Regaining physical powers and returning to an active, comfortable life after an illness, injury or surgery should be a positive and invigorating experience. At MCMH our staff are skilled in diverse physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech pathology techniques. During more than 1,000 patient visits a month we encourage patients to reach their peak level of physical recovery.

Kim Roberts, PT, heads the rehabilitation services department. Her staff of 11 therapists and therapist assistants are a part of MCMH through a contract with Rehab Visions of Omaha, Nebraska. Through this partnership we are able to offer a wide range of programs for people of all ages with a wide variety of conditions. We offer many programs, including rehabilitation for injuries occurring on the job or in motor vehicle accidents and treatment for surgery patients. We also work with athletes recovering form injuries and provide educational programs on injury prevention.

After a doctor evaluates the situation, we find the solution with a range of rehabilitation services uniquely designed to meet each patients special needs.  Our experienced, licensed staff of therapy professionals brings the knowledge and dedication necessary to help our patients return to the most normal, active and satisfying life possible.

Illness and injury can be devastating to families as well as the patients.  Our therapists take the time to work with patients' loved ones to help them understand treatment strategies and appreciate each step involved in the recovery process.  Our rehabilitation professionals are dedicated to the highest standard of professionalism and are committed to offering the best possible care delivered with the utmost compassion.

Q: What is Physical Therapy?

A: MCMH physical therapists provide medical support to each patients physician by evaluating, treating and preventing a wide variety of movement and function problems which often accompany illnesses or injuries.  These hands-on specialists work with patients on an inpatient and outpatient basis, helping them increase movement potential, decrease pain and achieve therapy goals for optimal health.

Our physical therapists and therapy assistants emphasize restoring function and developing skills that will make patients more mobile and safe in their living environments.

After evaluation to identify specific needs, the physical therapist may provide:

• balance training
• gait training
• range of motion exercises
• neuromuscular re-education
• pain management
• wound care
• therapeutic exercise to improve strength and endurance
• orthotic/prosthetic training
• function mobility skills

Some of the more common problems treated are those associated with stroke, head injury, joint replacement, fractures, or back and neck problems.

Q: What is Occupational Therapy?

A: MCMH occupational therapists and their assistants work with individuals whose lives have been disrupted by illness, injury, normal aging and developmental disability.  Occupational therapy programs are designed to increase a patients independance, working to restore health, confidence and self-sufficiency.

After evaluation to identify specific needs, the occupational therapist may focus on treatment areas that include:

• activities of daily living (feeding, dressing, grooming)
• positioning
• adaptive equipment
• home safety and management
• cognition/dementia management
• upper extremity, fine motor and therapeutic exercise programs
• bathroom safety
• visual/perceptual programs
• contracture management (splinting)
• hand therapy
• work injury
• job analysis

Some of the more common problems treated are those associated with stroke, head injury, neurological disorders and related disorders that result in a decline in the ability to carry out self-care activities.

Q: What is Speech-Language Pathology?

A: MCMH speech-language pathologists are specially trained and experienced in the evaluation and treatment of disorders of speech, language, cognition and swallowing.  Therapy programs are designed to improve the patients ability to communicate with family members and caregivers.

After evaluation to identify specific needs, the speech-language pathologist may provide treatment to focus on :

• verbal and written expression
• auditory comprehension
• reading comprehension
• cognition/dementia management
• alternative communication systems
• swallowing
• dysarthria (slurred speech)
• dysfluency (stuttering or stammering)
• apraxia (inability to form words)
• aural rehabilitation (strategies for hearing impairment)
• development speech-language delay/disorder

Stroke, head or neck surgery, head injury, certain cancers and neurological disorders are among the most common problems which benefit from speech-language therapies.