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Show Physical Medicine Dept. available ( " : C -A Mil pS'st-oV' Restoring lost function, easing pain, and the educational process which accompanies these functions is the purpose for the Physical Medicine Department at American Fork Hospital. Glenn B. Smith, Physical Therapist, Department Head, says the achievements of these goals has been made more efficient through the use of newly acquired equipment including a new dynawave and ! synasound Alpha stem, tran- ! scutanious nerve stimulator (for the relieve of pain), and an orthatron used for the rehabilitation of many J patients, including those who had ! had joint replacements. Hydro-treatment tanks, an exercise room, individual treatment and exam rooms, and "daily living" rehabilitation areas are also offered. It is in the Physical Therapy department that artificial joints are first tried; that stiff joints are loosened, and hesitant steps taken, Mr. Smith said. Numerous disabilities and medical conditions requiring evaluation and rehabilitation are treated, with services offered to both hospitalized patients and those coming in on an out-patient basis. Mr. Smith said with the addition of many new specialists to the staff at the hospital, and the acquiring of new equipment we are now able to effectively treat joint replacements, post-back surgery, burns and trauma type wounds. Patients in the physical medicine and rehabilitation department also include those needing treatment for amputation, arthritis, stroke, scoloiosis, spinal injury, fractures, muscle disease, brain damage and neurological disabilities. Rehabilitation and treatment is intended to develop muscle strength, endurance, coordination, to reduce pain and to retrain the patient toward independence, Mr. Smith explained. Therapists keep up with the latest techniques in treatment in order to assure the patients are receiving the best treatment possible for their condition. They are presently seeing more athletes as more and more sports medicine is emphasized on the athletic fields. Mr. Smith said when he began at American Fork Hospital in 1971, he was the only person in the therapy department. Now there are two full time and one part-time registered therapists. Scott Hebbert and Glenn B. Smith are working with the Dynawave machine au Fork Hospital. lAmeri Babies born in A.F. H, |