Patient rehabilitation programs are planned by an interdisciplinary team of rehabilitation specialists, lead by a physiatrist, a physician specializing in physical medicine and rehabilitation. Patients participate in three hours of therapy per day. The goal is to help the patient achieve the greatest independence possible through restoration of strength, mobility and relief of pain.

PHYSICAL THERAPY
Physical therapy is a health care profession that treats patients who have medical problems or other health related conditions that may be limiting their ability to move and perform functional activities in their daily lives. Physical therapists complete a four to six year or greater college degree program and are licensed by the State of Pennsylvania. Physical therapists evaluate and treat each individual with a specific plan of care that comprises individualized treatment techniques to promote the ability to move, reduce pain, improve function and prevent disability.

The goal of physical therapy is to achieve the greatest independence possible for every individual through restoration of strength, mobility and relief of pain. The treatment interventions may include various pain relieving modalities, hands-on therapeutic techniques, neuromuscular re-education, gait and balance training and therapeutic exercise.

OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY
Occupational therapy is a health care profession that focuses on attaining maximum independence in daily activities. Occupational therapists complete a minimum of a four to six year college degree program and are licensed in the State of Pennsylvania.

Disability frequently makes it difficult to complete many ordinary activities. Getting dressed, standing, moving into a chair or even feeding oneself can be challenging after a stroke, hip fracture or a lengthy illness. The occupational therapist will work with the individual to develop new skills or use adaptive aids so they can be as independent as possible. An occupational therapist may use pain relieving modalities, various splinting techniques, therapeutic functional mobility training techniques, therapeutic exercise, activities of daily living instruction and cognitive training.

PSYCHOLOGICAL SERVICES
As patients adjust to the many changes in their lives, they often want an experienced, qualified person to talk to about how they will fit back into their normal daily activities and routines. Clinical psychologists are available to evaluate patients’ psychological adjustments to their situations, as well as the impact on their social environment and families. The psychologists provide individual, group or family therapy.

SPEECH AND LANGUAGE PATHOLOGY
Speech and language pathology is a health care profession that involves working with individuals and their families to improve communication skills including speaking, listening, reading, writing, memory and problem solving, They also are highly skilled in evaluating and treating swallowing and feeding disorders. The speech and language pathologists hold at minimum a Masters degree, licensed in the State of Pennsylvania and are certified by the American Speech- Language- Hearing Association.

REHABILITATION NURSING
Rehabilitation patients receive specially tailored nursing care. Rehabilitation nurses work closely with physicians and therapists to identify a patient’s realistic goals and alternatives. They reinforce the directives and guidance from the doctors and therapists to assure that the patient and his or her family fully understands the progress of the program, the obstacles that have been overcome and those that remain. As patient coaches and prompters, the nurses constantly help assess progress and revise care plans.

CASE MANAGEMENT AND SOCIAL WORK SERVICES
Case management services are effective in lowering health care costs while maintaining quality services. Professional nurse and social work case managers communicate with the patient’s insurance company and convey the payors’ requirements of acute rehab and post hospital care coverage to the patient and his or her designated family member.

The case manager coordinates post hospital care needs and resources such as home health care, equipment, and available skilled nursing facilities. The case manager provides guidance in obtaining information on everything from insurance questions and concerns to preparing for discharge and follow-up care if needed.