|
Patient Care Services
Program Goals
The Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Department at Greenwich Hospital -- now with facilities in two locations -- provides a full range of services to help people with a wide variety of medical conditions, from severe spinal cord injury to simple aches and pains. Sports injuries, "overuse" injuries such as carpal tunnel syndrome and arthritis are among the problems commonly treated. Additionally the department cares for children with developmental disabilities and patients with primary lymphedema.
The goal of therapy is to help people regain maximum mobility and independence, improving their overall quality of life. These services are offered to both inpatients and outpatients at Greenwich Hospital.
Our Rehabilitation Team
Depending on the condition and needs, the patient will meet some or all of the following members of our team:
The Physiatrist
The physiatrist is a medical doctor who specializes in the management of physical disabilities. The physiatrist at Greenwich Hospital oversees our lymphedema program and is certified in acupuncture procedures.
The Physical Therapist
The physical therapist will work with the patient to improve movement and function, increase mobility and alleviate pain associated with the patient's injury or disorder.
The Occupational Therapist
The occupational therapist will help the patient increase independence at home, school, work and leisure and also helps lessen the patient's physical discomfort. Our occupational therapists are specialists in upper extremity disabilities, provide treatment to children with disabilities, and care to patients with primary lymphedema.
The Speech-Language Specialist
The speech-language pathologists evaluate and treat communication and swallowing disorders.
The Audiologist
The audiologist evaluates hearing and recommends and fits hearing aids.
What Should I Bring to My First Appointment?
Plan to arrive 15 minutes early. (Please consider travel and parking time.) This will allow enough time to review your information. Bring your:
- written physician prescription that is dated within 30 days of your appointment. (Some hearing and speech services do not require a prescription. Please contact us for details.)
- current insurance card
- list of prescription and over-the-counter drugs you currently take
- your appointment book for scheduling therapy sessions
- IF YOU ARE SEEING THE DOCTOR, any imaging studies that have been done (X-rays, MRI's)
Note: Please wear comfortable, loose fitting clothing for all therapy appointments.
What to Expect on Your First Visit
Your initial evaluation will take about one hour. Lymphedema and pediatric evaluations may take 90 minutes. Depending on your symptoms and medical history, we may check your:
- range of motion
- strength
- balance
- gait
- daily functional ability
We will also be assessing any pain you may be feeling.
The Treatment Plan
Your therapist will evaluate your individual problems and concerns. Together, you will develop a plan of care for your ongoing therapy. Whether you will be treated on your first visit depends on the type of problem you are experiencing.
Before you leave, you will know:
- what your therapy will involve
- how many times you will have to return
- when your therapy sessions will take place (Remember your calendar!)
We will also send a report outlining your therapy to your referring physician.
|
