Physical Therapy
Physical Therapy is not only about improving strength and walking, but it’s also about enhancing balance, building endurance and being able to do those things again that you once took for granted.
From the very basic task of getting out of bed & walking short distances, to the more complex tasks of returning home to be fully self sufficient and entering back into the community, we see the big picture. Our continuity of care philosophy and skills to treat our patients in every phase of their recovery process gives us an advantage over other health care professionals.
It is about Functional Restoration or Adaptation, and we see the Details in how to get you through your recovery & back to your passion & purpose.
Many of our Physical Therapy professionals have specialty training in Big & Loud, Fall Prevention, Balance Disorders, Cardiac Rehab, Stroke Recovery and Post-Orthopedic Care.
Occupational Therapy
Time spent with our Occupational Therapists during your recovery process will allow you to not only improve your mobility and strength, but also challenge your mind, safety awareness, sequencing and ability to do activities of daily living (ADLs). Our team of Occupational Therapists want you to retain your Autonomy and Independence as long as possible. We are here to listen and to help you achieve your goals. A person’s livelihood is often expressed through hobbies, doing for others, and managing a home. Our team of Occupational Therapists can help You in every setting that you reside so as to maximize your comfort, familiarity and function.
Occupational Therapy is instrumental in being involved with patients during their Stroke Recovery, Post-Surgical aftercare, Cardiac Rehab, & Fall Prevention to name a few. Home Care Occupational Therapy is very beneficial as well to ensure a safe and positive transition back to your prior home setting or into a new environment.
Speech Therapy
Our Team of Speech Therapy professionals are compassionate about ensuring not only quality communication but also safe eating and swallowing. Many of our Speech-Language Pathologists at various Vancrest locations are Certified in Big & Loud, VitalStim & FEES. In addition, they have expertise in adaptive communication devices.
The Big & Loud Program is designed to help our patients with Parkinson’s Disease to improve function and slow down deterioration of movement, swallowing and communication by retraining sensory, motor and cognitive functions through voice exercises.
Fiberoptic Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing (FEES) is a procedure used to assess how well our patients swallow so as to detect a choking risk or to prevent a choking incident. During the procedure, the Speech Therapist passes a thin, flexible instrument through the nose and is therefore able to view parts of the throat involved in swallowing. Our Pathologists are then able to focus on muscular strengthening to enhance the swallowing function.
VitalStim Therapy is a non-invasive therapy that uses an electrical current to stimulate the muscles responsible for swallowing so as to strengthen those that may have been affected by stroke or a neurological condition.
BIG and LOUD
What is Parkinson’s Disease?
Parkinson’s Disease is a degenerative neurological disorder. In the body, there is a chemical called dopamine that transmits signals in the brain to coordinate movements. With Parkinson’s Disease, there is a loss of dopamine, making it difficult to control movement.
The LSVT BIG and LOUD Program is a highly specialized exercise program designed specifically for patients with Parkinson’s Disease and other movement disorders. The program teaches patients to move BIG and speak LOUD based on the principles of amplitude, sensory calibration, and self-awareness of motor patterns without cognitive overload. Success of the program translates into new motor plans that carry over into everyday activities, thus positively impacting quality of life.
VitalStim
What is Dysphagia?
Dysphagia is difficulty swallowing — taking more time and effort to move food or liquid from your mouth to your stomach. Dysphagia can be painful & in some cases, swallowing is impossible. Occasional difficulty swallowing, such as when you eat too fast or don't chew your food well enough, usually isn't cause for concern. But persistent dysphagia can be a serious medical condition requiring treatment. Dysphagia can occur at any age, but it's more common in older adults. The causes of swallowing problems vary, and treatment depends on the cause.
At Therapy Solutions, we provide swallowing treatment options using a technique called VitalStim™ therapy. VitalStim™ therapy is an innovative, non-invasive therapy that uses a small current, passing through external electrodes on the anterior neck, to stimulate inactive swallowing muscles. It is the only technology cleared by the FDA for restoring the swallowing function. Since its introduction in 2003, it is now in use by a majority of dysphagia treatment professionals.