If you are ready to step down from an acute care setting, you need a physical, occupational or speech therapy plan suited to your unique health needs and recovery goals. No two patients are alike. It takes the skill and experience of rehabilitation experts to develop effective therapy plans. Here is more on what therapies we offer at AdvantageCare Rehabilitation and on how individualized therapy management plans meet diverse needs.
Physical Therapy
Physical therapy is evidence-based and tailored to the individual. Patients who need physical therapy may have a chronic health condition, injury or surgery resulting in physical limitations.
Our highly qualified physical therapists work closely with each patient. They create personalized treatment plans which address specific movement needs.
A PT plan may include exercises, manual therapy techniques (massage as an example) and education on body mechanics to reduce stress and strain on the musculoskeletal system. PT patients also learn to use assistive devices, such as canes and walkers, as the need arises.
The goals of physical therapy include overall and long-term improvement of quality of life and independence of function. In particular, patients and therapists work to achieve:
- Less pain, stiffness and swelling in injured or operated extremities
- Good balance, coordination, strength, endurance and range of motion
- Safer walking, climbing stairs, exiting and entering vehicles
Also, successful PT plans instruct patients, families and caregivers on the why’s and how’s of safety at home and in the workplace. The goals are fall prevention and avoidance of disability. In addition to in-hospital or in-rehab treatments, physical therapists develop at-home exercises and self-care techniques to supplement the comprehensive treatment plan.
Occupational Therapy
Our occupational therapy programs help individuals regain independence in their daily activities after suffering an injury or illness. A plan of OT may include relearning basic tasks such as dressing and bathing.
The plan also may address more complex skills needed for work, sports or leisure activities. Our therapists also use adaptive equipment, assistive devices and activity modifications to help patients achieve their goals with as high a degree of success as possible.
Just like physical therapy plans, occupational therapy plans are personalized, evidence-based and adjustable. For instance, someone recovering from a stroke may work on regaining fine motor skills to be able to hold utensils and eat independently. A patient with a physical disability may learn how to use assistive devices, such as wheelchairs or walkers, in order to navigate his or her environment more easily and safely.
Speech Therapy
An individualized program of speech therapy helps individuals with acquired or disability-related speech and language problems communicate more effectively. Just as with movement disorders or problems accomplishing daily tasks, speech difficulties impair a patient’s ability to interact and function at home, at work and in the community.
As examples, limitations from cleft palate (in children), aphasia (after a stroke) or a hearing deficit impair social interaction and the inability to feel a sense of purpose and self-worth. Speech therapists evaluate these limitations in detail and develop ways for patients to overcome them.
Speech therapy involves exercises and techniques which improve:
- Clear articulation and expression of sounds and words
- Voice production
- Language fluency
- Swallowing and other functions of the oral cavity
- Facial movements
Customized speech therapy interventions may include breathing and vocalization exercises, word repetition and ways to practice conversation. Some patients carefully practice reading aloud.
Additionally, speech therapists use today’s innovative technology, such as communication boards or digital devices, to help with severe speech impairments.
The ultimate goal of speech therapy is to enable individuals to communicate effectively in all aspects of their lives – from ordering food at a cafe to conversing with friends and loved ones. Speech therapy improves the quality of life for those who struggle with a wide range of problems with words, speech and language.
Therapy Management Services in Pennsylvania
AdvantageCare Rehabilitation provides compassionate therapists for people in long-term healthcare facilities, outpatient facilities, home environments and more. Our physical, occupational and speech therapists are highly credentialed, experienced, and caring–the perfect combination of practical and people skills which patients of all ages may benefit from.
Learn more about how we implement successful therapy management plans fine tined to patient needs of all kinds. Call (888) 384-0395 or contact the location of AdvantageCare near you for information about our full spectrum of patient services. You can also fill out our request information form. We are dedicated to serving the diverse needs of people of all ages and walks of life.
