Our Rehab team includes therapists with specialized certifications and training to provide you with the very best care, including a Certified Lymphedema Specialist, a Certified Hand Therapist, a Certified Vestibular Therapist, a LSVT BIG Parkinson’s Disease Certified Therapist, a Physical Therapist with Special Interest and Experience in Pediatric Rehabilitation, and a Physical Therapist with Special Interest and Experience in Post-Concussion Rehabilitation.
LSVT-BIG Parkinson’s Disease Certified Therapist
The LSVT-BIG treatment approach is research based intensive structured exercise for people with Parkinson’s disease. It involves the concept of neuroplasticity which is the brain’s ability to reorganize itself by forming new neural connections throughout life. Neuroplasticity rehabilitation, working on the brain’s capacity to change and adapt, is aimed at trying to rebuild connections among the nerve cells. This “re-wiring” of the brain can make it possible for a function previously managed by a damaged area to be taken over by another undamaged area.
The LSVT-BIG approach aims to address the “internal” aspects of Parkinson’s disease symptoms, leading to significant functional improvements. Patients are shown specific exercises that involve large amplitude and exaggerated movement patterns that lead to smoother, larger & safer movements which ultimately improve quality of life. The goal of all of this work is that patients will learn to use their “big movements” automatically, in everyday living. This will be a result of long term carry-over of the amplitude training. By maintaining larger movements, patients will move better, with more confidence and safety.
Certified Hand Therapist
A certified hand therapist (CHT) specializes in treating individuals with conditions affecting the hands and upper extremity. A CHT has at least three years of experience, plus 4,000 hours of hand therapy practice (upper extremity rehabilitation). A CHT must have passed a certification examination that demonstrates knowledge of all areas of hand therapy before being granted the right to use the CHT designation. Hand therapists must renew their credential every five years through continued education and participation in hand therapy to continue using the CHT designation.
Certified Vestibular Therapist
A certified vestibular therapist is specially trained to perform oculomotor examinations with an emphasis on the identification of nystagmus and canal involvement, as well as balance, walking, and fall risk assessments. The therapist can provide treatment procedures for benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) and for central vestibular disorders including traumatic brain injury and stroke. Certified vestibular therapists attend an intensive, evidence based course and are required to pass both written and practical examinations.
Certified Lymphedema Specialist
Certified lymphedema specialists have advanced study and experience in how the lymphatic & venous systems work. They prescribe a program that will consist of manual therapy, skin care, compression, and exercise. Lymphedema therapists treat both the arms and legs for conditions including, but not limited to, peripheral edema, post cancer care, and wound care. A long term plan for edema reduction will be included and resources for long term compression can be provided.
VitalStim Therapy
The VitalStim Therapy System is an adjunctive modality to traditional exercise that unites the power of electrical stimulation with the benefits of swallowing exercises. Combining VitalStim and traditional therapy allows clinicians to help accelerate strengthening, restore function, and help the brain remap the swallow.