strengthening. If they need help with gait, balance, or range of motion, the therapists will work on that. “Occupational therapy means we work with patients who are experiencing upper extremity conditions as well as on their activities of daily living and functional activities. That may be dressing, transfers in and out of bed, or transfers in and out of a chair or into a vehicle. They may also need modifications in the way they’re doing things and maybe equipment to help with dressing, transfers, or even eating. “Speech therapy will work with them if they have any kind of swallowing difficulty, speech problems, or cognitive memory issues. The therapist will also help if they’re having problems with eating, including adapting the type of utensils or plates they use.” Therapy Staff The therapy staff includes three physical therapists, an occupational therapist, and a speech therapist, plus a physical therapist assistant and an occupational therapy assistant. Williamson himself has been a physical therapist since 1990 and an athletic trainer since 1985. In 2023, the Mississippi Athletic Trainers’ Association inducted him into its Hall of Fame. Therapists serve both inpatients – especially swing bed patients – and outpatients. Custom Care Plans Swing bed patients stay in the hospital for several days or weeks to help them recover from surgery or something else that has weakened them. The therapists work with physicians to create a custom care plan for each patient. Outpatients, including children and teens, come to the outpatient therapy clinic, often for recovery from injury, surgery, or a stroke or neurological disease. During his 35 years as a therapist, Williamson said, techniques and equipment have improved tremendously. For example, patients now jump right into recovery from ACL surgery (repair of the knee’s anterior cruciate ligament). “When I first started doing this,” he said, “they were in a cast for six weeks and didn’t do anything with the knee. Now we have them in bracing where they can start immediately doing exercise for strengthening and range of motion.” Williamson says he’ll put his Covington County Hospital therapy team up against any other, anywhere. 'We Have Everything' “I’ve worked in large cities, medium cities, and small-town hospitals,” he said. “We have everything available here that’s needed. We have all the disciplines – physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy. Our staff has the necessary training, knowledge, and equipment. “They can offer you the same resources and opportunities that you might find in a larger city, right in your own community.” For outpatient physical, occupational, or speech therapy, call 601.698.0298 after requesting a referral from a primary care physician, specialist, or pediatrician. For more information, scan the QR code. LEARN MORE CovingtonCares 7 Mike Williamson, DPT, ATC, Therapy Services Director at CCH “Our staff has the necessary training, knowledge, and equipment.” – Mike Williamson, DPT, ATC, Therapy Services Director at CCH
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