The Physiatrists/Nurse Practitioners

Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Doctors, also known as Physiatrists, are medical doctors with specialty training in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation.  Physiatrists work to enhance and restore functional ability and quality of life for individuals with impairments affecting the brain, spinal cord, nerves, bones, muscles, and tendons.   These physicians focus on maximizing the independence level for patients in activities of daily living and help to enhance overall quality of life.  Physiatrists create comprehensive, patient-centered treatment plans and are the lead members of the care team.  Nurse Practitioners work alongside the physicians assisting the team to carry out the patients’ plan of care.

Rehabilitation Nursing

Patient care in the MRU is provided by Registered Nurses (RNs) and Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs).   The nursing team works closely with the doctor and therapists to maintain and restore health and function.  Nursing activities include: dispensing medication, administration of bowel/bladder program, facilitating self-motivation, assisting with pain control, reinforcing skills learned in therapy sessions, wound care, and helping with self-care activities. The nursing team will teach you and your family and explain specific medical changes, in addition to what care will be needed for discharge.  A variety of styles are available to accommodate each patient’s learning preference.  The nursing team will focus on providing instruction and encouragement every step of the way to better enable you to fulfill your rehab potential.

Physical Therapy (PT)

ECMC’s Physical Therapy program employs a talented staff of physical therapists that are uniquely qualified to evaluate, consult, educate, and provide therapies for individuals with a wide range of physical limitations.

The primary goals of physical therapy are to improve:

• Strength
• Endurance
• Mobility
• Function
• Pain relief

As part of the MRU program, our goal in physical therapy is to return you to the highest level of physical function possible for independent community living through a comprehensive and goal – directed program.  The neuro PT team will assess and treat any difficulties you may have, including mobility, strength, tone, endurance, balance, and coordination.  You will also receive education regarding your acquired physical disability and the necessary interventions and assistive devices required to maximize your functional independence.  You will be provided a progressive home exercise program to maintain and continue your progress at home.

Occupational Therapy (OT)

At ECMC, our occupational therapists use goal-directed activities to evaluate and treat the daily living skills needed for you to fully function in your home, work, and community.

Some of the daily skills practiced in occupational therapy can include:

• Self-care
• Home Management
• Work Management
• Functional mobility
• Leisure pursuits

The primary goals are to improve a patient’s participation in daily life activities.  To achieve this, OTs work to facilitate changes while considering:

• Body functions
• Body structures
• Values
• Beliefs
• Motor skills
• Processing
• Social interaction

Our occupational therapists can also provide skilled recommendations on equipment needs and home modifications, and help you to develop strategies to compensate for permanent loss of function.

The occupational therapist will assist you to improve your physical, visual-perceptual, and cognitive impairments that may be interfering with your ability to complete your daily living tasks.  If necessary, you may be taught new techniques to manage your self-care activities, such as dressing, bathing, grooming, and eating.

Speech Language Pathology (SLP)

In ECMC’s Speech Pathology unit, we provide full evaluation and treatment for patients experiencing communication difficulties related to:

• Language
• Thought
• Voice
• Speech

For patients who have suffered a brain injury or stroke, the first goal of speech therapy is to find a way to communicate basic needs.  A speech pathologist assists in overcoming problems with speaking, understanding or expressing ideas, and will assist you in improving memory, concentration, and problem solving.

Our speech pathology team also provides services in the diagnosis and treatment of swallowing difficulties.  The swallowing rehab therapist will recommend which food textures are safest to swallow during your ongoing recovery, and offer techniques for effortless, safe swallowing, and oral nutrition.

Additionally, those with hearing loss may receive services to improve communication with their families and significant others.

FEES (Fiber optic Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing):

Evaluates the developmental aspects of swallowing to determine safety and decrease the risk of aspiration. The benefit of FEES include: immediate results including dietary recommendations, portability, and a non-radioactive alternative to modified barium swallow studies.

Recreational Therapy (RT)

ECMC is one of the few MRUs that includes recreational therapy as part of the treatment team. The Recreational Therapist uses a wide range of activity and community based treatments and methods to improve your physical, mental, emotional, social, and leisure needs.  Recreational therapists assist you in developing the skills, knowledge, and behaviors for daily living and community involvement.  The therapist works with you and your family to include your interests and community resources in therapy to achieve optimal outcomes upon returning to home.

RT involves patients in community re-entry skills development groups.  These groups are used in a team approach to help patients, who have suffered traumatic injuries or other debilitating conditions, develop the skills they need to return to the community.  This activity-based approach provides opportunities to improve problem solving, decision-making, fine/gross motor coordination, functional mobility, social skills, and self-esteem.

Rehabilitation Counseling

Our rehabilitation program has a strong emphasis on not only recovering and managing an illness/injury but living a meaningful life with good quality and the highest level of emotional health. We recognize that your health and wellbeing impact all areas of your life. Therefore, mood and coping skills sometimes need to be addressed. We offer a range of support services across the continuum of care. Patients admitted to ECMC’s MRU and their family members have the option of receiving supportive counseling to help with symptom management, adjustment to diagnosis, life changes, and management of stressors associated with the hospitalization experience.

Social Work/Discharge Planning

Our social worker/discharge planning team will schedule a family meeting within the first few days of admission.  They will review your progress and therapeutic goals and make recommendations for any adaptations or plans that need to be made for the transition home.  They will also provide assistance with insurance, follow up appointments, equipment recommendations, and emotional support.