3 minute read
Saint Francis Hospital Muskogee
There is something very unique about Saint Francis Hospital Muskogee’s physical therapy program. At the root of it all is the universal truth that being out in nature—especially within a thriving garden—is good for the soul. And, as it turns out, spending time in a garden is also good medicine in terms of rehabilitation and physical therapy.
Saint Francis Hospital Muskogee Employees Plant Seeds for Hope and Healing
Left to right: Saint Francis Hospital Muskogee physical rehabilitation manager Maria Aza and physical therapist Betty McGowan.
Nothing Garden Variety About It
Located in a lush clearing within the hospital’s campus, the garden includes a veritable bounty of veggies, herbs and fruit—including green beans, tomatoes, cabbage, Brussels sprouts, cucumbers, strawberries, blackberries, pumpkins, dill, basil, cilantro—and flowers too, of course. Physical therapy is designed to help recovering patients restore their physical strength, cognition and mobility. Typically, this type of rehabilitation helps people gain greater independence after illness, injury or surgery—and being out in the garden has proven to be one more way to help them attain their individual goals.
“Being outdoors in the garden provides such a nice break for our patients. It’s something they seem to really love!” says Maria Aza, manager, physical medicine and rehabilitation at Saint Francis Hospital Muskogee. “Although everyone is welcome to come out and just enjoy the garden, we encourage patients who are able to engage in closely monitored functional motions such as bending and digging that are very applicable to their recovery. In fact, the therapeutic benefits of this garden are the reasons we love having it as a part of our physical therapy program.”
Saint Francis Hospital Muskogee
Reaping the Fruits of the Garden
Since time immemorial, much has been said about the many benefits and joys of a garden. One such quote seems to sum it up by stating that “gardens add years to your life and life to your years.”
“This garden is all about living. The whole premise behind it is to show patients that physical rehabilitation isn’t only about doing a prescribed number of repetitions inside a hospital room,” says Betty McGowen, physical therapist and purveyor of the garden. McGowen inherited this special garden when her former coworker and friend, Margaret Holton, passed away several years ago. “Margaret came up with the idea for this garden in the first place. She was very devoted to it and intuitively knew how healing it would be for everyone who spent time in it. I just know how happy it would make Margaret to see how her legacy continues to flourish!” McGowan says.
A memorial plaque is displayed to remember the employee, Margaret Holton, who founded the garden at the hospital.
“It is wonderful to see how our patients respond to it both physically and mentally. They really get into it too! I’ve never claimed to be a Master Gardener and appreciate all the helpful tips and suggestions we get. It’s clear our patients take as much pride in this garden as we do and enjoy reaping the benefits it provides for us all.”
Upon learning he would require physical therapy, one particular patient never dreamed it would include time outdoors in a garden. “My first response was, ‘This is really part of the deal? Alright!’ I have always been an outdoors kind of person, so when I found out about the garden, my whole outlook changed. Being outside and in the garden helps me hold my head up and move forward. That—plus an awesome staff that is beyond helpful and accommodating—has changed my whole perspective of physical therapy.” Saint Francis Hospital Muskogee offers physical medicine and rehabilitation services to both hospitalized patients as well as outpatient care. To learn more, please call 918-684-3620 or visit saintfrancis.com/muskogee.
Services include the following:
• Orthopedic rehabilitation (for adults, seniors, teens and children) – Joint replacement surgery recovery – Spine/back injury care • Physical therapy • Occupational therapy • Speech therapy • Neurological recovery • Stroke recovery • Vestibular rehabilitation • Post-operative recovery • Sports injury recovery
Specialty services:
• Dry needling • Hand therapy • IASTM/Graston Technique • Kinesio taping • Return to work program • Stroke support group
