Most people expect to undergo rehabilitation after a surgical procedure, injury, or stroke. What’s not as commonly know is that a number of medical conditions can benefit from a round of physical, occupational or speech therapy, or a combination of the three. With six locations, Morris Hospital’s Rehabilitation Services is here to help.
What’s the difference between PT, OT and Speech?
In general, physical therapy (PT) can help improve physical limitations caused by a variety of medical problems, with a goal of helping patients return to work, activities and hobbies. Occupational therapy (OT), on the other hand, focuses more on improving safety and independence in everyday living activities.
Speech therapy involves evaluations and treatment of swallowing disorders, cognitive disorders, and speech/language and voice problems resulting from strokes, head injuries, respiratory issues, and other medical complications.
Before a patient gets started, the Rehabilitation Services team at Morris Hospital conducts an evaluation to help identify the right treatment and plan of care depending on the patient’s specific needs.
How do I know if rehab services can help me?
If you are struggling with any of the following conditions, there’s a good chance you might benefit from physical, occupational or speech therapy:
- Pain
- Falls
- Recovery from an orthopedic injury or surgery
- Walking or moving around
- Performing activities that you previously enjoyed because of weakness or fatigue
- Performing daily tasks such as getting dressed, cooking or bathing
- Using your hands when writing, keyboarding, or opening jars
- Bladder or bowel control
- Pelvic pain
- Vocal loudness or sound quality
- Speaking or understanding speech
- Difficulty or pain when chewing or swallowing
- Coughing or choking when eating food or drinking liquids
- Memory
In addition, Morris Hospital offers specialized Rehabilitation Services for:
Parkinson’s disease – Morris Hospital has therapists who are specially certified in Lee Silverman Voice Treatment (LSVT), which includes LSVT Loud speech therapy and LSVT Big physical therapy for fine and gross motor skills. The intense, four-week program helps to “re-wire” the brain so actions are performed with purpose and drive.
Concussion symptoms – Concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury that may require specialized treatment to heal properly. As part of the Concussion Management team, Morris Hospital physical therapists help individuals suffering from concussion who are experiencing visual problems, balance or vestibular issues, or even cervical spine deficits.
Dizziness or balance problems – If you have a vestibular condition that causes dizziness, room spinning, nausea, or feeling off balance, a specialized physical therapy program may help improve the debilitating symptoms that interfere with day-to-day activities.
Pelvic health concerns – When you’re dealing with issues like bladder leaks, pelvic pain or core weakness, pelvic floor physical therapy can be life-changing. Specially trained physical therapists from Morris Hospital treat the root cause to help women get back to living confidently and comfortably.
Lymphedema – Lymphedema is a chronic, often progressive condition that can cause swelling of the head, arm, leg and/or trunk due to disruption of the lymphatic system. The condition is most effectively managed with a combination of treatments known collectively as Complete Decongestive Therapy that involves specialized lymphatic massage, compression, exercise and skin care.
How do I get started?
Morris Hospital offers rehabilitation services at locations in Channahon, Diamond, Joliet, Morris and Ottawa. Services may vary by location. Ask your provider for a referral, or call 815-705-7828 and a patient service representative will assist you with the process.
