches are often combined with other therapies to enhance your overall results.

Physical therapists may use it to: Reduce pain by changing sensory input from the skin and underlying tissues Provide light support to a joint or muscle Improve awareness of movement (proprioception), helping you recognize how you're moving Manage swelling in some situations, particularly after an injury Encourage better movement patterns during rehabilitation

Do I need a referral to start physical therapy?

In many cases, a referral may be required depending on your condition and insurance plan. Our team can help you understand what’s needed and guide you through the process.

How long will I need physical therapy?

The length of therapy varies based on your condition, goals and progress. Some people need only a few sessions, while others may benefit from ongoing care. Your therapist will regularly assess your progress and adjust your plan as needed.

Will physical therapy be painful?

Some exercises may feel challenging, but therapy should not cause significant pain. Your therapist will work with you at a pace that feels safe and comfortable while still helping you make progress.

Physical therapy | Roper St. Francis Healthcare

Why choose Roper St. Francis Healthcare?

Our licensed physical therapists provide individualized, evidence-based care focused on improving strength, mobility, balance and overall function. Treatment plans are tailored to each patient's condition, goals and level of function. In addition to outpatient physical therapy offered at our hospitals, we also partner with ATI, the nation’s industry leader in physical therapy, to provide our community with improved, convenient access to care.

Conditions we treat

Our physical therapy team can support you or your loved one through a wide range of conditions that can affect movement, comfort and daily life.

Our physical therapists treat a wide range of conditions, including:

Balance, vestibular and dizziness conditions
Generalized weakness and deconditioning
Neurological conditions, including stroke, brain injury, spinal cord injury, Parkinson's disease and multiple sclerosis
Orthopedic injuries and conditions
Joint replacements and fractures
Post-surgical conditions
Sports and overuse injuries

Physical therapy services

Every recovery journey is different. That’s why we offer a wide range of physical therapy services, each designed to support your unique needs, pace and goals. Depending on your individual needs, physical therapy may include:

A physical therapist may work on:

Walking mechanics (gait training) — improving stride, posture, foot placement and walking speed
Balance exercises — improving stability while standing and moving
Coordination training — helping the body work together more efficiently
Strengthening — particularly the legs and core
Stair and step training
Transfers — safely moving between a bed, chair, toilet or other surfaces
Assistive device training — learning to safely use a cane, walker or other device
Fall-prevention strategies
Uneven-surface and obstacle training
Community mobility — preparing someone to safely navigate environments such as sidewalks, curbs and busy spaces

A physical therapist may use:

Balance and coordination exercises
Gait training — improving how you walk
Strengthening and motor-control exercises
Proprioception training — improving your awareness of where your body is in space
Movement retraining after an injury or surgery
Functional training — practicing activities you need for daily life
Neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) in some cases
Core and postural control exercises
Fall-prevention training

Physical therapists may use it to:

Reduce pain by changing sensory input from the skin and underlying tissues
Provide light support to a joint or muscle
Improve awareness of movement (proprioception), helping you recognize how you're moving
Manage swelling in some situations, particularly after an injury
Encourage better movement patterns during rehabilitation

Common therapeutic modalities include:

Heat therapy – hot packs or moist heat to relax muscles and improve flexibility.
Cold therapy (cryotherapy) – ice or cold packs to help with pain and swelling.
Electrical stimulation (e-stim) – uses mild electrical impulses to stimulate muscles or reduce pain.
TENS – a type of electrical stimulation primarily used for pain relief.
Ultrasound – uses sound waves applied through the skin, traditionally used to heat or treat deeper tissues.
Iontophoresis – uses a mild electrical current to help deliver certain medications through the skin.
Compression therapy – pneumatic or other compression to help manage swelling and improve circulation.
Light/laser therapy – uses specific wavelengths of light for certain pain or tissue-healing applications.
Traction – gently separates spinal joints, sometimes used for certain neck or back conditions.

Hospital-based outpatient physical therapy

occupational-therapy-vs-physical-therapy Roper St. Francis Healthcare provides hospital-based outpatient physical therapy at all four of our hospitals throughout the Charleston area. Our physical therapists work closely with physicians and other members of your healthcare team to provide coordinated, personalized care throughout your recovery.

Our hospital-based outpatient rehabilitation locations also provide access to specialized rehabilitation programs and services based on location and individual patient needs.

A physician referral is required to receive physical therapy at our hospital-based outpatient rehabilitation locations.

Hospital-based outpatient rehabilitation locations

We believe getting care should feel simple and accessible. With locations across the Charleston area, physical therapy is always within reach. Each of our clinics is designed to be a place where you can focus on your recovery in a comfortable environment.

Physical Therapy Powered by ATI

Roper St. Francis Healthcare also partners with ATI Physical Therapy through a joint venture to provide additional access to outpatient physical therapy at community-based locations throughout the Charleston area.

A physician referral is not required in most cases to begin physical therapy services through ATI.

Find an ATI location

Related services & specialties

Outpatient rehabilitation services

Convenient outpatient physical, occupational, speech and other advanced therapies for recovery after an illness, injury or surgery.
Orthopedic care

Advanced orthopedic care, surgery and rehabilitation services tailored to you.
Sports medicine

Helping active individuals of all levels recover safely and return to exercise stronger.

Start your recovery journey

Already have a doctor's prescription for therapy? Request your first appointment with us online. We offer convenient times and locations to fit your schedule.

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Physical therapy