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:

Our Physiatrists
Specialists in the management of physical disabilities.

Linda F. Grant, M.D., is the Department of Physical Medicine Medical Director. She is certified in acupuncture procedures and oversees our lymphedema program.

Janet Freedman, M.D. Her areas of interest are: acupuncture, lymphedema and spasticity treatment.

Dr. Grant and Dr. Freedman have office hours at both our Stamford and Greenwich Hospital locations. Please call 203-863-4290 for more information or to make an appointment.

Physical Therapists
Physical therapists work with patients to improve movement and function, increase mobility and alleviate pain associated with the patient's injury or disorder.

Occupational Therapists
Occupational therapists help patients 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.

Speech-Language Specialists
Speech-language pathologists evaluate and treat communication and swallowing disorders.

Audiologists
Audiologists evaluate hearing and recommend and fit hearing aids.

What Should I Bring to My First Appointment?
Please be sure you, or your doctor have faxed your therapy prescription (referral) to our department at 203 863-4590 before scheduling an appointment. Plan to arrive 15 minutes early. (Please consider travel and parking time.) This will allow enough time to review your information. Bring your:

• 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.