Baptist Health

In the ever-changing world of health care, the Baptist Health Therapy Centers in Saline County offer targeted solutions designed to meet each patient’s unique outpatient needs. Located in Benton and Bryant, the two locations offer a range of standard therapy services; however, two specialized programs go beyond the basics to address particular key health matters: lymphedema and pelvic floor health.

Imagine your limbs feeling heavy, painful, and prone to infection. That is the reality of lymphedema, a condition affecting millions that causes swelling in the extremities when the lymphatic system cannot properly drain off fluid. At Baptist Health Therapy Center-Benton, occupational therapist Francis Phan, OTD, OTR/L recently launched a new lymphedema therapy program to tackle this swelling head-on, improving lymphatic system function and dramatically boosting patients’ quality of life.

A Bryant native, Phan obtained his BS in Health and Human Performance from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock in 2017 and his Doctor of Occupational Therapy degree in 2020 from the University of Central Arkansas. Phan also holds a complete lymphedema certification from the Academy of Lymphatic Studies, a comprehensive 135-hour certification program in all four components of lymphedema therapy: manual lymph drainage, compression and bandaging, skin care, and exercises.

Lymphedema therapy at Baptist Health Therapy Center-Benton benefits a range of patients, including those with lymphedema, chronic venous insufficiency, lipedema, or post-surgical swelling. It can also be effective for those diagnosed with primary lymphedema, a genetic condition that causes swelling without any underlying disease.

“Whether it’s post-cancer treatment swelling or a genetic condition, specialized lymphedema care can make a real difference,” explained Phan. “It can reduce swelling, improve the function of the lymphatic system, and enhance the quality of life for patients affected by this condition. With professional guidance, patients can learn how to manage these conditions and prevent further complications in the future.”

Other services offered at Baptist Health Therapy Center-Benton location include Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Manual Therapy (a hands-on approach to treating soft tissue injuries and joint dysfunction), Orthopedic Therapy, Hand Therapy, Vestibular Therapy (for dizziness and vertigo), and Dry Needling, which is a technique used to target muscle trigger points to reduce pain and increase a patient’s range of motion. 

 “Our goal is to assist people in returning to their everyday lives with comfort and confidence,” Phan said of the team at Baptist Health Therapy Center-Benton. “We are dedicated to educating our patients to safely be independent with progressive treatment and self-management.”

Meanwhile, at Baptist Health Therapy Center-Bryant, the pelvic health therapy program is helping patients with pelvic floor conditions reclaim control over their bodies, whether they are dealing with postpartum challenges, menopausal changes, or anything in between. 

Led by Chelsea “Mo” Hobson, PT, DPT, the program addresses conditions such as urinary incontinence, pelvic pain, prolapse, and sexual dysfunction. It can also support recovery after childbirth, surgery, or menopause. 

“Pelvic health therapy can change the lives of many patients across various stages of life,” Hobson explained. “Having the ability to treat patients with pelvic floor dysfunction or pregnancy-related and postpartum issues helps meet a need in our community. It allows us to provide a service to a larger population that may not be able to travel to seek specialized care.” 

Hobson earned her BS in Exercise Science in 2014 and her Doctor of Physical Therapy degree in 2017, both from Arkansas State University. She has completed specialized training in pelvic health from APTA Pelvic Health, an academy of the American Physical Therapy Association. Having previously served as physical therapist outpatient team leader at Saline Memorial Hospital, Hobson joined Baptist Health Therapy Center-Bryant in 2024, where she established the pelvic floor rehabilitation program.

Pelvic health therapy involves a combination of exercises, manual techniques, biofeedback, and education to strengthen or relax the pelvic floor muscles and improve overall pelvic function.

Beyond the clinical aspects, Hobson emphasizes the importance of creating a safe and supportive environment. Many patients find these topics sensitive, so developing trust and open communication is paramount to successful treatment. 

“Patients can feel confident that they will receive therapy service that is comprehensive, convenient, and within their level of comfort,” said Hobson.

The program also empowers patients with self-management strategies. It equips patients with the knowledge and tools to maintain their pelvic health long-term, promoting independence and a higher quality of life. This focus on long-term wellness greatly increases the program’s overall value to our community.

In addition to pelvic health therapy, Hobson also treats patients with Parkinson’s disease. She holds the Lee Silverman Voice Treatment (LSVT) BIG Certification, a specialty certification in an intensive treatment program for Parkinson’s disease patients and for other neurological conditions, which incorporates exercise to promote strength and motor learning. Patients receiving this treatment work to learn how to avoid inactivity and improve walking speed including size of steps, balance, torso rotation, and performing the activities of daily living with confidence.

Along with these programs, Baptist Health Therapy Center-Bryant also offers Physical Therapy, Manual Therapy, Dry Needling, Limb Loss Therapy, and Orthopedic Therapy (for conditions such as joint pain, fractures, and arthritis). They also administer Blood Flow Restriction Therapy, which is a physical therapy technique where a specialized cuff is applied to an extremity to partially restrict blood flow and allow patients to perform low-intensity exercises while still experiencing muscle growth and strengthening benefits.

Anyone seeking more information can visit the therapy centers’ websites at https://www.baptist-health.com/find-care/location/5416 and https://www.baptist-health.com/find-care/location/5420.