By Dr. Sean M. Wells, DPT, PT, OCS, ATC/L, CSCS, CNPT, Cert-DN

Our world has changed drastically in the last month with the progression of the novel Corona virus, also known as COVID-19. A stock market crash, travel halting, to thousands of people dying, COVID-19 is taking its effect rapidly. Many business owners in Southwest Florida, physical therapists included, are being impacted by this virus. Our team at Wells Physical Therapy would like to convey to you what we are doing as well as where to obtain the best information on its spread for Naples and Bonita Springs.

Wells Physical Therapy is dedicated to the health and safety of its clients. We are emboldened by the pledge: “First, do no harm.” The Guidelines set forth by our guiding organization, the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA), with guidance from the Center’s of Disease Control (CDC) and Florida Department of Health (FDOH), have encouraged physical therapists to limit contact with patients. The use of telemedicine or virtual sessions are encouraged, which is perfect for our practice because we are cash-based and accept no insurance (currently these virtual sessions are not covered by Medicare or any insurance). Face to face physical therapy sessions will be keep to a minimum and for those in desperate need of care. Our team will be using the CDC and FDOH screening guidelines before any visits to ensure the patient and any loved-ones feel ill. Thus far this system has worked, as our team just cancelled a session this morning due to a woman being exposed by her housekeeper whom had a sore throat and fever. Ultimately, physical therapy can wait in most cases, but if you are in extreme pain or need serious help after a surgery, our team can help.

For those living in the greater Naples, Bonita Springs, and Marco Island areas, the best source of information for local knowledge can come from Andy Solis. He offers a free email news alert each day detailing great information about closures, new cases, local hospital conditions. Sign up for his mailing list here. From a State perspective the FDOH has a COVID-19 map and data on their site — click on those links and watch the rampant spread due to people not socially isolating and traveling. Lastly, we all ought to know the CDC is the best source for disease spread nationally. Pay particular attention to Dr. Anthony Fauci, as he is the expert in infectious disease.

In the end, stopping the spread of the virus comes down to all of us participating in keeping our distance, washing our hands, and the steadfastness of the American spirit. Stay strong and keep peace.

Dr. Sean Wells