Rehabilitation Services

Williamson Medical Center offers a full suite of Rehabilitation Services including physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech language pathology, cardiac and pulmonary rehab, lymphedema therapy, and wound care therapy. Our Rehabilitation Services department offers inpatient therapies for patients during their hospital stay, as well as several specialty outpatient programs.

In partnership with The Bone and Joint Institute of Tennessee, additional outpatient physical and occupational therapy services are available for post-operative and other outpatient therapy at any of the BJIT locations including in the BJIT building on the WMC campus in Franklin, the Tollgate Medical Plaza location in Thompson’s Station, Nolensville, and Brentwood.

Physical Therapy

The therapists here are an integral part of WMC’s Accelerated Recovery Program where joint replacement patients get up and moving hours after surgery. Our therapists work hand in hand with the surgeons and physician’s assistants, and work with a multi-disciplinary group of staff that constantly works on improving the joint replacement program.

“Our physical therapy department at Williamson Medical Center is outstanding,” said Brian Perkinson, M.D., an orthopaedic surgeon with the Bone and Joint Institute of Tennessee.

“They are an integral part of the success of our joint replacement program. Specifically, they are the individuals that provide patients with the training and confidence to venture out of the hospital and into the world with an artificial joint. They destroy patient’s fears and empower them with independence.”

Cardiac Rehab

Our 12-week cardiac rehab program guides patients through progressive, monitored, dosed exercise, as well as weekly education sessions that teach lifestyle changes, diet and stress management, and a number of other topics. The goals of the program aim to help cardiac patients learn to how to live a heart-healthy and active lifestyle.

Not only does the program help a person get moving again after surgery, but it helps to identify how much to do, what to watch for, and how to progress activity levels. We help give patients the confidence they need to get back to walking or racquetball or whatever they enjoy doing by getting them started in a safe, monitored, controlled environment. Exercise intensity is individualized and advanced on a per patient basis to ensure just the right work load for every session.

Patients who are referred to cardiac rehab have often gone through a very scary episode with their heart health. This program helps to restore patients’ confidence in their ability to return to an active, functional lifestyle, and to have the tools to move forward with a healthy and full life. We also see a great value in patients being able to meet others who have gone through a similar experience and to build a network of support while going through the program with peers. The program routinely gets rave reviews from its alumni and has high demand.

Pulmonary Rehab

Pulmonary Rehab is a program similar to cardiac rehab that is for anyone with a serious lung disease such as COPD, pulmonary fibrosis or pulmonary hypertension, among others, according to the program’s director, Devin Sherman, M.D. The program offered here was the first in Williamson County and serves a wide range of lung disease patients. Our program is currently pursuing accreditation through the AACVPR.

Outpatient Wound Care

In addition to physical rehabilitation, outpatient wound care also falls under our Rehab Services umbrella. We have a Certified Wound Specialist on our staff whose focus is on top-notch wound care. We apply and monitor negative pressure therapy, which helps a wound heal faster by cleaning the wound and helping to promote better circulation, as well as multiple other forms of wound care therapy.

Lymphedema Therapy Services

As part of the Williamson Medical Center’s Physical Therapy department, our lymphedema therapists have completed the comprehensive 135-hour certification course, which make them the most highly trained Certified Lymphedema Therapists. Because Lymphedema is a lifelong, chronic condition, the appropriate therapy is crucial to minimizing the side effects, which include excessive swelling, tissue hardening, recurring infections, pain and loss of mobility. We know managing lymphedema is hard enough, so we’ve taken great measures to ensure the therapy process is easy and convenient. To make an appointment, please obtain an order from your physician.

Training and Education

Our rehabilitation services staff consistently embark on advanced training and continuing education efforts to ensure the entire department can stay up to date on the best evidence-based practice to provide the best possible care to our patients. Many of the WMC physical therapists have obtained the new professional standard of doctorate degrees in physical therapy. Our therapists are also committed to helping educate the next generation by continually working with physical therapy students.