Deaconess Medical Center offers high quality therapy services provided by an experienced staff in both the occupational and physical therapy fields.

Physical therapists are an important part in the rehabilitation of patients recovering from elective surgeries such as total hip or knee replacements, or from unforeseen accidents or injuries. Physical therapists assess muscle strength, flexibility, coordination, posture, mobility skills and a patient’s ability to function in a home setting. An individualized therapy program is then developed for the patient including strength and flexibility exercises, endurance activities, mobility training, pain management strategies and patient education.

Occupational therapists work with orthopaedic patients who have physical or cognitive (thinking) difficulties in daily life skills such as dressing, grooming, feeding and working. Occupational therapists assess equipment needs and provide suggestions to encourage independence and safety.

Our inpatient rehabilitation staff prides itself on being professional, caring and dedicated to helping each patient achieve optimal recovery, function and comfort. The ultimate goal of our physical and occupational therapists is for the patient to return home and be able to participate in normal activities.

CURRENT SERVICES:

Therapy staff provide daily services to orthopaedic patients at Deaconess Medical Center. Typically patients are seen two times per day by physical therapists for the length of their stay. Occupational therapists see orthopaedic patients two to three times or as necessary.

Treatment options/focuses available in the hospital:

• Evaluation of patient’s ability to move and function
  
• Range of motion activities (flexibility)
  
• Muscle strengthening activities (exercise, endurance training)
  Mobility training (how to move following recent injury or surgery, crutch or walker use)
  
• Pain management through hot/cold therapies, positioning, activity, relaxation techniques
  
• Assistance with swelling through cold therapies, massage and other techniques
  
• Recommendations and/or assistance with splinting of arms/legs
  
• Education regarding body mechanics, posture, how to protect yourself after surgery

Discharge Planning

Physical and occupational therapists are wonderful at helping plan for leaving the hospital. They can arrange equipment if necessary or make recommendations for living at home safely. Family can be instructed in how to help the patient at home.

Pre-surgical educational classes are available in a group setting for patients receiving a total hip replacement or total knee replacement.

Classes include:

• What to expect during hospital stay through recovery
  
• Written exercise instruction for pre-operative strengthening
  
• Classes are taught by a physical therapist and an orthopaedic nurse.

Day Surgery Patients

Patients having an orthopaedic day surgery may be seen by physical therapists for instruction in exercise or to be taught to use a walker or crutches.