Verda Swiney, LPTA

• Licensed Physical Therapist Assistant
• Practicing as a Physical Therapist Assistant since 2007
• Nineteen years of rehabilitation experience
• Extensive experience across outpatient rehabilitation, sports rehabilitation, home health, assisted living, and geriatric care
• Experienced in working collaboratively with physical therapists and other healthcare professionals

Verda has worked with patients experiencing a wide range of orthopedic, neurological, mobility, and age-related conditions, including:

• Orthopedic injuries and joint pain
• Postoperative rehabilitation
• Sports-related injuries
• Muscle weakness and deconditioning
• Balance and gait impairments
• Fall-risk concerns
• Parkinson’s disease and related movement limitations
• Age-related changes in strength and mobility
• Difficulty walking or performing daily activities
• Reduced endurance and physical confidence
• Recovery following illness, hospitalization, or a decline in function

Her background in home health and assisted living has given her valuable insight into the real-life challenges patients may experience outside the clinic, including navigating the home safely, completing daily activities, maintaining independence, and managing the fear of falling.

“I believe in treating the person, not just the symptoms. My approach is personalized, hands-on, and patient-centered. Taking the time to listen, understand how a condition is affecting someone’s everyday life, and build trust is an important part of the treatment process. My goal is not only to decrease symptoms, but also to help each patient move better, function better, and feel more confident in what their body can do.”

Verda understands that two people with the same diagnosis may have very different needs, challenges, and goals. She takes time to understand what matters most to each patient—whether that means walking with greater confidence, returning to work or recreation, recovering after surgery, improving athletic performance, or remaining independent at home.

Verda combines therapeutic exercise, functional training, patient education, and hands-on care to support each patient’s established plan of care.

Depending on the patient’s needs, treatment may focus on:

• Strength and endurance training
• Flexibility and mobility
• Balance and coordination
• Gait and transfer training
• Functional movement and daily activities
• Neuromuscular re-education
• Sports-specific or recreational activities
• Hands-on techniques for mobility and symptom management
• Education to help patients understand their condition
• Safe and practical home exercise strategies

Verda carefully monitors how each patient responds to treatment and communicates with the supervising physical therapist so the plan of care can continue to evolve as the patient progresses.

Verda’s career has allowed her to work with people at many different stages of life and recovery. Her outpatient and sports rehabilitation experience helps her guide patients toward higher-level strength, mobility, and activity goals.

Her experience in home health, assisted living, and geriatric rehabilitation has also strengthened her ability to work with individuals who have complex medical histories, reduced endurance, balance limitations, or concerns about safely completing everyday activities.

This broad perspective helps Verda connect what patients accomplish during therapy with what they need to do in their homes, workplaces, and communities.

Verda has experience working with individuals living with Parkinson’s disease and understands how changes in balance, posture, coordination, movement speed, and confidence can affect daily life.

She uses encouragement, repetition, functional movement, and individualized exercise to help patients participate actively in therapy. Her patient and positive approach creates an environment where individuals can feel supported while working toward safer movement and greater independence.

Verda remains committed to strengthening her clinical knowledge and developing her skills as rehabilitation practices continue to evolve.

Her professional interests include:

• Orthopedic rehabilitation
• Sports rehabilitation
• Geriatric physical therapy
• Parkinson’s disease and movement-related conditions
• Balance and fall prevention
• Functional strengthening
• Postoperative recovery
• Patient-centered, hands-on care

Verda plays an important role in creating the welcoming and collaborative environment at 1st Americare Physical Therapy. She works closely with the clinic’s physical therapists to ensure that treatment remains aligned with each patient’s evaluation, goals, and individualized plan of care.

Her years of experience, approachable personality, and genuine investment in her patients help make therapy both effective and encouraging. She celebrates progress at every level and helps patients recognize improvements they may not yet see in themselves.

“I want my patients to know that they are being heard and that their goals matter. Rehabilitation can be challenging, but patients should never feel like they are going through it alone. I am here to encourage them, challenge them safely, and help them recognize what their bodies are capable of. Every improvement—whether it is less pain, better balance, an easier transfer, or returning to a favorite activity—is meaningful.”