Physical Therapy

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Physical therapy helps people live active, healthy lives. Perhaps you're bouncing back from an injury or healing from surgery. No matter what health challenges you face, the physical therapists at SoutheastHEALTH can help.

Outpatient Physical Therapy Clinics

Our physical therapists offer expert treatment for a wide range of conditions. Services are available at clinic locations in Cape Girardeau, Dexter and Jackson.

We're proud to provide expertise and therapies you won't find everywhere else in the area.

Can you tell fact from fiction in this stretching quiz?

Reviewed 12/28/2022

Stretching: Myth or fact?

When it comes to flexibility and minding your muscles, it's important not to stretch the truth. See if you can tell fact from fiction in this quiz all about stretching and its benefits.

Myth or fact: Flexibility is nice to have, but it's not a major part of physical fitness.

Myth. Flexibility is an important part of physical fitness. Your body needs to be able to bend and twist through a normal range of motion without overexerting yourself or causing injury. When you are more flexible, you are more agile, which can help you meet the demands of your physical activity of choice.

Myth or fact: Stretching can reduce your stress levels.

Fact. Exercise is a great way to control stress. Plus, well-stretched muscles hold less tension and thus leave your body feeing less stressed. According to the American Council on Exercise, stretching has many other unseen benefits, such as improved posture and circulation.

Myth or fact: Stretching correctly should hurt a little.

Myth. Stretching should not hurt. Only stretch your muscle to the point of tension—you should feel some tightness, but not pain. As you stretch more, you may notice that you can tolerate more stretching.

Myth or fact: You should stretch before you warm up.

Myth. If you stretch cold muscles, you may have a higher risk of injury. According to the American Council on Exercise, you should spend 5 to 10 minutes warming up prior to stretching out. Warming up is usually a simple and low-intensity activity, such as easy walking while swinging your arms.

Myth or fact: Stretching as you get older is a bad idea.

Myth. As you age, your muscles get shorter, and over time you may lose your ability to do certain kinds of motion. Stretching regularly can slow down that process and keep you active longer.

Get flexible in your exercise routine and incorporate some stretching. Follow these steps:

Exhale slowly as you stretch the muscle.
Hold your stretch for 15 to 30 seconds.
Relax, and repeat 2 to 4 times.

Make sure to warm up first, and avoid classic mistakes like bouncing and holding your breath.

Sources: American Academy of Pediatrics; American Council on Exercise; American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine

Our services include:

Aquatic therapy
Bone health care for those with weak bones to ensure safe and correct movements with daily activities and to optimize posture in an effort to prevent fractures
Concussion care from certified therapists
Delfi blood-flow restriction therapy, which optimizes muscle strength and bone healing after an injury or surgery
Lymphedema care from certified therapists
Myofascial release to help restore motion, and ease pain and malfunction caused by trauma, poor posture or inflammation
Oncology rehabilitation to decrease pain and improve independence during cancer treatment
Orthopedic care for problems like knee, shoulder, back and neck pain, and post-operative rehabilitation
Sports rehabilitation for adolescent to college athletes for optimal and safe return to play
Vestibular and balance therapy to address dizziness and trouble walking or balancing
Pelvic floor therapies for conditions like pelvic floor disorders, pelvic pain, bowel dysfunction and incontinence
Neurological rehabilitation for stroke recovery, multiple sclerosis or Parkinson’s disease management, or get stronger after a hospital stay
Pediatric rehabilitation therapies to help children with delayed development and motor function in a kid-friendly setting

These therapies are provided by a talented team of physical therapists, many with additional training and certifications in their area of expertise. The HealthPoint Rehab team includes residency and fellowship-trained orthopedic clinical specialists-meaning we provide a higher level of orthopedic care than other clinics.

In addition to our specialists, our facility is proud to offer advanced technologies like dorsaVi, a tool that empowers athletes to improve their mechanics, by measuring movement and speed through wearable sensors. It helps our experts determine if an athlete is ready to return to activity after an injury, and anticipate risk for future injuries, too. This technology is helpful for runners and athletes recovering from lower extremity injury.

Get a Referral for Physical Therapy

Your doctor can order outpatient physical therapy. With this prescription, we will coordinate your first appointment and insurance authorization. We look forward to helping you heal.

Acute Care Physical Therapy

If the medical need is enough to keep you in the hospital, inpatient rehabilitation is an excellent way to optimize overall outcomes.

Our physical therapists are experts in evaluating your movement and functional level, and then creating a plan specific to your abilities. They work closely with doctors, nurses and other providers.

Early movement helps to decrease the time you need to stay in the hospital and will improve your safety for when you return home. Family education regarding walking, exercise, your home environment and any necessary equipment is incorporated in your individual discharge plan from physical therapy. The therapist may recommend continuing with home health or outpatient physical therapy as part of your overall return to optimal physical function.

Physical Therapy