Physical Therapy
Deaconess Hospital Physical Therapy department uses various treatments techniques and modalities to decrease pain and improve balance, strength, transitional movements, and walking to allow safe return to activities of daily living, recreation and work.
The Balance Master® system is utilized as an integral part of the therapy process. This assessment tool provides an environment that initiates and quantifies volitional movements. Progress is measured objectively.
Both the patient and family are encouraged to take the knowledge and skills gained in the clinic and incorporate them into the home, school and work settings. This comprehensive home program may include instruction and training in the use of assistive devices such as a walker, cane, crutches, or an orthotic (brace or prosthesis). Changes in your home, school or work setting may also be recommended to increase safety and ease in completing tasks or in protecting your joints or back.
Speech Therapy
Most of us communicate with others through the spoken word every day of our lives. But for some, disability, illness or trauma can compromise this important form of interaction. These same medical conditions may also compromise the simple task of swallowing. The Speech Pathology experts at Deaconess Hospital work first to access and then develop treatment techniques to help patients return to normal, active lifestyles.
Deaconess Hospital Swallow Center
VitalStim therapy is used as part of the comprehensive dysphagia therapy program here at the Deaconess Hospital Swallow Center. Our speech therapist, Susan Nolan Crace, Speech-Language Pathogist with Rehab Resources, is certified in VitalStim therapy. VitalStim is an FDA-approved, non-invasive method of swallowing treatment, that uses electrical current and careful instruction from an SLP to re-educate muscles used in swallowing. For more information on VitalStim therapy, please visit www.vitalstimtherapy.com .
To contact the Deaconess Hospital Swallow Center with questions or referrals, contact Susan Nolan Crace at (513) 559-2251 or (513) 559-2835.
Occupational Therapy
The Deaconess Hospital Occupational Therapy department has licensed therapists that incorporate the use of functional activities and adaptive equipment to increase endurance, strength and coordination. Occupational Therapy (OT) plays a vital role in helping people achieve and maintian the highest level of independence in normal daily activity after a disease, disability, illness or trauma. The Deaconess Occupational Therapy team will evaluate and provide recommendations for durable medical equipment, home safety, and appropiate level of living based on patient's physical and/or cognitive abilities. The therapists have expertise in design and fabrication of custom splints and the fitting of pre-fabricated splints for the hand, wrist and elbow. Call (513) 559-2251 for more information about Deaconess Hospital Occupational Therapy department.
Candidates for treatment
The Deaconess Hospital Therapy departments provide services for both inpatients and outpatients, ranging from adoloscence to geriatrics. Some of the common diagnoses treated include:
- Total joint replacement
- Sports and work-related injuries
- Hand/finger/wrist dysfunction
- Post operative orthopedic surgery
- Degenerative conditions such as arthritis
- Stroke
- Parkinson's disease
- Brain injury
- Vestibular/balance disorders
- Spinal cord injury
- Alzheimer's or dementia
- Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
- Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy (RSD)
- Open wounds
- Debilitation after pneumonia or surgery
- Amputation and prosthetic training
- Cancer
- Cardiac condition
- Gullian Barre syndrome
- Laryngectomy
- Swallowing difficulty
- Voice problems
For more information about the Deaconess Hospital Therapy departments, call (513) 559-2251.
