Fairview Therapy Center works to improve patients' quality of life

June 1, 2010 (Dublin, GA) - Tara Marsh took steps to enter the field of physical therapy so that patients like Scharlet Clark of Dublin could regain hers.

After the 71-year-old Clark sprained an ankle about two months ago, she sought the help of Marsh and others at Fairview Park Hospital's Therapy Center. Confined to a wheelchair until mid-May, Clark has been under the care of Marsh, a physical therapist at the center, three times a week. She is now walking with a cane, and is making great strides in her recovery.

"They've done wonders with my foot," said Clark during a recent therapy session with Marsh.

The experience of being able to see someone walk again and regain a quality of life is why Marsh entered the field of physical therapy. On staff at the Therapy Center since April 2009, Marsh said she wants to continue the department's goal of one-on-one patient care.

"We treat everyone, from the head to the feet," she said. "If it's muscular or skeletal, we treat it. Each therapist cares about the outcomes of the patients."

A native of Oklahoma City, Okla., Marsh, 31, graduated from Alabama State University in 2003 with a master's in science for physical therapy. She earned a doctorate of physical therapy from Alabama State in 2006. She practiced in Dallas/Fort Worth for six years in the school settings, inpatient and home health. However, Marsh said her favorite setting is out-patient.

"I love fast-paced environments with a variety of patients," she said. "It's always keeping you on your toes and dynamic. I just love being dynamic."

Marsh also obtained certification as a health fitness specialist from the Academy of Sports Medicine. She also wants to focus on manual therapy, a hands-on technique similar to message therapy.

"I enjoy performing manual therapy and am undergoing the certification process of becoming a certified manual therapist (CMST) through the International Spine and Pain Institute," she said.

The mother of a 4-year-old son, Marsh enjoys reading, learning to sew and daily exercise.

Fairview Therapy Center is located behind Fairview Park Hospital and is adjacent to Fairview Fitness Center. Clinical specialty services available include physical, occupational, speech and aquatic therapies, as well as dietetic counseling, orthopedic and sports rehabilitation, and prosthetic training. For further information about services provided by Fairview Therapy Center, call (478) 274-3882.