Rehabilitation Services

Meet the Rehabilitation Staff

Speech, Occupational & Physical Therapy

Our therapists work in conjunction with other allied health and medical specialists helping our patients reach their optimal physical, mental, social and economic independence. Stormont-Vail Rehabilitation services include:

• Acute care – speech, occupational and physical therapies
• Outpatient rehabilitation – speech, occupational and physical therapies
• Satellite outpatient rehabilitation services at the Cotton-O’Neil Carbondale Clinic at 211 Main.

For complete information about our services, please call (785) 354-6116.

Speech Therapy

Our speech-language pathologists evaluate communication problems as well as swallowing dysfunction. They design treatment plans relevant to each patient’s needs that may focus on:

• Comprehension skills for written and verbal communication;
• Verbal and nonverbal communication, including the use of augmentative systems when necessary;
• Cognitive status which may include memory, orientation and reasoning skills;
• Oral muscle strength and functioning for speaking and swallowing; and
• Swallowing skills and techniques.

Vital Stimulation

It is estimated that up to 15 million people in the United States have difficulty swallowing or suffer from a condition known as Dysphagia. Stroke victims and people with progressive neurological disorders are most likely to experience swallowing difficulty. Stormont-Vail Speech Therapy offers diagnostic testing, swallowing exercises, diet modifications and now a new approach called Vital Stim Therapy which involves delivery of a small current via electrodes to the front of the neck that stimulate inactive or atrophied swallowing muscles. The results can be improved quality of muscle contraction and improved swallow function. Vital Stim must be prescribed by a physician and can only be administered by a certified and experienced speech-language pathologist.

This is just ONE of the programs Speech Therapy offers.

Occupational Therapy

Occupational Therapy focuses on improving the physical, cognitive/perceptual and sensory components necessary for performing daily living skills. Whether illness or injury has caused a loss of any of these functions, referral to an occupational therapist may be necessary. Our ultimate goal is to help patients lead independent, productive and satisfying lives.

The occupational therapist may provide the following:

• Evaluation and treatment of neuromuscular, musculoskeletal, development disorders or work injuries;
• Education and training in performing daily living tasks;
•  Sensorimotor treatments for increasing strength, endurance, range of motion, coordination and balance;
• Therapeutic activities for memory/perception, cognitive integration and daily life skills;
• Instruction and/or fabrication of adaptive equipment;
• Splint fabrication for proper positioning, facilitation of motion, spasticity and edema control, and pain reduction.

Neuromuscular
Re-education

Neuromuscular re-education is a computerized electromyogram EMG biofeedback unit that retrains the patient’s brain and/or spinal cord to send signals to the affected muscle groups. These signals enable the paralyzed muscles to function again. Stormont-Vail is one of five hospitals in the nation to offer this highly specialized and effective form of treatment.

Baltimore Therapeutic Equipment (BTE) PRIMUS RS

The (BTE) PRIMUS RS is a piece of equipment that is used routinely by Occupational Therapy for both evaluating and for treatment of almost every musculoskeletal condition.  This equipment can be used as a lift system, cable system, upper and lower extremity system or as a work/sport simulator.  The equipment has the capability of simulating hundreds of real world activities or tasks.

These are just SOME of the programs Occupational Therapy offers.

Physical Therapy

Our physical therapists partner with our patients to help them reach their optimal independence.

Our therapists evaluate each patient’s needs and devise individualized therapeutic treatment programs which may include:

• Therapeutic exercise programs to help increase muscle function, coordination, endurance and mobility;
• Gait and functional training for safety and independence;
• Muscle re-education to regain function; and
• Joint and soft-tissue mobilization to increase range of motion.

Vestibular Balance

In otherwise healthy adults, dizziness is the second leading cause of physician visits. Forty to 50 percent of these complaints are due to problems with the vestibular system. The Physical Therapy staff will assess the patient’s standing balance, conduct the Rhomberg test, visual and inner-ear screenings and a vestibular test (with eyes open and closed). Once diagnosis is confirmed, the staff will create an individualized program for the patient to help regain balance and proprioception. 

Biodex Pro 3

The Biodex allows us to complete a measured Active Range of Motion (AROM) of the patient’s shoulder, knee or ankle and then follow with treatments to that joint. The joint can be progressed in strengthening and AROM through passive stretching, isometric and isotonic movements. We are able to monitor the progression with printable graphs and measurements. We are able to complete pre-employment screens and follow the patient in the event of an injury should occur to the joint. 

Urinary Continence Program

This program has been designed to treat adult females who have, stress, urge or mixed incontinence (urge to urinate). The treatment provided is behavioral intervention and biofeedback for pelvic floor muscle strengthening and control. The behavioral intervention can include such things as keeping a bladder diary, education regarding dietary irritants, urge control techniques, etc. The treatment is typically one time a week for up to six treatments.

These are just SOME of the programs offered by Physical Therapy. 

Most of our services require a physician’s referral. Please contact our office at (785) 354-6116 for more information.

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