Just a day after rotator cuff surgery on her right shoulder, Zella Hitesman of Harrison began physical therapy.  As part of the recovery process, Mrs. Hitesman received physical therapy at the Dearborn County Hospital Harrison Outpatient Diagnostic Center.  Physical therapy, sports medicine and spine rehabilitation, which are administered by experienced Physical Therapists from Dearborn County Hospital, were added to the DCH Harrison Outpatient Diagnostic Center’s list of services last fall. 

Mrs. Hitesman, a homemaker, has the distinction of being the first rehabilitation patient treated at the DCH Harrison physical therapy facility.  Ben Huber, M.P.T., DCH Physical Therapist, worked with her for 16 appointments over a six-week period.

“My right shoulder had bothered me for months before my operation, so I was anxious to have it repaired and get on the road to recovery,” Mrs. Hitesman began.  “Since the DCH Harrison Outpatient Diagnostic Center is so near to my home, I made arrangements prior to my hospital visit to begin therapy the day after my surgery.  I’m glad I did; my therapist was wonderful and the location and hours were so convenient.

“Mr. Huber was experienced in the type of therapy I required, from my first day to my final appointment,” she continued.  “I was in pain at first, and he was very concerned about and understanding of my situation.  Early on, my exercises focused on range of motion and as I healed, we progressed to strengthening the shoulder.

“He also showed me exercises to do at home, which I still do daily,” Mrs. Hitesman stated.  “Now, I am almost back to normal.  While I’m not supposed to lift anything yet, I am able to drive my car and push a grocery cart.  When spring arrives, I intend to return to my gardening.”

“Mrs. Hitesman is typical of the physical therapy patients at the DCH Harrison Outpatient Diagnostic Center,” explained Mr. Huber.  “Often our patients are in overall good health, however, they’ve been injured or had surgery and need rehabilitation to recover fully.  Since our opening, we have already worked with more than 50 physical therapy patients.”

 “At our Harrison facility, we are able to care for a broad cross-section of individuals requiring outpatient rehabilitation. Typical referrals include seeing patients as a result of sprains, strains, arthritis, back pain, balance disorders, industrial injuries, joint replacements and sports injuries,” elaborated Ed Brush, M.S.P.T./A.T.C., DCH Director of Physical Therapy.  “Our staff works with all referring physicians, so patients will not be required to have a physician on the DCH Medical Staff to be treated.”

“Physical therapy services are located in the DCH Harrison Outpatient Diagnostic Center on the third floor of the Cincinnatus Center, 1100 Harrison Avenue, in Harrison.  Appointments for physical therapy are available Monday through Friday, with evening hours available as an added convenience for patients,” concluded Mr. Huber. “A wide range of insurance plans is accepted and our staff can provide assistance in verifying coverage.”

In addition to physical therapy, the DCH Harrison Outpatient Diagnostic Center offers open magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computerized axial tomography (CT), mammography, ultrasound and general radiology.  Drug screening is also available at the Center through the Dearborn County Hospital Laboratory.

For physical therapy or imaging appointments or for additional information, please call (513) 202-0518 or (877) 581-1494.

Neurosurgeons Dr. Christopher McPherson and Dr. Robert Bohinski with the Mayfield Clinic and Orthopaedic Surgeon Dr. John Gallagher also have office hours at the facility.